Bye- Laws I
CONSTITUTION OF SNU INTERNATIONAL
February 2009
ARRANGEMENT OF PARAGRAPHS
Part I. Preliminary
1. Objects
2. Interpretation
3. Duties
Part II. Membership
4. Membership
5. Application for Membership
6. Termination of Membership
7. Subscriptions
8. Misconduct of Affairs
Part III. The Committee
9. Composition and Functions
10. Duties and Obligations
11. Meetings
12. Cessation of Committee Membership
13. Vacancies
Part IV. Finance
14. Income
15. Expenditure
Part V. Miscellaneous
16. Accredited Representatives at General
Meetings of the Union
17. SNUi National Councillor
18. Reports to the National Executive Committee
and Council
19. Records
20. Interpretation
Part I. PRELIMINARY
1. Objects
The objects of SNU International are:-
(1) To promote and advance the religion and
religious philosophy of Spiritualism which is understood to recognise
the following Principles:-
(a) The Fatherhood of God.
(b) The Brotherhood of Man.
(c) The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of
Angels.
(d) The continuous existence of the human soul.
(e) Personal responsibility.
(f) Compensation and retribution hereafter for
all the good and evil deeds done on earth; and
(g) Eternal progress open to every human soul.
(2) To promote internationally the study and
practice of Spiritualism as a science, a philosophy and a religion.
(3) To provide and maintain a dedicated website
as a means of intercommunication between the Union and members.
(4) To provide access to information, education,
training and other facilities.
(5) To encourage members to take an active role
in the Union and work to promote Spiritualism in their own community.
(6) To foster friendship between Spiritualists
through a network of contacts and mutual support.
2. Interpretation
In these Bye-laws:-
(a) "The Union" means the Spiritualists'
National Union.
(b) "The National Executive Committee" means the
Committee constituted under Article 27 of the Union's Articles of
Association.
(c) "The Council" means the Council constituted
under Article 28 of the Union's Articles of Association.
(d) "SNUi" means SNU International.
(e) "the Committee" means the Executive
Committee of SNUi.
(f) "member" means a subscribing member of
SNUi.
3. Duties
(1) SNUi shall be a Branch of the Union and
shall perform such functions and responsibilities as may from time to
time be resolved by the National Executive Committee.
(2) SNUi shall not without the written consent
of the National Executive Committee or Officers of the Union
(a) pledge the credit of the Union; or
(b) take any action in respect of which it may
reasonably be anticipated that legal proceedings may be taken against
the Union or SNUi or any member or members thereof in that capacity.
(3) It shall be the duty of SNUi to report
forthwith to the Union any matter coming to its knowledge which appears
to it to be liable to involve the Union in financial liability or to
bring discredit on the Union or on the Spiritualist movement, and any
legal dispute which may affect SNUi or the Union generally.
PART II. MEMBERSHIP
4. Membership
Any persons of 16 years of age and over are eligible for membership of
SNUi .
5. Application for Membership
(1) An application for acceptance into
membership shall be made to SNUi in such form as it may from time to
time prescribe, shall contain such information as it may reasonably
require, and shall be accompanied by the prescribed subscription.
(2) All applications shall be submitted to the
Committee, which may accede to, defer or reject any application without
explanation.
6. Termination of Membership
(1) The membership of a person shall be
terminated in any of the following events, namely:-
(a) death;
(b) dissolution of SNUi;
(c) receipt by SNUi of written notice of
resignation;
(d) failure after due notice to pay the
subscription;
(e) loss of the qualifications which entitled
him to membership;
(f) expulsion in accordance with these Bye-laws;
(2) The termination of membership from any cause
shall not affect the right of SNUi to enforce payment of debts and the
fulfilment of other obligations incurred before the date of such
termination.
7. Subscriptions
(1) Each member shall be liable to pay to SNUi
an annual subscription of such amount as it may decide from time to
time.
(2) (a) The first
subscription shall be payable on acceptance into membership.
Subscriptions thereafter shall be payable annually on the anniversary of
the first subscription.
(b) When any subscription has been overdue for
one month or more notice of the fact shall be given to the member
concerned. If the subscription has not been paid within one month
after the service of such notice the membership shall be terminated.
8. Misconduct of Affairs
(1) If it is brought to the attention of the
National Executive Committee that SNUi may:-
(a) have failed to conduct its affairs in
accordance with the Memorandum, Articles of Association, Bye-laws or any
direction given by the National Executive Committee; or
(b) no longer be adhering to the Seven
Principles; or
(c) no longer be an effective organisation; or
(d) have acted in a manner which constitutes
serious misconduct harmful or potentially harmful to the Union or any
part thereof; or
(e) be inculcating principles or practices
antagonistic to the Union
it may become be the subject of an enquiry by the National Executive
Committee.
(2) Any such enquiry shall have the purpose of
investigating, and reporting on, any or all aspects of SNUi's
functioning, as directed by the National Executive Committee, and of
making recommendations thereon.
(3) (a) (i)
A panel of not less than three persons shall be appointed by the
National Executive Committee to conduct the enquiry. No person
shall be appointed as a member of the panel if he is or has been
previously concerned in the matters which are the subject of the
enquiry, either personally or as a member of a committee or other body,
or if he has a direct proprietary or financial interest in the outcome
of the enquiry.
(ii) No member of the Arbitration Committee or
the Appeals Board shall be a member of a panel appointed under this
paragraph.
(b) A panel appointed under this paragraph shall
be free to determine its own procedures.
(4) (a) For the duration
of such enquiry and until the publication of the decision of the
National Executive Committee in the matter the National Executive
Committee or any person or body authorised so to act on its behalf shall
in relation to SNUi or any person or body concerned in the matter have
power to:-
(i) convene, preside over, postpone or
cancel any meeting of the Committee;
(ii) take any action necessary to maintain its
constitutional obligations;
(iii) arrange for the supervision of any or all of its
activities;
(iv) place it under the supervision of the National
Executive Committee;
(v) suspend or reinstate any or all of its
activities;
(vi) suspend or reinstate any or all of its or his
rights and privileges;
(vii) suspend or reinstate any or all holders of appointed
positions within it;
(viii) suspend or reinstate his membership.
(b) Any suspension or supervision ordered under
(a) above shall cease upon publication of the decision of the National
Executive Committee in the matter.
(5) The report of such enquiry shall be
forwarded for consideration by the National Executive Committee, who
shall decide upon the appropriate action to be taken. In reaching
its decision the National Executive Committee may take into account any
misconduct subsequent to receipt of the report which is deemed by the
National Executive Committee to be relevant.
(6) (a) In pursuance of
sub-paragraph (5) the National Executive Committee or any person or body
authorised so to act on its behalf shall have, in relation to SNUi or
any person or body concerned in the matter, power to:-
(i) censure it or him for its or his
conduct;
(ii) declare vacant any position and make such
arrangements as it may consider necessary or expedient for the
constitutional filling of the vacancy and for the discharge of the
duties of the position in the meantime;
(iii) suspend or reinstate any or all of its
activities;
(iv) suspend or reinstate any or all of its or his
rights and privileges;
Any suspension ordered under this sub-paragraph shall be for a period to
be determined by the National Executive Committee.
(b) In further pursuance of sub-paragraph (5)
the National Executive Committee shall in relation to SNUi or any person
or body concerned in the matter also have power to:-
(i) convene, preside over, postpone or
cancel any meeting of the Committee;
(ii) take any action necessary to maintain its
constitutional obligations;
(iii) arrange for the supervision of any or all of its
activities;
(iv) place it under the supervision of the National
Executive Committee;
(v) suspend or reinstate any or all holders of
appointed positions within it;
(vi) suspend or reinstate his membership.
(vii) revoke any or all of its activities;
(viii) revoke any or all of its or his rights and privileges.
Any suspension or supervision ordered under this sub-paragraph shall be
for a period to be determined by the National Executive Committee.
(c) In further pursuance of sub-paragraph (5)
the National Executive Committee shall in relation to SNUi or any person
or body concerned in the matter also have power to:-
(i) remove or replace any or all holders
of appointed positions within it;
(ii) debar his eligibility for any or all
offices within SNUi;
(iii) revoke his membership of it;
(iv) dissolve it;
(v) suspend or revoke his Class B or D
membership.
Any suspension ordered under this sub-paragraph shall be for a period to
be determined by the National Executive Committee. Any debarment
from eligibility ordered under this sub-paragraph shall be for a
definite or indefinite period, to be determined by the National
Executive Committee.
Provided that:-
(a) The exercise of any of the powers in (6)(c)
shall be effective only if supported by three-fourths of the number of
members present and the person or body concerned has been given:-
(i) not less than twenty working days'
notice of the date, time and place of the meeting of the National
Executive Committee at which the resolution is to be put and of the
grounds therefor, together with reasons and supporting evidence;
(ii) the opportunity to make written
representations thereon within that period;
(iii) the opportunity to make oral representations
thereon at such meeting of the National Executive Committee.
(b) The exercise of a power to suspend or revoke
Class B or D membership or affiliation shall take effect forthwith but
shall be open to revision by any general meeting held within thirteen
months after the date of such resolution and the National Executive
Committee shall give effect to any direction thereon given by the
meeting.
(d) The powers in (6)(a), (6)(b) and (6)(c) above may
be exercised only within twelve months of the receipt of the report.
PART III. THE COMMITTEE
9. Composition and Functions
(1) The affairs of SNUi shall, subject to any
directions given by the National Executive Committee, be administered by
the Committee, which shall consist of the following members appointed
annually by the National Executive Committee:-
(a) A Chairman;
(b) A Secretary;
(c) Three Ordinary Members.
Every member of the Committee shall hold office until the termination of
his appointment by the National Executive Committee.
(2) Every member of the Committee shall be a
Class B member.
10. Duties and Obligations
The duties and obligations of the members of the Committee shall include
the following:-
(1) Obligations to the Union
All members of the Committee, both collectively and individually, shall
show loyalty and allegiance to the Union and the Seven Principles,
uphold its constitution and fulfil the SNUi's and their constitutional
and financial obligations to the Union.
(2) Obligations to the SNUi
All members of the Committee shall show loyalty and allegiance to SNUi,
attend regular meetings of the Committee, maintain the confidentiality
of its business, take a due share in its work and at all times conduct
themselves as representatives of SNUi.
(3) Acceptance of Obligations
Every member of the Committee shall be deemed to have accepted the
obligations in (1) and (2) above as a condition of eligibility for
office.
(4) The Chairman shall be responsible to the
Committee for the supervision of the work of SNUi and for the despatch
of business between meetings of the Committee. The Chairman shall
preside at all meetings of the Committee. He shall be responsible
for taking all possible action to ensure that the obligations in (1) and
(2) above are met.
(5) The Secretary shall be responsible to the
Chairman and the Committee for the routine work of SNUi, including the
keeping of attedance registers and minutes of all Committee meetings,
the conduct of correspondence and such other duties as may be allocated
to him.
11. Meetings
(1) The Committee shall meet not less than twice
in each year on such dates as may be decided by the Committee. Not less
than twenty-one days' written notice shall be given of the time, date
and place of each meeting.
(2) The Chairman and Secretary may at any time
summon a meeting of the Committee.
(3) The quorum for a meeting of the Committee
shall be three members, including either the Chairman or the Secretary.
(4) Questions arising at any meeting shall be
decided by majority vote of those present and voting. In the case of an
equality of votes the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote in
addition to his deliberate vote.
(5) A resolution in writing signed by all
members of the Committee shall be as valid and effectual as if it had
been passed at a meeting of the Committee duly convened and held.
If no reply is received by the SNUi Secretary from any member within
fourteen days after the giving to him by the SNUi Secretary of a notice
specifying the proposed resolution the signature of such member shall
not be required to make such resolution effective, providing always that
it is actually signed by a sufficient number of members to form a
quorum.
12. Cessation of Committee Membership
The position of a member of the Committee shall be vacated:-
(a) if for any reason he loses the
qualifications which entitled him to be appointed; or
(b) if by notice in writing to the Union he
resigns; or
(c) if he is medically declared of unsound mind;
or
(d) if the position is declared vacant by the
Arbitration Committee in pursuance of Bye-laws F; or
(f) by resolution of the National
Executive Committee in accordance with a recommendation of the
Arbitration Committee in pursuance of Bye-laws F.
13. Vacancies
Any casual vacancy shall be filled without delay by the National
Executive Committee. The person so appointed shall serve for the
unexpired term of office of his predecessor.
PART IV. FINANCE
14. Income
The income of SNUi shall be derived from:-
(a) subscriptions;
(b) donations;
(c) such other sources as the Committee may,
with the approval of the National Executive Committee, from time to time
think appropriate.
15. Expenditure
(1) The expenditure of SNUi shall be under the
control of the National Executive Committee.
(2) Members of the Committee and other persons
shall be entitled to have refunded to them all reasonable expenses
incurred by them in carrying out their duties on behalf of SNUi.
PART V. MISCELLANEOUS
16. Accredited Representatives at General
Meetings of the Union
The Committee shall appoint one of its members as its accredited
representative to attend and vote at general meetings of the Union.
The name and address of such shall be notified to the General Secretary
of the Union by the SNUi Secretary.
17. SNUi National Councillor
The Committee shall appoint annually one of its members as SNUi National
Councillor. The term of office shall be from the conclusion of the
Annual General Meeting of the Union to the conclusion of the succeeding
Annual General Meeting.
18. Reports to the National Executive Committee
and Council
(1) It shall be the duty of the SNUi Secretary
on behalf of the Committee to submit periodical reports to the General
Secretary of the Union for presentation to the National Executive
Committee as follows:-
(a) Not later than 30th April in each year a
report on the work of SNUi for inclusion in the Annual Report of the
Union for the preceding year.
(b) Not later than three weeks prior to the
Annual General Meeting of the Union an interim report on the work of
SNUi for the current year.
(c) Such other reports on particular subjects or
activities as may be called for by the National Executive Committee from
time to time.
(2) It shall be the duty of the SNUi National
Councillor on behalf of the Committee to submit periodical reports as
and when required to the General Secretary of the Union for presentation
to the Council.
19. Records
The Committee shall keep the following records:-
(a) details of membership;
(b) minutes of all proceedings of the Committee.
(c) attendance of committee members at Committee
meetings.
20. Interpretation
In these Bye-laws 'member' means a subscribing member of SNUi.