Declaration on the establishment of a representative organization of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia (ACHPCR) in (region/city or town)

We, heads of Protestant associations, declare our commitment to the constitutional principle of separation of church and state, and strive to contribute to the spiritual and moral transformations in society.

We believe that uniting our efforts in this direction will facilitate the creation of a Representative Organization of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia (ACHPCR) in (region/city or town) (further in the text – the RO ACHPCR or RO), which aims to achieve the following goals:
• The coordination of joint activities to establish civil peace and social harmony in society;
• The development of a unified position in the interactions with the state, other religious organizations and unions;
• Assistance and support for charitable activities and social services;
• Development of proposals to improve the current legislation regarding the activities of religious organizations and unions;
• Development of relationships with state authorities, media, non-governmental and religious organizations and unions to promote spiritual and educational activities aimed at improving the moral climate in society;
• Protection of human rights and religious freedoms of believers.

The representative organization of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia (ACHPCR) in (region/city or town) convenes as needed. Chairman's duties are carried out by alternating Church and association leaders within the ACHPCR.

The leaders of religious associations, who have signed this declaration, express their voluntary commitment to the principles and goals embodied in the general declaration on the formation of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia (ACHPCR), adopted on February 20, 2002, and other regulations governing the activities of the Council. We are convinced that our joint efforts are essential for the development and consolidation not only of our communities, but as well as for the fulfillment of of the commandments and instructions of the Lord, declare:

• Our commitment to the constitutional principle of separation of church and state, and strive to contribute to the spiritual and moral transformations in society;
• The coordination of joint activities to establish civil peace and social harmony in society;
• The development of a unified position in the interactions with the state, other religious organizations and unions;
• Assistance and support for charitable activities and social services;
• Development of proposals to improve the current legislation regarding the activities of religious organizations and unions;
• Development of relationships with state authorities, media, non-governmental and religious organizations and unions to promote spiritual and educational activities aimed at improving the moral climate in society;
• Protection of human rights and religious freedoms of believers.

We believe that safeguarding life, freedom, independence, and religious liberty is essential for the development of peace. Other Christian churches may join this declaration if they recognize the need for collaborative action.

Regulations on the Representative Organization of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia in (region/city or town)

I. Basic Provisions

The Representative Organization of the ACHPCR in (region/city or town), further in the text – the RO ACHPCR or RO.

The ratification of the declaration on the establishment of the Advisory Council took place at its session on __/__/___.

The declaration declares the intention of the heads of Protestant churches in the (region/city) to contribute to the spiritual and moral transformation of society, fostering civil peace and harmony, as well as developing a unified position in relations with other religious organizations and the state facilitating social development, charitable activities, and social service as well as protecting the rights and freedoms of believers.

The Representative Organization of the ACHPCR in (region/city or town) consists of chairpersons, members, honored members, and observers, who are elected in accordance with the procedure outlined in the Regulations of the RO ACHPCR and other related documents.

The highest authority of the Representative Organization is the RO ACHPCR meeting in (region/city or town), chaired by one of the Co-chairmen. Between meetings, ongoing work of the RO is conducted by the Secretary and various working groups.

The Representative Organization in (region/city or town) does not have extensive powers, as it is a consultative body. According to the Declaration and Regulations, the RO can make mandatory decisions, besides recommendations, full implementation of which is provided by unanimous agreement of all members of the RO ACHPCR. Each voting RO member has one vote. Decisions on procedural matters require a quorum of at least two-thirds of its members. Substantial decisions are accepted when at least two-thirds of the members vote in favor. If even one of the co-chairmen votes against the decision (veto), it is rejected. The foundation of the RO ACHPCR activity is the principle of consensus among the co-chairmen.

II. Composition:

RO ACHPCR consists of:

• Chairpersons (with the right to a deciding vote and veto power);
• Members (with voting rights);
• Observers (having the right to speak at plenary sessions, but their votes are not counted in the final tally);
• Honorary Members (with the right to participate in discussions and have a voice);
• Secretary (with the right to an advisory vote).

Membership in RO ACHPCR in (region/city or town):

When a church joins the RO ACHPCR, it becomes an observer. Later, this church can apply for becoming a member of the RO ACHPCR. Once the church acquires the status of a member, it can apply for admission to the co-chairs. The request is discussed at the RO ACHPCR meeting. When the church is included as a co-chair, it signs the Open Act of Accession to the Declaration on the establishment of a Representative Organization of the ACHPCR. During ACHPCR meetings, the co-chairs can be represented by 3 (three) representatives, members – by 2 (two), observers – by 1 (one). All other participants are invited to the meetings as agreed upon by all co-chairs.

Co-chairmen:

Members:

Observers:

Honored members:

Secretary:

The RO ACHPCR is elected without specifying a fixed term of election.

• A member of the RO holds the role of a member with the right to an advisory vote.
• He/she is responsible for maintaining all documents of the RO ACHPCR.
• He/she compiles and keeps records of all meetings of the RO ACHPCR.

III. Objectives and tasks

The Representative Organization sets forth the following objectives:

• Coordination of joint activities and development of recommendations in the field of modern interfaith and interreligious relations; search of innovative approaches to strengthening civil peace and preventing conflicts on interethnic and religious grounds, achieving public consensus;
• Provision of bilateral and multilateral interfaith consultations and conducting other forms of activities to facilitate collaboration among Christian communities and churches.
• Development of a unified position toward religious unions and state authorities.
• Contribution to social development, charitable activities, and social services.
• Development of proposals to improve the current legislation regarding the activities of religious organizations.
• Development of ties with governmental bodies and institutions, mass media, non-governmental and religious organizations, associations to conduct joint spiritual-ethical activities, integration of high spiritual principles aimed at revitalizing the moral climate in society.
• Protection of human rights and religious freedoms;
• Representation of the interests of the ACHPCR in (region/city or town).
• Representation of Protestant churches' interests in (region/city or town) in the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia (ACHPCR).

IV. Organizational membership fees

To support the organizational activities of the Representative Organization, all churches participating in the RO ACHPCR in (region/city or town), whether as chairs or members, annually contribute an organizational fee. The amount of this fee is determined at the meeting of the RO ACHPCR and discussed accordingly. The need for this fee is also evaluated at the meeting.

If there is a need for organizational fees, the Representative Organization elects a responsible person to collect and store the collected funds from members of the RO ACHPCR.

Regulations for holding meetings of the Representative Organization of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia (ACHPCR) in (region/city or town)

The format of the discussion and adoption of joint decisions within the Representative Organization involves quarterly meetings of all members of the RO ACHPCR, that are being regulated by the Regulations and the Code of Behavior of the RO ACHPCR.

1. Duration and frequency of meetings.
1.1. Meetings are held once every quarter, with dates and frequency adjusted by the RO ACHPCR.
1.2. Duration of meetings is 3 hours, it ranges from 1 to 7 p.m. In exceptional circumstances, meetings might last up to 1 hour longer.

2. Location of meetings.
Meetings of the RO are held alternately at locations hosted by the next meeting chair's church, or at the location presented by any ACHPCR member church. The chairperson of the meeting is responsible for the technical preparation and the conduct of the session.

3. Preparation of meeting.
3.1 The agenda for the upcoming meeting is developed by the chairperson based on suggestions from all members of the RO ACHPCR.
3.2 The agenda should not be overloaded; the number of items to be discussed should not exceed seven topics, including reviewing the minutes from the previous meeting and discussing miscellaneous topics.
For each topic on the agenda, a presenter is being designated, who introduces the issue and proposes a solution.
3.3 Information on specific points of the agenda may be presented by individuals directly involved in the issue being discussed. However, these persons attend only those parts of the meeting that pertain to their particular issue. If the Advisory Council decides otherwise, they may be allowed to attend other discussions. The Final agenda and the list of invitees are agreed with all RO members no later than 1 (one) week before the meeting. This information is sent to all members and invited guests within this period.
3.4 The precise address and the time of the meeting are being added to the agenda and the draft solutions, they are provided to members of the RO no later than 1 (one) week before the meeting. This document includes:

• Current agenda listing speakers;
• List of invited attendees;
• Materials covering the discussion topics;
• Draft solutions for each item on the agenda;
• Draft of future agenda.

The technical assistance to the chairman is provided by the secretary of the RO.

4. Conduct of meeting.
4.1. Meetings are held in accordance with the rules set out in the General Provisions of the RO ACHPCR in (region/city or town), the Code of Conduct of RO members as well as these Regulations.
4.2. All members of the RO ACHPCR, including church, union association heads participate in the meetings; their replacement by deputies is only permitted in force majeure circumstances. Deputies and assistants may attend the meetings alongside the primary participants. If one of the chairpersons cannot attend the meeting, the matter of holding the meeting is resolved collectively, depending on the circumstances. For example, if the absent person is either the next chairperson or the speaker on a major topic, the meeting is postponed. If there are two missing chairs, the meeting is canceled.
4.3. Meetings begin and end with a common prayer.
4.4. The meeting agenda should include the following sections: approval of the agenda for the upcoming meeting, then approval of the minutes from the previous meeting (with clear formulations of solutions for each issue discussed). Next, discussion of substantive issues. At the end of the meeting, the chair suggests the draft of the next meeting's agenda of a purely preliminary nature.
Recommended structure for discussing the agenda issues:
a) Presentation of the issue – up to 5 minutes;
b) Discussion of the issue – up to 20 minutes;
c) Formulation of the solution – up to 3 minutes.

5. Rules governing interaction and communication form and style during discussions (see the Code of Conduct for ACHPCR members.

6. Chairman.
The chairperson leads the meeting and monitors execution of the General Provisions, the Code of Conduct and Regulations for holding meetings of the RO ACHPCR
He/she especially ensures that
- the discussion stays within the bounds of the approved agenda;
- unprepared questions are being removed from the agenda in a timely manner;
- the discussion stays within the bounds of the approved time, both for individual agenda issues and for the entire meeting;
- equal opportunities for all participants in the meeting to express their position;
- the discussion is conducted in a businesslike manner, but at the same time the personal dignity of those present and absent is respected.

7. Secretary.
The secretary Records all meetings of the ACHPCR, as well as performs the following functions:

1. Provides technical assistance to the chairman in preparing the meeting.
2. Prepares the minutes of the previous meeting for approval at the subsequent meeting and its signing by the chairmen.
3. Together with the Expert Council ACHPCR, prepares the draft of the next meeting's agenda for approval at the co-chairmen meeting.

Representative Organization of the ACHPCR members
Code of Conduct in (region/city or town)

Adopted at the meeting of the RO ACHPCR in (region/city or town) ____/____/____.

This document contains recommended guidelines and rules of behavior for members of the RO ACHPCR and invited individuals attending its meetings. These principles and rules are voluntarily accepted by all members, so they serve as guiding principles for interactions between members of the RO both during meetings and outside them.

Basic interaction principles:

1. Principle of dedication.

Members of the RO ACHPCR agree to maintain confidentiality regarding all information and details of discussions, refraining from public statements (including statements among believers) and interviews with the media on behalf of the RO ACHPCR unless authorized by the decision of the Representative Organization in each specific case.

2. Principle of priority.

The members of the RO ACHPCR agreed that their interactions would be guided by moral principles derived from the Covenants and the Commandments from the Sacred Scripture:

• Foremost, service to the Lord: «Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness» (Matthew 6:33);
• Brotherly Love: «A new commandment is given to you: Love each other deeply, as I love you and you love each other» (John 13:34).

3. Tactical Expediency Principle.

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

4. Evangelical Unity Principle.

Members of the RO ACHPCR believe that in dealing with unbelievers at any social level, they take a united stance as RO 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 RO 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.