By-laws for the Diocese of Upper South Carolina
Cursillo Movement
Purpose
The Cursillo Movement of Upper South Carolina shall identify, equip, and sustain Episcopalians1 through the use of Cursillo techniques in order that they might effectively evangelize their environments. The movement will constantly strive to serve as a vehicle through which Christ may direct His servants toward seeking discernment of, and acting upon His apostolic plan.
1 Episcopalian is defined as any baptized Christian and member in good standing, as defined by the parish priest, of any parish in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina.
Article I. Approach
The Diocese of Upper South Carolina Cursillo Movement accepts the basic tenet that a truly spirit-filled Christian walk requires an equal effort to produce results in three areas: spiritual piety, Biblical study and apostolic action. Through the use of Group Reunion, Ultreya, Spiritual Direction, Servant Community, Day of Deeper Understanding and Cursillo Weekends, the movement will prepare, instill confidence, and sustain its participants in their quest to evangelize their environments.
Article II. Participants
Recognizing that all Christians are part of the Body of Christ and that the Cursillo Movement is just one evangelical approach for Episcopalians to use, and implies no exclusivity, it is the intent of the movement that Cursillo participants turn their hearts, souls and minds towards Christ and His work with renewed commitment, strength and courage. The Cursillo method (i.e., Group Reunion, Ultreya) is offered in support of these goals. Participation in these activities is available to all Episcopalians at large and is encouraged.
Article III. National Relationship
The Diocese of Upper South Carolina Cursillo Movement respectfully acknowledges that its existence is authorized and contingent upon its faithful adherence to the tenets and directions of both our Bishop and the National Episcopal Cursillo Movement by-laws and associated regulations. The Council president and/or others designated by Council will meet not less than annually, with the Bishop as well as with the representative(s) of the National Episcopal Cursillo Committee (NECC) to ensure compliance with the current directives of both parties.
Article IV. Cursillo Council
The Cursillo Council, also known as the Secretariat, will provide the direction for the movement as received from our Bishop and the NECC. The Council will consist of nine (9) lay representatives and three (3) spiritual directors at large from within the diocese. The election of lay representatives will be staggered in such a way as to have no more than one third of the Council turn over at any one time.
1. Staggered Vacancies. The Lay Rector of each active Ultreya in the diocese shall submit to Council, no later than October 1st of each year a list of two (2) or more nominees to be considered for vacancies on Council. If sufficient nominations are not forthcoming, Council will nominate from the Cursillo community at large. Council shall then, if the Bishop requires it, submit to the Bishop for approval, no later than November 1st, a list of recommended people to fill vacancies on the Council. If vacancies remain after voting, Council will continue to nominate as above, and submit to the Bishop, if required, and vote until all vacancies are filled. This process will continue into the new year, as necessary.
The terms of the lay representatives will be for a period of three (3) years with one intervening year between another serving term.
2. Other Vacancies. Should a lay representative find himself or herself unable to complete his or her term, the Council will elect from the recommended list used for the previous elections (approved by the Bishop if necessary). If the recommended list is not sufficient, the respective Ultreya Lay Rector(s) will be asked to submit a list of at least two (2) recommendations and a replacement will be nominated and voted upon at the next regularly scheduled meeting. If required by the Bishop, approval of the nominee(s) will first be obtained from the Bishop. An individual who fulfills a partial term is eligible for re-election the Council for a full term if his or her total service will not exceed four (4) years.
Council members are to be active in Group Reunion, Ultreya, Day of Deeper Understanding and Servant Community.
Council Spiritual Directors. Spiritual Directors for the Council will be appointed on an annual basis by the Bishop for a one-(1) year term. A list of priests who have expressed an interest in serving on the Council will be submitted simultaneously with the lay representative nominees, no later than November 1st. A minimum of four (4) priests will be submitted. If the Bishop does not choose to appoint the Spiritual Directors, Council will ask those who have expressed an interest to serve. Incomplete or partial terms will be filled as soon as possible through appointment by the Bishop, if he chooses, or by solicitation by Council. The Bishop will identify a Head Spiritual Director. The bishop shall decide means of communication of the selection. Spiritual Directors can serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive one-(1) year terms. Incomplete or partial terms will be filled as soon as possible.
Article V. Council Officers
The lay offices of the Council will include President, President Elect, Secretary and Treasurer. Each officer will serve for a period of one (1) year. Election of the President will take place at the last regularly scheduled meeting of the calendar year and election of the President Elect will take place at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the next calendar year. If more than one nominee is made for an office, election will be held by written ballot. An individual can serve as many as two (2) successive terms in a single leadership position. Only current Council members can vote in the election.
The Head Spiritual Director and the outgoing lay representatives of the Council will serve as a nominating committee for the new Council. They shall submit one or more names for the office of President. The nominating committee will insure that those nominated for an office are prepared to declare Cursillo as their primary apostolic action and do so willingly.
The office of President Elect will receive nominations from Council at the last meeting of the year.
Article VI. Council President
The Council President will act as:
The Diocese of Upper South Carolina representative to the Episcopal Cursillo Committee and as such will attend the National Episcopal Cursillo Seminar (NECS). If the President is unable to attend, the Council will appoint an alternate.
The presiding officer at all official Cursillo functions (i.e., Council meetings, Servant Community, and Cursillo closings).
Lay representative to the Bishop concerning all Cursillo nominations, policies, schedules and pastoral plan(s). In addition, he or she will prepare an annual written report to be submitted to the diocesan convention.
Article VII. Council President Elect
The Council President Elect will act as:
The presiding officer whenever the President is not in attendance at a Cursillo function.
Chairperson of the Leadership Committee and be responsible for the development and training of the Cursillo leaders through periodic schools and refresher courses.
President in the case of the Council President's absence, resignation or other inability to perform the duties of the office.
Should the President Elect not be able to serve at a specific function, the Council will appoint an alternate.
Article VIII. Council Secretary and Treasurer
There shall be a Secretary and a Treasurer, annually appointed by the President from Council membership or at large from the Cursillo Community and confirmed by the Council, who shall carry out the customary duties of such offices. At large appointments shall act as ex-officio and non-voting members.
Article IX. Council Meetings
There shall be a minimum of four (4) meetings per year, one each quarter, at which a quorum must be present. Additional meetings may be scheduled as recommended by the President, with or without a quorum being present.
The business of any meeting without a quorum being present may be subsequently ratified electronically by a quorum of all voting Council members, ensuring that Council members have received the appropriate electronic communication. This voting shall be certified by the President and Secretary and minutes published.
At the first regularly scheduled Council meeting of the calendar year, the newly formed Council will establish a schedule for the next meeting, or by electronic or telephonic communication within one week of meeting date, and a tentative schedule for the remainder of the Council year.
In addition to determining the dates of the regularly scheduled meetings, the newly formed Council will schedule an overnight retreat as soon as feasible, within the first quarter of that year. The retreat would provide an opportunity for the newly formed Council to focus on that which Christ would lead them to do.
Each regularly scheduled meeting would be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order except as amended by the Council. In order for any binding policy or resolution to pass, a quorum must have voted. A quorum will be defined as one half plus one of the total number of voting positions.
Lay members are encouraged to declare Cursillo their primary apostolate, as their active attendance and participation at Council meetings is essential. It is incumbent on each member to recognize his or her vital role. It is with that in mind that should any member miss two (2) meetings in a row or more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the regularly scheduled meetings in a year, he or she will be asked by the President to recommit or resign.
Article X. Servant Community
The Council will identify chairpersons for four (4) Servant Community Committees from Council membership and co-chairs from the Cursillo community at large appointed for three-year terms. Any subcommittees and their associated responsibilities will be determined by the Servant Community. The Committees will be: Pre-Cursillo, Weekend, Fourth Day, and Communications/Publications.
These committee chairpersons will draw upon the membership of the Servant Community for their membership or make-up. When possible, the membership of each committee should include a Spiritual Director.
The Servant Community will furnish Cursillo leaders with opportunities for service and expanded experience in the Cursillo method. These will be provided through group reunion, a doctrinal and/or a technique talk, and committee work.
At least once a year, the Bishop of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina will be encouraged to speak at Servant Community.
Article XI. By-Law Distribution
The Secretary of the Council will maintain the original of the by-laws. In addition, he or she will provide a copy to each member of the Council and make copies upon request for any Episcopalian both within or outside the diocese.
Article XII. Guidelines/Policies
Guidelines/Policies for conducting the activities of the Cursillo movement in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina in any or all areas of its life and work, consistent with these by-laws may be established by a majority vote of the Council.
The Council will publish and review annually the Guidelines/Policies so established.
Article XIII. Amendments
Following their adoption by a majority vote of those Council members present, these by-laws may be amended at any regular meeting of the council, provided that the proposed amendment will have been submitted in writing to the Council at the previous month's meeting. The amendment must receive a majority vote for adoption.
Article XIV. Effective Date
These By-Laws shall take effect this 14th day of March, 1989.
- Amended October 29, 1996.
- Amended July 21, 2001.
- Amended November 10, 2001.
- Amended December 9, 2006.
- Amended September 9, 2007.
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