Article I
Section 1 : Name
The name of this religious society shall be Enid Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Henceforth to be referred to as congregation, fellowship, and church.
Article II
Section 1 : Purpose
The Enid Unitarian Universalist Congregation is a congregation of families and individuals organized to function as a spiritual community that promotes opportunities for liberal religious growth and expression for children, youth, and adults. We work to be a place of many faiths and religious traditions where people of these faiths and traditions can come together in larger fellowship as well as seperately in small groups to worship, share, learn, explore, and grow spiritually. We work to affirm and promote the principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association which are:
A. The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
B. Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
C. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregation
D. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
E. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregation and in society at large
F. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
G. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Section 2 : Mission
Our mission also includes building community with compassion, service, diversity, and spirit. We express compassion through caring, love, and support for others. We serve by promoting our principles and purpose through leadership, giving, and action. We are inspired by diversity to accept, respect, and celebrate differences and interdependence. We grow in spirit through our religious experiences, inquiry, education, reflection, and transformation.
Section 3 : Covenant I
In keeping with the principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations and with the purposes of our congregation and the mission statement of this congregation, we choose as participants in this religious community in what we do and say to:
A. Support the overall good of the congregation
B. Honor the ongoing nature of our relationships in this community
C. Encourage spiritual growth.
Section 4 : Covenant II
We recognize that conflict may occur, therefore in a spirit of good will, and with good humor when possible, we agree to:
A. Be responsible for ourselves and our own feelings
B. Do our part, not leaving the work to others
C. Treat each other respectfully
D. Share our truth while keeping in mind that language matters
E. Address conflict and disagreement with open communication and respectful listening, complain constructively, and endeavor to be a part of the solution.
Section 5 : Covenant III
We share a freely-chosen faith that opens minds and deepens understanding of life's enduring mysteries. We rely on reason, intuition, personal experience, and diverse religious traditions. As individuals in community, we commit our energy and resources to this mission.
Section 6 : Covenant IV
Love is the spirit of this fellowship, and service is its law. This is our great covenant:
A. To dwell together in peace
B. To seek the truth in love
C. And to help one another
Article III
Section 1 : Congregational Membership in the UUA
This fellowship shall be a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations and the Southwest Unitarian Universalist Conference or their successors.
Article IV
Section 1: Nondiscrimination Clause
This congregation affirms and promotes the full participation of persons in all our activities and endeavors including membrship, programming, hiring practices, and the calling of religious professionals, withour regard to race, color, gender, physical or mental challenge, affectional or sexual orientation, class, national origin, or any other distinction and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed.
Article V
Section 1 : Membership Requirements
Any person may become a member of this fellowship by:
A. Demonstrating sympathy with its purposes and programs
B. Demonstrating an understanding of its bylaws
C. Supporting it through financial and personal participation
D. Signing the membership books.
It is specifically understood that membership is open to all qualified persons regardless of distinctions as listed in Article IV, Section 1.
Section 2
All who sign the Membership Book shall become eligible to vote thirty (30) days after they sign.
Section 3: Categories of Membership
There shall be three categories of membership: Associate Member, Voting Member, and Pledge Member. All members receive one vote. An Associate Member shall be any member who signs the membership book and is actively involved in the fellowship and/or financially contributes to the congregation and is under the age of 18. A Voting Member is any member who is actively involved and has signed the membership book and/or financially contributes to the congregation and is above the age of 18. A Pledge Member is any member who may not be actively involved in the congregation but has signed the membership book and financially contributes to the congregation and is over the age of 18.
Section 4
The board of governors and the members have the right to establish and collect membership dues, within a range and categories that allows all people a fair opportunity to participate as members regardless of economic status.
Section 5
No one shall be required to become a member of the congregation to attend the fellowship and participate in programs, functions, and activities of the fellowship. Membership is only for leadership and voting requirements.
Section 6
A member who has not participated, nor contributed services or funds, during the current and preceding congregational years may be placed on the inactive membership roll pending a return to participation, written resignation, or death. Members may terminate their membership through written request or through the recommendation of the Secretary and by the vote of the Board when the member has moved away or cannot be located. A member's name shall be removed from the Membership Roll in case of:
A. the member's death
B. written request by the member to the Secretary
C. a period of inactivity during the current and preceding years, pending review by the Board
D. removal by two-thirds vote of the Board for actions that threaten the well- beaing of the fellowship.
Article VI
Section I : Names of Officers
There shall be a President, Vice President, Deputy Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer.
Section II : President
The President shall be the head of the fellowship, lead the board meetings, and represent the congregation and be elected by a majority vote of the members. Any active member in good standing with the fellowship may be nominated to be elected as President. The President serves a two year term. The President may only have four consecutive terms.
Section II : Vice President
The Vice President shall fulfill the duties of the President should the President be unable to fulfill his/her duties or fulfill duties at the request of the President. Any active member in good standing with the fellowship may be nominated to be elected as Vice President. The Vice President serves a two year term. The Vice President may only have four consecutive terms. The Vice President is elected by a majority vote of the members.
Section III : Deputy Vice President
The Deputy Vice President shall fulfill the duties of the President should the President and Vice President be unable to fulfill his/her duties or fulfill duties at the request of the President. Any active member in good standing with the fellowship may be nominated to be elected as Deputy Vice President. The Deputy Vice President serves a two year term. The Deputy Vice President may only have four consecutive terms. The Deputy Vice President is elected by a majority vote of the members.
Section IV : Secretary
The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping the minutes, a written record, of all meetings, writing correspondence and letters, taking care of necessary documents and other paperwork, and managing the files of the fellowship. Any active member in good standing with the fellowship may be nominated to be elected as Secretary. The Secretary serves a two year term. The Secretary may only have four consecutive terms. The Secretary is elected by a majority vote of the members.
Section V : Assistant Secretary
The Assistant Secretary shall fulfill the duties of the Secretary should the Secretary be unable to fulfill his/her duties or fulfill duties at the request of the Secretary, to provide assistance to the Secretary. Any active member in good standing with the fellowship may be nominated to be elected as Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary serves a two year term. The Assistant Secretary may only have four consecutive terms. The Assistant Secretary is elected by a majority vote of the members.
Section VI : Treasurer
The Treasurer shall maintain all financial records of the fellowship, maintain all funds of the fellowship, and other such financial duties as allocated to the Treasurer by the Board. Any active member in good standing with the fellowship may be nominated to be elected Treasurer. The Treasurer serves a two year term. The Treasurer may only have four consecutive terms. The Treasurer is elected by a majority vote of the members.
Section VII : Assistant Treasurer
The Assistant Treasurer shall fulfill the duties of the Treasurer should the Treasurer be unable to fulfill his/her duties or fulfill duties at the request of the Treasurer, to provide assistance to the Treasurer. Any active member in good standing with the fellowship may be nominated to be elected as Assistant Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer serves a two year term. The Assistant Treasurer may only have four consecutive terms. The Assistant Treasurer is elected by a majority vote of the members.
Section VIII : Removal of Officers, Directors, and other elected persons
Charges may be brought against any leader of the congregation for violation of their duties, criminals actions, or misuse of their powers.The Board of Governors must review the case and judge accordingly and provide the proper punishments for such violations, including removal from office to removal of membership in the fellowship.
Article VII : Board of Governors
Section 1: Composition
The Board shall consist of the Officers, the immediate past President, the committee Chairpersons (Directors), and should the fellowship have a minister, the minister as a non-voting member of the Board.
Section 2 : Responsibilities
The Board of Governors shall administer and manage the business of the fellowship. At each annual meeting the Board shall submit an operating budget for the coming fiscal year. The budgeted expenses may not exceed the anticipated income. Once a budge is approved, the Board may authorize and expend the funds as budgeted. The Board may reallocate funds, as long as the reallocation does not exceed ten percent of the approved budget. The membership must approve any expenditure or obligation for indebtedness and must approve the purchase, sale, or mortgage of real property.The Board, subject to the prime authority of the congregation, is the principal policy forming and administrative body of the fellowship. The Board has full authority and responsibility, except as limited by these bylaws, to act on th ebusiness and programs of the fellowship. The Board shall:
A. establish and maintain short and long range goals, procedures and policies to govern the operating practices of the fellowship consistent with these bylaws
B. have general charge of properties of the congregation
C. emply staff if necessary
D. appoint interim ministers
E. approve the appointment of community ministers in accordance policies and procedures as stated by the membership
F. provide facilitation and liaison services as needed to Committees
G. insure that prior notice is given on changes of policies and procedures to the affected membership
Section 3
The Board shall not sell or otherwise dispose of or encumber the real estate of the fellowship without prior approval of the membership of the fellowship. The Board shall recognize the moral princoples that all of its powers are subordinate to the will of the membership of the fellowship.
Article VIII : Committees
Section 1
The President and/or the members have the right to create Standing Committees as needed for the fellowship to operate. The chairpersons, thus known as Directors, of the Standing Committees each receive a seat on the Board of Governors.
Section 2
A Committee shall consist of three to five members. Those members shall elect from amongst them a chairperson, holding the title of Director, who shall serve a term of two years and shall only have four consecutive terms. Any active member in good standing with the fellowship may serve on a committee.
Section 3
The Board or the members may also form special committees and task forces to achieve a specific goal and that once that goal is completed the committee or task force ceases to exist. A special committee operates the same as a Standing Committee except that the Director of a special committee does not receive a seat on the Board.
Article IX : Elections
Section 1
Election of officers shall occur in June of each year by ballot vote.
Article X : Quorum
Section 1
A quorum of any meeting shall consist of the officers, committee directors/chairpersons, and at least seven members.
Article XI : Fiscal Year
Section 1
The Fiscal Year shall end on June 30th. Thus the fiscal year of this fellowship is from July 1 to June 30 of each year.The budget for said fiscal year shall be adopted by majority vote of those present and voting at the annual meeting.
Article X : Parliamentary Authority
Section 1
The parliamentary authority for meetings shall be Robert's Rules of Order, Tenth Edition.
Article XI : Amending The Bylaws
Section 1
These Bylaws shall be amending by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members.
Article XII : Dissolution
Section 1
In case of dissolution of the fellowship, all of its property, real and personal, after paying all just claims upon it, shall be conveyed to and vested in the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, or its legal successor, and the Board shall perform all actions necessary to effect such conveyance.
Article XIII : Other
Section 1
Members and Affiliates are expected to participate actively in the fellowship's activities and to make a recordable financial pledge to the fellowship each fiscal year. The financial contribution should represent an amount judged by the member or affiliate to be a faire share of the fellowship's needs, in light of the member's or affiliate's income and means, and the fact that generous contributions from others in the past have sustained and built the fellowship enjoyed today.
Section 2
All records of the fellowship other than those of a personal nature shall be made available for inspection by any member during reasonable office hours.
Section 3
These bylaws shall be liberally interpreted in order to accomplish their basic intent, which is hereby stated to be the efficient operation and management of the fellowship in order to accomplish the purposes stated in the fellowship's mission statement.
Section 4
Neither the fellowship, the board, nor any officer or employee of the fellowship shall take any action or allow any activity or use of fellowship property which shall endanger the nonprofit corporate status or charitable, tax-exempt status of the fellowship or its property. Nothing in these bylaws shall be construed to allow a violation of this section.
Section 5
The president or any other member of the fellowship, who is specifically authorized by the fellowship or the board, may represent the entire fellowship in any public or private meeting.
Section 6
Public statements in the name of the fellowship on social or other public issues will be made only after a vote of the congregation and must include the vote of individuals with the fellowship for and against. This does not limit the right of individuals or groups within the fellowship to make statements in their own name.
Section 7
The ultimate authority of the fellowship resides in its members.
Section 8
The fellowship may at any time choose to call a minister. This decision must be done at a meeting specifically for this request and must receive a 2/3 vote of the members to approve the request. If approved, the Board will then begin the search for a minister. Otherwise, this fellowship shall be lay-led. A minister shall only be the spiritual leader of the fellowship, the Board and the Officers shall be the governing leaders of the fellowship.
Section 9
The initial adoption of these bylaws shall be by majority vote of those persons attending a meeting called and held for such purpose, without regard to any voting qualifications or requirements provided for in these byalws.
Article XIV : Groups
Section 1
Affiliated Groups: Voluntary organizations of fellowship members, designed to futher the interests of the fellowship, may be formed with the consent of the Board of Governors. Such groups shall be regarded as integral parts of the fellowship.
Section 2
Auxiliary Organizations: Upon application to and approval by the Board, a group or organization which does not wish to function as a committee of the fellowship may become an auxiliary organization sponsored by, but not funded by, the fellowship. The majority of the officers of the Auxiliary organizations must be voting members of the fellowship.
Section 3
Other informal groups or voluntary organizations, if identified with the fellowship, may be formed with the approval of the Board. These groups will establish their own rules and select their own officers.