I work with a non-profit religious organization/church. Each local church is autonomous, establishes their own by-laws, and is self governing. Each congregation/church is a voluntary member of a local, state and national body or association of likeminded churches. Occasionally a local church will decrease in membership to the point of 5-10 members. In some cases a strong or unscrupulous person may come along and convince the group to relinquish their assets and properties to another group or entity. These properties are legally registered and deeded in the name of the local church, with sister churches and likeminded individuals helping substantially in a financial way, with the original start up or property purchase. This happens much to the consternation of the original members who may have moved or joined another sister church. Is there a way to include an unamendable article in the bylaws that would state something such as;
"these bylaws may be amended with............ with the exception of Article 123 which may not be amended nor subject to a suspension of the rules.
Article 123 would state that in the event that this body/church ceases to identify with the local or state association of churches ownership of all assets and properties is transferred to XYZ State Association of churches.
We want to protect and respect the autonomy of a local body in this case but also protect them from underhanded takeover. Thanks in advance.
