The leaders of religious associations, signing this document, express their voluntary decision to join the goals and principles embodied in the joint declaration on the establishment of the Advisory Council of Protestant Church Leaders of Russia, signed on February 20, 2002, as well as other regulatory documents governing the Council’s activities. Being convinced that our joint efforts are necessary not only for the development and formation of our communities but also to fulfill the Lord's commandments and instructions, we declare:

• Adherence to the constitutional principle of separation of church and state and the desire to promote traditional, biblical spiritual and moral values in society.
• Coordination of joint activities to establish civil peace and harmony in society.
• Development of a unified position in relations with the state and other religious organizations and associations.
• Assistance and support for charitable activities and social service.
• Development of proposals to improve existing legislation regarding the activities of religious associations and organizations.
• Development of ties with government departments and institutions, mass media, non-governmental and religious organizations and associations in joint spiritual-enlightenment activities aimed at improving the spiritual and moral climate in society.
• Protection of the rights and religious freedoms of believers.

We believe that the protection of life, freedom, independence, and religious freedom for the preservation of human rights and justice is an essential foundation for the development of peace.

Other Christian churches that see the need for joint ministry may join the declaration.

The leaders of religious associations, signing this document, express their voluntary decision to join the goals and principles embodied in the joint declaration on the establishment of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia, signed on February 20, 2002, as well as other regulatory documents governing the Council’s activities. Being convinced that our joint efforts are necessary not only for the development and formation of our communities but also to fulfill the Lord's commandments and instructions, we declare:

• Adherence to the constitutional principle of separation of church and state and the desire to promote traditional, biblical spiritual and moral values in society.
• Coordination of joint activities to establish civil peace and harmony in society.
• Development of a unified position in relations with the state and other religious organizations and associations.
• Assistance and support for charitable activities and social service.
• Development of proposals to improve existing legislation regarding the activities of religious associations and organizations.
• Development of ties with government departments and institutions, mass media, non-governmental and religious organizations and associations in joint spiritual-enlightenment activities aimed at improving the spiritual and moral climate in society.
• Protection of the rights and religious freedoms of believers.

We believe that the protection of life, freedom, independence, and religious freedom for the preservation of human rights and justice is an essential foundation for the development of peace.

Other Christian churches that see the need for joint ministry may join the declaration.

Chairman of the All-Union Fellowship of Evangelical Christians Leonid Viktorovich Kartavenko

The ratification of the declaration on the establishment of the Advisory Council took place at its second session on February 20, 2002.

We, the heads of four Protestant unions in Russia - the West-Russian Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists, the Russian United Union of Christians of the Evangelical Faith, and the Union of Christians of the Evangelical Faith-Pentecostals in Russia - declare our commitment to the constitutional principle of separation of church and state and our desire to contribute to democratic transformations in society.

We believe that uniting our efforts in this direction of serving society will be facilitated by the creation of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia, which sets itself the following goals:

• Coordination of joint activities to establish civil peace and harmony in society;
• Development of a unified position in relations with the state and other religious organizations and associations;
• Assistance and support for charitable activities and social service;
• Development of proposals to improve existing legislation concerning the activities of religious organizations and associations;
• Development of ties with government departments and institutions, the media, non-governmental and religious organizations and associations in joint spiritual-enlightenment activities aimed at improving the moral climate in society;
• Protection of the rights and religious freedoms of believers.

The Advisory Council meets as needed at the initiative of one of its members. Chairmanship duties at the Advisory Council are performed alternately by one of the union heads.

I. Basic Provisions:

The Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia (hereinafter referred to as the Advisory Council or ACHPCR) was established on January 23, 2002, and the ratification of the declaration on the establishment of the Advisory Council took place at its second meeting on February 20, 2002. The current version of these provisions was adopted on __________.

The ACHPCR consists of Co-Chairs, Members, Honorary Members, and Observers, who are elected to the Council in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Regulations of the ACHPCR and other documents of the Advisory Council. The supreme body of the ACHPCR is the session of the Advisory Council, chaired by one of the Co-Chairs.

Between sessions, the ongoing work of the Council is carried out by the Secretary, the Expert Council (hereinafter EC), and various working groups.

The Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia does not have broad powers, as it is advisory in nature. According to the Declaration and Regulations, the Advisory Council may adopt recommendations and binding decisions, the implementation of which is ensured by the full agreement of all members of the ACHPCR.

Each voting member of the Advisory Council has one vote.

Decisions on procedural issues are taken by the Advisory Council if they receive votes from at least two-thirds of its members.

Substantive decisions are considered adopted if they receive votes from at least two-thirds of the members. However, if any of the Co-Chairs votes against (a veto), the decision is deemed rejected. The activity of the Advisory Council is based on the principle of unanimity among the Co-Chairs of the Advisory Council.

II. Composition:

The ACHPCR includes:

• Co-Chairs (with decisive vote and veto power);
• Members (with voting rights);
• Observers (with advisory vote, which includes the right to speak at plenary meetings, but their vote is not counted during voting);
• Honorary Members (with advisory vote);
• Secretary (with advisory vote);
• Coordinator of the Expert Council (with advisory vote).

Membership in the ACHPCR:

When joining the ACHPCR, a union or other association receives observer status. This Union has the right to apply for the status of a member of the ACHPCR. A Union that has acquired the status of a member of the ACHPCR may file an application to be included in the Co-chairs. This issue is considered at a meeting of the ACHPCR. When including the Union in the Co-Chairs, the Union signs an act of accession to the ACHPCR declaration.

For the work of the Expert Council of the ACHPCR, one representative from each Union member of the ACHPCR should be elected, and other authorized representatives from Unions or other associations within the ACHPCR may also be involved. Additionally, other individuals and organizations may be invited to participate as experts.

At ACHPCR meetings, Co-Chairs may be represented by three (3) representatives, members by two (2), and observers by one (1). Other participants of the meetings are invited upon agreement by all Co-Chairs.

Co-Chairs:

• Euro-Asian Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church;
• Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith Pentecostals;
• Russian United Union of Christians of the Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals);
• All-Russian Fellowship of Evangelical Christians;
• Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria.

Members:

• Evangelical Christian Missionary Union;
• West-Russian Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church;
• Russian United Methodist Church;
• Union of Christian Presbyterian Churches;
• Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia.

Observers:

• Council of Christian Evangelical Churches of Russia;
• Russian Association of Missions of Christians of Evangelical Faith;
• Russian Union of Evangelical Christians Baptists.

Honorary Members:

• Alexander Trophimovich Semchenko (In accordance with the provisions on honorary members).

Secretary:

Elected by the Advisory Council without specifying the term of election.

• By virtue of office, a member of the Advisory Council with advisory vote.
• Responsible for preserving all documents of the ACHPCR.
• Keeps minutes of all meetings of the ACHPCR.

Expert Council (EC):

The main tasks of the Expert Council are:

• Preparation of draft agendas for ACHPCR meetings;
• Work on official ACHPCR documents;
• Development of recommendations for the development of the ACHPCR.

III. Goals and Objectives

The Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia sets the following goals for itself:

• Coordination of joint activities and development of recommendations in the field of modern interfaith and interreligious relations, searching for new approaches to strengthen civil peace, prevent conflicts on ethnic and religious grounds, and achieve public consensus;
• Facilitating bilateral and multilateral interfaith consultations and carrying out other forms and types of activities aimed at promoting cooperation between Christian communities and churches;
• Developing a unified position in relations with religious associations and the state;
• Supporting social development, charitable activities, and social services;
• Developing proposals to improve existing legislation concerning the activities of religious associations;
• Developing relationships with government departments and institutions, the media, non-governmental and religious organizations, and associations for joint spiritual-enlightenment activities, integrating high spiritual principles aimed at improving the moral climate in society;
• Protecting the rights and religious freedoms of believers.

IV. Organizational Contributions

To support the organizational work of the Advisory Council, all Unions that are part of the ACHPCR of Russia as Co-Chairs and Members must make an annual organizational contribution (the amount of which is determined at the ACHPCR meeting).

The Advisory Council elects a responsible person to collect and manage organizational contributions from ACHPCR members.

Basis for the Introduction of the Regulations
The normative reference for the development of these Regulations is the "General Provisions of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia," approved by the ACHPCR in 2005 and revised in 2024. The format for discussing and making joint decisions within the Advisory Council involves quarterly meetings of all ACHPCR members, which are governed by the Regulations, General Provisions, and Code of Conduct for ACHPCR members.

1. Duration and Frequency of Meetings
1.1. ACHPCR meetings are held quarterly, on a date agreed upon by all ACHPCR members.
1.2. Meeting duration – up to 3 hours, from 10 am to 1 pm. In exceptional cases, meetings may be extended by 1 hour.

2. Venues for ACHPCR Meetings
ACHPCR meetings are held in rotation, at the venue of the Union whose leader chairs the upcoming meeting.
The chairperson of the Advisory Council meeting is responsible for technical preparation and conducting the meeting.

3. Meeting Preparation
3.1. The agenda is compiled by the chairperson of the upcoming meeting based on suggestions from all ACHPCR members and then finalized after approval by the Co-chairs.
3.2. The agenda should not be overloaded. The total number of topics for discussion should not exceed 10, including approval the minutes of the previous meeting and miscellaneous agenda items. For each item on the agenda, a responsible presenter is appointed, who presents not only the issue but also a proposed resolution.
3.3. Individuals directly related to the topic under discussion may be invited to present information on specific items on the agenda. They attend only when the Advisory Council permits their presence during discussions. The final agenda and list of invitees are agreed upon by the Co-chairs of the Advisory Council. Information about this is sent to all ACHPCR members and invited persons.
3.4. The agenda and draft resolutions are attached to the package of the documents distributed to members no later than one week prior to the meeting. These documents include:

• Current agenda, indicating speakers;
• List of invited persons;
• Materials on the discussion issues;
• Draft resolutions for all agenda items.

4. Conduct of the Meeting
4.1. Meetings are conducted in accordance with the rules outlined in the "General Provisions of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia," the Code of Conduct for ACHPCR members, and this Regulation.
4.2. All ACHPCR members—leaders of unions and associations—participate in the meeting. Substitution of members with their deputies is allowed only in exceptional circumstances, decided by the respective union. Valid reasons for absence from the ACHPCR meeting include force majeure situations. If one of the Co-chairs cannot attend the Advisory Council meeting, the matter of holding the meeting is resolved collectively depending on the circumstances. For example, if the absent member is the scheduled chairperson or the speaker on one of the primary agenda items, the meeting may need to be postponed. Meetings are canceled if two Co-chairs of the ACHPCR are missing.
4.3. Meetings begin and end with a common prayer.
4.4. The agenda structure should begin with the approval of the forthcoming meeting's agenda, followed by the approval of the previous meeting's protocol (with clear formulations of decisions on each discussed point). Next come substantive agenda items. Finally, the chairman proposes a preliminary agenda for the next meeting. The recommended structure for discussing agenda items includes:
a) Presentation of the problem essence – up to 5 minutes;
b) Discussion of the problem – up to 20 minutes;
c) Formulation of the resolution – up to 3 minutes.

5. Rules of Mutual Interaction, regulating the form and style of communication during discussions (see the Code of Conduct for ACHPCR members).

6. Chairman.
The Chairman conducts the meeting and ensures adherence to the General Provisions, Code of Conduct, and Regulations governing ACHPCR meetings. The Chairman pays special attention to ensuring that:

• the meeting stays within the approved agenda;
• unprepared agenda items issues are removed from the agenda;
• time limits for individual agenda items and the entire meeting are observed;
• equal opportunities for expressing opinions are provided to all participants;
• discussions proceed in a businesslike manner, while respecting the personal dignity of those present and absent.

7. Secretary.
The Secretary is responsible for recording the minutes of each ACHPCR meeting, as well as:

• Provides technical assistance to the Chairman in preparing the meeting.
• Prepares the text of the previous meeting's protocol for approval by the Advisory Council and subsequent signing by the Co-chairs.
• Works together with the Expert Council to prepare the text of the upcoming ACHPCR meeting agenda for approval by the Co-chairs at the meeting.

Approved at the Advisory Council Meeting in 2005.

This document serves as a recommended collection of principles and rules of behavior for members of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia, as well as for those invited to its meetings. These principles and rules were voluntarily accepted by all members of the Council, so they serve as guidelines governing the relationship between members both during meetings and outside of them.

Key Principles of Interactions:

1. Principle of Commitment.
Members of the Advisory Council, agreeing to participate in ACHPCR, undertake to maintain confidentiality of all information and details of discussions, refrain from making public statements (including among believers) and giving interviews to the media on behalf of ACHPCR unless specifically delegated by the Advisory Council in each particular case.

2. Priority Principle.
Members of the ACHPCR agreed that their interactions would be guided by the teachings and commandments of the Holy Scriptures:

• Firstly, by serving the Lord: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness". (Matthew 6:33);
• And brotherly love: "A new commandment I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, and you also love one another". (John 13:34).

3. Tactical Expediency Principle.
Members of the ACHPCR pursue the interests of their Union, but do not violate other sections of the "Provisions of the ACHPCR" and this Code.

4. Evangelical Unity Principle.
Members of the Advisory Council believe that in dealing with unbelievers at any social level, they take a united stance as ACHPCR, avoiding actions that might cast doubt on our evangelical solidarity in secular circles.

5. Communication Rules – Guidelines regulating the form and style of communication during discussions:

• Stay within the approved agenda.
• Remove unprepared questions from the agenda.
• Do not go beyond the time limit approved by the ACHPCR for individual agenda items and the overall meeting.
• Plan your schedule to ensure attendance at all scheduled meetings and avoid leaving early.
• The chairman is responsible for enforcing the time limit.
• Ensure equality of opportunity for everyone to express their position.
• Discuss openly and impartially, while respecting the personal dignity of those present and absent.
• Avoid interrupting the speakers.

Approved by the Decision of the ACHPCR on February 10, 2011. Protocol No. 50 Amended by the Decision of the ACHPCR on «» Protocol No.

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1. The Expert Council of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia (henceforth referred to as the Expert Council or EC) is an expert body within the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia (ACHPCR). The Expert Council is established to address issues, prepare proposals for ACHPCR meetings and events.
1.2. The Expert Council operates in line with the Declaration and Regulations of the ACHPCR, as well as this Provision.
1.3. The decisions of the Expert Council are advisory in nature and presented to the members of the ACHPCR to assist in elaborating and implementing of evangelical movement development, discussing legislative proposals, presenting reports on the spiritual and social conditions in the country and abroad, and submitting appropriate recommendations.

2. KEY TASKS OF THE EXPERT COUNCIL
The primary responsibilities of the Expert Council include:

• Preparing project agendas for ACHPCR meetings;
• Working on official documents for the ACHPCR;
• Developing recommendations for the ACHPCR development and holding events;
• Working out the proposals and implementing programs to develop the social-spiritual sphere of the ACHPCR's activities;
• Formulating proposals for ACHPCR to strengthen state-confessional partnership in social sphere and issues of preserving traditional spiritual and moral values ​​for Russian society;
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of ACHPCR decisions;
• Assisting in the preparation of materials on issues of plenary sessions of the ACHPCR, conferences, seminars, meetings and other events;
• Producing methodological, analytical, and informational materials;
• Compiling materials for publication on the ACHPCR official website and in the media on current issues.

3. COORDINATOR OF THE EXPERT COUNCIL

• The Coordinator of the Expert Council of the ACHPCR is a member of the Advisory Council with an advisory vote.
• Is elected by the Advisory Council without a predetermined term.
• Convenes Expert Council meetings in accordance with the schedule of ACHPCR meetings and coordinates the formulation of issues for the ACHPCR agenda.
• Coordinates the operation of the official website and other information resources of the ACHPCR.

4. EXPERT COUNCIL COMPOSITION
4.1. The Expert Council comprises representatives from ACHPCR members (one representative from each association) as well as experts from various fields such as science, education, healthcare, economics, and management.
4.2. The Advisory Council approves the personal composition of the Expert Council and appoints its coordinator.
4.3. Members of the Expert Council are selected at ACHPCR meetings, and the term of their stay on the Expert Council is not limited. The ACHPCR Secretary, by virtue of his/her position, serves as a member of the Expert Council.

5. EXPERT COUNCIL OPERATION
5.1. Expert Council meetings are held in closed and open formats depending on the content of the issues being discussed.
5.2. Expert Council meetings are chaired by the Coordinator in conjunction with the representative of the association presiding over the upcoming ACHPCR meeting. The Coordinator coordinates with the Expert Council members the time and location of the meeting, approves the Expert Council meeting agendas, and reviews and signs the Expert Council's protocols and decisions.
5.3. The ACHPCR Secretary prepares the agendas for the Expert Council meetings based on inputs from members of EC.
5.4. Members of the Expert Council can suggest additional issues to be included in the agenda during its approval. Additional issues are added to the agenda via a majority vote among the Expert Council members.
5.5. Expert Council meetings occur as needed, usually every 7–14 days preceding the ACHPCR meeting, but at least once per quarter.
5.6. Information about the date, location, and agenda of the Expert Council meeting is communicated to members seven days prior to the meeting.
5.7. Relevant materials for Expert Council meetings are provided to members ahead of the meeting, if necessary.
5.8. If a member of the Expert Council is unable to attend in person, he/she can submit written proposals to the Expert Council.
5.9. Special working groups consisting of the Expert Council members and third-party experts can be formed to prepare specific issues. The composition of the working group is approved by the Coordinator of the Expert Council.
5.10. The Expert Council makes decisions if at least half of its members are present at the meeting.
5.11. Decisions are reached by simple majority vote among attending members. In case of a tie, the Coordinator's vote is decisive.
5.12. The decisions of the Expert Council are documented in a protocol signed by the Coordinator and the ACHPCR Secretary. The protocol lists:

1. Date and location of the meeting.
2. Personal composition of the Expert Council members (full name) and other people who attended the meeting (full name, job position, and place of employment).
3. The meeting agenda, including full names of presenters.
4. List of individuals who spoke during the meeting discussions.
5. Final decisions made on each agenda issue.

The protocols are prepared by the Coordinator within three days after the meeting and delivered to Expert Council members within one week after the meeting using available means of communication.
5.13. An Expert Council member has the right to record their own dissenting opinion or clarifications in the protocol. This opinion is noted separately in the protocol and linked to the corresponding EC meeting protocol. In this case, the text of the protocol must contain a link to the appended dissenting opinion expressed by a member (or members) of the Expert Council.
5.14. The administrative and technical support of the Expert Council is provided by the ACHPCR.

1. To maintain spiritual continuity and to make a significant contribution to the development and strengthening of the Evangelical movement in Russia, as well as to increase the influence and prestige of the Consultative Council of Protestant Churches of Russia within the country and internationally, the Advisory Council may elect an individual as an Honorary Member of the ACHPCR, who has terminated his powers as Co-Chairman of the ACHPCR.

2. The decision to appoint an Honorary Member of the ACHPCR is made by a majority vote among the members of the ACHPCR. This candidate for an honorable member is nominated by one of the acting Co-Chairmen upon written submission. The candidacy of an individual who previously held the position of a Co-Chairman, but subsequently has terminated his powers, is submitted only by the current Co-Chairman of the confession to which the candidate belongs. The decision to grant honorary membership is confirmed in a ACHPCR protocol.

3. An Honorary Member of the ACHPCR has the right:

• With the right to an advisory vote to participate in the meetings of the Consultative Council, commissions, committees, delegations, working groups, round tables, and other activities held by the ACHPCR.
• To access the documents and materials, as well as other information presented to members of the ACHPCR during the meetings and events of the Consultative Council.

4. The Honorary Member holds a seat in the hall where the meetings of the ACHPCR take place.

5. The Honorary Member is awarded a special certificate signed by the current Co-Chairmen of the ACHPCR.