BYLAWS of the UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF ATLANTA
as amended May 6, 2007
At the May 6, 2007, the congregation approved the motion to change the title of the Nominating Committee to the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee.
VII. CONGREGATIONAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
A. Annual Meetings
B. Special Business Meetings
C. Notice of Meetings
D. Voting
E. Quorum
F. Rules of Procedure
VIII. COMMITTEES OF THE CONGREGATION
A. Nominating and Leadership Development Committee
B. Search Committee
IX. OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION
A. President
B. President-Elect
C. Chief Financial Officer
D. Secretary
A. Composition
B. Term
C. Responsibilities
D. Meetings
XI. COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
A. Executive Committee
B. Finance Committee
C. Long-Range Planning Committee
A. Senior Minister
B. Associate Minister
C. Assistant Minister
XV. DISSOLUTION OF THE CONGREGATION
1. This corporation shall operate under the name "The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, Inc.," hereafter referred to as UUCA.
2. Whenever the word "Congregation" is used in these bylaws or their amendments, it shall signify the legal organization of this Congregation as herein established and the phrase "a vote of the Congregation" or any similar phrase shall mean a vote of members of the corporation comprising the Congregation at any duly called meeting.
It shall be the purpose of this Congregation:
(a) to strengthen one another in a free and disciplined search for truth as the foundation of our religious fellowship;
(b) to cherish and spread the universal truths taught by the great prophets and teachers of humanity in every age and tradition;
(c) to affirm, defend, and promote the supreme worth and dignity of every person and the use of the democratic method in human relationships;
(d) to implement our vision of one world striving for a world community founded on ideals of equality, justice, peace and love;
(e) to serve the needs of members and to extend and strengthen liberal religious tradition;
(f) to encourage cooperation with people of good will in every land;
(g) to conduct a religious education program for persons of all ages;
(h) to guarantee freedom of thought and speech for its ministers and its members.
1. This Congregation shall be a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
2. Membership in (or equivalent affiliation with) organizations other than the Unitarian Universalist Association shall require a 2/3 majority vote of voting members present at a business meeting of the Congregation. Termination of membership in (or equivalent affiliation with) organizations other than the Unitarian Universalist Association shall similarly require a 2/3 majority vote of voting members present at a business meeting of the Congregation.
1. The Congregation is the ultimate authority of UUCA.
2. Notwithstanding other reserved powers, these specific powers are reserved solely to the Congregation:
(a) to call or dismiss a Senior Minister;
(b) to call or dismiss an Associate Minister;
(c) to determine a budget annually and to specify the limitations, if any, on the administration of the budget by the Board of Trustees;
(d) to determine the disposition of undesignated bequests or special gifts to the Congregation which are in excess of $10,000;
(e) to buy or sell or lease any interest in real estate;
(f) to mortgage, encumber, or commit any asset owned by the Congregation;
(g) to spend or commit unbudgeted funds which represent more than one percent (1%) of the current year?s operating budget, excepting funds expended from Restricted Reserves in accordance with Article XII.
3. Subject to the powers reserved to the Congregation, or otherwise specifically delegated, the Board of Trustees shall be the governing body.
Membership is open to all qualified persons, regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin. The Congregation shall establish and maintain a Membership Register Book and a membership list.
1. Joining. Any person fourteen years of age or older, in agreement and sympathy with the purpose as stated in Article II, shall become a member upon signing the Membership Register Book.
2. Membership Requirements. Members must make an annual financial contribution of record that is in a form making it attributable to the member. Members of a pledging unit that has made a contribution of record shall be considered to have met this obligation.
3. Voting Eligibility. Members of the Congregation who have been members at least three months shall be eligible to vote.
4. Resigning from Membership. The name of any member who so requests in writing shall be removed from the membership list.
5. Removal from Membership. The names of all persons who did not make a contribution of record in the previous fiscal year and who have not recorded a pledge for the current fiscal year shall be removed from the membership list prior to the annual membership report to the UUA. This removal shall occur only after two good faith attempts to contact the member have failed to result in a contribution.
1. The fiscal year shall begin on January 1 of each year.
2. The leadership year and the terms of all office holders shall begin the day after the Annual Election Meeting.
ARTICLE VII. CONGREGATIONAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
Section A. Annual Meetings
1. Annual Election Meeting. There shall be an annual election meeting held between April 1 and the Sunday immediately preceeding the Memorial Day holiday (inclusive) at such specific time and place as may be fixed by the Board of Trustees. The first order of business at this meeting shall be the election of officers and others, but other business that is deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees may also be conducted at the annual election meeting.
2. Annual Budget Meeting. There shall be an annual budget meeting held prior to the start of the fiscal year at such specific time and place as may be fixed by the Board of Trustees. The first order of business at this meeting shall be to vote on the proposed budget, but other business that is deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees may also be conducted at the annual budget meeting.
Section B. Special Business Meetings
Special business meetings of the Congregation may be called by the Board of Trustees for any purpose it deems necessary. The Board shall call a special business meeting upon written request, stating purpose, of the Senior Minister or of at least ten percent of the voting members of the Congregation if the stated purpose is not in conflict with these bylaws. Such meetings shall be called as soon as practical, but not later than 48 days from the time of receipt of the request by the Board at a regularly scheduled Board meeting.
Section C. Notice of Meetings
1. Content. The business to be transacted at any business meeting of the Congregation shall be specified in the notice for that meeting.
(a) The notice of the annual election meeting shall specify the name and position of each of the officers, trustees, and members of the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee, whose terms of office are then expiring, and the names of the nominees proposed to replace them.
(b) The notice of the annual budget meeting shall include a summary of the proposed budget.
(c) The notice of a special business meeting originated by petition shall include a copy of the petition.
2. Timing. All business meetings of the Congregation shall be called by the Secretary of the Congregation by mailing notice to every member at least 18 days before the date of such meeting. During the services on the two successive Sundays immediately preceding the date of the meeting, an announcement will be made by the minister or by any officer of the Congregation, giving the date, time, place, and subject of the upcoming meeting.
Section D. Voting
1. Members who have been members at least 3 months shall be eligible to vote, as described in Article V Section 1.
2. Voting by absentee ballot shall be permitted only for elections in which there is more than one candidate for any position. Such absentee ballots shall include the names of proposed candidates and space for write-in candidates and shall be available at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which the election is to occur.
3. Proxy voting shall not be permitted.
4. Elections may include eligible members nominated from the floor.
5. Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, transaction of any business shall be by majority vote of the voting members present at a regular or special meeting.
Section E. Quorum
Ten percent of the voting members of the Congregation shall constitute a quorum for elections and passage of budgets. Thirty percent of the voting members of the Congregation shall constitute a quorum for a meeting to dismiss a minister. Twenty percent of the voting members of the Congregation shall constitute a quorum for all other business.
Section F. Rules Of Procedure
Unless a different rule is provided in the UUCA charter, these bylaws, or the UUCA Policies & Procedures, the rules contained in the most recent edition of Robert?s Rules of Order, Revised, shall govern this Congregation in all cases to which they are applicable. A copy of the charter, bylaws, Policies and Procedures, and Robert?s Rules shall be available at all congregational business meetings.
ARTICLE VIII. COMMITTEES OF THE CONGREGATION
Section A. Nominating and Leadership Development Committee.
1. Composition and Terms. The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee shall be composed of seven voting members of UUCA. Six members shall be elected by the Congregation for two-year terms. Terms shall be staggered so that three members shall be elected each year. The seventh member shall be elected by a majority vote of the outgoing Board of Trustees for a one-year term. No member of the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee. shall serve more than three consecutive years. The chairperson shall be elected by majority vote of the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee members from among the seven members.
2. Responsibilities
(a) Prior to each annual election meeting, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee shall secure nominees for each congregationally elected office for which there are vacancies on the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee and Board of Trustees, including President of the Congregation, President-Elect of the Congregation, Chief Financial Officer of the Congregation (CFO), a Trustee of Finance, and at-large trustees. Upon request of the Congregation, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee shall also prepare slates for the Search Committee. All nominees shall be voting members who are qualified and willing to serve.
(b) The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee shall announce and hold public meetings, the last to be held at least one month preceding the annual meeting, to permit congregational members to propose nominees.
(c) Upon petition of 25 or more members and the consent of the nominee, the name of any eligible member of the Congregation shall be placed by the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee on the slate for any congregationally elected office and designated as nominee by petition.
(d) The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee shall ensure that the Congregation is notified of the slate of nominees.
(e) The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee, after consultation with the Senior Minister, the outgoing Board of Trustees, and others, shall present a slate of nominees from which the Board will appoint Council directors for the upcoming leadership year.
(f) Upon request of the Board of Trustees, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee shall prepare slates for elective-office vacancies arising between congregational meetings, and for other positions as the Board may desire.
Section B. Search Committee
A. Search Committee shall be formed by the Congregation when the need arises to engage a new Senior Minister or Associate Minister
1. Composition. A Search Committee shall be composed of nine voting members of UUCA, seven of whom shall be elected by the Congregation and two of whom shall be designated by the Board of Trustees from the membership of the congregation.
2. Term: A Search Committee shall continue in operation until a candidate is presented to the Congregation or until the Congregation releases it from its charge or until the Search Committee, by majority vote of itself, requests dissolution.
3. Responsibility. A Search Committee shall search for and select a candidate to present to the congregation. The Search Committee shall be guided by UUA candidating procedures. The Search Committee for an Associate Minister shall consider the advice of the Senior Minister in its deliberations.
ARTICLE IX. OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION
Section A. President
1. An individual shall succeed to the office of President of the Congregation after having served one year as President-Elect. However, in the event of a mid-term vacancy in the office of President or President-Elect, a President may be elected or appointed who has not served a full year as President-Elect. No individual shall serve more than two consecutive terms as President.
2. The President shall have those responsibilities usually pertaining to the office, including, but not limited to:
(a) serving as chair person of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee;
(b) appointing special committees as may be authorized by the Congregation or Board of Trustees
(c) acting as ex-officio, non-voting member of all Councils and Council committees;
(d) serving as chairperson for congregational meetings;
(e) appointing an official parliamentarian for congregational meetings;
(f) causing a count of eligible members to be made prior to each congregational meeting for the purpose of determining the number required for a quorum;
(g) explaining, at the beginning of all congregational meetings, items relating to the meeting including requirements for voting eligibility, quorum requirements, special rules to be used for the meeting, and any other items the President deems pertinent;
(h) requesting that the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee or a specially appointed Tellers Committee count votes after a congregational vote.
Section B. President-Elect
1. An individual shall be elected at a business meeting of the Congregation, by a majority vote of those voting members present, for a two-year term, the first year serving as President-Elect and the second year serving as President of the Congregation.
2. The responsibilities of the President-Elect shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) serving on the Executive Committee;
(b) serving on the Finance Committee;
(c) serving as vice-chairman of the Board of Trustees;
(d) working closely with and assisting the President in all duties and perform any duties that the President delegates;
(e) performing the duties of the President during the temporary absence or disability of the President.
Section C. Chief Financial Officer
1. A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Congregation shall be nominated and elected by the Congregation for a two-year term in accordance with Article VIII, Section A2 of these bylaws. No individual shall serve more than two consecutive terms as CFO of the Congregation.
2. The responsibilities of the CFO shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) serving as chairperson of the Finance Committee;
(b) serving as a member of the Executive Committee;
(c) developing the annual budget of UUCA, in concert with the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees;
(d) advising the Congregation, the Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee, the Finance Committee, and other UUCA groups as necessary of financial aspects and implications of proposed actions;
(e) preparing an annual financial report for the Congregation.
(f) maintaining the Restricted Reserve and the Emergency Capital Reserve, as described in Article XII.
(g) receiving the funds and securities of the Congregation and all subsidiary orginations.
(h) authorizing payment of bills provided for in the budget or special expenditures approved by the Board of Trustees.
(i) filing the annual report and corporation fee with the Secretary of the State of Georgia.
(j) signing all checks or delegating signing to any staff member approved by the Board of Trustees.
(k) preparing such financial statements as the Board of Trustees may require, and in such forms as may be reasonably required.
(l) the CFO, or any staff member approved to disburse funds shall be bonded in such amounts as the Board of Trustees shall determine to be necessary.
Section D. Secretary
1. An at-large member of the Board of Trustees shall be elected by a majority vote of the Board to serve a one-year term as Secretary of the Congregation.
2. The Secretary of the Congregation shall serve as Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
3. The responsibilities of the Secretary shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) ensuring records are kept of the transactions at all business meetings of the Congregation and of the Board of Trustees;
(b) posting notice and notifying the members by mail of all congregational meetings and matters to be voted on;
(c) having custody of deeds, evidences of title, and documents relating to the property of the Congregation;
(d) giving notice to the Board of Trustees, two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled Board meeting, when any Trustee has missed two meetings in a 12-month period, and giving notice also to the absent Trustee(s). Notice shall also be given to the Board and the Trustee(s) after the third absence;
(e) maintaining the official copy of the UUCA bylaws, and ensuring that approved amendments are incorporated into the official copy of the UUCA bylaws and added to the UUCA archives;
(f) performing such other duties as may be directed by the Board of Trustees as usually pertain to the office.
Section A. Composition
1. The Board of Trustees (also referred to as the Board) shall consist of twelve members, including the President of the Congregation, the President-Elect of the Congregation, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Trustee of Finance, and eight at-large members. All trustees shall be voting members of the Congregation.
2. One at-large Board member shall be elected by majority vote of the Board of Trustees to serve as Secretary of the Congregation.
3. One at-large Board member shall be elected by majority vote of the Board of Trustees to serve as chairperson of the Long-Range Planning Committee of the Board.
Section B. Term
1. The President-Elect shall be elected by the Congregation for a two-year term, the first year to be served as President-Elect and the second year as President. The CFO, the Trustee of Finance, and all at-large trustees shall be elected by the Congregation for two-year terms.
2. The terms of the CFO and the Trustee of Finance shall be staggered so that one of them is elected each year. Terms of at-large trustees shall be staggered so that at least four at-large members shall be elected at each annual election meeting.
3. No member of the Board shall serve more than five consecutive years. No one person shall hold more than one congregationally elected position on the Board at any one time.
Section C. Responsibilities
The Board of Trustees shall act as the governing body of UUCA in accordance with the instructions provided by the Congregation and the authority delegated by the Congregation in the form of these bylaws and in policies expressed by the Congregation at business meetings of the Congregation. Duties and responsibilities shall specifically include, but not be limited to:
1. Organizational
(a) evaluating the performance of the organizational structure not less than every two years and at such other times as the Board deems appropriate;
(b) conducting a yearly review of the UUCA bylaws and of all existing policies and making or recommending such changes as may be deemed desirable;
(c) appointing the Secretary of the Congregation or an at-large trustee to be responsible for ensuring that UUCA operates according to the bylaws.
(d) appointing Council Directors from the slate presented by the Nominating;
(e) appointing Long-Range Planning Committee members, as described in Article XI Section C;
(f) determining the manner of filling mid-term vacancies of congregationally elected positions, by appointment by the Board of Trustees, by election at a congregational meeting, or not at all;
2. Financial
The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for overall financial management, including but not limited to:
(a) ensuring that an annual pledge drive is conducted;
(b) preparing the annual UUCA budget;
(c) ensuring that the official record of all pledges and contributions be maintained, and that statements of pledge status be periodically furnished to each pledging unit;
(d) ensuring that all contributions and funds are received and maintained in the corporate name of the Congregation;
(e) ensuring that appropriate accounting records are maintained and that financial statements are made available to the Congregation on a periodic basis;
(f) reporting promptly to the Congregation on non-budgeted or emergency expenditures;
(g) conducting current and long term financial planning;
(h) monitoring the Restricted Reserve and the Emergency Capital Replacement Reserve.
(i) establishing a Finance Committee to focus on the management of the financial matters, as described in Article XI Section B.
3. Meeting Mission
(a) giving advice and consent to the Senior Minister in the event that the Senior Minister chooses to delegate the responsibility of Council guidance, as described in Article XIV Section A.3.
(b) conducting an ongoing program evaluation process to provide feedback that will assist the Councils in carrying out their programs and meeting their missions.
(c) carrying out an on-going leadership development process that enhances the congregation?s ability to meet its missions and will foster individuals? personal growth.
4. General
(a) ensuring that the membership list is updated prior to the annual membership report to the UUA;
(b) providing names to the Endowment Fund directors from which the Endowment Fund directors elect replacement directors for the Endowment Fund;
(c) requesting, on behalf of the Congregation, general progress reports from Nominating and Selection Committees to be presented at designated monthly meetings;
(d) establishing a Committee on the Ministry for each member of the ministerial staff, with membership and responsibilities to be determined from time to time by the Board of Trustees.
Section D. Meetings
1. Regular Meetings. The Board of Trustees shall meet in at least nine months of the leadership year, or more often, as may be determined by the Board. Regular meetings shall be held on a day chosen by the Board at the principal place of business of the Congregation.
2. Special Meetings. Special Board meetings may be called by the President, or shall be called by the Secretary upon written request of at least five members of the Board. Such special meetings may be held at such other times and places as the President may designate. Three days notice by the Secretary in writing, in person, or by telephone to all Board members shall be required for all special meetings of the Board. Presence at any meeting by a Board member shall be a waiver of notice.
3. Attendance. Any person serving as a member of the Board who shall have been absent for three regular meetings in any twelve-month period may, at the discretion of the Board, be considered to have resigned.
4. Quorum. A quorum of the Board of Trustees shall be a simple majority of the Board.
ARTICLE XI. COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees shall maintain an Executive Committee, a Finance Committee, and a Long-Range Planning Committee. The Board may also create additional standing or ad hoc committees of the Board, as needed, to help it meet its responsibilities.
Section A. Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees shall consist of the President of the Congregation, President-Elect of the Congregation, Chief Financial Officer of the Congregation, and, as ex-officio non-voting members, the Senior Minister and the UUCA administrator. The President of the Congregation shall serve as chairperson of the Executive Committee. The duties of the Executive Committee shall be to attend to such details of business as are delegated by the Board. Deliberations of the Executive Committee resulting in recommendations for action shall be reported to the Board for ratification.
Section B. Finance Committee
1. Composition. The Finance Committee shall consist of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Trustee of Finance, the President of the Congregation, the President-Elect of the Congregation, the Senior Minister, and others as recommended by the CFO. The CFO shall serve as the Finance Committee chairperson.
2. Responsibilities. The Finance Committee shall focus on the management of financial matters.
(a) The Finance Committee shall, with the approval of the Board of Trustees, appoint personel as deemed appropriate by the Finance Committee to carry out the management of UUCA finances.
(b) The Finance Committee shall, with the approval of the Board of Trustees, establish policy and procedures to be followed in the financial operations of the Congregation.
(c) The Finance Committee shall report to the Board of Trustees at all regularly scheduled Board meetings.
3. Meetings. The Finance Committee shall meet at least monthly.
Section C. Long-Range Planning Committee
1. Composition. The Long-Range Planning Committee (LRPC) shall consist of 3-7 members of the congregation, appointed by the Board of Trustees, including at least one at-large member of the Board, one of whom shall serve as chair of the committee. LRPC members shall serve for one-year terms and may be reappointed for subsequent terms.
2. Responsibilities. The LRPC shall periodically assess general congregational expectations, desires, and aspirations relative to UUCA vision and Council missions and recommend revisions to, or renewal of, the Long-Range Plan to the Board and to the congregation.
1. UUCA shall maintain two financial reserve accounts:
(a) Restricted Reserve. Available only at the discretion of the Congregation, the Restricted Reserve shall be maintained in the amount of at least 3% of the total annual budgeted expenses.
(b) Emergency Capital Replacement Reserve. The Emergency Capital Replacement Reserve shall be maintained in the amount of at least 4% of the total budgeted expenses. Expenditures up to $10,000 are subject to the approval of the Executive Committee; larger expenditures require approval by the Board of Trustees.
2. In the event that the balance of either of these reserves falls below the minimum percentage threshold established above, the minimum balance(s) shall be restored in subsequent fiscal years by budgeting at least 1% of UUCA?s total operating budget toward each reserve until the minimum threshold is reached.
1. The Board of Trustees shall establish and/or dissolve Councils as needed to develop the missions and programs required to carry out the Vision of the Congregation as defined by the Long-Range Plan.
2. It shall be the responsibility of each Council to develop its mission(s) and implement the programs needed to achieve the Vision.
3. Each Council shall make periodic reports to the Board of Trustees as requested, and at the end of the leadership year shall present to the Board a written annual report summarizing the year?s activities.
4. Each Council shall be headed by a lay director appointed by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees, having been nominated in accordance with Article VIII Section A.2.d of these bylaws. Appointees are selected by the outgoing Board for one-year terms, with additional terms at the discretion of the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee and the Board. Council directors shall be members of UUCA.
5. It shall be the responsibility of each Council to organize itself, its committees, and its activities to meet its missions, as long as each Council operates under the democratic principles inherent within these bylaws and follows Policies and Procedures as established by the Board of Trustees. No Council action or decision, or any part thereof, shall be construed to be binding on the Congregation, unless ratified by the Board or agreed to by a vote of the Congregation.
6. It shall be the responsibility of each Council to prepare an annual budget for the operation of its program area by submitting a budget request then managing the allocation approved by the congregation at the annual budget meeting.
Called ministers of the Congregation shall be ministers in fellowship with the UUA.
Section A. Senior Minister
1. Selection
(a) Recommendations for a candidate for a new Senior Minister shall be made by a Search Committee.
(b) The proposed letter of agreement (or covenant) between a Senior Minister and the Congregation shall be made available to the congregation, prior to the business meeting at which the vote to call the Senior Minister is taken.
(c) A Senior Minister shall be chosen by a secret ballot vote of at least three-quarters (3/4) of the voting members present at a business meeting of the Congregation.
2. Free Pulpit. A Senior Minister shall enjoy a free pulpit in accordance with the tradition of Unitarian Universalism, and shall be accorded freedom to speak the truth, as the Senior Minister understands it, in the Congregation and the community.
3. Responsibilities
(a) A Senior Minister shall provide religious leadership and pastoral care for the Congregation and shall have the responsibility for Sunday services.
(b) A Senior Minister shall direct the ministerial and lay staff and be responsible for hiring and dismissal of non-ministerial staff.
(c) A Senior Minister shall provide guidance and support to the Councils to help them define and meet their missions. The Senior Minister may delegate this responsibility with the advice and consent of the Board of Trustees
(d) A Senior Minister shall make a report to the Congregation at annual meetings.
(e) A Senior Minister shall bring to the Board of Trustees all matters which the Senior Minister deems necessary and proper.
4. Termination
(a) A Senior Minister shall give a minimum of two months? notice when resigning, unless waived by the Board of Trustees.
(b) A Senior Minister may be dismissed only by majority vote, by secret ballot, of the voting members present at a business meeting of the Congregation called for that purpose. In the event of a vote to dismiss, the Senior Minister shall be given a minimum of three months notice, or, in place of notice, a minimum of the equivalent of three months salary.
Section B. Associate Minister
1. Selection
(a) Recommendations for a candidate for a new Associate Minister shall be made by a Search Committee.
(b) The proposed letter of agreement (or covenant) between an Associate Minister and the Congregation shall be made available to the congregation, prior to the business meeting at which the vote to call the Associate Minister is taken.
(c) An Associate Minister shall be chosen, with the concurrence of the Senior Minister, by a secret ballot vote of at least three-quarters (3/4) of the members present at a business meeting of the Congregation.
2. Free Pulpit. An Associate Minister shall enjoy a free pulpit in accordance with the tradition of Unitarian Universalism, and shall be accorded freedom to speak the truth, as the Associate Minister understands it, in the Congregation and the community.
3. Responsibilities
(a) The duties of an Associate Minister shall be determined by the Senior Minister with the approval of the Board of Trustees. The Associate Minister shall report regularly to the Senior Minister.
(b) An Associate Minister shall make a report to the Congregation at annual meetings.
4. Termination
(a) An Associate Minister shall give a minimum of two months? notice when resigning, unless waived by the Senior Minister with concurrence of the majority of the Board of Trustees.
(b) An Associate Minister may be dismissed only by majority vote, by secret ballot, of the voting members present at a business meeting of the Congregation called for that purpose. In the event of a vote to dismiss, an Associate Minister shall be given a minimum of three months notice, or, in place of notice, a minimum of the equivalent of three months salary.
Section C. Assistant Minister
1. An Assistant Minister shall be recommended to the Board of Trustees by the Senior Minister and, upon approval of the Board, shall be hired by the Board.
2. An Assistant Minister shall enjoy a free pulpit in accordance with the tradition of Unitarian Universalism, and is accorded freedom to speak the truth, as the Assistant Minister understands it, in the Congregation and the community.
3. The Senior Minister shall determine the duties of an Assistant Minister.
4. An Assistant Minister shall give a minimum of two months notice when resigning, unless this requirement is waived by the Senior Minister with concurrence of the Board of Trustees.
5. An Assistant Minister may be dismissed upon the recommendation of the Senior Minister with the concurrence of the Board of Trustees. In the event of dismissal, the Assistant Minister shall be given a minimum of three months notice, or, in place of notice, a minimum of three months salary.
ARTICLE XV. DISSOLUTION OF THE CONGREGATION
The Congregation may be dissolved only upon a 2/3 majority vote of voting members present at a business meeting of the Congregation. If so dissolved, the ownership of all of the property of the Congregation, whether it be real or personal property, shall be transferred to the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), on the understanding that said property shall be divided by the UUA among UUA-affiliated congregations in the Atlanta metropolitan area. This article shall apply to all property donated to the Congregation, whether by will or in some other manner, unless the donor expressly provides otherwise. It shall be the duty and obligation of the officers and trustees of the Congregation, before its dissolution, to take all necessary action to carry out the provisions of this Article.
These bylaws may be amended only by vote of two-thirds of the voting members present at a business meeting of the Congregation. The proposed amendments shall have been incorporated into notice of the meeting given at least 18 days prior to the meeting.
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