Unity of Charlotte

Bylaws of Unity of Charlotte

ARTICLE I – Identification
Section 1.01 - Statement of Purpose
The purpose of Unity of Charlotte (hereinafter referred to as "the Church"), a not-for-profit religious corporation registered and chartered as such in the State of North Carolina, is to teach the universal principles of Truth as taught and demonstrated by Jesus Christ and as interpreted by Unity School of Christianity and the Association of Unity Churches (hereinafter referred to as "the Association"), a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Georgia with headquarters at Lee's Summit, Missouri. In the accomplishment of this purpose, the Church 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 Church and to adopt other means that in the judgment of the Senior Minister (herein referred to as "the Minister") in consultation with the Board of Directors will further the principles of practical Christianity.

Section 1.02 - Association of Unity Churches - Membership & Responsibilities
The Church is and shall remain a member of the Association. The operation and conduct of this ministry shall 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 North Carolina under which the Church exists and operates.

LEADERSHIP. The Church shall have as its leader an ordained or licensed Unity Minister in good standing or a person serving under special dispensation approved by the Association. (Refer to Section 4.01(c) of the Association bylaws.) For the purpose of these bylaws, the term “Minister" will include a person serving under special dispensation of the Association.
TEACHING. The principles of practical Christianity shall be taught through the Church using methods, textbooks, literature, and other materials including, but not limited to, materials approved by the Association.
REPORTS. As Administrative Director of the Church, the Minister shall make annual reports to the Association.

ARTICLE II - Location (Office & Records)

Section 2.01 - Principal Office

The principal executive office of the corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, (hereinafter referred to as "the Board”). Said office shall be in the County of Mecklenburg, State of North Carolina, or at such other place within the State of North Carolina as the Board hereafter shall designate. The Corporation may also have offices at such other place or places as the Board 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 board members and the Minister at all times, with non-confidential records to be available to Church Members upon request. Required standards of privacy shall be observed at all times according to statute.

Section 2.03 - Observance of Statutory Requirements
The Church office shall at all times observe State and Federal requirements governing the confidentiality of any materials deemed to fall under these requirements.

Section 2.04 - Membership and Contribution Lists
These records shall remain within the Church office at all times and may only be consulted by the minister, board members, and such paid staff as are designated to keep such records.

ARTICLE III - Membership

Section 3.01 - Qualifications of Members

Becoming a Member of Unity of Charlotte is to be seen as a definite, considered choice to be an integral part of this Unity church family. It represents a commitment to share the responsibilities of maintaining an on-going Unity ministry in the city of Charlotte and a commitment to the manifestation of Unity principles.

A Member of the Church shall endeavor to live in accord with the Jesus Christ principles of Love, Truth, and Service as taught by the Unity School of Christianity and The Association. A Member shall further the work of the Church through his/her active commitment, interest, love and financial support. Members shall be at least 10 years of age.

Section 3.02 - Election of Members
Anyone desiring status as a Member in the Church, including transfers, shall file an application for Membership with the Church office. All ministers employed by the Church are considered Members of the Church. The Minister shall approve those requesting membership unless he/she has reason to ask the Board to help him/her to decide. Upon an application being confirmed by the minister, or by the minister and the Board, and upon participating in a membership orientation meeting and undergoing spiritual baptism at a Sunday service, the applicant shall become a member.
Section 3.03 - Terms of Membership
TENURE. A Member shall retain his/her status as long as his/her conduct and professed ideas are in accord with the terms noted in Section 3.01. In the judgment of the Board, should a member become inactive for a period of twelve months, said member shall be placed on the inactive membership status until said member becomes involved once again. The Board shall set policies and procedures for communicating with and contacting members prior to placing them on the inactive list.
REMOVAL. Removal from the Membership role of any Member whose qualifications are in question shall require two-third (2/3) affirmative vote of the Board, including agreement by the Minister. Prior to action concerning removal, the Member shall be given an opportunity for a hearing before the Board. The board shall set policies and procedures for communicating with and contacting members prior to placing them on the inactive list.

Section 3.04 - Powers of Members

Members of the Church shall have the power to:

Vote at any membership meeting, at which the Member is present, called in accordance with Section 3.05.
Elect Members to the Board.
Ratify the bylaws of the Church or any amendments thereto as specified herein. All such amendments to bylaws shall be approved by two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of those Members present and voting.
Vote on any motion to purchase or sell any real property owned and used for the operation of the Church. Two thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of those present and voting is required for approval as specified in Article IV, Section 4.03 (b) 7.
Call a special membership meeting as defined in Section 3.06 when the affairs of this Ministry warrant such action.
Vote to override any action of the Board, providing this desire is communicated to the membership in writing ten (10) days prior to the subsequent meeting of the membership. Seventy-five percent (75%) of those Members present and voting have authority to override any action of the Board.
Vote for removal of any or all Board Directors. A two thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the Members present and voting at a duly called special membership meeting is required. (Reference Section 4.05)
Vote on any matters officially brought to the attention of the Membership.
Any ten (10) Members may request Peacemaking assistance by notifying the Association in writing with copies to the Minister and Board of Directors. Upon request for assistance from ten or more Members, a designee of the Association shall confer with the Minister and the Members requesting assistance to evaluate what further action is called for.

Section 3.05 - Annual Meeting

DATE & AGENDA. The annual membership meeting of the Church shall be held at its official headquarters on a Sunday within two months of the end of the fiscal year. The agenda shall include a report to the membership on activities of the Church and the election of Directors to fill expiring terms as defined in Article IV, Section 4.04. Written notice of the annual meeting shall be mailed to all Members thirty (30) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting.

Section 3.06 - Special Membership Meetings
a) SCHEDULE. Any time the affairs of the Church warrant, a special meeting may be called by:

The Minister
A majority of Directors of the Board
A petition signed by fifteen percent (15%) of the Members. A written request must be submitted to the Board which shall, within thirty (30) days, call the meeting on behalf of the requesting parties.
b) PURPOSE. The purpose(s) of the special meeting shall be stated both in the written request and any written notice to the membership. In the case of a special membership meeting called by written petition, the written notice of the meeting to the membership shall faithfully reflect the purpose(s) for the special meeting stated in the petition. Business conducted at the special meeting shall be limited to the stated purpose(s).

Section 3.07 - Membership Meeting Procedures
WRITTEN NOTICE. Written notice stating the date, time and place shall be mailed to all Members at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the annual meeting and ten (10) days prior to any Special meeting.
QUORUM. Those Members present and voting at a membership meeting called pursuant to written notice shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any membership meeting. There shall be no proxy or absentee ballot.
PARTICIPATION. Participation in the affairs of any membership meeting shall be restricted to Members in attendance. Participation of other persons in discussion of business must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Members in attendance at the meeting.
VOTING. Unless otherwise provided herein, the vote of a majority of the Members present and voting shall be necessary for approval or disapproval of the action being voted upon.
RULES OF ORDER. The latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the authority of the Church for parliamentary law and its usage and for all agenda setting procedures.
PRAYER. In any membership meeting, the Chairperson, the Minister, an Association Liaison 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 Chair shall provide a period of prayer and silence.

ARTICLE IV - Government

Section 4.01 - Administration and Fiscal Year

The government of the Church shall be vested in the Minister, who is the Spiritual Leader and the Administrative Director, and the Board. The fiscal year shall be as judged convenient and determined by the Minister and Board, based on administrative function or statutory requirement.

Section 4.02 - Minister
EMPLOYMENT OF MINISTER. It is the responsibility of the Board to employ a licensed or ordained Unity minister for the Church through cooperation with the membership of the Church and the placement and liaison procedures of the Association.
COMPENSATION. The compensation of the Minister shall be fixed by agreement between the Minister and the Board.
DUTIES. The Minister shall be responsible for the scheduling, conduct, and content of services, classes, and all other activities that further the purpose of the Church as specified in Section 1.01. The Minister shall be:
Responsible for the complete functioning of the Church and charged with the responsibility of carrying out the policies and decisions of the Board as described in Article IV, Section 4.03(b).
Responsible for directing the Church staff activities, including recommendations to the Board for personnel employment and termination.
A voting member of the Board of Directors, if he/she wishes, on all matters except his/her own employment or that of successor(s).
An ex-officio member of all committees as defined in Article V.
Responsible for seeking Association liaison assistance in the event of a dispute adversely affecting the Ministry.
It is understood that as Spiritual Leader, the Minister shall be primarily responsible for the spiritual welfare of the Church.
VACANCY. The position of Minister may be vacated by either of the following actions:
Resignation or retirement.
Removal of the Minister because of failure to fulfill duties of the position as specified in Section 4.02 (c).
EMPLOYMENT OF ASSOCIATE MINISTER(S). An Associate Minister may be appointed by the Minister with the approval of the Board. An Associate Minister must be a licensed Unity Minister or an ordained Unity Minister. (Before Field Licensing candidates are appointed to any Associate or Assistant ministerial position, the Association should be consulted as to the appropriateness of such appointment.) Compensation for Associate Ministers shall be fixed by agreement of the Associate Minister(s) with the Senior Minister and ratified by the Board.
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF MINISTER. The Board may terminate the employment of a Minister in the event the duties described in Section 4.02(c) have not been fulfilled to the satisfaction of the Board. After the Church and its Minister have cooperated with the peacemaking procedures of the Association, a majority vote of the Board is required to terminate the employment of a Minister.
TERMINATION. Terminations of Associate or Assistant Ministers will proceed to follow the above requirements but only after unsuccessful mediating intervention by the Minister prior to any such action by the Board.
APPROVAL OF STAFF EMPLOYMENT AND TERMINATIONS. The Board shall approve employment or termination recommendations by the Minister prior to action being taken in accordance with Section 4.02.
The Church adheres to all statutory requirements of state and federal government to provide a working environment which is in conformity with non-discriminatory hiring processes, as so described by such governments.

Section 4.03 - Board of Directors - Members & Duties

STRUCTURE.
The Board shall consist of the Minister and nine Directors elected from the membership of the Church. Each elected Director shall hold office for three years or until a successor is duly elected.
The terms of three elected Directors shall expire annually and their offices shall be filled at the annual membership meeting in accordance with Article III Section 3.05.
No elected Director shall serve more than two consecutive terms without an interval of one (1) year between terms.
No individual receiving contractual compensation from the Church, and no spouse, partner, parent, child or in-law of an individual receiving contractual compensation from the Church shall serve on the Board, with the exception of the Minister. No board member shall be the spouse, partner, parent, child or in-law of another board member.
DUTIES. As representatives of the membership, board members shall:
Uphold the purpose of the Church as stated in Article I Section 1.01.
Uphold the highest interest of the membership in conducting the business of the Church.
Be familiar with these Bylaws.
Be faithful in attendance at services, board and membership meetings of the Church. Three consecutive absences from regular board meetings shall involve loss of position for the Director concerned unless otherwise approved by the Board.
Make determination of the business needs of the Church and authorize payment of monies for those purposes.
Administer the property of the Church, both real and personal.
Make determinations on the pledge of collateral or proposed financing of real or personal property belonging to the Church. The Board shall give notice to the membership of any such pledge or proposed financing which exceeds an amount equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the immediate past twelve months revenues, excluding endowments and bequests.
Authorize the employment and termination of the Minister, Associate Minister, all staff personnel of the Church as recommended by the Minister, and set and approve their salaries pursuant to Section 4.02.
Cause to be prepared annually a complete financial statement which will set forth the fiscal conditions and operations of the Church.
Keep or cause to be kept an accurate record of membership.
Keep or cause to be kept accurate records of gifts to the Church in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations and acknowledge in writing contributions in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations.
Secure appropriate insurance or fidelity bond for the Treasurer and/or the Church Administrator and others responsible for Church funds, the amount to be set by the Board.
Act within a reasonable period of time to fill the unexpired term of any board member who has resigned or been removed from the Board in accordance with Article IV Section 4.03(b)4.
Elect officers of the Board and their successors to fill any unexpired term when necessary, as defined in Section 4.03.
Approve standing committees of the Board and their chairpersons as appointed by the Board President.
Communicate with the Vice President of Ministry Employment of the Association for aid in resolution of all disputes between the Board and the Minister concerning the Minister's services.
Consider other duties brought to its attention by the Minister and other Directors.
Refrain from participating in the discussion of or voting on any matter from which he/she shall benefit, financially or materially, and disclose such interest to the Board.
Maintain complete confidentiality concerning the specifics of any matters raised and discussed in Board meetings.

Section 4.04 - Board of Directors – Qualifications and Election

QUALIFICATIONS. A candidate for the Board of Directors must be a Member of the Church as defined under Article III Section 3.01, who:
Desires to serve on the Board.
Endeavors to live in accord with the Jesus Christ principles of Love, Truth and Service as taught by the Unity School of Christianity and The Association.
Furthers the work of this Ministry through his/her active commitment, interest, love and financial support.
Is a sincere and continuing student of Unity, conversant with its teachings, who makes every reasonable effort to participate in Unity classes and other educational opportunities offered in the Church.
Has demonstrated leadership capabilities.
Has been a Member in the Church for at least one preceding year, and has demonstrated commitment and service to the Church for at least this period of time.
TERMS. The terms of three Directors that expire annually shall be filled at the annual membership meeting by formal balloting from nominees selected by the Nominating Committee and by petition as defined in Article IV. Section 4.04(c).
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
NOMINEES FOR BOARD ELECTION. Members to fill positions of available terms for the Board will be nominated and placed on a prepared ballot for the election that shall include:
Nominees by the Nominating Committee who have been officially announced at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the annual meeting.
Additional nominees submitted in writing no later than fifteen (15) days after the Nominating Committee slate is announced. Such submission for each additional nominee must be signed by at least fifteen (15) Members and delivered to the Church office, to the Minister, or to any Board Director. If the Board finds that the proposed nominee meets qualifications as defined in Article IV, Section 4.04(a), the name shall be placed upon the ballot under the category "Additional Nominees."
ELECTION. Directors shall be elected via secret ballots cast by present Members of the Church at the annual meeting. The nominees receiving the largest number of votes shall be elected. The newly elected Directors of the Board shall be declared elected by the President following the report of the election tellers. Newly elected Directors of the Board shall he formally notified by the Secretary. A Board meeting shall be held as soon as convenient following the election for the purpose of electing officers to serve.

Section 4.05 - Board of Directors - Meetings & Quorum

PRAYER. It is important that in addition to adhering to the normal procedures for legal functioning set forth in these Bylaws, the spiritual principles taught by Unity be utilized in the handling of decisions before the Board. During the discussion of an item of business, any Director may request time for prayer about the issue. Upon request, the Chair shall provide a period of prayer and silence.
REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS. The regular business meetings of the Board shall be held at the headquarters of the Church, or at such other designated place, monthly and at a time agreed upon by the Directors and shall be announced to the congregation in writing in the preceding Sunday's bulletin.
SPECIAL BOARD MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board shall be called by the President under any of the following conditions:
By request of the Minister.
By request of two or more board members. The request shall be filed in writing with the Board Secretary. Reasonable effort must be made to notify all Board Directors of any special meeting.
CLOSED SESSION.
1. A Board motion must be passed by majority vote before the Board may enter closed session, either as an addendum to a regular Board meeting, or announced as a separate closed meeting.

2. A closed session shall be limited to matters that are highly sensitive including, but not limited to, personnel issues.

QUORUM. Five Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
ATTENDANCE. Any Member of the Church may attend all Board meetings except those held in closed session and may request permission to address the Board on any issue arising from Church government. Any such address shall be limited to five minutes unless a majority of Board Directors present vote to extend such period.
VOTE. Unless otherwise provided herein, the vote of a majority of the Directors present and voting shall be necessary for approval or disapproval of the action being voted upon.
RULES OF ORDER. The Current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the authority of the Board for parliamentary law and its usage and for all agenda setting procedures.
Section 4.06 - Board of Directors - Officers & Duties
Officers of the Board shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary and 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 (1) year or until their successors are duly elected or qualified.

PRESIDENT. The President shall:
Preside at all Board meetings.
Preside at all Church membership meetings.
Appoint committees in accordance with Section 5.01.
Be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee.
Sign such papers and documents, upon proper authorization, as may be necessary.
VICE-PRESIDENT. The Vice-President shall:
Perform all duties of the President in the absence of the President.
Become President in case the office of the Presidency becomes vacant. In such a case, a new Vice-President shall be elected from among the remaining Board Directors to fill the remainder of the term.
SECRETARY. The Secretary shall:
Keep or cause to be kept an accurate record of the minutes of the Board and membership Meetings.
Ensure that all reports, contracts, other legal papers, minutes, books, and the corporate seal shall be kept in the Church office at all times, or in such other depository as prescribed by the Board.
Keep a roster of Directors of the Board, together with dates of their tenure and attend to all official business as required by the Board.
TREASURER. The Treasurer shall insure the objective, verifiable, financial integrity of Unity of Charlotte in a way prescribed by the Board. He shall also:
Pay out or cause to be paid out funds authorized by the Board.
Keep or cause to be kept, a record of all financial transactions, and submit a monthly financial report at each regular board meeting.
Submit a financial report covering the last complete fiscal period at the annual membership meeting.
Count or cause to be counted, by the appointment of qualified persons, all funds received, and be responsible for their deposit. Further, the Treasurer shall count, or appoint qualified persons to count, all offerings received from services and shall be responsible for timely deposit of same.
Place, or cause to be placed, the funds of this Ministry in the bank(s) or other depository approved by the Board.
Serve as Chairperson of any Finance Committee and be its liaison to the Board.
ARTICLE V - Standing Committees and Volunteer Ministry Teams
Section 5.01 - Structure
Volunteer Ministry teams for any specific purpose shall be appointed by the President of the Board or the Minister. Ratification by majority vote of the Board is required.
Committees of the Board shall be created as needed for strategic purposes by the President of the Board and ratified by the Board
LIAISON. The Board President shall appoint one (1) Board Director or representative as liaison for each Volunteer Ministry team and each Board committee. The liaison Director shall serve as spokesperson to the Board and review and submit reports to the Board.
ETHICS. Members of committees and teams shall abide by the same ethics governing board membership, including respect for confidentiality. All committee and team members shall have a demonstrable understanding of Unity teachings.

Section 5.02 - Nominating Committee
THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE shall consist of four Members including the Minister, one (1) board member (other than the Board President) selected by the Board, a Member from the Church membership selected by the Board, and one additional Member from the church membership selected by the other three members. The Nominating Committee shall serve a term of one year and shall:
Each year, select church Members to be placed on the formal ballot for the annual election of board members. The three nominees receiving the largest number of votes shall be elected to the Board of Directors.
Communicate its selection of nominees to the Church membership at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the Annual Meeting.
Upon notification of a Board vacancy, submit, if requested, to the Board one (1) or more qualified candidates to fill the unexpired term.
If the Church membership should vote to remove a single Board Director pursuant to Article III, Section 3.04(g) or if a Director drops from the Board owing to absence as defined herein, or for any other reason, the remaining Board Directors may elect another suitably qualified active Church Member to sit in his/her stead to fill the remainder of any term of service without reference to the Nominating Committee. Should more than one Board Director, or the entire Board, be recalled pursuant to the exercise of the same Article, immediate liaison with the Association shall be sought by the Minister.
Perform such other duties related to new candidates as directed by the Board.

ARTICLE VI - Insurance
The Board of Directors shall satisfy itself at all times that adequate professional liability insurance is in effect to protect and indemnify all officers and Directors of the corporation and professional staff, including the Minister(s).

ARTICLE VII - Due Compliance
As a not-for-profit religious corporation, registered as such under the laws of the State of North Carolina, Unity of Charlotte shall at all reasonable times check its compliance with the statutes governing such institutions within the boundaries of the State of North Carolina.

ARTICLE VIII - Amendments
Changes, alterations, or amendments to these Bylaws must be made by Members of this Church at a meeting for such purpose. Notice in writing, setting forth the proposed changes, alterations, or amendments, shall be mailed to all Members at least fourteen (14) days before the meeting is to be held. Such change, alteration, or amendment to said Bylaws shall not become effective until seventy-five percent of all the Members present and voting at such meeting shall vote affirmatively in favor of such change, alteration, or amendment.

ARTICLE IX - Seal and Dissolution

Section 1 - Seal

The corporate seal of this Church shall be the name of the Church in a circle, which encloses the name of the city and date of incorporation.

Section 2 - Dissolution

Should this Church dissolve, all property and funds remaining after the payment of the debts of the Church shall be determined by the Board of Directors to be distributed as follows: (1) to the Association of Unity Churches, a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Georgia, for religious and educational purposes, with headquarters located at Lee’s Summit, Missouri, for the re-establishment of a Unity Church in Charlotte, N.C.; or (2) to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Code). Any of such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Superior Court of the County in which the principal office of the Church is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

Adopted May 2007 date of membership meeting.