GGWO Church BYLAWS are on Gracewayorg in PDF format

[Anonymous (141.157.75.113)]

Neil Carrick posted the link tonight for the by-laws. I had asked him to do it today because people have asked over and over again about them, and have wanted to see them.

People have posted that Pastor Michael Marr, (the attorney for GGWO, and one of their elders,) saying that he changed the by-laws and these are the "by-laws according to Marr." Neil Carrick stated today in a post on another thread that there was only one small change in the by-laws and they were changed in 2002. The facts are correct with the exception of the year. It was 1987. Other than that, Pastor Marr stated tonight that these by-laws have NOT been changed or altered whatsoever since that one change in 1987.

Maria T

[Anonymous (141.157.75.113)]

Here is the link:

http://www.graceways.org/aiggw.pdf

Warning this is a huge document and you should not open it if you are on dialup.
Go directly to graceways website if you are on dialup.

Make sure you have the most recent Adobe Acrobat PDF reader to open the file. If you don't have this "reader" go to http://www.adobe.com and its a free download.

Maria T

[Anonymous (141.157.75.113)]

Last but not least:

Questions for Pastor Michael Marr regarding the by-laws can be emailed to this address. You can use your anonymous email addy's to ask him anything in regards to the by-laws. He doesn't post on Factnet.

ggwobylaws@yahoo.com

Maria Tateo

[Anonymous (141.157.75.113)]

The by-laws state in Article IV on page 1 in section #2 the following statement:

<U>The members of the Board of Elders shall serve in perpetuity unless removed by a majority vote of the full board of Elders, and then only for one of the following causes:</U>

(a) Their inability to perform their duties and responsibilities due to illness, absence, or other action which may impair their capacity to serve, or

(b) Their demonstrated or announced departure from the purposes, goals, objectives, or Statement of Faith as stated herein, or

(c) For conduct which would be considered by the remaining board of Elders to be inappropriate or unbecoming an Elder of this church.
*****

Based upon this statement which I printed purposely because certain people posting have vehemently stated that "Marr is a liar," or that "Marr is wrong saying the elders can't get 'rid' of Pastor Stevens."

If you take note NOBODY can remove ANYBODY from their post without the MAJORITY VOTE of the full Board of Elders.

If the elders are indeed "fighting" and are NOT all in agreement on issues, then it would be correct to state that Pastor Marr was NOT lying when he said directly that the elder's can't take Pastor "out" of the pulpit. Obviously the elders do not all agree with this being done, despite the fact that he (Pastor Stevens) is justifably medically ill and due to that illness he has been absent at different periods of time.

I don't want to see this thread being another trashed site. If you have questions, write to Pastor Marr at the above addy.

Maria T

[Arguendo (152.163.101.12)]

Why doe Pastor Marr need you to speak for him?

[Arguendo (152.163.101.12)]

That would be "does". And what were the changes to the by-laws in 1987?

[Arguendo (152.163.101.12)]

And where is the rest of the bylaw document? And where are the rest of the organic documents?

[Anonymous (64.26.82.18)]

hey maria, before you go patting yourself on the back for this fete acompli you need to know someone ALREADY had typed these suckers onto factnet and NOW THEY ARE MISSING!!! what happened to the original thread anyway? who took it off? i think it's because they know that it is a legal document that CAN be used against them so MIKEY MARR had it banned!

[Anonymous (64.26.82.18)]

also neil had the damned lies on graceways for a couple of months so you are wrong that he had not posted these before!

[Anonymous (64.12.117.12)]

Friday, October 15, 2004 - 08:47 am
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the requested GGWO By-Laws found on Graceways.org

Apparently there are three main serving branches within the governance of GGWO: a Board of Elders, Board of Trustees and an Executive Committee.

Hope this information is helpful.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ARTICLE I - NAME AND LOCATION:

The name of this institution shall be GREATER GRACE WORLD OUTREACH, INC. (hereinafter referred to as the "Church") with address(es) at such location(s) as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Trustees within the State of Maryland. The Trustees may also authorize such offices as may be deemed desirable in other states or countries. The Church may also be known as THE GREATER GRACE CHURCH.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Church shall be to carry forward the orthodox, historic, Biblical, Christian faith as one ministry in accordance with the Statement of Faith. Incorporated as part of these By laws herein, and in accordance with the policies and guidelines of The Board of Trustees (the "Board").

Further, it is the express purpose of this Church to Minister the Word of God to the Faithful: conduct regular religious worship services through various forms of ministries; promote and encourage, through the ministeries of the organization, cooperation with other organizations God's Word; spread the Word of the Gospel by ministering to the faithful through seminars, broadcast media, literature, and other forms of audio; to maintain a local church as well as an international church vision through missionary outreach, coordination with other organizations, and other means; to conduct schools for the training of students of all age groups, as well as ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; to license and ordain qualified individuals for service in the ministry; and any and all other such things and activities which many serve to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the direction of the Holy Spirit and in accoradance with the provisions as set forth in the Holy Bible.

ARTICLE III - GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. To seek out the lost and win them to the Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour according to the Gospel of the Holy Bible.

2. To provide comprehensive training of the Bible, each and all desirings found therein, and a working application of such in Christian personal life experiences.

3. To provide an opportunity for such person to engage in a world wide vision of going into all the world for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

4. To prepare, teach, and train students with the highest degree of Biblical competence possible.

5. To foster Christian culture in terms of refinement, appreciation, social attitudes and skills and to develop a compassionate response to social needs in attitude and actions.

ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF ELDERS:

1. The Board of Elders, under the guidance of the Chief Elder, shall exercise overall spiritual growth and leadership of the Church. The Board of Elders shall exercise veto powers, but not direct managerial control, over the Board of Trustees as well as any and all ministries directly or indirectly associated with the Church. They shall be responsible for the appointment of specific leaders of the Church and under such veto authority, shall review all activities and programs of the church to insure that all is done to the glory of our Lord and Saviour in the harmony of the Holy Bible and at the direction of the Holy Spirit.

2. The members of the Board of Elders shall serve in perpetuity unless removed by a majority vote of the full Board of Elders, and then only for one of the following reasons:

a. Their inability to perform their duties and responsibilities due to illness, absence, or other action which may impair their capacity to serve, or

b. Their demonstrated or announced departure from the purposes, goals, objectives, or Statement of Faith as stated herein, or

c. For conduct which would be considered by the remaining members of this Board of Elders to be inappropriate or unbecoming an Elder of this church.

3. A person shall be eligible for appointment to the Board of Elders if he is at least twenty-one (21) yeas of age, has demonstrated maturity in his Christian walk, is a confessed, dedicated, born again Christian evidencing deep spirituality and active love for the work of Christ and holds active ordination as a Pastor in the ministry of Greater Grace World Outreach.

4. Elders shall be appointed to the Board of Elders by the Chief Elder with the concurrence of all the members of the Board of Elders. The number of members of the Board of Elders shall not be limited, however, at no time will there be less than three (3) Elders for the conduct of business.

5. The Board of Elders shall meet as often as necessary in order to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. A majority of those present and voting, as long as no less than three (3) members are present, shall constitute a quorum for any and all business to come before the Board of Elders. Any and all actions taken by the Board of Elders shall reflect the full unreserved consensus of all the members of the Board of Elders present and voting.

6. The Officers of the Board of Elders shall be the Chairman, who shall be the Chief Elder and Pastor of the Congregation, and the Vice Chairman, who shall serve in the absense of the Chairman or his inability to function in his capacity as Chief Elder, and a Secretary, whol shall be responsible for the keeping of all pertinent and relevant records of the Board of Elders, as well as maintain any and all coordination of activities, meetings, and communications of the Board of Elders.

ARTICLE V - GOVERNMENT:

1. This Church shall be managed by a Board of Trustees, which shall have full authority and management of all the affairs of this Church, subject only to veto powers reserved to the Board of Elders of the Church.

2. The Board shall consist of not less than three (3) nor more than twenty-one (21) members. At least fifty percent (50%) shall be Pastors holding active ordination with the Church, or a church of like faith whcih shall be approved by the Board of Elders.

3. The Officers of the Board shall constitute an Executive Committee which shall exercise any and all powers of the Board subject to ratification of the Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.

4. The functions of the Board, in exercising the authority and management of the Church, shall be to establish policy and directives, determine budget limitations, review all fiscal policies and financial matters, approve contractural obligations, review and approve the activities and programs and projects of the church, and to generally provide leadership and guidance in keeping with the purpose, goals and objectives as set forth therein.

5. With the exception of the Chairman, who shall be selected by the Board of Elders of the Church, the Board of Elders shall elect the following Officers from among the duly elected Trustees or the annual meeting, who will serve until the following annual meeting: Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. These Officers, along with the Chairman, shall comprise the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

1. The Executive Committee shall meet as ofen as is convenient and expedient to carry forward the business of the Church in accordance with the policies of the Board, the purposes of the Church, and within the bounds of good reason to act on behalf of the expression of the full Board.

2. All actions of the Executive Committee with respect to actions taken on behalf of the Board shall be presented in summary form to the members of the Board for ratification at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. The Executive Committee shall also promptly notify the Board of Elders of the Church of any and all such actions and shall be responsible for informing the Board of Elders and the Board regularly on the status of the affairs of the Church.

3. A majority of the Executive Committee members shall constitute a quorum for the transaciton of business and members may be polled and/or may cast votes on issues before the Executive Committee by proxy or, by telephone, providing two or more members are privileged to the process

ARTICLE VII - BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

A. MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

1. Members of the Board shall show evidence of being dedicted, born-again Christians with a deep sense of spirituality and active love for the services of Christ.

2. Members of the Board shall not be less than twenty-one (21) years of age upon commencing their office and shall be of sound mind and body able to serve in the capacity herein.

3. Members of the Board shall ascertain that they are in full agreement with the purposes and goals of the Church, show active interest in its operations, and maintain faithful attention to their responsibilities.

a. Members of the Board shall freely subscribe to the Statement of Faith, believing without reservation in the infallibility and authority of the Scriptures, the Holy Bible.

B. ELECTION OF TRUSTEES:

1. The Trustees shall be elected to the Board of Elders of the Church no less than thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting of the Church and Trustees so elected shall assume office upon their installation at the annual meeting.

2. With the exception of the Chairman, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Elders, Trustees shall be elected for a one year term of office, and shall serve until their successor has been duly elected and installed.

C. REMOVAL OR RESIGNATION OF TRUSTEES:

1. Trustees may be removed from office by a majority vote of the Board of Elders of the Church for any of the following reasons:

a) Failure to perform responsibilities of their office as herein defined and in accordance with directives of the Board of Elders.

b) Failure to embrace and maintain agreement with the Statements of Faith.

c) Failure to support and agree with the stated goals and purposes of the Church or the directive and policies established by the Board.

2. Prior to such action or removal, the Board of Elders shall cause the Trustees to be notified of such action to be taken at least ten (10) days prior to such action being taken, and provide said Trustees opportunity to appear before the Board of Elders regarding the cause for such action. The decision of the Board of Elders shall be final and effective immediately upon determination.

3. Any Trustee may resign his office or any time by submittng a letter of resignation to the Chairman of the Board or the Board of Elders of the Church.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note the many inconsistencies and manipulation of words to assure Carl H. Stevens, Jr.'s control found within the body of this document. For example...

ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF ELDERS PARAGRAPH SIX (6) no treasurer is mentioned and yet according to paragraph four (4) one of the functions of this board is to "...determine budget limitations, review all fiscal policies and financial matters..." Now read ARTICLE V PARAGRAPH FIVE (5) a reference is given to a Treasurer. What?

I am also curious to know if Carl Stevens is still serving on the Board of Trustee at GGWO because according to their by-law under ARTICLE VII - BOARD OF TRUSTEE paragraph two (2) "...and shall be of SOUND MIND and BODY ABLE TO SERVE IN THE CAPACITY HEREIN."

Doesn't sound look old Carl does it?

There are many more indiscrepancies found within this document so please post any you find and your thoughts in general.

Cheers!

63

[Arguendo (205.188.117.12)]

What boogie monster you've made out Marr to be. Do you believe in the tooth fairy, too?

[Anonymous (64.12.117.12)]

Marr is an attorney, period.

[Anonymous (198.200.181.207)]

And Marr would never tell a lie.

[Arguendo (205.188.117.12)]

Remember there are couple of typos in this version.

AB, do you think that the chief elder is a memebr of the board of elders and subject to rules regarding elders?

My gut says yes, but the fact that the chief holds two positions, one as chief and one as chair makes me wonder if the chief is separate from the board. Kinda like the Vice President is President of the Senate. What do you think?

[Anon Brief (205.188.117.12)]

I found it to be somewhat ambiguous. I think from the way it reads, either could be possible; however, I, too, have the sense that the chief elder is a member of the board of elders and subject to same rules.

It wouldn't surprise me if the document was written as such to give the appearance of "separateness", without actually requiring it.

[Arguendo (205.188.117.12)]

I think when it was drafted it was never contemplated that CHS would be in a position to be removed.

Also, say CHS were removed FROM THE boe, does that only impact his membership in the BOE? The bylaws say the CE is the head of the congregation. If the CE were removed, that impacts his membership in the BOE, but does it prevent him from being the head of the congregation?

The VP is the President of the Senate by law, but if the VP were removed as President of the Senate, does that mean he is removed as VP? I don't think removal impacts both ways because of qualifaction for one position.

[AB (64.12.117.12)]

I do agree with your example, Arguendo. I believe that Stevens would have to be removed as Chief Elder and Pastor of the Congregation, not just from the BOE.

For practical purposes, these are the two items which appear to be the most cogent, both from Article IV:

6. The Officers of the Board of Elders shall be the Chairman, who shall be the Chief Elder and Pastor of the Congregation, and the Vice Chairman, who shall serve in the absense of the Chairman or his inability to function in his capacity as Chief Elder...

2. The members of the Board of Elders shall serve in perpetuity unless removed by a majority vote of the full Board of Elders, and then only for one of the following reasons:

a. Their inability to perform their duties and responsibilities due to illness, absence, or other action which may impair their capacity to serve...

Seems that there is a mechanism in place to remove Carl from his position. What do you think?

[AB (64.12.117.12)]

P.S. With regard to your post concerning Marr, I agree again.

It is not really necessary to bestow upon him supernatural powers.

It is necessary for some to realise that he has made a career of the art of persuasion and he appears to have been quite successful at it.

While I do not believe that he is omnipotent, I believe that he is, at the very least, influential with a significant number of leaders within the organisation.

[Anonymous (63.27.15.124)]

Apparently Marr has been influenced by Shaller and is attempting a juta of the church with him, along with, Steve Stevens and Robinson.

A house divided cannot stand!

[Arguendo (152.163.101.12)]

Huh?

[Anonymous (68.33.60.157)]

To the person who pointed out what was thought to be many inconsistencies and manipulation of words, please recognize that the document describes the board of elders and the board of trustees as two separate bodies. It does not say that Pastor Stevens is the chairman of the board of trustees, but that the board of elders elects the chairman of the board of trustees. Therefore, while the chairman of the board of trustees could be Pastor Stevens, it is not necessarily so. It is obvious that the document(at least the portion you posted) does give the local pastor ultimate control of the minisry, as chairman of the board of elders, but that is nothing new. The point is I see no contradictions and while we do not all agree with this form of church government, GGWO is not the first church in history to adopt it.

[Arguendo (152.163.101.12)]

AB, I think there is a mechanism for the appointment of an elder but no mechanism for the appointment of a chief elder. Elders are appointed by the chief elder with the concurrence of the BOE, but the document does not contemplate the appoinment of a chief elder/head of congregation. Article IV, paragraph 4.

[Anonymous (68.33.60.157)]

My understanding is that the congregation will elect the new pastor when the time comes. However, it apears that the by-laws as posted here are incomplete, since it seems that the powers of the cheif elder and the process for apointing a new one should be spelled out somewhere. On the other hand, since the vice chairman can act in place of the chief elder when the need arises, there may be no need to spell it out.

[Arguendo (152.163.101.12)]

Free election of a new pastor? That doesn't seem to be in character for GGWO/TBS.

I agree that the bylaws are probably incomplete, but I have a growing suspicion that the answers are to be found in a different organic document.

[Anonymous (68.33.60.157)]

Maybe someone with a better memory than mine can tell us if the congregation elected Pastor Stevens in 1987 when GGWO formed in Maryland. As I recall being told, the congregation in Lenox voted to leave Kemble st. and relocate a new church in Maryland. I do not know any specifics or what exactly it was that the congregation voted to do, so I could be all wrong. But it could give some indication to what procedure might be used in the future to choose a new pastor.

[Arguendo (64.12.117.13)]

Real property searh for MD:

One can get real estate transfer records for MD properties at:

http://www.dat.state.md.us

Choose Real Property, then search a street address in the City of Balitimore.

To search GGWO only search "Moravia Park" in the street name.

This property was only purchased in 1997?

[Anonymous (205.188.117.12)]

Yes, GG was renting until Newberry's finally went out of business.

[Maria T (141.157.75.113)]

to 64.26.82.18
who posted this message to me on Sat. 10/30/04 @ 3:08 p.m.

"hey maria, before you go patting yourself on the back for this fete acompli you need to know someone ALREADY had typed these suckers onto factnet and NOW THEY ARE MISSING!!! what happened to the original thread anyway? who took it off? i think it's because they know that it is a legal document that CAN be used against them so MIKEY MARR had it banned!"
-----------------------------------------
"64" I had questions myself about the by-laws so I asked Neil to post the link for them here on Factnet. You certainly run your mouth enough on this forum to where you could have posted that he had already done this on another thread here.

Secondly. Not that its your business because its most certainly not but I don't go to Graceways due to the clashes Neil and I had in the past. I thought it best that I NOT post there. So, I wouldn't have known he posted the bylaws there.

However, others here on the forum had been emailing me, and calling me, asking and asking and asking and asking for them to be printed here. So, if they were on Factnet, why were people asking me where they are or were.
All I did was post the link Neil gave me.

I chose to post the Article IV only because it dealt with issues "I" had in regards to whether or not the elders could remove Pastor Stevens from his "office as pastor" legally. I had been told too many stories that just didn't line up. None of those 'stories' were told to me by Pastor Marr either. Funny thing, his lined up with what is written in the bylaws for those of you who always call the man a liar. Well, now you can see for yourself that things have been far more exaggerated on here, and that some of you have called Michael Marr a liar from stuff you got heresay from your buddies behind the scenes at GGWO. I got tired of this **** in plain english, and tired of being beat up on here because I stand up for what's right before God. I can say that I have checked up on things Michael Marr has said to me and I have not been lied to by this man. And if you feel you have been then you need to go to him face to face and deal with it. Chances are, rumors were what was heard and rumors have escalated some things here on Factnet that are way out of orbit.

And, "64" "MIKEY MARR" DID NOT BAN ANYTHING OFF OF FACTNET. Perhaps the thread you are looking for -- if it actually existed -- is in the archives. I have posted on Factnet from the start and I don't recall seeing a thread where Neil actually put the bylaws. I could be wrong and I'm sure, "64" you will be most happy to let me know I was. You seem to pride yourself in doing that very thing so have a ball babe.

"Arguendo," I also don't speak for "Mikey Marr". Gee whiz I did this stuff on my own!!!
I shared answers to questions I asked him myself.
They were questions people wrote me about or talked to me about on the phone who didn't want to talk to him, they said they were "chicken."
Chicken of what? He's harmless for pete's sake.
Or is it "chicken" of being found out that you believed lies about the man? Or is it "chicken" of hearing what is truth and what isn't from him.
Only you can answer that.

And, if you must know, I am the one who took the liberty without even asking "MIKEY MARR" and I think I kinda put him on the spot by giving him a yahoo email addy to where people that have been asking questions
(decent ones like Arguendo and Anon Brief) can write to him to get answers to their questions. I will not be reading or answering those emails, I emailed him letting him know I did this and sent him his password to the account so he could change it. I didn't feel comfortable giving out someone's private email addy, so I overstepped my boundaries and created one for him.

Look. I frankly got sick and tired of all the bantering back and forth as to whether or not Michael Marr is "lying" about the bylaws etc.
I want you to get the answers you have questions to. You have a right to have your questions answered. Not by anyone else on here, but by him. He's the church's attorney. He's the one everybody wants to hear from so now here's your chance people. Since he is not posting on here because the Holy Spirit has not led him to do that, now you have an open doorway to get answers to your questions. Yes, he does read every single post. Don't think he's not in prayer about the issues on this board, if you do then you're a fool.

If you email him he will answer you. I spoke to him yesterday and he said he will answer anyone's questions. If you want him to call you, put your number in the email. You can even remain anonymous and never disclose your identity to him.

Can we now move on?????
Those of you can think what you will about him. He is my friend and I am going to continue to stick up for him. He has never given me a reason not to.

Maria T

[Anonymous (141.157.75.113)]

Arguendo write to Michael Marr with your questions. You have a lot of valid questions. I don't know many who post here who would have the answers you seek. Your questions I'm sure represent things a lot of people are wondering about. You can even cut and paste your email to him and his reply if you want.

Maria

[Arguendo (64.12.117.13)]

At the same site business data can be obtained.

http://www.dat.state.md.us/

Choose business data, on top choose UCC to see liens against a property or business entity information to find organization information.

Search for "greater grace"
Choose Amendment to see anyone only documents.
GGWO's bylaws are too old, but there is a form for order copies for $7.00. The bylaws are 7 pages long after the 1987 amendment. However, Greater Grace of West Baltimoer has newer bylaws and the seem to be very similar to GGWO's.

[Anonymous (141.157.75.113)]

Arguendo, to answer your other question to me, I don't know what the bylaw change was in 1987. I wasnt' in the church then either.

When you speak of other organic papers what are you referring to? I don't know what you mean.

Maria T

[Arguendo (64.12.117.13)]

There's usually an operating agreement of some sort that is adopted in conjunctions with the bylaws.

I've order a copy of the 1987 Amendment, I'll figure it out when I get it.

[Arguendo (64.12.117.13)]

GG West Baltimore's bylaws are online. There seems to be about 10 orgainizations that were name greater grace, anyone know how many are or were affiliated to GGWO?

[Anonymous (141.157.75.113)]

Arguendo are you going to email Michael Marr?

I think you'd get quicker answers if you decide to do so.

Maria

[Arguendo (64.12.117.13)]

No. I'll find my own answers. I know my kind. I have no need to get too close.

[Anonymous (205.188.117.12)]

Interesting Arguendo!

The only related ministries there appear to be the West Baltimore affiliate and the closed consignment shop. That was operated the women's ministry on Harford Rd. during Linda Canino's time period.

[Arguendo (64.12.117.13)]

what is greater grace family ministries?

And AB, are you out there?

[RJ (151.203.157.69)]

Haven't heard from AB all day Arguendo...

[RJ (151.203.157.69)]

"As I recall being told, the congregation in Lenox voted to leave Kemble st. and relocate a new church in Maryland"

I was there...I don't remember voting.

[JB (205.188.117.12)]

I was talking with AB earlier tonight, she is not on right now. Looking at the GG family ministries, it does not look related to GGBalt.

[anon_brief (anon_brief)]

Arguendo, I do not see a mechanism for appointing or electing a Chief Elder. It looks as though the Vice Chair of the BOE can function as the Chair, if necessary, so it doesn't appear that the organisation would be left without a leader if Stevens were to be removed.

[british_sponge_bob (british_sponge_bob)]

Maria T the bylaws were posted on another thread. Don't sweat the small stuff and don't feel like you have to "justify" yourself. Consider the source, '64' just wanted to be ugly about things.

You continue to post as you like. Your posts don't bother me, I rather welcome the rhetoric in them. Its a far more refreshing thing to read your posts than Faucett's or Boss Martian's!!!
The two of them are so self absorbed its pathetic. Go look at what they did to RJ on the Muslim website. Two ignoramouses. Both overly opinionated and just plain stupid about salvation of people in other denominations or faiths. They limit it to those that prove worthy when NONE of us were worthy in God's eyes or His son would have never had to go to the cross. Duh. Many of us question Faucetts' being saved since he exudes such "fruit" of the spirit. Leaves one to wonder which spirit he is of.