Section 1.01 Statement
of Purpose. The purpose of the
Unity Church of Greater Hartford, a Connecticut corporation, is to teach the
universal Principles of Truth, as taught and demonstrated by Jesus the Christ
and also taught by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, the Unity School of
Christianity and the Association of Unity Churches.
In the accomplishment of this purpose, the Unity
Church of Greater Hartford shall be autonomous and shall endeavor to conduct
services of worship and classes of instruction and to demonstrate the
Principles of Truth by using them in the operation of the ministry and to adopt
other means that in the judgment of the minister will further the principles of
practical Christianity among people everywhere.
Section 1.02 Association
of Unity Churches Membership and Responsibilities. The Unity Church of Greater Hartford is a
member of the Association of Unity Churches.
The operation and conduct of this ministry will comply with the
regulations and policies of the Association as outlined in the Association
Bylaws, insofar as they do not conflict with the laws of the State of
Connecticut.
(A) Leadership. This
ministry will have as its leader an ordained or licensed Unity minister or a
licensed Unity teacher or a person serving under special dispensation approved
by the Association. Refer to Section 4.01(c) of the Association Bylaws.
(B) Teaching. The
Principles of practical Christianity will be taught through this ministry using
methods, textbooks, literature, and other materials approved by Unity School of
Christianity. Other related courses can be taught as approved by the senior
minister.
(C) Mailings. Copies
of all printed matter mailed by this ministry to its membership will be sent to
the office of the President of the Association.
(D) Reports. The
Treasurer and/or Assistant Secretary-Treasurer will prepare annual reports to
the Annual Membership Meeting, and same to be forwarded to the Association, as directed
by the Board of Trustees.
Section 2.01 Principal Office. The principal executive office of the
corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees. Said office shall be in the County of Hartford, State of
Connecticut, or at such other place within the State of Connecticut as the
Board of Trustees hereafter shall designate.
The Corporation may also have offices at such other place or places, as
the Board of Trustees may from time to time designate.
Section 2.02 Official Records. Records of membership, finances, donations, corporate minutes, etc. shall be maintained at the principal office of the corporation. Official church documents are to be available to church officers and the senior minister and/or co-ministers at all times.
ARTICLE III
Section 3.01 Qualifications. A member of the Unity Church of Greater
Hartford shall endeavor to live in accord with the Christ principles of love
and truth as taught by Unity. He/she
shall further the work of this ministry through his/her active interest, love,
and support.
Section 3.02 Membership. New members will be received into Unity Church of Greater Hartford on special Membership Sundays, to be held three times each year, the exact dates to be determined by the minister and Board of Trustees. Anyone desiring membership shall file an Application for Membership card with the ministry office. He/she must attend orientation classes scheduled prior to each Membership Sunday, and/or have completed an appropriate Unity class series prior to membership. All applications for membership will be presented for approval to the Board of Trustees at their meeting prior to each Membership Sunday. All staff ministers and licensed Unity teachers affiliated with Unity Church of Greater Hartford are considered members of this ministry.
Section 3.03 Terms
of Membership.
(A) Active Member. A
member will maintain status as an active member through his/her attendance and
participation in prayer, service, classes, and giving during a fiscal
year. Each active member will receive
an annual membership renewal card to be completed and returned to the Church as
an indication of his/her continued commitment to membership in Unity Church of
Greater Hartford.
(B) Inactive Member.
An active member will become inactive:
(1) Upon requesting a change in status, or
(2) Upon failing to return a membership
renewal card.
(C) Reinstatement of Inactive Member.
(1)
Reinstatement
within two years. If a member who has
become inactive wishes to return to active status within the first two years
after becoming an inactive member, such a member who meets membership
qualifications and fills out a yearly membership renewal card or document
approved by the Board of Trustees shall be reinstated as an active member. In order to vote at a membership meeting
such members must fulfill these requirements at least six (6) weeks before a
membership meeting.
(2)
After two years of
inactivation, members must reapply for active membership in accordance with
Section 3.02.
(D) Removal. Removal from the membership register of any member whose
qualifications are in question requires at least a two‑third affirmative
vote of the Board of Trustees, including agreement by the minister. Prior to action concerning removal, the
member must be notified by mail and be given an opportunity for a hearing
before the board.
Section 3.04 Powers
of Active Members. Active members
of the Unity Church of Greater Hartford shall have the power to do the
following:
(A) Vote at any membership
meeting, at which the member is present, called in accordance with Section
3.05.
(B) Elect members to the Board
of Trustees as specified in Section 4.04.
(C) Ratify the bylaws of
this ministry or any amendments thereto as specified in Section 8.01.
(D) Vote on any expenditure that
exceeds twenty five thousand dollars in value.
A two-thirds affirmative vote of those present and voting is required
for approval. Refer to Section
4.03(C)(7).
(E) Vote to override any action
of the Board of Trustees. This vote
must be taken at a duly constituted membership meeting. [See 3.05 (A) and (B).] The agenda to be voted on must be submitted
to the membership in writing by certified mail ten days prior to the
meeting. Two-thirds of those present
and voting have the authority for determination.
(F) Vote for the removal of any
trustee from an office in accordance with Section 4.05(A).
(G) Vote on any matters
officially brought to the attention of the membership.
(H) Offer suggestions to the
minister or Board of Trustees as may seem advisable for the good of this
ministry.
(I) Any
number of members constituting at least ten percent (10%) of the active
membership may request conflict management assistance from the Association of
Unity Churches if direct discussions with the minister and Board of Trustees
have not resolved their concerns. Upon
receipt of such a request for conflict management assistance, the Association
will confer with the minister, Board of Trustees and regional representative to
evaluate whether action is required.
Section 3.05 Meetings
and Quorum.
(A) Annual
Membership Meeting. The annual membership meeting of the Unity
Church of Greater Hartford shall be held at its official headquarters within 90
days of the end of each fiscal year at the time
of day designated by the minister and Board of Trustees.
(B) Special Membership
Meetings. Any time the affairs of
this ministry warrant, a special meeting may be called by:
(1)
The senior minister
or co‑ministers,
(2)
A majority of the
trustees of the board, or
(3)
Ten percent of the
active membership submitting a signed petition; a written request must be
submitted to the board who shall, within a reasonable length of time, call the
meeting on behalf of the requesting party.
The agenda for the special meeting shall
be stated both in the written request and the written notice to the membership.
Business conducted at the special meeting shall be limited to the pre‑stated
agenda.
(C) Written Notice. Written
notice stating the date, time, and place shall be mailed to all active members
at least ten days before any membership meeting.
(D) Quorum. Those
active members present and voting at a membership meeting called pursuant to
the notice provisions of Section 3.05 (C) shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at any membership meeting.
(E) Participation. Participation
in the business affairs of any membership meeting shall be restricted to active
members in attendance. Participation of
other persons in discussion of business must be approved by a two‑thirds
majority vote of the active members in attendance. Association representatives have a right to participate in
discussion when they have been invited by the minister, the board, or the
membership.
(F)
Voting. Unless otherwise provided
herein, the vote of a majority of the active members present and voting shall
be necessary for approval or disapproval of the action being voted upon. Refer
to Section 3.04 (D) and (F), and Section 8.01.
Voting can be by secret ballot or by the show of hands. Proxy,
absentee, or electronic (Internet, email, fax, etc.) voting are not allowed.
(G) Prayer. In any
membership meeting, the President, the minister, an Association of Unity
Churches conflict management representative, or any member may request that
action on an item of business be suspended while the membership enters into a
time of prayer on the issue. Upon such request the President shall provide a
period of prayer and silence.
Section 4.01 Administration. The government of the Unity Church of
Greater Hartford shall be vested in the minister and the Board of Trustees
elected from the membership.
Section 4.02 Minister
or Co-ministers.
(A) Duties. As
the spiritual leader, the minister or co-minister shall take the initiative in
furthering the application of practical Christianity among people everywhere,
including the congregation participating in the activities of this ministry,
the members, and the Board of Trustees.
As the metaphysical
teacher, the minister or those designated shall teach the universal principles
taught and demonstrated by Jesus the Christ, and also taught by Charles and
Myrtle Fillmore, the Unity School of Christianity, and the Association of Unity
Churches.
In accomplishing these
duties, the minister or those designated shall conduct regular services, study
groups, lectures, outreach activities, and personal counseling.
As administrative
director, the minister or co-minister shall be:
(1)
Responsible for the
complete functioning of this ministry, including direct supervision of all
staff.
(2)
A voting member of
the Board of Trustees on all matters except his/her employment, or that of
successors.
(3)
A member of
committees. Refer to Section 5.01.
(4)
Responsible for
seeking Association's assistance in the event of a dispute adversely affecting
the ministry.
(B) Vacancy. The
position of a minister may be vacated by either of the following actions:
(1)
Resignation, or
(2)
After complying
with Section 4.03(E), the minister is removed because of failure to fulfill the
duties of the position as specified in Section 4.02 (A).
(C)
Employment of Minister. It is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees
to employ a licensed or ordained Unity minister for the church through
cooperation with the placement management procedures of the Association of
Unity Churches.
(D)
Termination of Employment of Minister. After a ministry and its senior minister of
co-ministers have cooperated with the conflict management procedures of the
Association of Unity Churches, a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of
Trustees is required to terminate the employment of a senior minister or
co-ministers.
(E)
Compensation.
The compensation of the
minister shall be fixed by agreement between the minister and the Board of
Trustees.
Section 4.03 Board
of Trustees (Members).
(A) Structure. The
Board of Trustees shall consist of the minister and six trustees elected from
the membership of the Unity Church of Greater Hartford. Each elected trustee shall hold office for
three years, or until a successor is duly elected. The terms of two elected trustees shall expire annually and their
offices shall be filled at the annual membership meeting in accordance with
Section 4.04. No elected trustee shall
serve more than two consecutive terms of three years each without an interval
of one year between terms. No active
licensed Unity teacher, individual receiving compensation from the ministry
(with the exception of the minister/co-ministers), or independent contractors,
or the spouse, parent, child, or significant other of an individual receiving
compensation from the ministry may serve on the Board of Trustees. Further, no board member shall be the
spouse, parent, child, or significant other of another board member.
(B) Prayer. It is
important that in addition to adhering to the normal procedures for legal
functioning set forth in these bylaws, that the spiritual principles taught by
Unity be utilized in the handling of decisions before the Board of Trustees.
During the discussion of an item of business, any trustee may request time for
prayer about the issue. Upon request
the chair shall provide a period of prayer and silence.
(C) Duties. As
representatives of the membership, the Board of Trustees shall:
(1)
Uphold the
spiritual purpose of this ministry as stated in Section 1.01.
(2)
Uphold the highest
interest of the membership in conducting the business of this ministry.
(3)
Be conversant with
these bylaws, and establish policy for the operation of the church.
(4)
Interpret the
meaning and application of these bylaws.
(5)
Be faithful in
attendance at services, board and membership meetings of this ministry.
(6)
Make determination
of the business needs of this ministry and authorize payment of monies for
those purposes.
(7)
Administer the
property of this ministry, both real and personal.
(8)
Make determinations
on the sale, pledge, or proposed financing of real or personal property
belonging to this ministry. All
decisions in favor of the sale, pledge, or proposed financing of real property
exceeding twenty‑five thousand dollars in value shall be presented to the
membership at a properly constituted membership meeting to be voted on in
accordance with Section 3.04 (D).
(9)
As recommended by
the minister, authorize the employment of all staff personnel of this ministry
and set and approve their salaries. See
Section 4.02 (A).
(10)
Set dates for the
fiscal year.
(11)
Each year cause to
be prepared a complete financial statement with disclosures which will set
forth the fiscal conditions and operations of the ministry.
(12)
Secure a fidelity
bond for persons handling church monies.
(13)
Approve applicants
for membership in accordance with Section 3.02.
(14)
Act to fill the
un-expired term of any trustee in accordance with Section 4.05 (B).
(15)
Elect officers of
the board and their successors to fill any unexpired term when necessary.
See Section 4.07.
(16)
Ratify committees
and their chairpersons as appointed by the President of the Board and assign,
direct, and monitor the activities of the committees. See Section 5.01.
(17)
Seek Association
assistance in the event of a dispute adversely affecting the ministry.
(18)
Attend and actively
participate in ongoing board education programs.
(19)
Consider other
duties brought to their attention by the minister and other trustees.
(20)
Keep or cause to be
kept an accurate record of membership.
(21) Keep or cause to be kept accurate records of gifts to the ministry in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations; and acknowledge in writing contributions in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations.
Section 4.04 Board
of Trustees ‑‑ Election.
(A) Qualifications. Any
person elected to the Board of Trustees must be an active member of the Unity
Church of Greater Hartford. He/she will
be a person who:
(1)
Desires to serve on
the board.
(2)
Endeavors to live
in accord with the universal principles of love and truth as
taught by Jesus Christ and affirmed by Unity.
(3)
Furthers the work
of this ministry through his/her active interest, love, and support.
(4)
Is a sincere and
continuing student of Unity, conversant with its teachings.
(5)
Has demonstrated
leadership capabilities.
(B) Nominating Committee.
A Nominating Committee shall be formed at least three months prior to
the annual membership meeting, and will initiate a search for at least one qualified
candidate for each open position on the Board of Trustees. The Nominating Committee shall consist of
the senior minister or co‑ministers and three active members selected in
the following manner:
(1) At the annual membership
meeting, the membership shall from among the active membership of the ministry
select one member and one alternate to serve on the Nominating Ministry Team
for the following year’s election. In
the event the person elected to serve becomes unavailable, the alternate shall
serve. If the alternate also becomes
unavailable to serve, the board will elect a person from among the active
members who is not a current member of the board to fill the vacancy.
(2) The board will elect one of its trustees to
serve on the Nominating Ministry Team.
(3) Together with the senior
minister or co-ministers, the above two ministry team members will select a
third person from among the active members to serve on the Nominating Ministry
Team and be its chairperson.
(4) In the event of an interim
board, the Nominating Ministry Team shall complete its selection process within
thirty (30) days from the establishment of the interim board.
(C) Nominating Procedure.
As the presiding officer of the annual membership meeting, the
President of the Board shall:
(1)
Read Section 4.04
just prior to the call for nominations.
(2)
Call upon the
chairperson of the Nominating Committee to present the committee’s nominations.
(3)
Call for additional
nominations from the floor. All
nominees, no matter how nominated, must
qualify in accordance with paragraph (A) of this Section.
(D) Election.
Written ballots are required if there are any partial terms to be filled
or there are more nominees than open terms.
The two nominees receiving the largest number of votes shall be elected
to full three year terms. The candidate
receiving the next highest number of votes shall be elected to the longest
unexpired term.
Section 4.05 Board
of Trustees ‑‑ Vacancy and Replacement.
(A) Vacancy. The
office of a trustee may be vacated by any of the following means:
(1)
The resignation of
the trustee.
(2)
The board voting
for the removal of a trustee due to absences from three successive regular
board meetings. Absences may be excused by the board upon written request.
(3)
The board voting
for the removal of a trustee because of a failure to fulfill the duties of the
office as specified in Section 4.03 (C).
(4)
The active
membership voting for removal of a trustee because of failure to fulfill the
duties of the office as specified in Section 4.03 (C). See Section 3.04 (G).
(B) Replacement.
Should a vacancy occur on the Board of Trustees, the board shall proceed
to fill the vacancy by ballot at its next regular meeting. In case of an emergency, a special meeting
may be called. Only persons meeting the
qualifications specified in Section 4.04 (A) may be considered as
replacements. No replacement shall have
served as a trustee during the year prior to their election. A majority vote of those present and voting
shall be necessary to elect.
The appointment shall expire on the day of
the next annual meeting. A person appointed in this manner is considered
as having served a complete
term.
Section 4.06 Board
of Trustees ‑‑ Meetings and Quorum.
(A) Regular Board Meetings.
The regular business meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be held at
the headquarters of this ministry on the third Saturday of each month, unless
otherwise specified by the board.
(B) Special Board Meetings.
Special meetings of the board shall be called by the President of
the Board under any of the following conditions:
(1)
By request of the
senior minister or co‑ministers.
(2)
By request of two
or more trustees.
(3)
As the President of
the Board deems it necessary.
The
request shall be filed in writing with the board secretary. Reasonable effort must be made to notify all
trustees of any special meeting.
(C) Quorum. A
majority of the total number of trustees currently serving shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business.
(D) Minister’s Attendance.
The minister has the right to attend all board meetings. The minister
must be notified of all special meetings.
Section 4.07 Board
of Trustees ‑‑ Officers.
Officers of the Board of Trustees shall consist of a President,
Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary-Treasurer. All
officers shall be selected in a manner decided by the board, at the first board
meeting after the annual meeting or at a special meeting called for the purpose
of selecting officers. Officers shall hold their respective offices for one
year or until their successors are duly elected or qualified.
(A) President of the Board. The President of the Board shall:
(1)
Preside at all
Board of Trustees meetings.
(2)
Preside at all
membership meetings.
(3)
Appoint committees
in accordance with Section 5.01.
(4)
Be a member of all
committees by virtue of the office, except the Nominating Committee.
(5)
Sign such papers
and documents, upon proper authorization, as may be necessary.
(6)
Be responsible for
the planning of board orientation, retreats, and workshops.
(B) Vice-President of the Board. The Vice-President of the Board shall:
(1)
Perform all the
duties of the President of the Board in the absence of the President of the
Board.
(2)
Become President of
the Board in case the office of the President becomes vacant. In such a case, a
new Vice-President of the Board shall be elected from among the remaining
trustees to fill the remainder of the term.
(C) Secretary. The
Secretary and/or Assistant Secretary-Treasurer shall:
(1)
Keep, or cause to
be kept, an accurate record of the minutes of all board and membership
meetings.
(2)
Hold in custody and
be responsible for all reports, contracts, other legal papers, minute books,
and the corporate seal, which items shall be kept in the ministry office at all
times, or in such other depository as prescribed by the board.
(3)
Attend to all
official business required by the board.
(4)
Prepare or cause to
be prepared a report for the membership meeting.
(D) Treasurer. The
Treasurer and/or Assistant Secretary-Treasurer shall:
(1)
Be custodian of the
funds of this ministry. He/she shall pay out or cause to be paid out, funds
authorized by the board. Refer to Section 4.03 (C).
(2)
Keep, or cause to
be kept, a record of all financial transactions, and submit a monthly financial
report at each regular board meeting.
(3)
Submit a financial
report, covering the last complete fiscal period, at the annual membership
meeting.
(4)
Count, or cause to
be counted by the appointment of qualified persons, all funds received, and be
responsible for their deposit. When counting
ministry funds there should be at least two persons present.
(5)
Place, or cause to
be placed, the funds of this ministry in the bank or other depository approved
by the board.
Section 5.01 Formation. Committees for any specific purpose,
with the exception of the Nominating Committee, shall be appointed by the
President of the Board. Ratification by the senior minister or co-ministers
plus ratification by the board is required.
Section 6.01 Description. The corporate seal of this ministry
shall include the name of the ministry in a circle, which encloses the name of
the city, state, and date of incorporation.
Section 6.02 Dissolution. Should this corporation dissolve, all
property and funds remaining after the payment of the debts of the corporation
shall be used to establish an endowment; the income from which shall be used
for scholarships for the Unity School of Christianity.
Such an endowment would be held and administered
by the Unity School of Christianity.
Section 7.01 Rules
of Order. The latest edition of
ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER shall be the reference of this ministry on
parliamentary law and its usage, unless otherwise provided by these bylaws.
Section 8.01 Procedure. Amendments to these bylaws must be made
by voting members of this corporation at a legally constituted membership
meeting. Written notice setting forth the proposed amendments must be mailed to
all active members at least ten days prior to the required membership
meeting. An affirmative vote of
two-thirds of all active members present and voting shall be necessary to pass
any amendment to these bylaws. These
bylaws fully supersede all previous bylaws adopted by the Unity Church of
Greater Hartford.
Attest‑Secretary
September 20, 2009