Church By-Laws

ADOPTED ON SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2010

Revised: May 21, 2017; June 14, 2020


PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST


is called to be:

A COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY
INTENTIONALLY INCLUSIVE
OPENLY SEARCHING
JOYFULLY SERVING
IN THE WAY OF CHRIST




COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY

Believing that we are charged to act on God’s mission, we seek to become the Creator’s hands and heart in this world. We strive to be God’s welcoming love in an all-encompassing community, believing that from our own privilege comes much responsibility. 

INTENTIONALLY INCLUSIVE

We seek to trust in the uniqueness and diversity of God’s children, believing Grace is infinite and is offered to all. Trusting that the paths of faithfulness are many, we invite, welcome, and embrace all people of God’s ‘kin-dom’. We strive to love and support each other in our ‘differentness,’ as we meet God’s family face-to-face.

OPENLY SEARCHING

We believe that the pilgrimage of all human beings is to understand God and God’s mission. As progressive seekers on a lifelong spiritual journey, we find more grace in the questions than in dogmatic answers, more faith in our search than in human-conceived constructs. We believe that our lifelong journeys are as varied as the ways of learning, and that our walk together strengthens our relationship with God, each other, and the world. 

JOYFULLY SERVING

We believe that the abundance of God’s grace is exciting, liberating, inviting, and life changing. Opportunities to do justice and bring kindness are many and are expected of us as God’s missionaries in this world. From the abundance of our blessings, we join the generations that came before us to continue the circle of service to God’s children, as joyful stewards of God’s wondrous creation.

IN THE WAY OF CHRIST
We claim our voice as a Christian community, welcoming the challenges and opportunities as we approach God through the life and teachings of Jesus. Together we seek to imitate Jesus’ compassionate treatment of those often excluded from society. We covenant with each other and with God to do justice, as Jesus did.


CONSTITUTION


Article I.  Name


The name of this Church shall be Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ (hereafter “PCUCC” or “the Church”).

Article II. Structure

PCUCC is made up of its members, who organize themselves into officers, committees, and other groupings.

Article III.  Membership

  1. Active membership

    Persons become members of PCUCC by adult baptism, confirmation, reaffirmation of faith, letter of transfer, or request to return from inactive membership. An active member is one who regularly attends/views services and/or contributes financially and/or is personally involved in the life of the Church. Active members have the right to vote.

  2. Associate membership

    Persons who would be eligible for active membership in PCUCC but choose to maintain their primary church membership elsewhere may request associate membership on recommendation of the pastor(s). Associate members have the right to vote.

  3. Inactive membership

    An active member or associate member who, for at least two (2) years, has not participated in the life of the Church may be placed on the inactive membership list by vote of the Church Council, by recommendation of the pastor(s), or by request of the member. Any member on the inactive membership list may be restored to active membership upon request.

  4. No member may participate in any decision(s) in which he or she has a personal or financial interest in the outcome of that decision.



Article IV. Covenantal Relationship


As a member of the United Church of Christ (hereafter “UCC”), PCUCC will relate to the various expressions of the Church in a covenantal manner. PCUCC will seek God’s will and be faithful to God’s mission, attending to its responsibilities in relation to all expressions of the Church. Its decisions are made in consultation and collaboration with other parts of the structure of the UCC, including its Association, Conference, and the General Synod. As a member of the Body of Christ, PCUCC is called to honor and respect the work and ministry of each other part. PCUCC listens, hears, and carefully considers the advice, counsel, and requests of others. In this covenant, PCUCC joins the various expressions of the UCC to seek to walk together in all God’s ways.


We covenant one with another to seek and to respond to the Word and the will of God. We purpose to walk together in the ways of the Lord, made known and to be made known to us. We hold it to be the mission of the Church to witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world, while worshiping God, and striving for truth, justice, and peace. As did our fathers and mothers, we depend on the Holy Spirit to lead and empower us. We pray for the coming of the kin-dom of God, and look with faith toward the triumph of righteousness and eternal life.


Article V.  Sense of the Congregation 

The congregation may, from time to time, publicly express a shared perspective on an important issue, reflecting the congregation’s collective, but not universal, point of view on an important topic. Approval for such “Sense of the Congregation” motions requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of those members present at a congregational meeting. A thirty (30) day notice must be given before the meeting.



Article VI.  Polity

PCUCC is vested in its active members and associate members, who exercise the right and responsibility of control over all of its affairs unless specifically delegated by this Constitution to another entity.


Article VII.  Officers of the Church 

  1. Officers of the Church shall include: Council Chair, Council Vice-Chair, Clerk, Finance Officer, and Treasurer.

  2. Officers shall be responsible to the membership of the Church.

  3. Officers of the Church may not participate in any decision(s) in which he or she has a personal or financial interest in the outcome of that decision.



Article VIII.  Church Council

  1. Church Council (also known as Council) shall be made up of the pastor(s), Council Chair, Council Vice-Chair, Finance Officer, Clerk, Treasurer (ex officio), chairs of standing committees (except for nominating committee), and members-at-large. 

  2. The role of Council is to empower the people of the Church to respond to their call to ministry and to align that ministry with the Church’s call and covenants. To that end, standing committees, teams, and task forces are formed and report to Council. 

  3. Council represents the Church between congregational meetings. Council’s specific responsibilities are found in the By-laws.


Article IX.  Congregational Meetings

  1. The congregation of PCUCC will meet at least once annually. 

  2. A quorum for the transaction of business shall be twelve percent (12%) of the number of current members as reported from the previous annual meeting.

  3. Special meetings may be called by written request to the clerk by twelve percent (12%) of members as reported from the previous annual meeting. The request shall state the purpose, date, time, and location of the meeting. 

  4. The clerk will notify members of the Church of a congregational meeting and provide actionable items to be voted on no less than two weeks (2) prior by as many forms of communications as is practical.



Article X.  Constitutional Amendments

  1. The Constitution may be amended by a vote of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting at any annual meeting or special congregational meeting.

  2. Proposed amendments shall be presented in full to the Church not less than thirty days (30) prior to said meeting called to consider such amendments.

  3. The Constitution shall, upon the adoption of an amendment, cancel, void or replace anything previously in effect that is in conflict or not in agreement with the newly-approved Constitution.



Article XI.  Pastor(s)

The congregation of PCUCC will call a pastor or pastors and covenant with said pastor(s). The terms of service, the duties to be performed, and the procedures for such call(s) are outlined in the By-laws.


Article XII.  Employees

  1. Employees, other than the pastor(s), are those who receive compensation for their work as specified by their written contract with the Church and as defined by the Department of Labor.  

  2. The human resources committee is responsible for all decisions relative to employees, taking into consideration feedback from the pastor(s), and, if applicable, respective standing committee representatives.

  3. As defined by the Department of Labor, independent contractors are not employees of the Church.




Article XIII.  Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Church shall run from July 1 to June 30.

BY-LAWS


These By-laws, consistent with the Constitution of the PCUCC, further define and/or regulate the Officers, Committees, and Membership. They also describe the Church’s free and voluntary relationship with the Merrimack Association and the NH Conference of the UCC and the General Synod of the UCC. 


Article I. Name (please refer to Constitution) 


Article II. Structure (please refer to Constitution) 


Article III. Membership (please refer to Constitution) 


Article IV. Covenantal Relationship (please refer to Constitution) 


Article V. Sense of the Congregation (please refer to Constitution).  


Article VI. Polity (please refer to Constitution) 


Article VII. Officers of the Church 

Officers of the Church may be removed or replaced either by resignation or as deemed appropriate by Council. They shall be elected or affirmed at the annual meeting.

  • Council Chair 

    • Council chair shall be an active member and serve the office as determined by the By-laws.

    • The duties of Council chair are to:

      • preside at all congregational meetings and Council meetings. 

      • sign documents on behalf of the Church as authorized by Council.

      • delegate signatory authority as appropriate.
         

  • 
Council Vice-Chair 

    • Council vice-chair shall be an active member and serve the office as determined by the By-laws.

    • The duties of Council vice-chair are to: 

      • act in the absence of Council chair. 

      • fulfill any duties as assigned by Council. 

  • Clerk

    • The clerk shall be an active member and serve the office as determined by the By-laws. 

    • The duties of the clerk are to: 

      • attend all Council meetings and congregational meetings and keep an accurate record of proceedings. 

      • secure the signatures of new members of the Church and keep a register of members’ names, addresses, and dates of admission, transfer, inactive status, withdrawal or death. 

      • record baptisms, marriages, ordinations, installations, confirmations, membership and death on an ongoing basis, reconcile annually, and submit an annual membership report at the annual meeting to be effective at the beginning of the next fiscal year.  

      • provide the Church office administrator with current membership information. 

      • issue letters of transfer and changes on standing voted by Council.

      • distribute monthly standing committee minutes and/or reports to Council prior to each Council meeting.

      • work with the Church office administrator in the compilation of the annual report. 

  • Finance Officer 

    • The finance officer shall be an active member and serve the office as determined by the By-laws. 

    • The duties of the finance officer shall be to: 

      • serve as chair of the finance committee. 

      • be thoroughly familiar with profit and loss, all bank accounts, investment portfolio and other financial documents so as to be able to keep Council and the finance committee fully informed. 

      • submit with the treasurer a written report for the annual meeting, of the financial performance of the Church. 

      • work with the finance committee regarding the appointment of a task force to conduct the annual stewardship fund drive. 

  • Treasurer

    • The treasurer shall be an active member and serve the office as determined by the By-laws. The treasurer shall serve a term of office of five (5) years, beginning at the next fiscal year after the annual meeting.

      • the treasurer may have the option of serving two (2) terms of five (5) years 
each.

      • after serving two (2) consecutive terms, the treasurer will not be eligible for
 further service as treasurer until after the lapse of one (1) year.  

      • the treasurer shall be a member (ex officio) of the finance committee.

    • The treasurer’s duties are to: 

      • receive all monies of the Church and record the same. 

      • keep accurate records of member giving and pledges. 

      • send out quarterly statements. 

      • disburse all current monies of the Church authorized by the annual budget and such other special offerings and activities of the Church as from time to time may be approved, and shall account for the same. All deposits and checks drawn shall be in the name of PCUCC. 

      • submit with the finance officer a written report for the annual meeting, of the financial performance of the Church.

      • submit the books of account and record for audits/reviews by a team annually or by an independent, qualified auditor, secured and deemed appropriate every five (5) years by Council. 

      • have custody of investment certificates, investment statements, bankbooks, and the like, all of which shall be in the name of the PCUCC.

The terms of office for Council officers, except for treasurer, are:

  • serve for a term of two (2) years, beginning at the next fiscal year after the annual meeting. 

  • have the option of serving a maximum of three (3) terms consecutively. 

  • after serving three (3) consecutive terms in a particular position, the member will not be eligible for further service in that position until after the lapse of one (1) year.

  • The time between the close of the annual meeting and the beginning of the next fiscal year shall be used by out-going members and in-coming members to exchange information about the position.

  • Terms among Council officers should be rotated to maintain continuity.


Article VIII. Church Council 

  • The Council 

    • Members of Council shall: 

      • be active members and serve the office as determined by the By- laws.

      • be elected or affirmed at the annual meeting.

    • The duties of Council are to: 

      • ensure faithfulness to the values of PCUCC as described in the “Call to Be a Compassionate Community” and “Covenant”.

      • coordinate and, when appropriate, advise the work of the standing committees, teams, and task forces. 

      • inform the human resources committee of staff vacancies. 

      • appoint a search committee in the event of a pastoral vacancy. 

      • arrange with the Merrimack Association for the installation of a pastor(s) when called. 

      • submit nominations for officers and standing committees, to the annual meeting, as provided by the nominating committee. 

      • approve nominations to fill vacancies within Council and standing committees should they arise.  

      • approve all special offerings. 

      • prepare a report for the annual meeting on the major discussions and decisions of the fiscal year.  

      • approve the agenda for the annual meeting. 

      • review and recommend, by two-thirds (2/3) majority, the budget prepared by the finance committee, for approval at the annual meeting.

      • hold Council meetings

        - at least eight (8) regular meetings in each fiscal year.

        - that are additional special meetings of Council when requested by the pastor(s), Council chair, clerk, or any three (3) Council members.

        - to vote on decisions when a quorum of one-half (1/2) of the membership of Council is present. 

        - each officer or standing committee chair (or its representative) shall have one (1) vote. 

      • authorize the examination of the books of account and record for an annual internal review by a team appointed by Council.

      • provide for an audit by an independent, qualified auditor, secured and deemed appropriate by Council every five (5) years or whenever the treasurer leaves that position before the end of a five (5) year interval.

      • authorize access of individuals to bank accounts and security holdings.

    • The terms of office for Council members are:

      • serve for a term of two (2) years, beginning at the next fiscal year after the annual meeting. 

      • serve a maximum of three (3) terms consecutively. 

      • after serving three (3) consecutive terms in a particular position, the member will not be eligible for further service in that position until after the lapse of one (1) year. 

      • The time between the close of  the annual meeting and the beginning of the next fiscal year shall be used by out-going members and in-coming members to exchange information about the position.

      • Terms within Council should be rotated among members to maintain continuity.

  • 
Members of the Council 

    • The members of Council are the pastor(s), Council chair, Council vice-chair, treasurer (ex-officio), finance officer, clerk, chairs of standing committees (except nominating committee) and member(s)-at-large.

    • Members of Council who are unable to attend a Council meeting may appoint a member of their own committee as a representative at any Council meeting and shall so notify Council chair of this appointment.

  • Members-at-large 

    • Members-at-large shall be active members and serve the term of the office as determined by the By-laws.

    • The duty of the members-at-large is to represent the larger body of the congregation on Council.

  • Standing Committees

    • Standing committees are those that are deemed necessary for the running of the Church and will therefore remain in place.

    • The terms of office for standing committee members are:

      • serve for a term of two (2) years, beginning at the next fiscal year after the annual meeting. 

      • serve a maximum of three (3) terms consecutively. 

      • after serving three (3) consecutive terms in a particular position, the member will not be eligible for further service in that position until after the lapse of one (1) year.

      • The time between the close of the annual meeting and the beginning of the next fiscal year shall be used by out-going members and in-coming members to exchange information about the position.

      • Terms within the standing committee members shall be rotated by Council to maintain continuity of experience.

    • The Standing Committees shall:

      • interpret the mission and work of each standing committee to Council and the Church at large.

      • affirm an individual’s passion/call to ministry by helping with planning and development as needed.

      • encourage collaboration with other committees, teams or ministry areas. 

      • meet regularly during the program year (September-May).

      • send the minutes of their meetings or a report of their monthly activities to the clerk, to be received prior to Council meetings.

      • appoint a chair or co-chairs from the active members and associate members.

      • recommend and manage an annual budget for each standing committee.

    • The majority of individual committee members shall be active members or associate members of the Church.  

    • Friends of the Church may serve as committee members on specific committees, but must be in the minority.  

      • Friends are defined as those who attend church regularly, give financially, and/or share the values and/or mission goals of the Church. 

      • Friends may serve on building and grounds committee, music committee, mission and social outreach committee, faith formation committee, hospitality committee, teams, and task forces.

      • Friends may not serve on worship committee, finance committee, human resources committee, nominating committee, or diaconate.

    • The Standing Committees are as follows: 

      • Worship Committee 

        - The worship committee shall be made up of at least four (4) members, including the pastor(s), music director, and organist. The pastor(s) shall have the right to vote on this committee. The music director and the organist are ex officio and do not have the right to vote.  Friends may not serve on the worship committee.

        - The worship committee’s duties are to:

        • partner with the pastor(s) and music director to provide the Church worship that communicates the love of God to all: spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally.  

        • meet with the program staff regularly to plan for the services.

        • appoint a communion steward.

        • arrange for the assignment of ushers, greeters, and liturgists.

        • prepare the Sanctuary weekly for worship.

        • assist the pastor(s) in securing guest preachers.

        • assist the pastor(s) with wedding and funeral arrangements.

        • report to the Church, at the annual meeting, on the activities of the worship committee.

      • Building and Grounds Committee 

        - The building and grounds committee shall be made up of at least four (4) members. Friends may serve on the building and grounds committee.

        - The building and grounds committee’s duties are to: 

        • be responsible for the care and custody of the physical assets of the Church. 

        • report to the Church, at  the annual meeting, on the activities of the building and grounds committee and the condition of the Church’s physical assets. 

      • Finance Committee 

        - The finance committee shall be made up of at least three (3) active members, the treasurer, and the finance officer as chair of the finance committee.  Friends may not serve on the finance committee.

        - The finance committee’s duties are to: 

        • be the overseer and caretaker of the financial assets and activities of the Church. 

        • convene, plan, and implement the annual stewardship task force to conduct the annual stewardship fund drive.

        • develop and recommend a proposed budget including staff salaries to Council. 

        • monitor the financial performance of the Church. 

        • work with the Church office administrator to provide annual statistical reports to the UCC

      • Music Committee 

        - The music committee shall be made up of at least four (4) members and the music director.   Friends may serve on the music committee. 

        - The music committee shall be responsible for the custody, care, and maintenance of the Church physical and financial musical assets, including the pipe organ and other musical instruments and the music library.

        - Professional music staff will work in collaboration with the music committee for administrative decisions, but with the worship committee and pastor(s) for programmatic decisions. 

      • Human Resources Committee 

        - The human resources committee shall be made up of at least four (4) members and the pastor(s). The pastor(s) shall have the right to vote on this committee. The committee shall make an effort to include representatives from the music committee and faith formation committee. Friends shall not serve on the human resources committee.

        - The duties of the human resources committee are to: 

        • be responsible for developing and monitoring compliance with the personnel policies. 

        • maintain current job descriptions. 

        • coordinate the hiring, termination, and annual reviews of all employees. 

        • conduct annual reviews of all employees and the pastor(s), and share a written report with the respective employee and the respective committee. This should be conducted before the annual budget recommendations. 

        • recommend the compensation of employees to the finance committee. 

        • assure that all employees are treated fairly and with respect. 

        • act as a support structure for all employees. 

        • mediate the staff grievance process. 

      • Faith Formation Committee 

        - The faith formation committee shall be made up of at least four (4)  members.   Friends may serve on the faith formation committee. 

        - The duties of the faith formation committee are to: 

        • provide a place of spiritual nurture and learning for the youth of the Church. 

        • encourage the learning of the traditions, customs, and basic literature of our Christian faith. 

        • be responsible for maintaining suitable classes for the youth of the church, overseeing the selection and adherence to a curriculum, training and recruiting teachers. 

        • work with the Church office administrator to provide annual statistical reports to the UCC

      • Nominating Committee 

        - The nominating committee shall be made up of four (4) active members and the pastor(s).  The pastor(s) shall have the right to vote on this committee.

        - The duties of the nominating committee are to: 

        • maintain a list of officers, Council members, and standing committee members and the dates when their terms expire with a duplicate list to the clerk. 

        • identify the officers, Council members, and standing committee members whose terms will expire at the end of the next fiscal year. 

        • prepare a slate of nominees from the active members and associate members of the Church and friends, where applicable, for each position of officer, Council member, and standing committee members to present to  Council thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting.

        - Vacancies 

        • in the event of unfilled positions at the annual meeting, the nominating committee shall continue to search for nominees to be presented to Council or take nominations from the floor. 

        • in the event of vacancies as a result of resignations during the fiscal year, the nominating committee shall search for nominees to be presented to Council for approval at its next Council meeting.

      • Diaconate 

        - The diaconate shall be made up of at least five (5) active members, the worship committee chair, and the pastor(s).  The pastor(s) shall have the right to vote on this committee.  Friends may not serve on the diaconate.

        - The duties of the diaconate are: 

        • assist and support the pastor(s) in making meaningful connections with Church members and visitors. 

        • minister to the congregation along with the pastor(s) in times of illness, bereavement and other special congregational needs as they arise. 

        • share in the planning and celebration of Holy Communion and Baptism, including accompanying the pastor(s) when communion is taken to those unable to attend church services. 

      • Mission and Social Outreach Committee

        - The mission and social outreach committee shall be made up of at least four (4) members.  Friends may serve on the mission and social outreach committee.

        - The duties of the mission and social outreach committee are to:

        • nurture the congregation to be partners in mission, locally, nationally, and internationally.

        • work towards social justice locally and worldwide.

        • promote and encourage hands-on mission opportunities for the whole church.

        • be responsible for disbursing the committee’s discretionary mission monies in keeping with the mission of the Church.

        • coordinate and promote all special mission offerings. 

      • Hospitality Committee

        - The hospitality committee shall be made up of at least four (4) members.  Friends may serve on the hospitality committee. 

        - The duties of the hospitality committee are to:

        • sponsor coffee hour after church services.

        • supervise any outside groups using the kitchen.

        • approve the use of the kitchen by any outside groups without further supervision.

        • provide hospitality for special events.

  • Teams 

    • based on a particular passion or interest, teams are groups of members and friends who volunteer at various times to serve the Church. 

    • each team will report to Council to ensure transparency, collaboration, and communication, either directly or through an appropriate standing committee.

  • Task Forces 

    • Task forces are groups of members and friends, if appropriate, appointed by Council or gathered by a standing committee to do a specific task on behalf of the Church. 

    • Council will receive the written outcome of the task forces and report the same to the Church. 




Article IX. Congregational Meetings

  • 
An annual meeting shall be held prior to the end of the fiscal year: 

    • to receive and act upon the slate of officers and standing committee members proposed by the nominating committee and recommended by Council. 

    • to receive and act upon the budget developed by the finance committee and recommended by Council. 

    • to receive reports from standing committee chairs, Council chair, clerk, treasurer, and pastor(s).

    • to act on such other business as may come before the meeting. 

  • Special meetings may be called at the written request of twelve percent (12%) of active members to the clerk.  The request shall state the purpose, date, time and location of the meeting. 

  • The clerk shall issue calls for the annual meeting and special meetings at least two (2) weeks before the date of the meeting by as many forms of communication as is practical. 




Article X. Constitutional Amendments (please refer to Constitution) 




Article XI. Pastor(s) 

  • Pastoral Call 

    • A candidate for pastoral office shall be sought by a search committee appointed by Council. 

    • The pastor(s) shall be called by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the members present and voting at a specifically called congregational meeting which has been called not less than thirty (30) days prior. 

    • The pastor(s) shall be installed by the Merrimack Association. 

    • The pastor(s) shall become an active member of the Church. 

    • Whether an interim minister or a settled pastor(s) is sought, the PCUCC will work in accordance with the search and call process of the NH Conference of the UCC. 

  • Term of the pastor(s) 

    • shall serve at the pleasure of the members.

    • The pastoral relationship may be terminated on three (3) month’s notice given by either party. 

    • A congregational decision to terminate the pastoral relationship requires a two thirds (2/3) membership vote at a specifically called congregational meeting subject to a thirty (30) day prior notice period.

  • Duties of pastor(s) 

    • The pastor(s) shall: 

      • have in special charge the spiritual welfare and ministry of the Church and the pastoral care of its people, preaching of the Gospel, having responsibility for all services of public worship, and administering the Sacraments. 

      • be an ex-officio member of all standing committees of the Church and be a voting member if specified in the By-laws related to standing committees.

      • be a full voting member of  Council. 

      • have Freedom of the Pulpit. 

    • The pastor(s) is the general supervisor of the ministries of the Church.

    • The pastor(s) shall have authority over the work of the Church employees that shall be administratively accountable to the pastor(s). 




Article XII.  Employees (please refer to constitution)

Article XIII. Amending the By-laws 

  • The By-laws may be amended by a vote of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting at any annual or special congregational meeting. 

  • Proposed amendments shall be presented in full to the Church not less than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting called to consider such amendments. 

  • The By-laws shall, upon adoption of amendment, cancel, void or replace anything previously in effect that is in conflict or not in agreement with the newly-approved By-laws. 

    


Article XIV. Indemnity 

In accordance with NH RSA 293-A: 5, a congregational meeting or Council may authorize the Church to pay the expenses incurred by, or to satisfy a judgment or fine rendered or levied against, a present or former officer of  the Church in an action brought against such person, whether or not the Church is joined as a party, when such expenses or charges impose a liability or a penalty on such persons for actions alleged to have been committed by such persons, or by the Church, or both, while such person was an officer, provided the congregational meeting or Council determines that such officer was acting in good faith with what was reasonably believed to be the proper scope of his or her authority, and for a purpose which was reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the Church. Payments authorized hereunder may be made on an interim basis and may include amounts paid and expenses incurred in settling any such claim or liability. 




The amount paid to any present or former officer by way of indemnification shall not exceed the actual, reasonable, and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the matter involved. 




The provisions of this section shall apply to the estate, executor, administrator or legatees or devisees of an officer, and the term “person”, where used in the foregoing section, shall include the estate, executor, administrator, heirs, legatees, or devisees of such person. 

The indemnification provisions contained herein shall not apply if the person is finally adjudged in any action, suit, or proceedings not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action or failure to act was in the best interests of the Church. 

The Constitution and By-laws Task Force

Christina Pollock and Linda LaPrad