Provisions on Representative Organizations

Regulations on the Representative Organization of the ACHPCR

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.