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Constitution

PREAMBLE

The Executive Committee sees that The mission of the ICUU is to:

  1. foster communication, relationships and understanding within the international U*U community;
  2. build networks and partnerships among member groups, their congregations, leaders and institutions;
  3. identify and nurture emerging groups around the world; for mutual inspiration, development and growth.

We, the member groups of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, affirming our belief in religious community based on:

  • Liberty of conscience and individual thought in matters of faith
  • The inherent worth and dignity of every person
  • Justice and compassion in human relations
  • Responsible stewardship of the earth's living system
  • And our commitment to democratic principles

declare our purposes to be:

  • To serve the Infinite Spirit of Life and the human community by strengthening the worldwide Unitarian and Universalist faith
  • To affirm the variety and richness of our living traditions
  • To facilitate mutual support among member organizations
  • To promote our ideals and principles around the world
  • To provide models of liberal religious response to the human condition which uphold our common values.

1. NAME

The name of this organization shall be The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU).

2. MEMBERSHIP

Membership of this Council shall consist of those associations or churches which have agreed in writing to accept and abide by the terms of the Constitution, and which are organized on a local, national or multinational basis with each association or church consisting of one or more congregations.

3. DELEGATES

Each member group which has three thousand or more members shall be entitled to two voting delegates at meetings of the Council. Those with fewer than three thousand members shall be entitled to one voting delegate.

4. MEETINGS

The Council shall meet every second year. A quorum shall consist of more than half the member groups.

5. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee shall consist of:

  • President
  • Vice-President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • 3 Members at Large

The Executive Committee shall meet at least once in each calendar year. No person shall serve more than three consecutive terms in any office, or more than four consecutive terms in all. The Executive Committee shall have the power to fill vacancies between Council meetings. The Executive Committee shall act for the organization between Council meetings.

6. NOMINATING COMMITTEE

A Nominating Committee of three persons shall be elected by the Council to present a slate of candidates for the Executive Committee and the succeeding Nominating Committee.

7. ELECTIONS

The list of nominees and the appropriate number of ballots shall be mailed three months prior to the Council meeting. Member groups unable to send delegates to the Council meeting may submit postal ballots. Postal ballots arriving after the opening of the Council meeting shall be null and void. Nominees must be members in good standing of a member organization and acceptable to the governing body of that organization.

8. FINANCE

Member groups shall contribute annually a sum agreed in consultation with the Executive Committee. Books of accounts shall be kept, and audited by an external auditor, and audited statements of accounts shall be submitted to member groups.

9. DISSOLUTION

In the event of dissolution of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, all remaining assets will be transferred to the Unitarian Universalist Association in trust to be used in ways consistent with the purposes of the ICUU.

10. RATIFICATION

Ratification of this Constitution will be by a minimum of eight member organizations by 31 December 1996.

11. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

At least ten months' notice, together with supporting documentation, shall be given to member groups, of any proposal to amend the Constitution. Amendments shall be passed by two thirds of the delegates present and voting at Council meetings.