Guest Rev Susan Posted February 28, 2011 at 11:11 PM Report Share Posted February 28, 2011 at 11:11 PM Here's another religious organization question. I am a pastor of a congregation which desires to update their Constitution. A member used the term 'historical precedence' and I am wondering if there is such a thing as this. Here's the situation:1. The Constitution and By-Laws were adopted in 1972 when they were members of the A denomination.2. In 1978 this denomination was absorbed into a new denomination--denomination B.3. During this time, the 1972 constituion and by-laws were never updated to change the name of the A denomination to the B denomination.4. In 2010 this congregation disaffiliated with denomination B, and has joined denomination C.5. We want to update the constitution now to reflect the name change and update the "he" gender terminology. There are members who say they want a new constitution and that the 1972 constitution is null and void. Here are the questions:Is the 1972 constitution null and void? If not, do we need a constitutional amendment to update the constitution?How DO WE proceed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmtcastle Posted February 28, 2011 at 11:17 PM Report Share Posted February 28, 2011 at 11:17 PM Is the 1972 constitution null and void?Probably not, though there may be some parts which are superseded by other rules you've adopted (e.g. by affiliating with C denomination).If not, do we need a constitutional amendment to update the constitution?Yes, you should amend your constitution to reflect the current reality.How DO WE proceed?You follow the amendment procedure described in your constitution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev Susan Posted February 28, 2011 at 11:24 PM Report Share Posted February 28, 2011 at 11:24 PM You are quick! Thank you.Probably not, though there may be some parts which are superseded by other rules you've adopted (e.g. by affiliating with C denomination).Yes, you should amend your constitution to reflect the current reality.You follow the amendment procedure described in your constitution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tctheatc Posted March 1, 2011 at 12:05 AM Report Share Posted March 1, 2011 at 12:05 AM Where does the term "historical precedence" come into the question? Was it asserted that the notion forbids a new constitution? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert B Fish Posted March 1, 2011 at 03:11 AM Report Share Posted March 1, 2011 at 03:11 AM I'm wondering if "historical precedence" is another way for saying "we've always done it that way." When tradition conflicts with your bylaws, the tradition must always be dropped in favor of the written bylaws.-Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Novosielski Posted March 1, 2011 at 04:40 AM Report Share Posted March 1, 2011 at 04:40 AM Custom falls to the ground in the face of ink on paper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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