2023 amendments to church constitution

Download a PDF copy of the Proposed Final Draft, for consideration in June 2023.
For comparison, download a copy of the current Church Constitution, adopted in January 2012.
It is good practice to review the governing documents of an organization at least every ten years. Since our last review was in 2012, Cabinet appointed a committee, discussed recommended changes, and voted to present a revised Constitution to our membership for a vote at the Mid-Year Meeting on June 4, 2023.

Here is a summary of the more significant amendments contained in the Proposed Final Draft:

In General...
  • Gendered language has been updated, e.g. God replaces He.
  • ​Term limits for Board members have been standardized at six consecutive years maximum before break.
  • Cabinet must grant prior approval for un-budgeted expenses in excess of $2,000.

​Article II — CHARACTER
  • Section C-1: The current UCC Statement of Faith, which we already use, replaces the version in the 2012 Constitution.

Article IV — ADMINISTRATION
  • Section A-1. Pastor: “perform all such duties as specified in the Pastoral Call Agreement” was added.
  • Section A-4. Treasurer: Language changed to "oversee and direct the receipt and disbursement of funds" to reflect current practice.
  • Section A-6. The office of Auditor was removed as this position has not been filled for many years; the Treasurer and Finance Committee have assumed this responsibility.

Article V — BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
  • Section F-1: Five members proposed by the Pastor was added.
  • Section F-3a: Pastoral Call Agreement was added to the list of tools to be utilized.

Article IX — AMENDMENTS
  • The language was changed to participating members to allow for remote participation; the language calling for a special meeting to present proposed changes was deleted. Providing changes 30 days in advance was deemed sufficient.

On May 21st the Cabinet will host an opportunity to discuss the proposed changes during Coffee Hour. We hope you will review the Proposed Final Draft of the Constitution and join us May 21st or contact one of us with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,
Charen Urban, Moderator
South Congregational Church, Newport NH / 2023