UNITY OF MADISON, INCORPORATED BYLAWS - 2023

UNITY OF MADISON, INCORPORATED BYLAWS -- 2023

ARTICLE I – Name

The name of this association shall be Unity of Madison, Inc.

ARTICLE II - Purpose

Section 1. Statement of Purpose. The purpose of Unity of Madison, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation, is to teach the universal principles of Truth, as taught and demonstrated by Jesus Christ and interpreted by Unity and the Association of Unity Churches International [DBA and hereafter referred to as Unity Worldwide Ministries] a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of Georgia with headquarters at Lee’s Summit, Missouri, hereinafter referred to as Unity Worldwide Ministries [UWM].

Section 2. Accomplishment of Purpose. In the accomplishment of this purpose, Unity of Madison, Inc. shall endeavor to conduct services of worship and classes of instruction and to demonstrate the principles of Truth by using them in the operation of the ministry and to adopt other means that, in the judgment of the minister, will further the principles of practical Christianity among people everywhere.

Section 3. Unity Worldwide Ministries. Unity of Madison, Inc. shall be a vital part of the worldwide Unity movement and a member of UWM. Any member of this ministry may call upon the resources and support of UWM through its senior minister or co-ministers, Board of Trustees, staff, or through direct communication with UWM.

In the spirit of cooperation, the operation and conduct of this ministry shall comply with the regulations and policies of UWM as outlined in UWM Bylaws, insofar as they do not conflict with the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

A. Participation. This ministry may have its voice heard and its wishes expressed in the membership meetings of UWM, and its members may participate in workshops, seminars, and classes designed to encourage and foster their spiritual development and that of the ministry.

A. Resources. This ministry can benefit from its membership in UWM and its corresponding region through direct support, materials, and coaching regarding organization, finances, music, adult and youth education, church growth programs, ethics compliance, and other topics related to church function.

B. Leadership. This ministry shall have as its leader an ordained or licensed Unity minister(s) approved for ministry employment by UWM or a person serving under special dispensation approved by UWM. For the purpose of these bylaws, the term “minister” shall include a

person serving under special dispensation of UWM.

D. Teaching. The principles of practical Christianity shall be taught through this ministry using methods, textbooks, literature, and other materials that align with Unity Principles

E. This ministry shall comply with all requests for identifying information from UWM, including but not limited to:

A copy of the Articles of Incorporation
Copies of ministry bylaws shall be sent whenever updated.
A copy of the deed to properties owned by the ministry.
Copy of the completed Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number,

once it has been returned by the IRS to the ministry.
Copy of the Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business

Form that the IRS requests.

F. Reports. This ministry shall make annual reports to UWM as required.

ARTICLE III - Office and Official Records

Section 1. Principal Office. The principal executive office of the corporation will be fixed by the Board of Trustees. Said office shall be in the County of Dane, State of Wisconsin or at such other place within the State of Wisconsin as the Board of Trustees hereafter shall designate. The Corporation may also have offices at such other place or places, as the Board of Trustees may from time to time designate.

Section 2. Official Records. Records of membership, finances, donation, corporate minutes, and other records required by law or as designated by the Board of Trustees shall be maintained at the principal office of the corporation. Confidential documents are available only for use by the minister(s), board members, or designated professional staff. Other documents are available to active members upon request.

ARTICLE IV - Members

Section 1. Qualifications. A member of Unity of Madison, Inc. will endeavor to live in accord with the Jesus Christ principles of love and truth as taught by Unity and further the work of this ministry through active interest, love, and support.

Section 2: Procedure for Membership

a) New members. Applicants shall attend the prescribed series of Membership classes. Upon acceptance by the Board, the new Members shall be welcomed into Membership on a Membership Sunday.
b) Transfers. Members of other Unity Church Centers, which are members of UWM, may be accepted directly into membership of this Church Center.

Section 3. Types of Members. There shall be two types of members of this ministry, active and inactive. Active members, as defined by the Membership Agreement signed annually, have full membership rights. Active members may participate and vote in any member meetings.

A. Active Membership.

New Members. After acceptance as a new member, each member shall have voting rights at all membership meetings up through, and including, the next regularly scheduled annual membership meeting after joining the church.
Existing Members. To retain active membership rights, each member must indicate a desire to remain a member by completing and returning to the church a yearly membership renewal card or such other document as approved by the Board of Trustees. If no current membership renewal card or approved document is on file prior to the annual membership meeting, that person becomes inactive and cannot serve on the Board of Trustees or vote at any membership meeting.

B. Reinstatement of Inactive Membership.

Reinstatement with two years. If a member who has become inactive wishes to return to active status within the first two years after becoming an inactive member, such a member who meets membership qualifications and fills out a yearly membership renewal card or document approved by the Board of Trustees shall be reinstated as an active member. In order to vote at a membership meeting such members must fulfill these requirements at least four (4) weeks before a membership meeting.
Reinstatement after two years. If a member has been inactive for two years or more and desires to become an active member again, such a member must reapply for active membership in the same manner required of new members. (See Article IV, Section 2)
Removal of Membership for Cause. A member may be removed for cause by the Board of Trustees. Prior to any vote concerning removal, the member in question must be notified by certified mail at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Board of Trustees meeting of the changes that may lead to removal of membership and thereafter be given an opportunity for a hearing before the board. A 2/3rds vote shall be required for removal of membership provided that the senior minister or co-ministers are in agreement with this action.

C. Powers of Active Members. Each active member of Unity of Madison, Inc. shall have the following powers:

1. To vote at any membership meeting at which the member is present;

Serve on ministry teams if selected; speak in debate at any membership meeting according to the Roberts Rules of Order provided for debate;
Offer suggestions to the minister(s) or Board of Trustees in writing or email as may seem advisable for the good of this ministry;
Contact UWM regional representative or UWM directly for guidance, support, or information on available resources; and
Participate in as many activities as possible and programs of this ministry.

ARTICLE V - Meetings

Section 1. Annual Meetings. There shall be one annual membership meeting each year.

Date and Location of Annual Meeting. The annual membership meeting shall be held at the principal location of the ministry within the quarter following the close of the fiscal year at a time established by agreement between the senior minister or co-ministers and Board of Trustees. Proposed items included in the agenda should be submitted to the Board in writing prior to the final Board meeting of the fiscal year. Matters decided upon at the annual membership meeting shall be limited to the items on the agenda.
Notice. Written notice stating the date, time, and place of the annual meeting will be sent to all active members at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the meeting.
Quorum. Those active members present will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any annual membership meeting.
Presiding Officer. The President of Board of Trustees shall serve as the presiding officer of the annual membership meeting.
Participation. The right to speak in debate, make motions, and vote during annual meetings shall be restricted to those active members present. The right of other persons to speak during membership meetings may be extended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote. UWM representatives have a right to speak when they have been invited by the senior minister or co-ministers, the Board of Trustees, or any member.
Voting. Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, a majority vote, of the active members present and voting will determine the approval or disapproval of the action being voted

upon. Members unable to attend a membership meeting may vote by absentee ballot at board candidate elections. Such ballots must be received at the church at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Absentee ballots may be obtained in the Church Office 15 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Absentee ballots must be returned to the Church Office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Absentee voting is not allowed for any other motion or item with the exception of board of trustee elections.

G. Power and Authority. Annual membership meetings shall have the power and authority to do all of the following:

Elect members to the Board of Trustees;
Approve proposed amendments to these bylaws;
Approve by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote any expenditure regarding the sale, pledge, or

proposed financing of real property belonging to this ministry that exceeds twenty-five

thousand dollars ($25,000);
Elect two (2) members to serve on the Nominating Ministry Team (See Article IV,

Section 12, B);
Override any action of the Board of Trustees, provided that notice of the action to be

voted upon is submitted to all active members, in writing, fifteen (15) days prior to the

meeting. Said action requires a three-fourths (3/4ths) votes to carry;
Remove by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote any or all trustee(s) from the Board of Trustees;

and
Vote on any matters officially brought to the attention of the membership. (See Article V,

Section 1-A)

H. Prayer. In any annual membership meeting, the Board President, minister(s), UWM, or any member may request that action on an item of business be suspended while the membership enters into a time of prayer on the issue. Upon such request the President will provide a period of prayer and silence.

Section 2. Special Membership Meeting.

A. Requesting Special Meetings. Any time the affairs of this ministry warrant, a special membership meeting may be requested by the senior minister or co-ministers; a majority vote of the entire number of trustees currently serving on the Board of Trustees; or a petition signed by one-tenth (1/10th) of the active membership and submitted to the Board of Trustees.

B. Calling Special Meetings. Upon receiving proper written or email request for a special membership meeting, the President of the Board of Trustees shall call the meeting on behalf of the requesting party within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request. The location, notice, quorum, presiding officer, participation, voting, and prayer provisions for special membership meetings shall be the same as those for annual meetings.

C. Special Meeting Business. Business conducted at a special meeting shall be limited to the pre-stated purpose(s) given in the meeting notice.

ARTICLE VI – Board of Trustees

Section 1. Membership. The Board of Trustees shall be composed of the senior minister or co-ministers and no fewer than six (6) other trustees and at least two (2) alternate trustees. The regular and alternate trustees will be elected from among the active membership of Unity of Madison, Inc. at the annual membership meeting.

Section 2. Term of Office.

Elected trustees will hold office for three years, or until their successors have been elected and assume office. Trustees elected at any annual membership meeting shall take office at the conclusion of the annual membership meeting at which they were elected. No elected trustee will serve more than two consecutive terms without an interval of one year between terms. Any person who serves on the board more than half of a term shall be credited with having served a full term.
The alternate trustee shall hold office for one year. The alternative trustee shall not be someone who has served as a member of the board in the preceding twelve months. Service as an alternate trustee will not be considered as serving a full term.

Section 3. Prohibition of Service. The following persons are prohibited from serving on the Board of Trustees:

any active licensed Unity teacher;
relatives, significant others or household members of any board member or licensed Unity teacher;
individuals receiving compensation from the ministry with the exception of the senior minister or co-ministers; relatives, significant others, or household members of any individual receiving compensation from the ministry.

Section 4. Regular Board Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees will be held at the principal executive offices of the ministry on a day agreed upon by majority of current board members and alternate board members, unless otherwise stated by the board.

Section 5. Special Board Meetings. Special meetings of the board will be called by the President of the Board if requested by the senior minister or co-ministers; if requested by two or more trustees; or if the President of the Board deems it necessary. Any request for a special board meeting shall be made in writing (or by e-mail with confirmation) to the Board Secretary. All current board members, including the senior minister or co-ministers, shall be given notice of any special board meeting at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the meeting. The attendance of any member of the board at the meeting shall serve as a waiver of this notice requirement.

Section 6. Closed Board Meetings. All meetings of the Board of Trustees, regular or special, are closed meetings. No one is entitled to attend board meetings except board members, however, individuals can request or be invited to attend portions of board meetings.

Section 7. Quorum. A majority of the total number of trustees currently serving shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Unless or otherwise provided herein, the vote of a majority of the trustees’ present shall be necessary for approval of the action being voted upon. Should the total number of trustees fall below four (4), this includes the minister, an alternate will vote in their place.

Section 8. Minister(s) Attendance. The senior minister or co-ministers has/have the right to attend all board meetings, with the exception of those meetings or portions thereof that pertain to determinations of the minister’s salary and/or review of the minister’s work record.

Section 9. Prayer. It is important that in addition to adhering to the normal procedures for legal functioning set forth in these bylaws, that the spiritual principles taught by Unity be utilized in the handling of decisions before the Board of Trustees. During the discussion of an item of business any trustee may request time for prayer about an issue. Upon such request the President shall provide a period of prayer and silence.

Section 10. Duties and Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees. As representatives of the membership, the Board of Trustees shall:

A. Uphold the spiritual purpose of this ministry as stated in Article II, Section 2 of these bylaws;

B. Uphold the highest best interests of the membership in conducting the business of this ministry;

C. Abide by the Unity of Madison Board Member Code of Ethics.

D. Be conversant with these bylaws and establish and review policy for the operation of this ministry;

E. Be faithful in attendance at services as well as board and membership meetings of this ministry;

F. Determine the business needs of this ministry and authorize payment of funds for those purposes;

G. Administer the real and personal property of this ministry;

H. Make decisions regarding the sale, pledge, or proposed financing of real property belonging to this ministry, provided that all decisions concerning the sale, pledge, or proposed financing of real property exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), shall be presented to the membership at a properly constituted membership meeting to be voted on in accordance with Article V, Section 2B.

I. Employ a licensed or ordained Unity minister(s) through cooperation with the employment management procedures of UWM;

J. Removal procedure of the senior minister or co-ministers is as follows

1. Seek first to reconcile differences between the ministry and senior minister or co- ministers by contacting UWM (Unity Worldwide Ministries) or other appropriate Unity resources for guidance.

2. Inform the ministry by calling a Special Membership meeting for the purpose of input and discussion. (See Article V, Section 2, B)

3. After three months from the initial contact with UWM, the Board of Trustees may terminate the employment of a senior minister or co-ministers by a three-fourths (3/4th) vote of elected board members. [See Article VI, Section 7 regarding Quorum, and Article VI, Section 11 regarding Duties Alternate Board of Trustee Members.]

K. As recommended by the senior minister or co-ministers, determine staff positions and authorize funds for their financial support;

L. Establish the dates for the beginning and ending of the fiscal year;

M. Cause to be prepared each year a complete financial statement with disclosures that will set forth the financial conditions and operations of the ministry.

N. Require a review of Unity of Madison financial records by an appropriate and qualified person or persons at the end of each fiscal year.

O. Secure a fidelity bond or theft and dishonesty insurance for persons handling church funds.

P. Approve applicants for membership;

Q. Provide for the distribution of yearly membership renewal notices to all active and inactive members;

R. Fill the unexpired term of any trustee;

S. Elect officers of the board and their successors to fill any unexpired term when necessary;

T. Provide for Board Training/Orientation for new members as soon as possible after elections/appointment;

U. Ratify and/or create such ministry teams as needed to support the functions and responsibilities of the board;

V. Keep or cause to be kept an accurate list of ministry teams and their leadership.

W. Seek UWM’s assistance in the event of a dispute adversely affecting the ministry;

X. Attend and actively participate in ongoing board education programs;

Y. Consider other issues brought to their attention by the minister or members of the board;

Z. Keep or cause to be kept an accurate record of active and inactive members;

AA. Keep or cause to be kept records of attendance of children and staff present and involved with the children’s programs;

BB. Keep or cause to be kept accurate records of gifts to the ministry, in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations;

CC. Issue or cause to be issued necessary 1099 and W-2 forms in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations;

DD. Acknowledge, in writing, contributions in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations;

EE. Secure liability insurance for all Board of Trustee members and minister(s); and
FF.Take such other action as may be deemed necessary for the best interests of this ministry.

Section 11. Duties and Responsibilities of Alternate Board of Trustee Members. As representatives of the membership, Alternate Board of Trustee members shall:

A. Be elected to serve a term of no more than one year;

B. Attend all Board meetings;

C. Participate in all discussions at Board meetings;

D. Count money from collections and make bank deposits;

E. Serve on Board committees;

F. Alternate trustee members do not make or second or vote on motions presented at Board meetings.

G. Serve as an active board member and have a voting presence whenever one or more regular board members is absent.

H. Should a voting member of the board retire before the end of their term of office, an alternate will complete that trustee’s elected term with full voting rights.

Section 12. Nomination and Election.

A. Qualifications. To be eligible to be elected to the Board of Trustees, a person must be an active member of Unity of Madison, Inc. In addition, candidates for election shall endeavor to live in accord with the Jesus Christ principles of love and truth as taught by Unity; work to further the purposes of this ministry through active interest, love, and support; be a sincere and continuing student of Unity always remaining conversant with its teachings; and shall have demonstrated leadership capabilities. (Note Article VI, Section 3. Prohibitions of Service.)

B. Nominating Ministry Team.

1. Selection. A Nominating Ministry Team will be formed at least three months prior to the annual membership meeting. The ministry team will consist of the senior minister or co- ministers and three active members selected in the following manner:

a. At the annual membership meeting, the membership shall, from among the active

membership of the ministry, select two (2) members to serve on the Nominating Ministry Team for the following year’s election. If a member of the Nominating Team becomes unavailable to serve, The Board will elect a person from among the active membership, who is not a current member of the Board, to fill the vacancy.

b. The board will select one of its trustees to serve on the Nominating Ministry Team, that board member will not serve as chair.

c. Together with the senior minister or co-ministers, the above two ministry team members will select a third person from among the active members to serve on the Nominating Ministry Team. The Team will select a chair from its members.

1. Duties and Responsibilities. The Nominating Ministry Team will initiate a search for at least two qualified candidates for nomination as members of the Board of Trustees, as well as, at least one qualified candidate for nomination as an Alternate. The report of the Nominating Ministry Team, listing candidates for trustee and alternate positions, will be published ( by e-mail, Sunday announcements, and Church bulletin boards) at least fifteen (15) days prior to the annual membership meeting.

C. Nomination Procedure. The presiding officer of the annual membership meeting shall:

Read Article VI, Section 12A and 12D of these bylaws just prior to the beginning the process of nomination and election;
Call upon the Chairperson of the Nominating Ministry Team to offer the ministry team’s nominations; and,
Call for additional nominations from the floor.

D. Election Procedure.

The election shall be by ballot to fill two 3-year vacancies. The result of the vote shall be announced during the annual meeting. If there are more than two nominees running for a three year term, the two nominees receiving the largest number of votes will be elected to fill two 3-year terms.

Two alternates each serve one year terms. The nominees running for the positions of alternates will be filled by the candidates receiving the two highest number of votes.

Section 13. Removal from Office by the Board of Trustees. Any trustee may resign at any time. In addition, any trustee may be removed by the Board of trustees due to unexcused absences for three successive regular board meetings, or because of a failure to fulfill the duties of the office.

Section 14. Vacancies

Should there be a vacancy on the Board of Trustees an alternate trustee shall fill the vacancy until the end of the elected term of the vacating trustee.
In the event there is a vacancy in the office of alternate trustee the Board shall select a qualified replacement to fill the position. A majority vote shall be necessary for election. The term of service shall expire on the date of the next annual meeting.

Section 15. Board of Trustees Officers. The officers of the Board of Trustees shall be a president, a vice president, a secretary, and a treasurer. All officers will be selected in a manner determined by the board at the first board meeting after the annual meeting or at a special meeting called for the purpose of selecting officers. The term of office shall be one year or until successors are elected.

Section 16. Duties of Officers.

A. President. The president shall preside at all Board of Trustees meetings; preside at all membership meetings; keep or cause to be kept an accurate list of ministry teams and their leadership; serve as an ex officio member of all ministry teams except the Nominating Ministry Team; sign such papers and documents upon proper authorization as may be necessary; and be responsible for the planning of board orientation, retreats, and workshops.

B. Vice President. The vice president shall assist the president in the performance of that officer’s duties; perform all the duties of the president of the board in the absence of the president; and succeed to the office of president in case the office of the president becomes vacant. In such a case, a new vice president will be elected from among the remaining trustees to fill the remainder of the unexpired term.

C. Secretary. The secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, an accurate record of the minutes of all board and membership meetings; hold in custody, and be responsible for all reports, contracts, other legal papers, and the meeting minute books, which will be kept at the principal executive office of the ministry at all times, or in such other depository as prescribed by the board; attend to all official business as directed by the board; keep, or cause to be kept, accurate active and inactive membership lists.

D. Treasurer. Fiduciary accountability is the treasurer’s responsibility. The treasurer, with board approval, may delegate this authority to the minister or ministry staff. With board approval, a finance team could be created to handle analyzing and reporting, The treasurer will keep, or causes to be kept, a record of all financial transactions, submit a monthly financial report at each regular board meeting, and submit a financial report covering the last complete fiscal year to the annual membership meeting. The treasurer will account for, or cause to be accounted for by the appointment of qualified persons, all funds received, being responsible to assure that they are deposited in accounts authorized by the board. When counting ministry funds, there should be at least two (2) persons present.

E. The Board of Trustees shall require a review of Madison’s financial records by an Appropriate and qualified person or persons at the end of each fiscal year.

ARTICLE VII – Administration, Management and Leadership

Section 1. Administration. The administration of Unity of Madison, Inc. shall be vested in the senior minister or co-ministers as the administrative director(s), and the Board of Trustees elected from the membership.

Section 2. Minister(s).
A. Senior Minister or Co-ministers. The senior minister or co-ministers will be duly licensed or ordained Unity minister(s).

1. Duties. As the spiritual leader(s) of this ministry, the senior minister or co-ministers will be responsible for the scheduling, conduct, and content of services, classes, and all other activities that further the purpose of this ministry. As administrative director(s), the minister(s) shall:

a. Be responsible for the complete functioning of this ministry, including the hiring and termination of all employees, including associate or assistant ministers, and inform the Board in advance any action;

b. Serve as voting member(s) of the Board of Trustees on all matters except their own employment, or that of their successor(s);

c. Create ministry teams related to these duties, as needed;

d. Serve as ex officio members of all ministry teams;

e. Be responsible for seeking UWM’s assistance in the event of a dispute adversely affecting the ministry.

2. Selection. The Board of Trustees shall select the senior minister or co-ministers following the employment procedures for ministerial personnel of UWM.

3. Compensation. The compensation of the senior minister or co-ministers employed by this ministry shall be set by the Board of Trustees.

B. Associate and/or Assistant Ministers. Associate and/or assistant minister(s) will be duly 12

licensed or ordained Unity minister(s) who function(s) with less responsibility than the senior minister or co-ministers.

1. Duties. The associate and/or assistant minister(s) will perform the duties and fulfill the responsibilities assigned them by the senior or co-ministers.

2. Compensation. Compensation for the associate and/or assistant minister(s) shall be established by the Board, and shall be overseen by the senior minister of co-minister(s).

Section 3. Definitions.

A Unity Ministry. A member ministry in UWM, recognized by UWM, will have a duly ordained or licensed Unity minister, or a person serving under special dispensation as its Spiritual Leader. (For additional criteria, contact UWM office.)
Senior Minister. A Unity minister duly ordained, licensed [or serving under special dispensation] by UWM (or Unity School of Christianity prior to July 1, 1966), who assumes the spiritual and administrative leadership role in a member ministry. This leader works in conjunction with the Board of Trustees of the member ministry, and is to oversee the teaching, preaching (lesson), worship services, healing, counseling, prayer, administrative, and fellowship activities of the ministry.
Co-Minister. In shared partnership ministries, a Unity minister duly ordained or licensed by UWM (or Unity School of Christianity prior to July 1, 1966), who equally assumes the spiritual and administrative leadership role with another co-minister in a member ministry. These leaders work in conjunction with the Board of Trustees of the member ministry, and oversee the teaching, preaching (lesson), worship services, healing, counseling, prayer, administrative, and fellowship activities of the ministry.
Associate Minister. In ministries with more than one minister, a Unity minister duly ordained or licensed by UWM (or Unity School of Christianity prior to July 1, 1966), serving in a member ministry. The Associate Minister may be equal in ability, but functions with less responsibility than the Senior Minister. The Associate Minister reports to the Senior Minister, who determines the scope of the associate’s responsibilities.
Assistant Minister. In ministries with more than one minister, a Unity minister duly ordained or licensed by UWM (or Unity School of Christianity prior to July 1, 1966), serving in a member ministry. The skills and/or experience of the Assistant Minister may be less than those of the Senior Minister. The assistant may be placed in a specialized service area of the ministry, i.e., pastoral visitation, or administrative support. The skills of the assistant are, therefore allowed to develop for a more comprehensive range of ministry service of the assistant, and the ministry.

ARTICLE VIII - Ministry Teams

Section 1. Formation. With the exception of the Nominating Ministry Team, ministry teams may be created by the Board of Trustees, the senior minister or co-ministers, or congregants, by board approval.

Section 2. Dissolution. With the exception of the Nominating Ministry Team, ministry teams may be dissolved when the team has fulfilled its purpose.

ARTICLE IX - Dissolution

In the event that this corporation is dissolved, all property and funds remaining after the payment of the debts of the corporation will be delivered to UWM, a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Georgia, for religious and educational purposes. Such funds or property will be for the use and benefit of UWM as may be determined by the Board of Trustees of UWM, in alignment with current policies and procedures. UWM will make available, according to its current policies and procedures, funds for the reestablishment of a Unity ministry in Madison. Should UWM no longer exist, any assets remaining of this corporation after dissolution will be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction of the County in which the principal executive offices of the corporation are then located and shall be used exclusively for such purposes or distributed to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for purposes set out in Section 5.01(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

ARTICLE X – Seal

The corporate seal of this Church Center shall include its name in a circle which encloses the name of the city and date of incorporation.

ARTICLE XI – Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the meetings of this corporation in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the corporation may adopt.

ARTICLE XII – Amendment of Bylaws

Section 1. Amending Bylaws. Any amendment(s) to or general revision of these bylaws may be adopted at any annual or special membership meeting provided that written notice setting forth the exact wording of such proposed amendment(s) or general revision has been mailed to all

active members at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting at which they will be considered. An affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4ths) of the active members present and voting will be necessary to adopt any amendment(s) to or general revision of these bylaws. To take effect, any amendment(s) to or general revision of these bylaws must also be ratified by a 2/3rds vote of the members of the Board of Trustees present and voting at the first meeting of the board following the adoption of such amendment(s) or general revision. [See Article VI, Section 7 regarding Quorum, and Article VI, Section 11 regarding Duties of Alternate Board of Trustee Members.]

Section 2. Supercede Previous Bylaws.

These Bylaws fully supersede all previous Bylaws adopted by Unity of Madison, Incorporated.

ARTICLE XIII - Emergency Situations

In the case of a national emergency declared by the President of the United States, a State Emergency declared by the governor, or a local emergency as determined by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the local ministry trustees present and voting, the Board of Trustees is authorized to meet by electronic means and to have the full power to adjust budgets and cancel/postpone events or reschedule them as electronic meetings. As long as the emergency lasts, the Board of Trustees may take any other emergency actions deemed helpful and necessary to assure the welfare of this ministry.

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Board Secretary

Date