The Order

THE READINGS · IX

What is held in common is held in trust.

Shared money, resources, and authority serve the people who entrusted them. Those responsible must account for their decisions and remain answerable to the membership. Accusations require evidence and a fair hearing.

Qur'an 4:58

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran.

The verse commands the return of trusts to their rightful owners and fairness in judgment. Consider the distinction between holding something for others and possessing it for oneself.

Read Qur'an 4:58 in the source edition · new tab

Analects 1.4

James Legge's English translation.

Zengzi, rendered Tsang in this edition, examines his faithfulness in acting for others and his sincerity toward friends. It offers a practice of personal review relevant to entrusted responsibility.

Read Analects 1.4 in the source edition · new tab

These readings concern trustworthiness and self-examination. The Order must put those values into practice through its own clear accounts, defined responsibilities, and fair means of replacing stewards.

How do others know that we have kept faith with what they entrusted to us?