PREAMBLE

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PREAMBLE

CONSTITUTION OF THE FELLOWSHIP

Inasmuch as it is our most solemn conviction that the comfort, happiness, and

well‑being of Man will be enhanced by the creation of an organization devoted

to the purposes hereinafter expressed, and inasmuch as it is our considered

judgment that the purposes hereinafter expressed may best be accomplished

through the mutual assistance and association of a body of people working

together for a common cause, we do hereby unite together as a voluntary

association and fellowship under the name of THE FELLOWSHIP, and we do

hereby adopt and establish this CONSTITUTION OF THE FELLOWSHIP.

CONSTITUTION OF THE FELLOWSHIP
Updated January 26, 2008

ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of this association shall be THE FELLOWSHIP.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE

The purposes of THE FELLOWSHIP are the study and dissemination of the teachings of The Urantia Book; the promotion, improvement, and expansion among the peoples of the world of the comprehension and understanding of Cosmology and the relation of the planet on which we live to the Universe, of the genesis and destiny of Man and his relation to God, and of the life and teachings of Jesus; and the inculcation and encouragement of the realization and appreciation of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man ‑‑ in order to increase and enhance the comfort, happiness, and well‑being of Man, as an individual and as a member of society, by fostering a religion, a philosophy, and a cosmology which are commensurate with Man's intellectual and cultural development, through the medium of fraternal association, ever obedient and subservient to the laws of this country and of all countries wherein THE FELLOWSHIP may extend.

ARTICLE III

COMPOSITION

THE FELLOWSHIP shall be composed of members associated together for the purposes expressed in this Constitution into local societies hereinafter referred to as "Local Societies," autonomous in conduct of their local affairs, but subservient to this Constitution, chartered by, and inseparably associated with, the integrant organization in this Constitution created and defined, and divided into such geographical groups and correlated by such integrated intermediary organizations as shall be provided to best serve an orderly organization.

ARTICLE IV

MEMBERSHIP

Section 4.1. Qualification: Any person who shall, as adjudged by a Local Society, evidence a desire and a willingness to learn and understand the teachings of The Urantia Book, and who shall declare his willingness to accept this Constitution of THE FELLOWSHIP, shall be eligible for membership in such Local Society. Membership in any church, religious organization, or fraternal society shall not disqualify a candidate for membership in a Local Society. Any person, upon becoming a member of a Local Society, shall ipso facto become a member of THE FELLOWSHIP.

Section 4.2. Transfer of Membership: A member shall have the right to transfer his membership from any Local Society to another Local Society upon obtaining the consent of the latter and upon complying with the requirements of the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP.

Section 4.3. Expulsion: No member shall be expelled from membership in a Local Society unless, as adjudged by such Local Society, the attitude, conduct, or influence of such member shall be prejudicial to the interests and work of such Local Society. Upon the expulsion of a member, he shall cease to be a member of THE FELLOWSHIP and shall be disqualified for membership in any other Local Society except as hereinafter provided.

Section 4.4. Appeal from Expulsion: Whenever a member shall have been expelled from a Local Society, he shall have the right to appeal to the Judicial Committee; and from a decision of the Judicial Committee confirming his expulsion, such expelled member may apply to the Executive Committee for a review of the decision of the Judicial Committee, and the Executive Committee may accept or reject such application. Appeals to the Judicial Committee and applications for review of decisions of the Judicial Committee shall be made in the manner prescribed by the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP. The Judicial Committee, upon appeal, and the Executive Committee, upon acceptance of the application to review the decision of the Judicial Committee, shall have the power respectively to confirm the expulsion or to determine that such expulsion was without prejudice. In the event of the determination by either the Judicial Committee or the Executive Committee that the expulsion was without prejudice, the disqualification for membership in any other Local Society of the person so expelled shall be rescinded thereby.

Section 4.5. Members‑at‑large: In exceptional cases, the Executive Committee shall have authority to accept individuals who are so situated that they cannot conveniently become members of an organized Local Society. Such persons hold their membership at the option of the Executive Committee, and such membership may be at any time terminated by the Executive Committee for reasons of its own determination, or because such an individual has become a regular member of some duly chartered Local Society.

Section 4.6. Record of Membership: A permanent record of each member shall be made, kept, and preserved in the manner prescribed in the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP.

ARTICLE V

LOCAL SOCIETIES

Section 5.1. Organization: Whenever ten (10) or more persons shall have associated themselves together to establish a society for the accomplishment of the purposes expressed in this Constitution, and shall make application to the Membership Committee, in the form prescribed by the Membership Committee, to be chartered as a Local Society of THE FELLOWSHIP, and shall have paid to the Membership Committee the application fee required by the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP, the Membership Committee, when it is satisfied that the applicants comply with the Standards of Admission of Local Societies, shall recommend to the Executive Committee that a charter be issued to such applicants; and upon the ratification and approval of the Membership Committee's recommendation by the Executive Committee, a charter shall be granted and issued by the Membership Committee and signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Membership Committee and by the President and Secretary of THE FELLOWSHIP, and THE FELLOWSHIP Seal affixed thereto.

Section 5.2. Installation: When a charter shall have been granted and issued, the Membership Committee shall cause the persons applying therefor to be installed as a Local Society pursuant to such formalities as may from time to time be established by the Membership Committee. Upon the installation of a Local Society the persons comprising such Local Society shall become and be members of THE FELLOWSHIP.

Section 5.3. Name of Local Society: The Membership Committee, subject to ratification by the Executive Committee, shall approve the name of each new Local Society.

Section 5.4. Local Government: Each Local Society shall have a congregational form of organization and government; its officers shall be a President, a Vice‑President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers as may be desired; and these officers shall be elected for a term of one (1), two (2), or three (3) years in accordance with procedures established by each Local Society. The Secretary‑General of THE FELLOWSHIP shall be notified by the Secretary of each Local Society of the names of the officers of such Local Society within thirty (30) days subsequent to their election. Each Local Society shall have a Membership Committee and such other committees as may from time to time be established by the By‑laws of such Local Society. The Secretary-General of THE FELLOWSHIP shall be provided by the Secretary of each Local Society with a current copy of the Constitution and By-laws of such Local Society and within thirty (30) days subsequent to any modification of change. Each Local Society shall be autonomous in all matters of its government and activities, including the determination of its membership, except as limited by this Constitution or delegated to the General Council, the Executive Committee, or one or more of the Departmental Committees.

Section 5.5. Tithes: Each Local Society shall remit to the Treasurer of THE FELLOWSHIP a tithe (ten (10) percent) of its gross receipts, and the tithe shall become a part of the treasury of THE FELLOWSHIP. Such tithes shall be remitted to the Treasurer of THE FELLOWSHIP at such time and with such reports as may from time to time be required by the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP.

Section 5.6. Revocation of Charter: Whenever the conduct of a Local Society shall contravene the spirit and purpose of THE FELLOWSHIP, the charter of such Local Society may be revoked. The charter of any Local Society shall not be revoked except upon (a) the filing by the Membership Committee of a petition with the Judicial Committee for the revocation of the charter of such a Local Society, (b) the summoning of the officers of such Local Society by the Judicial Committee to show cause why its charter should not be revoked, (c) an adjudication by the Judicial Committee, after a hearing on such petition to show cause, that the charter of such Local Society should be revoked, and (d) the affirmation by the Executive Committee of such adjudication. Such Local Society shall be notified of the revocation of the charter by letter transmitted by United States Registered Mail from the Chairman of the Judicial Committee attested by the Secretary‑General. From an adjudication by the Judicial Committee, affirmed by the Executive Committee, revoking the charter of a Local Society, an appeal may be taken, in the manner prescribed in the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP, to the General Council. Such appeal shall be taken at the next meeting of the General Council if such meeting shall be not less than thirty (30) days from the date of the affirmation by the Executive Committee of the adjudication of the Judicial Committee, and if said next meeting of the General Council shall be less than thirty (30) days from the date of such affirmation, then at the next succeeding meeting of the General Council. The Executive Committee may suspend action on an adjudication of the Judicial Committee for a probationary period, but the failure of the Executive Committee to take any action within sixty (60) days after such an adjudication by the Judicial Committee shall constitute a disaffirmance. A disaffirmance by the Executive Committee shall constitute a final determination dismissing the petition to show cause. Any Local Society against which a petition for the revocation of its charter shall have been filed by the Membership Committee shall be entitled to representation by counsel in all proceedings relevant thereto. Upon the revocation of the charter of any Local Society, the persons comprising such Local Society shall automatically cease to be members of THE FELLOWSHIP, and such persons shall be disqualified for membership in any other Local Society except as hereinafter and hereinbefore provided.

Section 5.7. Special Dispensation to Members: Whenever the charter of any Local Society shall have been revoked, any member of such society may petition the Judicial Committee for special dispensation; and if the Judicial Committee shall determine that the loss of such person's membership in THE FELLOWSHIP should be without prejudice, and such determination of the Judicial Committee shall have been ratified by the Executive Committee, the disqualification of such person for membership in any other Local Society shall be rescinded thereby.

Section 5.8. Inactive Status: Whenever a Local Society shall fail to comply with the requirements of the Constitution and By-laws of THE FELLOWSHIP, such Local Society may be placed on Inactive Status by the Secretary- General with the approval of the Executive Committee and the members of such Local Society shall become Members-at -Large of THE FELLOWSHIP. The Local Society President and Secretary of last record shall be given notice of the change in Local Society status to Inactive by the Secretary-General of THE FELLOWSHIP and each Local Society member of last record shall be notified of change from Society Member to Member-At-Large. An Inactive Local Society is unable to participate in the Triennial Delegate Assembly unless all requirements are met no later than sixty (60) days before the date of the called Triennial Delegate Assembly. THE FELLOWSHIP Constitution and By-laws require a Local Society to do the following:

(a) To hold elections every one (1), two (2), or three (3) years, according to the Local Society's constitution. (Section 5.4)

(b) To have a minimum of four (4) officers including a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. (Section 5.4)

(c) To notify THE FELLOWSHIP of the names of the officers within thirty (30) days subsequent to their election. (Section 5.4 and By-laws Paragraph 1.5)

(d) To provide THE FELLOWSHIP with a copy of its current constitution and by-laws and within thirty (30) days subsequent to any modification of change. (Section 5.4)

(e) To remit to THE FELLOWSHIP a tithe (ten (10) percent) of its gross receipts on or before the fifteenth days of April, July, October, and January. (Section 5.5 and By-laws paragraph 3.3)

(f) To maintain a list of society members and provide such list to THE FELLOWSHIP when requested. (By-laws paragraph 1.1)

(g) To provide THE FELLOWSHIP not later than the tenth (10) day of January of each year, the number of members in that society on the last day of the preceding calendar year and such other information as the Executive Committee shall from time to time require. (By-laws paragraph 3.2)

(h) To record transfers of membership. (By-laws paragraph 1.4)

(i) To notify THE FELLOWSHIP of Expulsions from the Local Society. (By-laws paragraph 1.6)

(j) To notify THE FELLOWSHIP within fifteen (15) days of the election of the Delegate and Alternate Delegate, the name of the Delegate and Alternate Delegate, and such notification shall be certified by the President of such Local Society. Each Delegate and Alternate shall certify that he or she has read The Urantia Book in its entirety. (By-laws paragraph 6.3)

ARTICLE VI

TRIENNIAL DELEGATE ASSEMBLY

Section 6.1. Call: The first Triennial Delegate Assembly shall convene not less than six (6) months nor more than one (1) year after the expiration of nine (9) years from the date of the adoption of this Constitution and, thereafter, once every three (3) years, upon call by the Executive Committee. Notice of the call of the Triennial Delegate Assembly shall be given to each Local Society not less than six (6) months before the date of convention designated by the Executive Committee in the call of the Triennial Delegate Assembly, and such notice shall contain the names of the Program Committee, which shall be appointed by the President at the time of the call.

Section 6.2. Delegates: Delegates to the Triennial Delegate Assembly (Triennial Delegates) must be members in good standing of THE FELLOWSHIP and of any Local Society which they represent, and must have read The Urantia Book in its entirety. Triennial Delegates shall be elected in the manner provided by the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP. Equal representation shall be accorded to each Local Society at the Triennial Delegate Assembly.

Section 6.3. Proceedings: The President and Secretary of THE FELLOWSHIP shall preside at the Triennial Delegate Assembly. Subject only to the provisions of this Constitution, each Triennial Delegate Assembly shall determine its own membership. The Committee on Credentials shall consist of the Chairman of the Judicial, Membership, and Interfaith Committees of THE FELLOWSHIP. This Committee shall meet at a time specified by the Executive Committee before the opening of the Triennial Delegate Assembly to receive, examine, and recommend to the President the approval or disapproval of the credentials of each of the delegates and alternates. Immediately following the seating of the delegates the President shall appoint from the floor a Committee on Nominations and a Committee on Resolutions. The Triennial Delegate Assembly shall be conducted pursuant to Robert's Rules of Order except in respect to the order of procedure, which shall be as follows:

(a) Assembly called to order and address of welcome.

(b) Report of Credentials Committee and seating of delegates.

(d) Reports of outgoing officers and chairmen of Departmental Committees.

(e) Report of Nominations Committee and election of members of General Council.

(f) Report of Resolutions Committee.

(g) Consideration of old business.

(h) Consideration of new business.

(i) Reading and approval of minutes unless Assembly votes to waive such reading or designates some other manner of approving minutes.

(j) Adjournment.

Section 6.4. Quorum: A quorum of any meeting of a Triennial Delegate Assembly shall consist of a majority of the accredited delegates who shall have been seated by the Assembly after the report by the Credentials Committee, but a lesser number may meet and adjourn. Any question presented to the Triennial Delegate Assembly may be decided by a majority of the Triennial Delegates present at any duly constituted meeting at which a quorum is present except as otherwise provided in this Constitution.

Section 6.5. Ratification of Resolutions: All resolutions adopted by the Triennial Delegate Assembly, except resolutions pertaining to the organization and rules of procedure of such assembly and to the election of Councilors, shall be referred to the General Council, which may either ratify and confirm such resolutions, refer the same to the Departmental Committees for further study or elaboration, or take such other action as the General Council shall deem necessary, appropriate, or proper: provided, however, that wherever a resolution adopted by the Triennial Delegate Assembly is not ratified and confirmed by the General Council, a full report of the action of the General Council with respect thereto shall be made at the next Triennial Delegate Assembly upon the request of any accredited delegate thereto.

Section 6.6. Expenses of Triennial Delegate Assembly: All expenses of the Triennial Delegate Assembly, except the expenses of the individual delegates, shall be paid by THE FELLOWSHIP.

ARTICLE VII

INTEGRATION OF LOCAL SOCIETIES

As Local Societies shall increase in number so that it shall be beneficial to the orderly administration of the organization of THE FELLOWSHIP, the General Council shall first group the Local Societies into state or district groups, or a combination thereof, and then, such state or district groups, into regional or national groups or a combination thereof, with such organizations as shall be prescribed by the By‑laws. The expenses of the intermediary organizations established by the General Council shall be paid out of the treasury of THE FELLOWSHIP and shall be such portion of the tithes as shall be determined from time to time by the General Council. In the establishment of such intermediary organizations, the General Council shall provide for the holding of appropriate group assemblies and the election of delegates thereto and for the election of Triennial Delegates by the assemblies of the largest representative groups so established. The creation and establishment of such groups and their organization shall be by the affirmative vote in favor thereof at any regular meeting of three‑fourths (3/4ths) of all duly elected and qualified Councilors.

ARTICLE VIII

THE GENERAL COUNCIL

Section 8.1. Organization: There shall be a General Council of THE FELLOWSHIP composed of thirty‑six (36) Councilors.

Section 8.2. Election and Terms of Councilors: The members of the General Council shall be elected by the Triennial Delegate Assembly for terms as follows: At the first Triennial Delegate Assembly, twelve (12) Councilors shall be elected for a term of three (3) years, twelve (12) Councilors for a term of six (6) years, and twelve (12) Councilors for a term of nine (9) years; at each succeeding Triennial Delegate Assembly, twelve (12) Councilors shall be elected for a term of nine (9) years to fill the offices of the Councilors then expiring. Councilors shall be elected by secret ballot from nominations presented to the Triennial Delegate Assembly by the Nominations Committee and from the floor of the assembly with the prior consent of the individuals nominated, and a candidate receiving a majority of the ballots cast shall be declared elected. Each Triennial Delegate, in person and not by proxy, shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote for each Councilor to be elected but without right to accumulate any such votes for one (1) or more Councilors.

Section 8.3. Qualification of Councilors: Any member of THE FELLOWSHIP in good standing who has read The Urantia Book in its entirety shall be eligible to hold the office of Councilor, but only while such person remains a member in good standing. Loss of membership in THE FELLOWSHIP for any reason shall ipso facto terminate such person's tenure and status as a Councilor. Should a Councilor's membership in THE FELLOWSHIP be terminated by adverse judicial or administrative action, during the period between such action and the time such action becomes final, such person may not sit, speak, or vote as a member of the General Council.

Section 8.4. Removal of Councilors: A Councilor may be removed from office (a) for permanent incapacitation rendering him physically or mentally disabled for fulfilling his duties as a Councilor or (b) for conduct rendering the continuation of his membership on the General Council prejudicial to the best interests of THE FELLOWSHIP: providing (1) a resolution shall be adopted by an affirmative vote of at least three‑fourths (3/4ths) of the members of the Executive Committee recommending the removal of such Councilor from office and stating the reasons therefor; (2) a copy of such resolution, certified by the Secretary, shall be delivered to him in person or transmitted by United States Registered Mail addressed to him at his last known address at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting of the General Council at which said resolution of the Executive Committee shall be presented; and (3) on a secret ballot of the General Council, an affirmative vote of at least three‑fourths (3/4ths) of the duly elected and qualified Councilors shall be cast in favor of such removal, the Councilor whose removal is being voted upon being disqualified to vote. On the casting of such vote, the office of such Councilor shall become vacant.

Section 8.5. Filling Vacancies: Whenever a vacancy shall exist in the office of Councilor by reason of death, resignation, or removal, the General Council shall elect a temporary successor from among the members of THE FELLOWSHIP in good standing to fill such vacancy for the unexpired term thereof or until the next Triennial Delegate Assembly if the term of such vacant office shall not expire until thereafter, in which latter event the Triennial Delegate Assembly shall then elect a successor to fill such vacancy and to hold office for the remainder of such term.

Section 8.6. Quorum: A quorum at any meeting of the General Council shall consist of a majority of the Councilors, but a lesser number may meet and adjourn. The presiding officer at any meeting thereof may vote only in case of a tied vote. Any question presented at any meeting of the General Council at which a quorum is present shall be decided by a majority vote except as otherwise provided in this Constitution.

Section 8.7. Meetings:

(a) Regular Meetings: Regular meetings of the General Council shall be held once each calendar year in which there is no Triennial Meeting of the General Council. Regular meetings shall be held at the headquarters of THE FELLOWSHIP or at the place designated by the Executive Committee. The date and time of regular meetings shall be determined by the Executive Committee. Written notices shall be given to each Councilor at least fifteen (15) days prior to such meeting, stating therein the time and place of such meeting. Such notices may be delivered personally or may be sent by telegraph or by United States Mail addressed to the Councilor at his last known address.

(b) Special Meetings: Special meetings of the General Council may be called at any time by the Executive Committee or upon the written request of twelve (12) Councilors. Notice thereof shall be given as required in the case of regular meetings, but such notice shall also state the purpose or purposes for which such special meeting is called.

(c) Triennial Meetings: Immediately following the Triennial Delegate Assembly a meeting of the General Council, to be known as the Triennial Meeting, shall be held for the election of the officers of THE FELLOWSHIP and the members of the Departmental Committees. The President and Secretary of THE FELLOWSHIP shall preside at the Triennial Meeting, whether or not either of them is then a member of the General Council, until their successors have been elected and installed at such meeting. No notice of such meeting shall be required except that the twelve (12) newly elected Councilors shall be notified by telephone or telegraph.

(d) Waiver of Notice: Notice of any regular or special meeting of the General Council may be waived by waiver in writing of all the Councilors.

Section 8.8. Powers: The General Council shall have the following powers:

(a) All powers which are not specifically conferred upon the officers, the Departmental Committees, and the Local Societies, and which are not prohibited to the General Council by this Constitution, may be exercised by the General Council.

(b) The General Council shall have the power to and shall adopt By‑laws which shall be known as the "By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP," to make effective the terms and provisions of this Constitution and the powers herein conferred upon the General Council and to regulate the conduct of the affairs of THE FELLOWSHIP.

(c) The General Council shall have the power by By‑law to delegate its authority and power, or part thereof, to the Executive Committee and to revoke such delegation at any time.

(d) The General Council shall not enact any By‑law limiting or restricting the autonomy of the Local Societies over the conduct of their local affairs.

(e) The General Council shall not enact any By‑laws discriminating against any Local Society or group of Local Societies.

Section 8.9. Proxies: At any meeting of the General Council, a Councilor may vote by proxy executed in writing by the Councilor on a form of proxy provided by the Executive Committee. Such proxy must be filed with the Secretary at or before the time the meeting is called to order.

ARTICLE IX

OFFICERS

Section 9.1. Officers: The officers of THE FELLOWSHIP shall be a President, a Vice‑President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Secretary‑General, and such other officers as may from time to time be established by the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP.

Section 9.2. Election: The officers shall be elected by the General Council from its membership at the Triennial Meeting of the General Council following the Triennial Delegate Assembly and shall hold office for a term of three (3) years and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The election of officers shall be by secret ballot from candidates nominated for each office by the Executive Committee and from the floor with the prior consent of the individuals nominated, and a candidate receiving a majority of the ballots cast shall be declared elected. Whenever it shall be necessary to cast more than one (1) ballot, the candidates for office shall be restricted in each succeeding ballot to the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes on the preceding ballot, or, in case of a tie by three (3) or more candidates, then to the candidates so tied.

Section 9.3. President: The President shall be the principal executive officer; he shall preside at all meetings of the General Council, the Executive Committee, and the Triennial Delegate Assembly, until his successor has been elected and installed at the Triennial Meeting of the General Council; he shall make periodic reports to the General Council and THE FELLOWSHIP and a final report to the Triennial Delegate Assembly on the status of the affairs and activities of THE FELLOWSHIP and such other reports as shall from time to time be required of him by the General Council or the Executive Committee; he shall have power to carry into effect all By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP and all resolutions of the General Council and all rules and resolutions of the Executive Committee; and he shall have such other powers and duties as may from time to time be conferred or imposed upon him by the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP or by the General Council or by the Executive Committee.

Section 9.4. Vice‑President: In the event of the inability of the President to act, the Vice‑President shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President in his place and stead; and he shall perform such other duties and exercise such other powers as may from time to time be imposed upon him by the General Council, the Executive Committee, and the President.

Section 9.5. Secretary: The Secretary shall keep and preserve the records of the meetings and proceedings of the General Council and of the Triennial Delegate Assembly; he shall be custodian of THE FELLOWSHIP SEAL; he shall issue all notices required by the Constitution and By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP; he shall keep and preserve the official record of the members of THE FELLOWSHIP, to be known as the Official Membership Census; he shall have power to certify to the correctness of any copies of records in his custody and possession; and he shall perform such other duties and exercise such other powers as may from time to time be imposed upon him by the By‑laws. In the event of the inability of both the President and Vice‑President to act, he shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the President.

Section 9.6. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be the principal financial officer and shall have general supervision and control over the moneys and properties of THE FELLOWSHIP; he shall collect and receive all moneys and property due THE FELLOWSHIP; he shall render reports to the President and Executive Committee at such times as either shall require; he shall have the custody and control of, and shall preserve, financial and property records of THE FELLOWSHIP; and he shall render a full and complete final report on the financial affairs of THE FELLOWSHIP and the conduct of his office to the Triennial Delegate Assembly.

Section 9.7. Secretary‑General: The Secretary‑General shall be the principal clerical officer and the liaison officer between the General Council and each of the Departmental Committees; he shall be ex‑officio a member of all such committees but without power to vote thereon; he shall assist in the correlation of the work of the Departmental Committees; he shall keep and preserve the records of the meetings and proceedings and copies of all official reports, records, and documents of such Committees; and he shall keep and preserve all records of the officers of Local Societies, and shall keep and preserve such other records of THE FELLOWSHIP as he shall be directed by the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP. In the event of the inability of the Secretary or Treasurer, or both, to act, he shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of Secretary or Treasurer, or both. In the event of the temporary inability of the Secretary‑General to act, the President, by and with the consent of a majority of the Executive Committee, shall have power to appoint an Acting Secretary‑General, who shall succeed to the powers and duties of the Secretary‑General during the period of such temporary inability to act.

Section 9.8. Bonds: The officers shall give bond in such sums and with such sureties as may from time to time be required by the By‑laws. All such bonds shall be payable to the Executive Committee of THE FELLOWSHIP.

Section 9.9. Vacancies: Whenever any vacancy shall occur in any of the foregoing offices, such vacancies may be filled at any regular or special meeting of the General Council, which may elect a successor or successors to such office or offices, to serve during the unexpired term thereof, from nominees submitted by the Executive Committee.

Section 9.10. Limitations of Officers: Except as in this Article provided, no person shall hold more than one office, nor shall any officer serve as an officer of any Departmental Committee.

ARTICLE X

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 10.1. Organization: There shall be an Executive Committee of the General Council, to be known as the "Executive Committee," which shall be comprised of the officers of THE FELLOWSHIP and the Chairmen of each of the Departmental Committees.

Section 10.2. Officers of the Executive Committee: The President shall be the Chairman of the Executive Committee and shall preside at all meetings thereof. The Secretary‑General shall be the Secretary of the Executive Committee and shall make and preserve all records of the meetings, proceedings, and actions of the Executive Committee.

Section 10.3. Powers and Duties: The Executive Committee shall be vested with the power to actively manage all the affairs of THE FELLOWSHIP in accordance with this Constitution and pursuant to the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP. It shall have power to veto or modify any act of any officer of THE FELLOWSHIP or of any Departmental Committee; it shall exercise the powers conferred upon it by this Constitution; and it shall exercise such other powers and perform such functions as may be conferred upon, or delegated to, it by the General Council. The Executive Committee shall have absolute control over all property of THE FELLOWSHIP, and complete legal title to all property of THE FELLOWSHIP shall be vested in the Executive Committee unless the Executive Committee shall direct that the legal title to any or all such property shall vest in one or more persons, corporations, or groups of persons as fiscal agents of the Executive Committee. The acts of the Executive Committee with respect to any property or property rights of THE FELLOWSHIP shall in all ways be final and conclusive and binding upon THE FELLOWSHIP, but the Executive Committee from time to time may delegate such powers or a part or portion thereof, or upon conditions and limitations, to one (1) or more persons, corporations, or committees.

Section 10.4. Members‑at‑Large: The Executive Committee shall be empowered to accept isolated individuals as members‑at‑large of THE FELLOWSHIP by a two‑thirds (2/3rds) vote. The qualifications for the establishment and continuance of such membership shall rest in the sole judgment of the Executive Committee which shall, therefore, be empowered to terminate such membership at any time, by a two‑thirds (2/3rds) vote, for any reason it deems sufficient for such action.

Section 10.5. Meetings: The Executive Committee shall meet regularly at least once each calendar quarter at a date and hour designated by the Executive Committee, at the headquarters of THE FELLOWSHIP in the City of Chicago , State of Illinois , or at such other place as shall be designated by the President and Secretary‑General. Special or adjourned meetings of the Executive Committee may be held at any place or time upon the call thereof by the President and Secretary‑General. A special meeting of the Executive Committee shall be called by the President and Secretary‑General within thirty (30) days of receipt of written request for such meeting signed by three (3) or more members of the Executive Committee. Notice of special meetings, and of regular meetings where the place of such meeting shall be otherwise than the headquarters of THE FELLOWSHIP, shall be given not less than ten (10) days prior to such meeting, which notice shall contain the time and place of such meeting, and the purpose of any special meeting. Notice of any meeting may be waived by waiver in writing of all the members of the Executive Committee.

Section 10.6. Quorum: A quorum at any meeting of the Executive Committee shall consist of a majority of the members of such committee, but a lesser number may meet and adjourn. No notice of an adjourned meeting shall be required. All questions presented to the Executive Committee may be decided by a majority vote of the members of the Executive Committee present at any duly constituted meeting. The Chairman of the Executive Committee shall vote only in the event of a tied vote.

Section 10.7. Rules of the Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall from time to time adopt rules for the conduct of the affairs of THE FELLOWSHIP, supplementing and interpreting the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP, which said rules shall be known as "Rules of the Executive Committee." The Executive Committee shall also adopt rules to govern the acts and procedure of the Executive Committee, which shall be known as the "Rules of Procedure of the Executive Committee."

Section 10.8. Compensation: Members of the Executive Committee shall serve without compensation, provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall prohibit the payment of just compensation for services otherwise rendered by any member. The Executive Committee shall have power to employ such persons as shall be necessary for the conduct of the affairs and the business of THE FELLOWSHIP and to cause just compensation for services rendered to be paid to them out of the treasury of THE FELLOWSHIP.

ARTICLE XI

DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEES

Section 11.1. Names of Committees: There shall be the following Departmental Committees:

(a) The Judicial Committee.

(b) The Membership Committee.

(d) The Outreach Committee.

(e) The International Fellowship Committee.

(f) The Education Committee.

(g) The Publications Committee.

(h) The Finance Committee.

(i) The Special Projects Committee.

Section 11.2. Election and Term of Office: Each of the Departmental Committees shall be comprised of six (6) members who shall be appointed by the Committee Chair and approved by the General Council. At each regular and Triennial Meeting of the General Council, each Committee Chair shall appoint one (1) member of their respective Departmental Committee to fill the vacancy of the member whose term has expired, such member is to hold office for a term of six (6) years. Confirmation requires a majority of votes cast. One (1) member of each Departmental Committee shall at all times be a Councilor; the remaining members of each Departmental Committee shall be selected from members of THE FELLOWSHIP in good standing.

Section 11.3. Committee Officers: There shall be a Chairman and Secretary of each Departmental Committee. The Chairman of each committee shall be a Councilor elected to the committee and designated as Chairman by the General Council. The Secretary shall be appointed by the Chairman at the first meeting of each committee immediately following the annual meeting of the General Council. Vacancies in the office of Chairman shall be filled by action of the General Council while vacancies in the office of Secretary may be filled by action of the Chairman at any regular or special meeting of said committee.

Section 11.4. Vacancies in Committees: Whenever a vacancy shall exist in the membership of any Departmental Committee, the respective Committee Chair shall appoint an interim member to fill such vacancy. Said interim appointment will be confirmed by vote of the General Council so stated in Section 11.2 at its next regular meeting.

Section 11.5. Quorum: A quorum at any meeting of any Departmental Committee shall consist of two‑thirds (2/3rds) of the members of such committee. All questions presented to any Departmental Committee shall be decided by a majority of the members of such committee participating in any meeting thereof at which a quorum is participating, or by the unanimous written concurrence of all members of such committee without the necessity for a meeting. The Executive Committee shall define a "meeting" of any Departmental Committee in the Rules of the Executive Committee.

Section 11.6. Chairman: The Chairman of each Departmental Committee shall preside at all meetings of the committee and shall be ex‑officio a member of the Executive Committee. Whenever required by any officer of THE FELLOWSHIP, by the Executive Committee, by the General Council, or by the Triennial Delegate Assembly, the Chairman of each committee shall give a full and complete report of the activities of his Departmental Committee.

Section 11.7. Secretary: The Secretary of each Departmental Committee shall keep a full and complete record of the proceedings and activities of his Departmental Committee and shall deliver certified copies thereof to the President at his request. In the absence of the Chairman, the Secretary will preside.

Section 11.8. Committee Rules: Subject to the rules and regulations adopted by the Executive Committee and to the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP, each Departmental Committee shall adopt such rules of procedure for the conduct of the affairs of such committee as shall be necessary, which said rules shall not be inconsistent with, or in derogation of, the Rules of the Executive Committee or the By‑laws and the Constitution of THE FELLOWSHIP.

Section 11.9. The Judicial Committee: The Judicial Committee shall be the supreme arbitrating body of THE FELLOWSHIP, but, except as otherwise provided, their determinations and decisions shall be subject to the veto of, or modification by, the Executive Committee within the time allowed by the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP. The jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee shall extend to all matters pertaining to the affairs of THE FELLOWSHIP and to all differences between Local Societies or between any Local Society and any member thereof or between any members or groups of members. The Judicial Committee shall, upon the request of any officer of THE FELLOWSHIP, any Councilor, or the Chairman of any Departmental Committee, render opinions on any matters involving a construction of this Constitution, of the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP, and of the Rules of the Executive Committee. A permanent record of such opinions shall be preserved.

Section 11.10. The Membership Committee: The Membership Committee shall have direct supervision over all matters pertaining to the application for charters as Local Societies and the installation of Local Societies. By and with the consent and approval of the Executive Committee, the Membership Committee shall make and establish and alter and amend: (1) Standards of Admission of Local Societies for the qualification of individuals making application to be chartered as a Local Society; (2) Standard of Admission of Members for the qualification of persons making application for membership in Local Societies; (3) the form of charter for Local Societies; and (4) a ritual for the installation of Local Societies and for the initiation of individual members into Local Societies. The Membership Committee shall promote the organization of Local Societies; shall assist interested persons in forming such societies; shall assist and cooperate with any Local Society in furthering the purposes of such society and the purposes of THE FELLOWSHIP; and shall also perform all other duties directly or indirectly imposed upon it by this Constitution and by the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP.

Section 11.11. The Interfaith Committee: The Interfaith Committee shall foster and develop fraternal relations, understanding, and good will with organizations devoted to the practice or study of religion, to the end that the purposes of THE FELLOWSHIP may be advanced.

Section 11.12. The Outreach Committee: The Outreach Committee shall promote knowledge of The Urantia Book and its teachings among the inhabitants of the United States ; and shall encourage the dissemination of The Urantia Book.

Section 11.13. The International Fellowship Committee: The International Fellowship Committee shall promote knowledge of The Urantia Book and its teachings among the inhabitants of countries other than the United States of America; it shall encourage and assist suitable persons to interest themselves in securing funds for the translation of the English text into the various other languages; it shall encourage and assist in the dissemination of The Urantia Book among the inhabitants of countries other than the United States of America; it shall assist and foster the organization of Local Societies in all such countries; and it shall assist and co‑operate with such Local Societies in furthering the purposes of such societies and the purposes of THE FELLOWSHIP.

Section 11.14. The Education Committee: The Education Committee shall find, prepare, and qualify teachers of The Urantia Book, who shall be persons of high moral character, devoted to the teachings and principles of The Urantia Book; it shall seek to interest such suitable persons in preparing themselves to teach the truths of The Urantia Book and to prepare and qualify such persons to teach The Urantia Book. By and with the approval and consent of the Executive Committee, it shall establish and implement standards of character, conduct, and education for such teachers. Any title or certificate conferred by the Education Committee may be revoked by the Executive Committee for conduct unworthy of the office upon request of the Education Committee and recommendation of the Judicial Committee after a hearing upon notice to show cause.

Section 11.15. The Publications Committee: The Publications Committee shall have general supervision of the editing, printing, publication, and circulation of such publications as the Executive Committee shall authorize. By and with the consent and approval of the Executive Committee, it may employ editors, writers, translators, and other technical men and women, all of whom shall be employees of the Executive Committee, and the salaries of whom shall be paid out of the treasury of THE FELLOWSHIP.

Section 11.16. The Finance Committee: The Finance Committee shall devise and sponsor ways and means of raising and procuring funds for use by THE FELLOWSHIP in the carrying out of its activities; it shall supervise and assist in the raising and procurement of such funds; it shall prepare the annual budget in co‑operation with other Departmental Committees and submit the same to the Executive Committee at least thirty (30) days prior to the December meeting of the Executive Committee; it shall recommend appropriations to the Executive Committee; it shall advise and inform the Executive Committee and the fiscal agents of the Executive Committee in matters pertaining to the investment of surplus funds; and it shall arrange for an annual audit of the books of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall ex‑officio be a member of the Finance Committee but without power to vote thereon.

Section 11.17. The Special Projects Committee: The Special Projects Committee shall assist and advise in all matters and things pertaining to the affairs of THE FELLOWSHIP which do not fall within the scope of the powers and duties of the other Departmental Committees, and which shall be referred to it by the Executive Committee.

Section 11.18. Additional Departmental Committees: The General Council may create other and additional Departmental Committees from time to time by By‑laws adopted by a vote of three‑fourths (3/4ths) of all Councilors voting in favor thereof.

ARTICLE XII

FINANCES

Section 12.1. Treasury: All funds, including money and other property, received by THE FELLOWSHIP shall, upon the receipt thereof, become part of the treasury of THE FELLOWSHIP and shall be classed as (a) Income, (b) Capital Funds, and (c) Trusteed Funds, which shall be comprised as follows:

Income: Income shall include all money received from Local Societies as tithes and all earnings received from Capital Funds.

Capital Funds: Capital Funds shall include all other money and property received by THE FELLOWSHIP, except money and property received and accepted by THE FELLOWSHIP pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.2.

Trusteed Funds: Trusteed Funds shall include all money and property received and accepted by THE FELLOWSHIP for limited or restricted use pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.3.

Section 12.2. Gifts to THE FELLOWSHIP: A gift, devise, or bequest to THE FELLOWSHIP without specific limitation or restriction shall be a gift, devise, or bequest for the purposes for which THE FELLOWSHIP was created and established, and shall become part of the general funds of THE FELLOWSHIP and may be allocated in whole or in part to Income or to Capital Funds, or both, as from time to time determined by the Executive Committee.

Section 12.3. Restricted or Limited Gifts to THE FELLOWSHIP: A gift, devise, or bequest to THE FELLOWSHIP upon the condition or with the restriction or limitation that the property or earnings therefrom be used or devoted to a specific purpose may be received and administered by THE FELLOWSHIP only upon the acceptance thereof by the Executive Committee. A gift, devise, or bequest which by the terms of the instrument by which such gift, devise, or bequest is made limits or restricts the use of the property, or the earnings therefrom, so that the same may not be used, either perpetually or for a limited period of time, in any manner and for any purposes consistent with the objects of THE FELLOWSHIP as from time to time determined by the Executive Committee shall constitute a restricted or limited gift, devise, or bequest subject to the provisions of this Section. A gift, devise, or bequest so conditioned, restricted, or limited may be accepted by the Executive Committee only if the purpose for which such gift, devise, or bequest is so conditioned, restricted, or limited is consistent with the purposes as generally defined in Article II. The money or property received by THE FELLOWSHIP upon the acceptance of such a restricted or limited gift shall be segregated from the other funds and property of THE FELLOWSHIP and shall be held in the treasury as "Trusteed Funds" so long as such restrictions or limitations shall apply. In the event that any such restrictions or limitations by the terms of the instrument by which such gift, devise, or bequest was made shall expire or cease to be applicable at a date subsequent to the date on which such gift, devise, or bequest was made, the funds or property then remaining shall become part of the general funds of THE FELLOWSHIP and may be allocated in whole or in part to Income or to Capital Funds, or to both, as shall be determined by the Executive Committee. To such extent that the instrument by which a gift, devise, or bequest is made does not specifically otherwise provide, the money and property from time to time comprising such Trusteed Funds shall be administered, invested, and accounted for as provided in this Constitution.

Section 12.4. Determination of Income: The Executive Committee shall have the power to determine from time to time what constitutes Income and what constitutes Capital Funds and shall also have the power to determine what constitutes earnings from Capital Funds and from Trusteed Funds, and their determination shall in all respects be final.

Section 12.5. Disbursement of Funds: All moneys in the treasury of THE FELLOWSHIP shall be deposited in such banks or other institutions as the Executive Committee shall from time to time designate. No moneys shall be paid out of the treasury of THE FELLOWSHIP unless and until the same have been appropriated by the Executive Committee, and all disbursements from the treasury of THE FELLOWSHIP shall be by check or other written order. Any funds in the treasury of THE FELLOWSHIP, when deposited in any bank or other institution, shall be so deposited that such funds may be withdrawn at any time by check or other written order signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the President; provided, however, that the Executive Committee may from time to time authorize the withdrawal of moneys in the treasury of THE FELLOWSHIP by check or other written order signed and countersigned by such other persons as the Executive Committee shall designate and appoint.

Section 12.6. Budget and Appropriations: At its last meeting in each year the Executive Committee shall adopt a budget for THE FELLOWSHIP for the next succeeding calendar year and on the basis of such budget shall make appropriations for the expenditures to be made by THE FELLOWSHIP during the ensuing calendar year, which said budget and appropriations shall be made and adopted in the manner provided in the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP. Appropriations for specific purposes, the expenditure of which shall extend over one (1) year, may be made in the manner provided in the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP. The total appropriations for disbursements to be made out of annual income shall in no event exceed ninety (90) per cent of the annual income, and the total of all appropriations for disbursements to be made out of Capital Funds shall in no event exceed ninety (90) per cent of the Capital Funds.

Section 12.7. Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of THE FELLOWSHIP shall be the calendar year.

Section 12.8. Investment of Funds: The Executive Committee, by and with the consultation and advice of the Finance Committee, shall have the power to invest and re‑invest the funds and property of THE FELLOWSHIP as follows:

(a) To invest and re‑invest such funds and property in bonds, notes, debentures, and certificates of the United States of America or of any subdivision thereof, and/or in bonds of any state or possession of the United States of America or any county or municipality thereof or any subdivision or authority of any such state, county, or municipality, and/or in bonds, notes, or debentures of any foreign government or any subdivision thereof, and/or in listed or unlisted stocks, preferred or common, bonds, or debentures of any firm or corporation, and/or shares in any investment trust, and/or real estate, improved or unimproved, and/or first mortgages on real estate improved or unimproved, provided such mortgage constitutes the entire first mortgage on any such parcel of real estate and not an interest therein or portion thereof.

(b) To retain as a part of the Capital Funds or Trusteed Funds, as long as the Executive Committee in their discretion shall deem it advisable, and notwithstanding any statutes or trust laws regarding the investment of trust funds or regarding the diversification of investments by trustees, all or any part of the property originally sold, assigned, transferred and set over unto THE FELLOWSHIP or which may thereafter from time to time be sold, assigned, transferred and set over unto THE FELLOWSHIP.

(c) To sell, transfer, convey or assign any and all property from time to time owned or held by THE FELLOWSHIP whenever the Executive Committee shall deem it advisable; and such sale or sales may be made at public or private sale and for cash or on such terms as the Executive Committee may deem advisable.

(d) To exercise in such manner as the Executive Committee may deem advisable, any or all rights, including voting rights, of, attaching to or accruing by reason of the ownership of any or all shares of stock, shares of beneficial interest or other securities or investments at any time owned by THE FELLOWSHIP; and to take such other or further action or to give or execute any proxy, voting trust agreement, plan of reorganization or consent which an owner of such shares, securities or investments could take, give or execute, with the same force and effect as though the Executive Committee were at the time the absolute owners of such shares, securities or investments; and to enter into any plan or scheme or organization or reorganization of any company, corporation, association or trust, the stock, securities or investments of which may be held by THE FELLOWSHIP.

(e) To buy or to join with any person or persons in buying any property which may be sold under the provisions of any mortgage, pledge or other security in which property or any part thereof THE FELLOWSHIP shall have an interest.

(f) To acquire industrial or commercial real estate and to construct improvements thereon for the exclusive use or benefit of a lessee in connection with the conduct of lessee's business and to invest the funds of THE FELLOWSHIP, or any portion thereof, in improved commercial or industrial real estate subject to a lease pursuant to which said improvements were constructed, and to purchase real estate and to construct improvements thereon to be leased to any firm or corporation, upon such terms and conditions as the Executive Committee shall deem proper.

(g) To lease any real estate at any time owned by THE FELLOWSHIP for any period of time not exceeding one hundred and ninety‑eight (198) years; to use and apply any of the Capital Funds or Trusteed Funds of THE FELLOWSHIP for the purpose of paying or discharging any liens or encumbrances on such real estate or any part thereof or for acquiring any property which the Executive Committee may deem necessary or advisable for the protection of any of such real estate; to keep the buildings and improvements upon such real estate or any part thereof insured and in good repair; to alter or reconstruct any improvements on such real estate or to construct new improvements thereon in such manner and to such extent as the Executive Committee may deem advisable; to mortgage all or any of such real estate for the purpose of paying or renewing any encumbrance or other lien on the real estate or for the purpose of improving any property of THE FELLOWSHIP; to grant easements or charges of any kind upon or against such real estate; to make contracts or agreements for party walls or in relation thereto or otherwise, and to release, convey or assign any right, title or interest in or to such real estate, or any part thereof.

(h) To borrow money if and when the Executive Committee shall deem it proper for the purposes, or any of them, of THE FELLOWSHIP and to fix the terms of any such loans and to mortgage, pledge or hypothecate the property of THE FELLOWSHIP, or any part thereof, as security forall or any of such loans. All loans procured by the Executive Committee shall be used and applied by them solely for the purpose of executing any of the powers herein given to the Executive Committee or for the purpose of THE FELLOWSHIP.

Section 12.9. Delegation of Investment Powers: The Executive Committee may delegate the investment of the funds of THE FELLOWSHIP, or any part or portion thereof, to one or more persons or corporations, with such limitations and restrictions as it shall desire or deem appropriate and proper.

Section 12.10. Distribution of Assets upon Dissolution: In the event of the dissolution of THE FELLOWSHIP, all its assets shall be distributed to the successor organization to THE FELLOWSHIP, if any, if the same shall qualify for exemption from federal income tax, and if there be no such successor to THE FELLOWSHIP, then all its assets shall be distributed to such qualified tax exempt organization(s) as shall be designated by the Executive Committee, acting directly, or in its capacity as the Board of Directors of any corporation(s) created under this constitution.

ARTICLE XIII

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 13.1. Insignia and Seal: The insignia of THE FELLOWSHIP shall consist of three (3) azure blue concentric circles on a white background, between the outer two (2) of which concentric circles shall be inscribed the words "THE FELLOWSHIP." THE FELLOWSHIP seal shall be a metal seal in circular form making an impression of three (3) concentric circles, between the outer two (2) of which shall be the words "THE FELLOWSHIP SEAL."

Section 13.2. Execution of Official Documents: Any document which shall be signed by the President and THE FELLOWSHIP seal affixed thereto and attested by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of the Executive Committee, either in the name of THE FELLOWSHIP or in the name of the Executive Committee of THE FELLOWSHIP, shall be the official act and deed of THE FELLOWSHIP for all purposes. The General Council may, by By‑law, from time to time authorize the execution of documents also by other officers and persons; and when executed pursuant to such By‑law and pursuant to the authority of the Executive Committee, such documents shall be the official act and deed of THE FELLOWSHIP.

Section 13.3. Recognition of Distinguished Service: If, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, any member of THE FELLOWSHIP shall perform or render some unusual, extraordinary, or distinguished service, the Executive Committee shall present to the General Council the name of such member with the recommendation that a suitable award or citation in recognition thereof be given. Upon the presentation of such recommendation, the General Council, by unanimous vote of all Councilors present at any duly constituted meeting, may give or confer on such member such award or citation in recognition of the unusual, extraordinary, or distinguished service of such member as the General Council may deem fitting and appropriate. The presentation of such award or citation shall be made at the next succeeding Triennial Delegate Assembly.

Section 13.4. Corporate Fiscal Agent: The General Council may, by the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP, authorize and empower the Executive Committee to form and organize, under the laws of any state of the United States, corporations or associations which shall become the fiscal agents of the Executive Committee and of the Treasurer, to hold and administer a part or all the funds and properties of THE FELLOWSHIP and to have custody of the funds and property in its treasury. The members or stockholders of such corporations or associations shall be limited to the members of the Executive Committee. Said corporations or associations shall have such form and organization and such powers as the By‑laws shall provide.

Section 13.5. Miscellaneous Corporations: The General Council may, by the By‑laws of THE FELLOWSHIP, authorize and empower the Executive Committee to form and organize, or cause to be formed and organized, under the laws of any state or states of the United States or under the laws of any other country, other corporations or associations, for profit or not for profit, which shall be appropriate, expedient, or useful in carrying out or in assisting to carry out the purposes, functions, and affairs of THE FELLOWSHIP, and for holding, managing, operating, using, or placing to profit any part or portion of the properties of THE FELLOWSHIP, such corporations or associations to have such powers, names, and organizations as the By‑laws shall provide.

ARTICLE XIV

AMENDMENTS

Section 14.1. Procedure for Amendment: Amendments to this Constitution may originate by the process outlined in (a) or (b) which follow:

(a) The Executive Committee shall adopt a resolution setting forth the amendment proposed by a three-fourths (3/4) favorable vote of the entire Executive Committee membership, declaring its advisability, and recommend its adoption by the General Council. The Secretary General will forward copies of said resolution to each member of the General Council not less than thirty (30) days prior to the next meeting of the General Council.

(b) The General Council shall (also) adopt a resolution to amend the Constitution. A resolution to amend the Constitution shall be proposed by three members of the General Council. Proposing Councilors will forward copies of said resolution to each member of the General Council not less than thirty (30) days prior to the next meeting of the General Council.

(c) At the next meeting of the General Council, said resolution to amend the Constitution originating by procedure as outlined in section (a) or (b) shall be presented for adoption. It will require a three-fourths (3/4) favorable vote by secret ballot of the entire General Council membership for adoption. With a vote cast in favor thereof, the amendment shall become effective and a part of this Constitution. Each amendment to the Constitution must be submitted as a separate resolution for a vote by the General Council.

Section 14.2. Amendments Affecting Local Autonomy: Whenever it is proposed to adopt an amendment to this Constitution limiting in any way the local autonomy of the Local Societies, such amendment shall not become effective until it shall have been ratified by the affirmative vote in favor thereof, by a secret ballot, of at least three‑fourths (3/4ths) of the members of the Triennial Delegate Assembly: Provided, however, that not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years shall elapse between the adoption of such amendment and the submission thereof to the Triennial Delegate Assembly for ratification; and provided further that a copy of such amendment as adopted by the General Council shall be sent to all Local Societies within six (6) months after the date of the adoption by the General Council and shall be set out in full in the notice of the call of the Triennial Delegate Assembly at which said ratification of the amendment is to be voted upon.

ARTICLE XV

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

Section 15.1. Organization: Whenever five (5) or more persons shall have associated themselves together to establish an organization for the accomplishment of a purpose related to the purposes expressed in this Constitution, and shall make application to the Executive Committee, in the form prescribed by the Executive Committee, to be recognized as an Affiliated Organization of THE FELLOWSHIP, the Executive Committee, when it is satisfied that the organization complies with the Standards of Affiliation, shall issue a Certificate of Affiliation, signed by the President and Chair of the Membership Committee, and THE FELLOWSHIP Seal affixed thereto. Additional signatures may be affixed to the certificate at the direction of the Chair of the Membership Committee.

Section 15.2. Government: Each Fellowship Affiliated Organization shall be named, organized, and governed in a manner determined by its organizing members, as may be modified from time to time by its own governing process. Its officers shall include a President and a designated Fellowship Liaison, whose joint communications to the Executive Committee shall be recognized by the Executive Committee as authoritative for determination of affiliation status.

Section 15.3. Revocation of Certificate of Affiliation: Whenever the Executive Committee shall determine that affiliation with an organization does not support the spirit and purpose of THE FELLOWSHIP, the Certificate of Affiliation of such Affiliated Organization may be revoked. Such revocation shall not affect the membership status of an individual who may also be recognized as a Member-at-large or a member of a Fellowship Society.