PROPOSED DRAFT CONSTITUTION OF AFRICA METHODIST COUNCIL

PREAMBLE TO THE CHARTER

INTRODUCTION

1. This document is the constitution (the Constitution) of the Africa Methodist Council (hereinafter referred to as the Council).

• The Council is a Pan African association of Methodist, Wesleyan, and related Uniting and United Churches, which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the Holy Bible, and therefore seek to fulfill together their common calling to the glory of one God, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

• This Constitution defines the basic principles and aims of the Council, the vision and mission of the Council, the membership, structure, constituent groups, meetings and finance as well as other formal matters.

PURPOSE OF THE COUNCIL

The Council is constituted by Methodist churches within Africa. The primary purpose of the Council is to glorify God by obeying the Great Commandment to love God and man (Matthew 22: 36-40) and the Great Commission of witness and service to all nations, that they may believe (Matthew 28: 18- 20). The process is designed to:

1. produce disciples of Jesus Christ, which involves encouraging Methodist unity in witness and facilitating mission in Africa;
2. foster ecumenical and inter-religious activities which will enhance Methodism within Africa by:
   1. fostering  the  fellowship  of  the  member  churches  and  the  coherence  of  one ecumenical Methodism movement;
   1. nurture relationships among member churches;
   1. establish  and  maintain  relations with  other  national,  regional  and  international Methodist councils, organisations and bodies.
3. promote the unity of the Methodist Strands in Africa in order to showcase the African Identity through the Wesleyan movement;
4. foster renewal and growth in unity, worship, mission and service.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God and as the only basis for our beliefs.

CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL

1.1.             Name

1. The name of this organization shall be Africa Methodist Council.
   1. This Constitution defines the principles and rules governing the Council’s affairs and defines the powers of the constituent bodies as well as the roles and positions defined within.
   1. All other Council documents are subordinate to this Constitution.
   1. The Council is autonomous and maintains the right to govern its own affairs, independent of control by any member church.

1.2.          Power

The Council has power to do anything which is calculated to further its Purpose/Object(s) or is conducive or incidental to doing so. The powers of the Council shall include:

1. To facilitate the co-operative work of the Member Churches of the African Methodist Communion;
   1. To share information about developments in one or more provinces of the African Methodist Communion with the other parts of the Communion and to serve as needed as an instrument of common action;
   1. To advise on inter-African Methodist, provincial, and diocesan relationships, including the division of provinces, the formation of new provinces and of regional councils, and the problems of extra-provincial dioceses;
   1. To develop as far as possible agreed Methodist policies in the world mission of the Methodist Church and to encourage Methodist churches in Africa to engage together in developing and implementing such policies by sharing their resources of manpower, money, and experience to the best advantage of all;
   1. To establish, authorize, sponsor, or otherwise endorse (as the case may require) such commissions, networks or similar bodies as shall advance the Council’s purpose.
   1. To keep before national and regional Methodist the importance of the fullest possible Methodist collaboration amongst Methodist churches within Africa;
   1. To encourage and guide African Methodist churches in participation in the ecumenical movement  and the ecumenical  organisations;
   1. To co-operate with the World Methodist Council, World Council of Churches and the world confessional bodies on behalf of the African Methodist communion;
   1. To advise on matters arising out of national or regional church union negotiations or conversations  and on subsequent  relations with united Churches;
   1. To keep in review the needs that may arise for further study, and where necessary, to promote Inquiry and research;
   1. To establish an emergency fund or funds for the support of clergy and lay church workers and their dependents in special need and for other religious and humanitarian purposes in Africa;
   1. To procure to be written in print, publish, issue and circulate gratuitously or otherwise any reports or periodicals, books, pamphlets, leaflets or other documents.
   1. To receive and hold in custody, or cause to be held in custody, any records or legal or historical documents of any member church;

1. To establish or support any charitable trusts, associations or institutions formed for any of the charitable purposes included in the purpose or object of the Council;
   1. To raise funds, appeal for, obtain, collect, receive and hold money, funds and property, old and new, by way of contributions, donations, subscriptions, legacies, grants and any other lawful method and accept and receive gifts of property of any description (whether subject to any special trust or not);
   1. To undertake and execute any charitable trusts which may lawfully be undertaken by the Council and to assist any charitable body or bodies financially or otherwise;
   1. To invest the moneys of the Council not immediately required for its purposes in or upon such investments, securities or  property as may be thought fit, subject nevertheless to such conditions (if any) as may for the time being be imposed or required by law and subject also as hereinafter provided)
   1. To payout of the funds of the Council the costs, charges and expenses associated with the operation of the Council, fulfillments of its objects and purpose, and any other lawful purpose permitted by this Constitution;
   1. To set aside income as a reserve against future expenditure but only in accordance with a written policy about reserves;
   1. To employ and remunerate such staff as are necessary for carrying out the work of the Council;
   1. To do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the purpose, objects and functions of the Council.

CHAPTER 2 – ORGANISATION STRUCTURE OF THE COUNCIL

• The Council shall discharge its functions through a General Assembly, Head of Churches Committee, an Executive Committee, and such other subordinate bodies as may be established.
  • THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
    • The General Assembly shall be the supreme legislative body governing the Council, and shall ordinarily meet at four-year intervals.
    • The Assembly shall be composed of official representatives of the member churches, known as delegates and alternate delegates, elected by the member churches. The appointed delegates and alternate delegates of the member churches need not be ordained but may also include lay people duly nominated by the relevant member church.
    • The General Assembly shall be an expression of the living fellowship of member churches and shall strengthen the Methodist movement within Africa. The functions of the General Assembly shall be to:
      • Elect the President and [four (4) vice-Presidents] of the Council;
      • Elect the General Secretary of the Council.
      • Elect persons to the Executive Committee, provided that the members of the Executive Committee shall at all time, not exceed [fifty (50) persons]. Persons appointed to the Executive Committee shall be selected from among the delegates which the member churches have elected to the General Assembly. In appointing persons to the Executive Committee, the General Assembly shall ensure reasonable geographical and cultural balance; distribution among church officials, ordained persons and lay persons; among men, women and young people; and participation by persons whose special knowledge and experience will be needed.
      • Determine the overall policies of the Council and to review programmes undertaken to implement policies previously adopted.
      • Delegate to the Executive Committee specific functions, except that the power to amend this Constitution and to elect the members of the Executive Committee shall reside solely in the General Assembly and cannot be delegated.
      • Exercise all such powers and perform all such acts as may be necessary to give effect to the functions set out in this Clause 2.2.3.

Meetings of the General Assembly

• In addition to the delegates and alternate delegates, who alone have the right to vote at meetings of the General Assembly, the following categories of persons may attend meetings of the General Assembly, with the right to speak, but not participate in decision making:
  • The President and Vice-presidents of the Council;
    • The General Secretary of the Council;
    • Advisers who are members of member churches and who have a special contribution to make to the General Assembly, provided that before an

invitation is extended to an adviser who is a member of a member church, that church shall be consulted;

1. Persons officially designated as delegated representatives by organisations with which the Council maintains relationships.
   1. In addition to the persons listed in Clause 2.2.4, the following categories of persons may attend meetings of the General Assembly without the right to speak or to participate in decision making:
      1. Persons identified with organisations or non-member churches with which the Council maintains a relationship and which are not represented by delegated representatives.
      1. Guests (persons named individually).

Proceedings of the General Assembly

• The proceedings of the General Assembly shall be carried out in different decision sessions.
  • The agenda for the General Assembly shall be proposed by the Executive Committee at the first decision session of the General Assembly. Any delegate or alternate delegate may propose changes to the agenda. A change proposed by a delegate or alternate delegate shall be implemented if majority of the delegates or alternate delegates present at the General Assembly vote in favour of the proposed change.
  • At the first decision session of the General Assembly, the outgoing Executive Committee shall present its report which must include an accounting of its work since the previous assembly and also shall present its proposals to the General Assembly as it deems fit. Such proposals may include the appointment of other committees for the Council, their membership and functions.
  • At the first or second decision session of the General Assembly, the delegates shall elect a nominations committee from the official church delegates to the General Assembly. Nominations for membership of the nominations committee may be made in writing by any six (6) concurring delegates. The nominations committee shall include balanced representation of the membership of the General Assembly and representation of the major interest of the Council. No person serving on the nominations committee of the General Assembly shall be eligible for nominations as President of the Council, Vice-president of the Council, General Secretary of the Council or a member of the Executive Committee of the Council.
  • The nominations committee shall make nominations for the following:
    • The President and Vice-presidents of the Council;
    • The General Secretary of the Council;
    • The members of the Executive Committee.
  • In making nominations, the nominations committee shall have regard to the following principles:
    • The personal qualifications of the individual for the task for which he or she is to be nominated;
    • Fair and adequate geographical and cultural representation;
    • Fair and adequate representation of the major interests of the Council.
  • The nominations committee shall satisfy itself as to the general acceptability of the nominations to the churches to which the nominee belongs.

• The nominations committee shall secure adequate representation of lay persons, and adequate balance of men, women, young people, so far as the composition of the assembly makes this possible.
  • The nominations committee shall present its nominations to the General Assembly. Alternative nominations may be made in writing by any six (6) delegates from at least three member churches, provided that each such alternative nominee shall be proposed as an alternative to a particular nominee.
  • Elections at the General Assembly shall be by ballot unless the assembly otherwise determines.
  • The Quorum for the conduct of any business by the General Assembly shall be one- half of its members.

• EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
  • The Executive Committee shall be the governing body of the Council.
  • The Executive Committee shall be accountable to the General Assembly of the Council, and shall present to each General Assembly a report of its work.

Functions of the Executive Committee

• The Executive Committee shall have the primary responsibility and authority to:
  • Carry our the vision and policies of the General Assembly and to determine and develop the strategies to do so.
    • Monitor programmes and activities of the Council, and, when necessary, direct that activities are initiated or terminated.
    • Promote the values of the Methodist ecumenical movement.
    • Deepen the fellowship of member churches, and consider and implement opportunities for fulfilling together the common calling that is the basis of membership.
    • Seek to provide coherence to the Methodist movement in Africa.
    • Advocate for and interpret the work of the Council, especially in their respective nations and regions.
    • Provide opportunities for consultation among Methodist churches in Africa, on issues of mutual concern.
    • Be responsible for elaborating institutional and programmatic strategic plans based on the policies adopted by the General Assembly and for ensuring their implementation.
    • Oversee the finances of the Council, ensuring its financial stability, overseeing the investments, encouraging income development, approving the budget, and if necessary, imposing limitations on expenditures; provided that the executive committee upon approval of the annual financial report and accounts, shall send the annual financial report and accounts and budget to the member churches.
    • Manage risk, assessing risks to the Council (including financial risk) and ensure that strategies are in place to handle risk.
    • Make provision for the employment of employees of the Council and determine remuneration of employees/staff of the Council (if any) and the terms of employment of such employees/staff.

• Organize itself into committees, sub-committees and working groups.
  • Monitor resource management, assuring that the  human, physical and financial resources the Council needs are available and properly employed
    • Adopt and amend by-laws for the conduct of business of the Council or the functioning of the Committees of the Council, provided that such by-laws must not be inconsistent with this Constitution.
    • To elect the President and Vice-president(s) of the Executive Committee, from among the members of the Executive Committee.
    • To initiate and terminate programmes and to set priorities for the work of the Council, within the policies adopted by the General Assembly.
    • Constitute Sub-regional Committees within each of the regions within African and elect the President, Vice-President and Secretaries of the Sub- regional Committees and appoint persons to the Sub-regional Committees.
    • Determine and develop strategies to deliver the goals set by the General Assembly, including administrative, institutional policies for programmes and finance, and to secure financial support for the Council.
    • Determine the date and venue of the meetings of the General Assembly, provided that the Executive Committee shall ensure that the General Assembly is held every four (4) years.
    • Plan for the meetings of the General Assembly, make provision for the conduct of business of the General Assembly.
    • Enhance the Council’s contact with leadership of the Methodist churches in their nation and region.
    • Receive reports from the General Secretary of his or her leadership and management of the Council and hold the General Secretary accountable for the work of the staff, that the programmes and activities of the Council have remained consistent with the constitution and the defined self- understanding and ethos of the Council.
    • Issue statements on any issue or concern with which the Council or its member churches may be confronted.
    • Delegate any of its functions or powers to the Sub-regional Committee or any other committee established by the Council, or to any employee of the Council upon such terms and conditions as the Executive Committee may decide.
    • Exercise such functions as may be delegated by the General Assembly to the Executive Committee.
    • Exercise all such powers and perform all such acts as may be necessary to give effect to the functions set out in this Clause 2.3.3.

Finances

• The Executive Committee shall no later than sixty (60) days before the end of the year, submit its annual budget for the following year to the Head of the Churches Committee for its review.
  • The Executive Committee shall no later than sixty (60) days after the start of a year, submit its financial statement for the preceding year to the Head of Churches Committee for its review.

• If ten (10) members of the Head of Churches Committee have concerns arising out of either the financial statements, or the budget, they shall make known their concerns to the General Secretary and the Executive Committee in writing, within 45 days of the sending of the financial statements and the budget. In that event, with regard to any concern related to the financial statements, the Executive Committee shall be required to respond to that concern. With regard to any concern related to the budget, the Executive Committee shall reconsider that item. The Executive Committee’s decision on reconsideration shall be final.

Composition

• The Executive Committee shall be made up of not more than fifty (50) members (including the President, Vice-President and General Secretary of the Council).
  • The Executive Committee shall be composed of:
    • the President of the Council;
    • the vice-Presidents of the Council;
    • Chairman of the Heads of Churches Committee;
    • the General Secretary of the Council;
    • Such persons as may be appointed to the Executive Committee by the General Assembly, provided that persons appointed to the Executive Committee shall be evenly distributed among church officials, ordained persons and lay persons; among men, women and young people; and participation by persons whose special knowledge and experience will be needed.
  • A vacancy in the membership of the Executive Committee, occurring between meetings of the General Assembly shall be filled by the Executive Committee itself, after consultation with the church of which the person previously occupying the position was a member.
  • If a member of the Executive Committee is unable to attend a meeting, the church to which the absent member belongs shall have the right to send a substitute. Such substitute shall have the right to speak and to participate in decision- making. If a member of the Executive Committee, or his or her substitute is absent without excuse for two (2) consecutive meetings, the position shall be declared vacant, and the Executive Committee shall fill the vacancy in accordance with Clause 2.3.5.
  • In addition to the members of the Executive Committee, the following persons shall entitled to attend meeting of the Executive Committee, shall have the right to speak but not to participate in decision-making:
    • any  member   church,   not  already  represented, may  send   one   (1) representative to the meetings of the Executive Committee;
    • Advisers for the Executive Committee may be invited by the Executive Committee after consultation with the churches of which they are members;
    • Moderators        and     vice-moderators        of     committees,       commissions        and consultative bodies who are not members of the Executive Committee;
    • Regional ecumenical Methodist organizations invited to send an adviser to meetings of the Executive Committee; and

• Staff of the Council appointed by the Executive Committee to attend the relevant meeting.

Leadership

• The Executive Committee shall elect from among its members a President (the “President”) and a vice-President or vice-Presidents to serve for such period as it shall determine, normally for terms that coincide with the terms of the Executive Committee from General Assembly to General Assembly.
  • The President of the Executive Committee shall be the chief governance officer of the Council and have primary responsibility for assuring the coherence of the work of the Executive Committee and for assuring that the ethos of consensus characterizes all aspects of the governance of the Council.
  • The President of the Executive Committee shall have primary responsibility for chairing sessions of the Executive Committee, sharing this role with the Vice- moderator(s). The President of the Executive Committee, in consultation with the Vice-President of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary of the Council may delegate responsibility for moderating specific sessions of the Executive Committee to one of the Presidents or to members of the Executive Committee with specific expertise.
  • The President, Vice-President(s) of the Executive Committee and General Secretary together shall lead the planning of the meetings of the Executive Committee. Together they shall identify issues that belong to the Executive Committee for discernment and decision or further action. They shall assure that sessions and committees of the Executive Committee have appropriate leadership and resources (information and time) to enter into the process and ethos of consensus discernment, and that the sessions and committees of the Executive Committee have sufficient resources and expertise to undertake all responsibilities that have been delegated to the Executive Committee.
  • The President, Vice-President(s) of the Executive Committee and session moderators shall: (i) encourage the participants in meetings to challenge one another and the member churches to deepen their fellowship and mutual accountability; (ii) ensure that the meetings foster the common understanding and vision of the Council; (iii) cultivate the ethos and facilitate the process of consensus discernment, and (iv) help to foster coherence within the ecumenical movement.
  • The General Secretary of the Council shall be secretary of the Executive Committee, and shall have the right to participate in all sessions of the Executive Committee, except when discussing a topic related to him or her, but shall not vote.

Meetings

• The Executive Committee shall ordinarily meet during or immediately following the General Assembly during which it was elected (the “organizing meeting”), approximately six (6) months following the General Assembly, and thereafter at approximately one (1) year intervals. The General Secretary shall convene the organizing meeting. The Executive Committee shall be discharged when its report has been received by the subsequent General Assembly.
  • The Executive Committee shall determine the dates and places of its meetings and of the General Assembly.

• The General Secretary may call an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee whenever it deems such a meeting desirable and shall do so upon the request in writing of one-third or more of the members of the Executive Committee.
  • The General Secretary shall take all possible steps to ensure that there is adequate representation present from each geographical areas of the membership of the Council and of the major interests of the Council.

Quorum

• The Quorum for the conduct of any business by the Executive Committee shall be one-half of its members.

Committees of the Executive Committee

• The Executive Committee shall elect standing committees to:
  • undertake specific mandates of remits to be completed within a specific timeline; or
    • advise the Executive Committee on any questions arising which call for special consideration or action by the Executive Committee.
  • The composition of such ad hoc committees shall  be proposed by the  General Secretary of the Council, having regard to the following principles:
    • the personal expertise of the individual for the task for which he or she is to be nominated;
    • fair and adequate geographical and cultural representation;
    • fair and adequate representation of the major interests of the Council;
    • the general acceptability of the nominations to the churches to which the nominees belong;
    • fair and adequate representation of lay persons, indigenous peoples, and differently-abled people, and balance of men, women and young people.
  • In addition to the foregoing, with respect to the election of members of committees, commissions and consultative bodies, the Executive Committee shall consider the representative character of the combined membership of all such committees in relation to the member churches, giving due regard to the broadest feasible representation of member churches.
  • OTHER COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
    • The Executive Committee shall appoint sub-committees, which shall meet during meetings of the Executive Committee, and which shall advise the Executive Committee in exercising its authority and responsibility. Unless otherwise specified, the Executive Committee shall designate a moderator for each sub-committee. The subcommittee/s may include one or more advisors, who shall advise but not participate in decision-making. The sub-committees shall include the following:
      • Programme sub-committees which shall assist the Executive Committee in ensuring implementation of the strategic programmatic objectives set by the Executive Committee; initiate and terminating projects and activities; monitoring and overseeing the ongoing programs, projects and activities, including the task of the allocation of resources; providing for and making recommendations for regular evaluation of programmes, projects and activities in light of strategic objectives set by the Executive Committee.

1. Finance sub-committee which shall recommend the annual appointment of the auditor; recommend for approval the annual budget for the following financial year and the capital expenditure budget; recommending for approval the framework budget for the year after the following financial year; monitoring the implementation  of the income and fund-raising strategy; monitoring adherence to the approved budget, and recommending corrective actions if necessary; making proposals for long-term financial goals and strategy for consideration by the finance policy committee; considering and recommending accounting policies for adoption; monitoring adherence to policies issued by General Assembly, including those governing general reserves and investments; ensuring the proposed loans, guarantees, pledges and any other unusual transactions are presented for approval by Executive Committee to the Head of Churches Committee; ensuring compliance with laws and regulations concerning financial transactions, including the requirement to maintain a documented system of internal controls; and receive the report of the statutory auditor and recommend approval of the financial statements.
   1. Personnel, Staffing and Nominations sub-committee, which shall undertake oversight of recruitment and staffing matters.
   1. Any such committee shall, unless the General Assembly otherwise directs, inform the Head of Churches Committee and Executive Committee about its work and shall make its report or recommendations to the General Assembly.
   1. PRESIDENT & VICE-PRESIDENTS
      1. The General Assembly shall elect one President and up to [four (4)] Vice-presidents of the Council.
      1. The President and Vice-presidents should be persons whose ecumenical experience and standing is widely recognized by the member churches in their respective regions.
      1. By virtue of office, the President and Vice-presidents will be members of the Executive Committee.
      1. The President shall serve as the moderator of sessions of the General Assembly and may be invited to moderate sessions of the Executive Committee.
      1. The Executive Committee may invite the President and Vice-presidents to undertake certain tasks or reflections and report back to the Executive Committee.
      1. The term of office of the President and Vice-presidents shall end at the end of the next assembly following his or her election, provided that any President or Vice- president who in the opinion of the Executive Committee is guilty of any practice or proceeding likely to bring discredit upon the Council, may be removed from office by majority vote of the Executive Committee.
      1. Should a vacancy occur between General Assemblies, the Executive Committee may elect a President or Vice-president (as the case may be) to fill the unexpired term.
      1. A President or Vice-presidents who has been elected by the General Assembly or by the Executive Committee to fill a vacancy shall not be eligible for election for a second consecutive  term      of                                                 office.

• SECRETARY GENERAL
  • The General Secretary shall be appointed by the General Assembly at such remuneration and upon such conditions as they may think fit.
  • The General Secretary shall be a full time appointee of the Council who possesses necessary spiritual, administrative and technical competencies.
  • The General Secretary will be elected to serve for a single term of four (4) years at each General Assembly, so that at the General Assembly following that at which the General Secretary was elected, the General Secretary shall retire and another shall be appointed to serve as the General Secretary until the next General Assembly.
  • The Executive Committee shall have the power to remove any General Secretary on grounds of non-performance or incapacitation or fraud or if the General Secretary is guilty of any practice or proceeding likely to bring discredit upon the Council and the Executive Committee shall appoint an interim General Secretary to serve until the next General Assembly. An interim General Secretary so appointed shall not be eligible for election at the next General Assembly.
  • The Executive Committee shall determine the remuneration of the General Secretary.
  • The Secretary-General shall be available to serve as Secretary as the President of the Council shall require, at meetings of the Prelates and the World Methodist Conference.
  • The duties of the Secretary shall comprise:
    • giving notification of all meetings of the General Assembly and Executive Committee, in such time as may be prescribed by the Executive Committee;
    • preparing the agenda of meetings, table correspondence and record the attendance of all persons present;
    • ensuring that minutes are kept of all meetings of the General Assembly and Executive Committee. For the avoidance of doubt the outgoing General Secretary shall be responsible for the minutes of the General Assembly at which such General Secretary retires. Upon completion, the minutes shall be handed over to the incoming General Secretary;
    • maintaining and updating a draft agenda for all meetings of the General Assembly and Executive Committee and ensuring that all members are kept informed of this agenda;
    • coordinating the correspondence of the Council;
    • maintaining the register of members;
    • keeping custody, during the term of office, of all books, documents, records and registers of the Council. The custody of all records is to be transferred in full to the incoming General Secretary when a change of office occurs; and
    • performing such other duties as the Council may from time to time determine.

• THE HEADS OF CHURCH COMMITTEE
  • The Heads of Churches Committee shall comprise of the Heads of Methodist Churches in Africa.
  • They shall meet from time to time to:
    • Review the financial statement of the Council, submitted to it by the Executive Committee;
    • Review the budget submitted to it by the Executive Committee;
    • respond to issues as generated by the General Secretary and the Coordinating secretaries.
  • The Head of Churches Committee shall elect a Chairman and Vice President to oversee the Head of Churches Committee.
  • The President and Vice-President of the Head of Churches Committee shall serve a for single tenure of four (4) years and on rotational basis among the Sub-regions of East, West, central and Southern Africa
  • The Head of Churches Committee shall also appoint a sub-regional President and sub- regional Vice-President for each region within Africa. Sub-regional President and sub- regional Vice-Presidents so appointed shall serve a for single tenure of four (4) years
  • The Head of Churches Committee, by a majority vote, shall have the power to remove any President or Vice-President of the Head of Churches Committee or any Sub- regional President or Sub-regional Vice-president on grounds of non-performance or incapacitation or fraud or if such person is guilty of any practice or proceeding likely to bring discredit upon the Council
  • If there is any form of inability to continue in office arising on the side of the President of the Head of Churches Committee, the President of the sub region where the President of the Head of Churches Committee emerged shall complete the tenure.

• The Head of Churches Committee shall meet a minimum of twice a year or such number of times as may be required to enable it attend to issues requiring the attention of the Head of Churches Committee.
  • The Quorum for the conduct of any business by the Head of Churches Committee shall be one-half of its members.

• BUSINESS COMMITTEE OF THE ASSEMBLY
  • The Business Committee of the General assembly shall consist of the General Secretary, the President and Vice-president(s) of the outgoing Executive Committee, the President of the Council; the leader of the Head of Churches Committee, the moderators of assembly hearings and committees (who may appoint substitutes), plus ten persons nominated from the General Assembly delegates who are not members of the outgoing Executive Committee.

2.6.2        The Business Committee shall:

1. coordinate the day‐to‐day business of the General Assembly and may make proposals for rearrangement, modification, addition, deletion or substitution of items included on the agenda. Any such proposal shall be presented to the General Assembly at the earliest convenient time by a member of the Business Committee with reasons for the proposed change. After opportunity for discussion on the proposal, the moderator shall put the following question to the assembly: Shall the assembly approve the proposal of the business committee? The assembly shall decide the question by consensus or voting procedures. If decided according to voting procedures, then any proposed change must receive a two‐thirds (2/3) majority of those present to be adopted;
   1. consider any item of business or change in the agenda proposed to the Business Committee by a delegate;
   1. determine whether the General Assembly sits in general, hearing or decision session, in accordance with Chapter 4 of this Constitution;
   1. receive information from and review the reports of other committees in order to consider how best the assembly can act on them.

CHAPTER 3 – MEMBERSHIP

• The Council shall be comprised of churches in the Methodist /Wesleyan tradition, which have been admitted into membership and which continue to belong to the Council. The term Church as used in this Chapter could also include an association, convention or federation of autonomous churches.
  • A church that wishes to join the Council shall apply in writing to the General Secretary of the Council.
  • The General Secretary shall submit all such applications to the Executive Committee together with such information he or she considers necessary to enable the Executive Committee to make a decision on the application.

Criteria

• Churches applying to join the Council (the “Applicant Churches”) are required to first express agreement with the  basis on which the Council is founded and confirm their commitment to the Purpose and Statement of Faith set out in the Preamble to this Constitution.
  • Applicant churches should give account of how their faith and witness relate to these norms and practices:
    • In its life and witness, the church professes faith in the triune God according to the scriptures, and as this faith is reflected in the Methodist Creed.
    • The  church  maintains  a  ministry  of  proclaiming  the  gospel  and  celebrating the sacraments and doctrines of the Methodist church.
    • The church baptizes in the name of the one God, “Father, Son and Holy Spirit”.
    • The church produces evidence of sustained autonomous life and organization.
    • Evidence of the churches decision to apply for formal membership of the Council and continue to belong to the Council, without obtaining the permission of any other body or person.
    • Have ordinarily at lest [one hundred] members.
    • Recognise the essential interdependence of the member churches belonging to the Council, and make every effort to practice ecumenical relations with other member churches (particularly those within their country or region).
  • Before admitting a church to membership of the Council, the appropriate national council or regional organization shall be consulted.
  • The Executive Committee shall consider applications for membership according to the consensus model of decision making. The application shall be accepted for a specified interim period of participation in the work of the Council, and for interaction with other member churches. The member churches of the Council shall be constituted during the interim period. The Executive Committee shall assess whether a consensus of member churches has developed in favour of the application, in which event the applicant church shall be considered

a new member church. If there is no consensus, the Executive Committee shall deem the application rejected.

Withdrawal of Membership

• A church which desires to resign its membership shall give the Council a minimum of 2 (two) months’ notice in writing to the General Secretary of the Council (or such lesser period of notice as may be allowed by the Executive Committee). The notice shall express the member’s intention to withdraw from the Chamber.
  • Upon the expiry of the notice, the member concerned shall cease to be a member.
  • A church which has resigned but desires to re-join the Council must again apply for membership.

Suspension of Membership

• The Executive Committee may suspend the membership of a church: (i) at the church’s request; (ii) because the basis of or criteria for membership has not been maintained by that church; or (iii) because the church has persistently neglected its responsibilities of membership as described in this Constitution.
  • When the Executive Committee suspends the membership of a church, the General Secretary shall present progress reports to the Executive Committee until a solution is mutually agreed. Any decision about the membership status of the church shall be taken by the Executive Committee.

Responsibilities of Members

• Membership in the Council signifies faithfulness to the basis of the Council, fellowship in the Council, participation in the life and work of the Council and commitment to the ecumenical movement as integral to the mission of the church. Churches who are members of the Council are expected to:
  • Acceptance of the purpose and Constitution of the Council.
  • Appoint delegates to the General Assembly, the major policy making body of the Council, and participate with other member churches in shaping the ecumenical vision and the ecumenical agenda of the Council. Each member church shall ensure that its delegates are members of the relevant church and that the delegates are given appropriate opportunity to report the proceedings of the General Assembly to the decision-making body of the relevant church and to convey the views of such decision-making body to the General Assembly;
  • Informing the Council of their primary concerns, priorities, activities and constructive criticisms as they may relate to its programmes as well as any matters which they feel need expression of ecumenical solidarity or which merit the attention of the Council;

• Foster and encourage ecumenical relations and actin at all levels of their church life and pursue fellowship with other Council members locally, nationally, regionally and internationally;
  • Encourage participation in Council programs, activities and meeting, including:
    • Proposing persons who could make a particular contribution to and/or participate in the Council’s various committees, meetings, consultations, programmes, publication and staff;
    • Establishing links between their own programme offices and appropriate council programme offices;
    • Submitting materials for and promoting Council communications resources, books, periodicals and other publications
  • Respond to the decisions of the Executive Committee which call for study, action or other follow-up by the member churches as well as respond to requests on matters referred by the Executive Committee or the General Secretary for prayer, advice, information or opinion;
  • Make an annual financial contribution to the general budget of the Council, in such amount as shall be prescribed by the Executive Committee from time to time;
  • Participate in ways commensurate with their resources and in consultation with the Council, in assuming responsibility for the cost of the Council’s programmes and for expenses related to travel and accommodation of their representatives to Council events;
  • Actively participate in the Methodist national council in the country of the relevant member church;
  • Agree to and must abide by this Constitution. Members of the Council may not publicly forward ideas at variance with the Constitution without calling into question their continued membership of the Council;
  • The implication of a member not fulfilling its obligations shall be such as the Executive Committee shall decide.

Register of Members

• The General Secretary of the Council shall maintain a register of members detailing the names and particulars of each member church of the Council.
  • Information contained in the register of members, shall include but not be limited to:
    • the full name and address of each member church;
    • the full names of the delegates and alternate delegate, if any, of each member church; and
    • the date on which each member church is admitted to membership of the Council, and the date on which any member ceases to be a member and the reason therefore.

Membership Subscription

• The aggregate subscriptions payable for each financial year by each member church shall be determined by the Executive Committee from time to time.
  • The subscriptions payable by members in respect of each financial year shall be paid in advance or in arrears at such time or times or in such amount or amounts as the Executive Committee in its discretion may decide.
  • A member  church admitted after the commencement of a financial year shall pay as a subscription for such year such amount, not exceeding the subscription that would have been payable by such member for the whole year, as the Executive Committee may decide.

Delegates

• Within fourteen days of admission to membership of the Council, a member church shall by notice, in writing, lodged with the General Secretary of the Council, appoint a minimum of two

(2) delegates and such maximum number of delegates as may be prescribed by the Executive Committee of the Council, from time to time. Such notice shall contain the full names and address of the delegate concerned.

• Each member church shall be entitled, at any time, to appoint an alternate delegate, by notice, in writing, lodged with the General Secretary. Such notice shall contain the full names and address of the alternate representative concerned. Alternate delegates shall be entitled to attend the General Assembly if the delegate is unable to attend.
  • A member may withdraw the appointment of a delegate or alternate delegate, by notice in writing, lodged with the General Secretary and the member concerned shall appoint, within fourteen days thereafter appoint another delegate or alternate delegate in such delegate or alternate delegate’s place.

CHAPTER 4 – MEETINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

4.1   Sessions of the General Assembly

• The General Assembly shall sit in one of the following categories of sessions: general, hearing or decision. The General Secretary shall determine the category of session appropriate for different parts of the agenda.
  • General sessions shall be reserved for ceremonial occasions, public acts of witness and formal addresses. Only matters proposed by the Executive Committee shall be included in general sessions. No decisions shall be made during general sessions
    • Hearing sessions shall be designated for plenary presentations, discussion, dialogue, and exchange of ideas as a resource for developing understanding, deepening fellowship among member churches and coming to a common mind on matters on the agenda. A wide range of perspectives shall be encouraged during hearing sessions. No decisions shall be made during hearing sessions, other than to move to a decision session, if deemed necessary or to deal with a point of order or procedural proposals.
    • Decision sessions shall be designated for matters requiring a decision, including:
      • Adoption of the agenda;
      • Proposal for change in the agenda;
      • Appointment and elections;
      • Receptions or adoptions of reports or recommendations;
      • Actions to be taken on recommendations or proposals of committees or commissions, or arising out of hearing sessions;
      • Adoption of accounts and financial audits; and
      • Amendment of constitution of rules.

4.2   Moderating Sessions

• A moderator for each session of the General Assembly shall be designated before an assembly by the outgoing Executive Committee, as follows:
  • in general sessions the President or vice-President(s) of the Executive Committee shall preside;
    • in hearing sessions one of the President or vice-President(s) of the Executive Committee, or a delegate with specific expertise in the subject matter of the hearing, shall preside;
    • in decision sessions the President or vice-President(s) of the Executive Committee or delegate to the General Assembly who was a member of the outgoing Executive Committee shall preside.

• The role of session moderators shall be:
  • To convene the session, including announcing the category of the session;
    • to facilitate and encourage discussion and dialogue, for the exchange and development of ideas, and to assist the meeting to come to a common mind;
    • during decision sessions, to test any emerging agreement on a particular point and whether the meeting is ready to move to a decision by consensus;
    • in the event the category of session is to change during a session, to announce the change in category, providing a break in the session to  mark the change in category; and
    • to close the session.
  • The moderator shall consult with the recorder for  the session to ensure that the developing consensus is accurately noted any changes wording promptly made available to the General Assembly.
  • All moderators shall undertake specific training in conducting meetings based upon the consensus model of decision-making, as described in these rules and the accompanying guidelines.
  • The moderator of the assembly shall announce the opening, suspension and the adjournment of the assembly.

4.3               Official Minutes, Records and Reports

• The Business Committee shall appoint recorders from among delegates for each decision session. Their role shall be to follow the discussion of a decision session, to record the language of the emerging consensus, including final language of decisions taken, and to assist the moderator of the session in discerning an emerging consensus. Recorders shall also assist the moderator in ensuring that the final agreed wording of a proposal is translated and available to delegates before a decision is made.
  • The Business Committee shall appoint rapporteurs for each hearing session and for committee meetings for which official minutes are not maintained, to prepare a report of the meeting including major themes and specific proposals. A rapporteur appointed for a committee meeting shall function as a recorder of that meeting.
  • The Business Committee shall appoint minute-takers to record the official minutes of general, hearing and decision sessions of an General Assembly or any meeting for which formal minutes must be kept, and shall include a record of the discussion, motions and decisions. The minutes will normally incorporate by reference any report of the meeting. The minutes shall be signed by the moderator and the minute-taker for the session and shall be sent to the participants of the meeting. For all minutes other than minutes of the General Assembly, if there is no objection within six months from the sending of the minutes, the minutes shall be considered to be accepted. The

first full Executive Committee meeting following an assembly shall confirm the minutes of the assembly.

• Decision sessions shall produce official minutes, a record and/or report.
  • If, after the close of a meeting, a member church declares that it cannot support a decision of the meeting, the member church may submit its objection in writing and have its position recorded in the minutes or report of a subsequent meeting. The decision itself shall not be rescinded by this action.

4.4               Agenda

• Matters may be included on the agenda of a meeting and procedures established by the Business Committees, and any other committee established by the Executive Committee for that purpose. Normally, matters included on an agenda will be based upon reports, recommendations or proposals that previously have been fully considered and have the consensus support of the proposing group or committee.
  • The business committee shall ensure that the moderator is advised before each session, and if appropriate during breaks within a session, as to the conduct of the business and the priority of various agenda items.
  • A delegate may propose to the Business Committee an item of business to be included on, or any change in, the agenda. If after consideration the Business Committee has not agreed to the proposal, the delegate may appeal the decision to the moderator of the assembly in writing. The moderator shall at a convenient time inform the assembly of the proposal, and a member of the Business Committee shall explain the reasons for this refusal. The delegate may give reasons for proposing it. The moderator shall then without further debate put the following question: Shall the assembly accept this proposal? If the assembly agrees to accept the proposal, the Business Committee as soon as possible shall bring proposals for the inclusion of the matter or the change in the agenda.

4.5               Speaking

• In hearing sessions, participants wishing to speak either may submit to the moderator a written request or may queue at the microphones when the moderator so invites, but may speak only when called by the moderator.
  • In decision sessions of the General Assembly or an Executive Committee, only delegates may speak. Delegates wishing to speak either may submit to the moderator a written request or may queue at the microphones when the moderator so invites, but may speak only when called by the moderator.
  • In sessions of committees and advisory bodies where both hearing and decision may take place, participants who are not delegates have the right to speak but not to take part in decision-making.
  • The moderator shall decide who shall speak, ensuring that a fair distribution of opinions is heard, and may take advice on the order of speakers from a small sub-

committee of the Business Committee. If time allows and others are not left unheard, the moderator may permit speakers to intervene more than once.

• When called by the moderator, a speaker shall speak from a microphone, first stating his or her name, church, country, and role at the meeting, and shall address all remarks to the moderator.
  • Remarks will normally be limited to three minutes; however, the moderator may use discretion in allowing extra time if there is a difficulty in language or interpretation or if the issues being discussed are unusually complex.
  • Procedural proposals – hearing or decision sessions: Provided that a speaker is not interrupted, a delegate may ask for clarification of the pending matter or may raise suggestions about procedure. The moderator immediately shall provide clarification or respond to the suggestion for change of procedure.
  • Points of order – hearing or decision sessions: This provision is available to question whether procedures being followed are in accordance with these rules, to object to offensive language, to make a point of personal explanation, or to request that a meeting move to closed session. Points of order may be raised by a participant at any time, even by interrupting another speaker. A participant gains the attention of the moderator by standing and calling, “point of order!” The moderator shall ask the participant to state the point of order and then (without discussion) shall rule on it immediately.
  • If any delegate disagrees with the moderator’s decision on a procedural proposal or point of order, the delegate may appeal against it. In this case the moderator will put this question, without discussion, to the meeting: “Does the meeting concur with the decision of the moderator?” The delegates present shall decide the question according to the decision-making procedures then being employed.

4.6               Reaching Consensus

• Consensus shall be understood as seeking the common mind of the meeting without resort to a formal vote, in a process of genuine dialogue that is respectful, mutually supportive and empowering, whilst prayerfully seeking to discern God’s will.
  • Decisions will normally be by consensus, unless otherwise specified by the Constitution. A consensus decision on a particular matter shall be recorded when one of the following occurs: i. all delegates are in agreement (unanimity); or ii. most are in agreement and those who disagree are satisfied that the discussion has been both full and fair and do not object that the proposal expresses the general mind of the meeting.
  • A consensus decision shall mean that there is agreement about the outcome of a discussion. This may mean agreement to accept a proposal or a variation of a proposal; it also may mean agreement about another outcome, including agreement to reject a proposal, to postpone a matter, that no decision can be reached, or that

there are various opinions that may be held. When consensus has been reached that various opinions can be held concerning a matter, those various opinions shall be recorded in the final wording of the minutes and the report and the record of the meeting.

Decision-Making by Consensus

• A proposal or recommendation considered in a decision session may be affirmed, modified or rejected. Delegates may suggest modifications, and the moderator may allow discussion on more than one modification at a time. Reaching a common mind may require a series of steps, if there is a variety of opinions being expressed. As discussion proceeds, the moderator may ask the meeting to affirm what is held in common before encouraging discussion on those aspects of a proposal about which more diverse opinions have been voiced.

• To assist the moderator in discerning the mind of the meeting and to move efficiently towards consensus, the recorder of the session shall maintain a record of the discussion. Delegates may be provided with indicator cards to facilitate participation.
  • A delegate or the moderator may suggest that the matter under discussion be referred for further work to an appropriate group holding a range of points of view. This suggestion itself shall be tested to discern the mind of the meeting. If agreed, the business committee shall schedule consideration of the matter for a later session.
  • When it seems that the meeting is close to agreement on an outcome, the moderator shall ensure that the wording of the proposal (or the proposal as varied during the course of the discussion) is clear to all delegates, and then test whether there is consensus on that outcome. If all are agreed, the moderator shall declare that consensus has been reached and the decision made. If the meeting is not unanimous, the moderator shall invite those who hold a minority view to explain their reasons if they wish and to indicate whether they can agree with a decision. If so, consensus shall be declared.
  • If, after every effort has been made to reach consensus, agreement cannot be reached and it is the opinion of an officer or the Business Committee that a decision must be made before the meeting concludes, the moderator shall ask the Business Committee to formulate a proposal for how the matter may be considered again in a new form. At the later decision session where this new approach is considered, the meeting itself shall decide whether a decision must be made at this meeting, and, if so, shall proceed on any one of the following courses, which may be followed sequentially:
    • To work further towards consensus on the proposal in its new form;
    • To work to reach agreement amongst most delegates with some delegates recording an objection, in which event a meeting shall record acceptance of the proposal, providing that each delegate who does  not agree  is

satisfied with that outcome and has the right to have his or her viewpoint recorded in the minutes, in the report, and in the record of the meeting; or

1. To move into voting procedures to decide the matter.
   1. When a meeting discusses by consensus procedures a matter for which decision must be reached at that meeting and there is no ready agreement, the moderator may offer a procedural proposal: “That the meeting resolve the proposal now by vote”. The moderator shall announce that a vote to decide this change of procedure shall be taken. Delegates shall indicate by voting whether they agree that the matter shall be decided by a vote. If 85 percent of delegates present vote in favour of moving the matter to a voting process, the matter shall so move. If fewer than 85 percent of delegates present vote in favour of moving the matter to a voting process, the matter shall not so move, and the meeting shall decide, again by vote of 85 percent of delegates present, whether discussion should continue to achieve consensus or whether discussion should be discontinued.

4.7               Decision-making by vote

• Some matters require decision by vote, rather than by consensus. These include: i.
  • constitutional changes (two-thirds majority);
    • elections (simple majority);
    • selection of the venue of the General Assembly (simple majority);
    • adoption of yearly accounts, financial audit reports and appointment of the auditors (simple majority).
  • For matters that have been moved from consensus procedures to decision-making by vote in accordance with Clause 4.1.32, and for matters reserved to a voting procedure according to Clause 41.33 of this section, the following procedures shall be followed:
    • All motions must be moved and seconded by a delegate, and the mover has the right to speak first.
    • In discussion following the seconding of a motion, no delegate may speak more than once, except that the delegate who moved the motion may answer objections at the end of the discussion.
    • Any delegate may move an amendment, and if a seconder supports it, the amendment shall be considered simultaneously with the original proposal.
    • When discussion is concluded, including the right of the mover to reply, the moderator shall call for the vote and shall put any amendment first. If approved, it will be incorporated in the original proposal, which will then be put to the vote without further discussion.
    • If the mover seeks to withdraw a motion or amendment during the discussion, the moderator will seek the consent of the meeting for the withdrawal.
  • A delegate may move to close the discussion, but in doing so shall not interrupt a speaker. If seconded, the moderator shall call for a vote on this motion immediately

without discussion. If two-thirds of the meeting agree, the voting process will then begin. If the motion fails, discussion will proceed, but the same motion to close discussion may be moved again as the discussion continues, but not by the delegate who moved it the first time.

• Voting shall be by show of hands or indicator cards and the moderator shall ask first for those in favour, then for those against, and finally for those who wish to abstain from voting. The moderator shall announce the result of the vote immediately.
  • If the moderator is in doubt, or for any other reason decides to do so, or if a delegate requests it, a vote on the matter shall be taken immediately by count of a show of hands or indicator cards. The moderator may call tellers to count those voting and abstaining. A delegate may ask that voting be by secret written ballot, and if seconded and if a majority of delegates present and voting agree, a secret written ballot shall be taken. The moderator shall announce the result of any count or secret written ballot.
  • A majority of the delegates present, including those who choose to abstain from voting, shall determine a matter being decided by vote unless a higher proportion is required by the constitution or these rules. If the vote results in a tie, the matter shall be regarded as defeated.
  • If the moderator wishes to participate in the discussion, he or she shall relinquish the position of moderator of the session to another presiding officer until the matter has been resolved.
  • A moderator entitled to vote as a delegate may do so, but may not cast the decisive vote in the event of a tie.
  • Any two delegates who voted with the majority for a previously approved matter may request that the business committee propose reconsideration of the matter. The business committee shall bring the proposal to the next decision session and may express an opinion as to whether the matter should be reconsidered. Reconsideration shall take place only if two-thirds of delegates present agree.
  • Anyone voting with a minority or abstaining from voting may have his or her opinion recorded in the minutes, in the report, and/or the record of the meeting.

CHAPTER 5 – MISCELLANEOUS

• SOURCES OF INCOME

The sources of fund of the Council shall include:

• Donations;
  • Contributions;
  • Gifts and endowments;
  • Annual subscription and other membership levies and dues; and
  • Grants.

• PUBLIC STATEMENTS
  • In the performance of its functions, the Council through its General Assembly or through its Executive Committee may issue statements on any situation or concern with which the Council or its constituent churches may be confronted.
  • While such statements may have great significance and influence, and the publishing of such statements shall not be held to imply that the Council as such has, or can have, any constitutional authority over the constituent churches or right to speak for them.
  • Any member church may recommend statements to the General Assembly or to the Executive Committee for its consideration and action.
  • When, in the judgment of a member church , a statement should be issued before approval of the General Assembly or Executive Committee can be obtained, the member church may do so provided the statement relates to matters within its own field of concern and action, has the approval of the President of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary of the Council, and the member church makes clear that neither the Council nor any of its member churches is committed by the statement.

• RECORDS KEEPING
  • A record shall be kept of the subscriptions, if any, due by each member church of the Council and the periods to which such subscriptions relate and also the subscriptions paid by each such member church and the periods to which such payments relate.
  • Proper accounts shall be kept of all moneys received and expended by the Council, of all the matters in respect of which such receipts and expenditure take place and of the assets, credits and balances of the Council.
  • Minutes shall be kept of proceedings of all meetings of the General Assembly, Head of Churches Committee, Executive Committee and another committee or sub-committee of the Council, as also records of the correspondence and transactions of the Council.

• LEGAL PROVISIONS

• The duration of the Council is unlimited.
  • The legal headquarters of the Council shall be at [xxxx].
  • The Council is registered under the laws of [xxx].
  • The Council is legally represented by its Executive Committee or by such persons as may be empowered by the Executive Committee to represent it.
  • The Council shall be legally bound by the joint signatures of two of the following persons: the President and Vice-president(s) of the Executive Committee, the General Secretary of the Council.
  • The President of the Executive Committee (or a vice-President(s) acting together with the General Secretary of the Council) shall have power to authorize other persons, chosen by them, as registered signatories to act on behalf of the Council in fields circumscribed in the power of attorney.
  • The Council shall obtain the means necessary for the pursuance of its work from the sources of income set out in Clause 5.1 above.
  • The Council shall not pursue commercial functions but it shall have the right to act as an agency of interchurch aid and to publish literature in connection with its aims. The income and property of the Council shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the object, purpose and functions of the Council. It is not entitled to distribute any surplus income by way of profit or bonus among its members.
  • Members of the governing bodies of the Council or of the assembly shall have no personal liability with regard to the obligations or commitments of the Council. The commitments entered upon by the Council are guaranteed solely by its own assets.
  • Electronic communications including e-mail, teleconference, video-conference and similar technologies may be used for purposes of consultation and decision making by the General Secretary, President and Vice-president(s) of the Executive Committee, leadership of committees and sub-committees of the Council. The meeting shall be considered valid when all participants in the meeting have access to the designated form of communication and notice of the meeting and it’s process have been duly provided. Decisions by these methods can be taken when at least two-thirds of those who have a right to participate in decision making have participated in the meeting
  • Decisions that can be taken by vote according Clause 5.5 can also be taken by postal or electronic vote provided that (1) information upon which the decision could be taken has been provided, (2) a notice period has been provided of at least forty-five days between the date of the notice of the vote and due date for the response, and (3) the thresholds for approval indicated in Clause 5.5 are reached by votes cast as against the possible number of votes that could be cast in response to the postal request.

• AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be amended by the vote of three-fourths of the Delegates to the General Assembly, provided that the amendments have been considered and reviewed by the Executive Committee, and notice of it sent to the member churches, not less ninety (90) days before the meeting of the General Assembly. The Executive Committee itself, as well as the member churches shall have the right to propose such amendment.

• LANGUAGES

The working languages in use in the Council are English and French. The General Secretary shall make reasonable effort to provide interpretation for any one of those languages into the others and shall endeavour to provide written translation of the specific wording of proposals. A participant may speak in another language only if he or she provides for interpretation into one of the working languages. The General Secretary shall provide all possible assistance to any participant requiring an interpreter.