Legal

Our Commitment to Transparency

Amendments to Bylaws

The bylaws of the World Council for Minority Christians may be amended, repealed, or new bylaws adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the board, provided that written notice of the proposed amendment or repeal has been sent to each director at least thirty days prior to the meeting. All amendments to the bylaws must be consistent with the organization’s mission, vision, and core values, as well as applicable laws and regulations. Any amendments shall take effect immediately upon adoption unless otherwise specified by the board.

The board shall periodically review the bylaws to ensure they remain upto-date and effectively guide the organization’s operations and governance. Directors are encouraged to suggest bylaw revisions to the Executive Committee, which will thoroughly vet and assess any proposed changes before bringing them to the full board for consideration. This collaborative approach helps maintain the stability and integrity of the organization’s founding principles while allowing for flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and needs over time.

Notification of any bylaw amendments shall be provided to the organization’s members within 60 days of adoption. Members may propose bylaw changes for the board’s consideration by submitting a written request signed by at least 10% of the voting membership. The board shall review and respond to such member-initiated proposals in a timely manner.

Fiscal Year and Finances

The World Council for Minority Christians shall operate on a fiscal year beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31 of each calendar year. All funds and assets of the organization shall be managed and accounted for in a responsible and transparent manner.

FISCAL YEAR – JANUARY 01 to DECEMBER 31

All financial records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. An annual financial
report shall be provided to the Board of Directors and made available to the general membership.

The Executive Committee shall prepare an annual budget proposal to be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. The budget shall outline projected revenues and
expenses for the upcoming fiscal year.

The organization shall undergo an independent financial audit at least once every three years. Additional audits may be
conducted at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Appropriate internal controls and segregation of duties shall be maintained to safeguard the organization’s assets and ensure the reliability of its financial reporting.

The Treasurer, in coordination with the Executive Committee, shall be responsible for the overall management of the organization’s finances, including the collection of dues, payment of expenses, and investment of surplus funds as directed by the Board of Directors. All significant financial transactions shall require the approval of the Treasurer and at least one additional authorized signatory.

Conflicts of Interest

The World Council for Minority Christians has established clear policies and procedures to address potential conflicts of interest among its directors, officers, and key employees. All individuals in leadership positions are required to disclose any financial, personal, or professional interests that could potentially influence their decision-making or create the appearance of a conflict. This includes ownership stakes in related organizations, compensated advisory roles, and close personal relationships with vendors or other stakeholders.

Any identified conflicts of interest are carefully reviewed by the Board of Directors. Conflicted individuals are required to recuse themselves from discussions and votes on matters where their interests may be at odds with the best interests of the organization. The Board may also impose additional safeguards, such as requiring an independent third-party review or barring the individual from participating in certain organizational activities.

To promote transparency and accountability, the Council’s conflict of interest policy is publicly available on its website. Annual disclosures from directors, officers, and key employees are also made public, along with a log of any conflicts that have been managed over the course of the year.

This commitment to openness helps maintain the trust and confidence of the Council’s members, donors, and the broader community it serves.

Indemnification

The World Council for Minority Christians is committed to protecting and supporting its directors, officers, and volunteers who act in good faith on behalf of the organization. To this end, the Council shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, or volunteer of the Council.

The indemnification shall cover all expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding. However, no indemnification shall be provided for any person found to have acted with gross negligence, willful misconduct, or in a manner that violates the Council’s code of ethics.

The Council shall maintain appropriate liability insurance to cover such indemnification obligations. The Board of Directors shall have the
authority to interpret and apply this indemnification policy in specific situations, and may adopt additional procedures and guidelines to ensure its fair and consistent implementation.

Dissolution

 

In the event that the World Council for Minority Christians is dissolved, the organization will follow a formal dissolution process. This will involve the Board of Directors initiating the dissolution, distributing any remaining assets, and following all legal requirements.

The first step will be the formal vote by the Board of Directors to dissolve the organization. This requires a two-thirds majority vote of the full Board. Once dissolution is approved, the organization will begin the process of distributing its remaining assets.

Any assets, including funds, property, or equipment, will be distributed to other non-profit organizations with similar missions and values as the World Council. The Executive Committee will identify appropriate recipient organizations that serve minority Christian communities and work to protect their rights and interests. The goal will be to ensure the organization’s assets continue to further its mission even after dissolution.

Finally, the World Council will follow all legal and regulatory requirements for non-profit dissolution, including notifying the appropriate government agencies, settling any outstanding debts or liabilities, and formally closing down operations. The Board of Directors will oversee this process to ensure it is carried out properly and transparently

Miscellaneous Provisions

In addition to the core bylaws and operational guidelines outlined in the previous sections, the World Council for Minority Christians shall maintain a comprehensive set of miscellaneous provisions to address a variety of administrative and logistical matters. These provisions will help ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the organization, while upholding its core values and principles.

One such provision shall be a clear policy on data privacy and record-keeping. The Council shall implement robust data protection measures to safeguard the personal information of its members, donors, and stakeholders. All records, whether physical or digital, shall be maintained in a secure and organized manner, accessible only to authorized personnel. Regular backups and disaster recovery plans will be put in place to prevent the loss of critical organizational data.

The Council shall also establish guidelines for the use of its intellectual property, including its logo, branding, and any published materials. These guidelines will ensure consistent and appropriate representation of the Council’s identity across all communications and public-facing activities. Members and affiliates will be required to adhere to these guidelines when utilizing the Council’s intellectual property.

Additionally, the Council will develop a comprehensive set of operational policies and procedures to govern day-to-day activities, such as procurement, travel, and event planning. These policies will promote efficiency, accountability, and transparency within the organization, and will be regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to changing circumstances and best practices.

Finally, the Council shall establish a comprehensive grievance and dispute resolution mechanism to address any conflicts or issues that may arise within the organization. This process will provide a fair and impartial avenue for members, staff, and stakeholders to voice their concerns and seek resolution, ensuring the Council maintains a harmonious and inclusive environment.