CONSTITUTION OF THE CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES OF NORTH AMERICA

Present Constitution

ARTICLE I - CONFESSION OF FAITH

ARTICLE II - THE CONFERENCE AND OTHER MB CHURCHES

Section 2 - The provincial conferences are functionally united with the Canadian Conference and are subordinate to it. Each provincial conference develops its own By-Laws, it being understood that such By-Laws will be in harmony with the provisions of the Constitution of the Conference.

ARTICLE III - THE CONFERENCE AND ITS CHURCHES

Section 2 - Each member church is autonomous in the structuring and management of its own local affairs. However, member churches accept as binding the decisions made by the Conference according to the provisions of its Constitution.

Section 3 - When a member church is unable to resolve an issue which is harmful to its life and witness, the Conference has the right and the duty to offer its assistance in resolving the difficulty, upon request or in consultation with the respective provincial conference.

Section 4 - The Conference may withdraw the privilege of membership from any church which ceases to be in harmony with the ideals and standards of the Conference.

Section 5 - While this Conference is composed of member churches, the regulation of membership of individual persons in member churches shall be subject to certain general guidelines as more particularly described in Schedules A and B of this Constitution.

ARTICLE IV - CONVENTIONS OF THE CONFERENCE AND THE COUNCIL OF BOARDS

a] Business Conventions - At these Conventions, the Boards of the Conference report on their work and present projections and recommendations for the future. The Conference acts on these reports and recommendations and carries out the necessary elections.

b] Faith and Life Conventions - These Conventions are devotional and inspirational in character. Papers are presented and discussed, and resolutions are accepted concerning pertinent areas of faith and practice in the churches of the Conference.

Section 2 - The frequency, the character, the time, the place, and other details of such Conventions are decided by the Conference.

Section 3 - Council of Boards - The Council [Art. V,sec.4] shall meet regularly twice a year, at the occasion of the Board meetings [Art. V,sec.3], or at the call of the executive to:

a] share concerns and present plans and proposed actions of the various Boards

b] act as the Conference-in-Interim.

Section 4 - All Board members are entitled to sit as delegates at the annual Convention.

ARTICLE V - ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE CONFERENCE

The Executive Officers of the Conference are:
a] The Moderator
b] The Assistant Moderator
c] The Secretary

Section 2 - An Executive Secretary or other staff member(s) may be appointed by the Executive Board subject to the approval of the Conference.

Section 3 - Boards and their Committees and Commissions

a] The Boards of the Conference are:
1] Executive Board
2] Board of Christian Education Ministries
3] Board of Communications
4] Board of Evangelism
5] Board of Faith and Life
6] Board of Management

b] Committees of the Boards - Each Board may, at its discretion, appoint committees to supervise one or more sections of the Board's responsibilities. Such committees are responsible to their respective Board.

c] Commissions - Boards may appoint temporary committees, known as commissions, for special assignments.

Section 4 - Council of Boards - The Council consists of the following:

a] The Executive of the Conference who also serve as the Executive of the Council of Boards
b] All the members of the Boards of the Conference.

Section 5 - Executive Board - The Board consists of the Conference moderator, the assistant moderator, the secretary, the chairpersons of the Canadian Conference boards, the provincial Mennonite Brethren Conference moderators (or designates) and the Conference Minister (ex officio).

Section 6 - Nominating Commission - The moderator, or another person designated by each provincial conference who is a member of the Canadian Council of Boards, shall serve as a member of the Nominating Commission. The commission is chaired by a member of the Executive Committee or its appointee.

Section 7 - Elections and terms of office
a] Each Board consists of nine members:
1] Each provincial conference elects its representative to each of the Boards of the Conference.
2] The other three members of the Board are elected at large by the Conference at its business sessions from candidates nominated either by the Nominating Commission or from the floor.

b] The term of the Executive Officers is two years.

c] The term of office of each Board member shall be four years. The terms of office of no more than five members of any Board shall regularly expire at any one business convention.

d] No person may serve in the same position for more than two consecutive terms. In special circumstances, this provision may be set aside by a 2/3 majority vote of the delegates of the convention.

e] Vacancies occurring on any Board involving a member-at-large or the Executive between conventions shall be filled, if deemed necessary, by appointment by the Council of Boards from candidates nominated by the respective Board or Committee. When a provincial representative on a Board must be replaced, the respective province makes the appointment.

f] Newly elected provincial representatives and members elected at large shall take office after adjournment of the convention.

ARTICLE VI - DUTIES

A - Executive of the Conference

a] Moderator - The moderator serves as:

1] chairperson of all Conference Conventions
2] chairperson of the Executive Committee
3] chairperson of the Executive Board
4] chairperson of the Council of Boards
5] official representative of the Conference.

b] Assistant Moderator - The assistant moderator assists the moderator and serves when called upon as circumstances demand.

c] Secretary - The secretary serves as:

1] recording secretary at sessions of the Convention of the Conference
2] recording secretary at Council of Boards, Executive Board, and Executive Committee sessions
3] secretary for business arising out of the responsibilities of the Conference Executive.

Section 2 - The Executive Committee:

a] Serves as the executive officers of the Conference and of the Executive Board
b] Prepares the agenda for the sessions of the Executive Board
c] Prepares the agenda for the sessions of the Council of Boards
d] Is responsible for identifying all issues which require submission to the churches for action or vote
e] Supervises the work of the Executive Secretary
f] Is responsible for liaison with Institut biblique Laval.

a] Seeks to coordinate the plans and activities of the various Boards of the Conference
b] Acts as the Conference-in-Interim and is responsible to the Conference for its decisions
c] Arranges for the filling of any vacancies occurring on any Board of the Conference or on the Executive during the interim, in consultation with the respective body concerned.

Section 4 - The Executive Secretary is responsible to the Conference Executive Committee.

B - The Executive Board

Section 2 - Specifically, the Executive Board shall:

a] act as consultant in the planning of all national conventions
b] submit to the churches all issues which require church action or vote
c] be responsible for the administration of the conference offices
d] supervise the work of the Nominating Committee
e] represent the Conference between sessions
f] coordinate the plans and activities of the various boards of the Conference
g] be responsible for exercising control over the approved budget
h] respond to provincial and General Conference matters as they relate to the Canadian Conference
i] appoint a Personnel Commission which, in consultation with other boards, shall be responsible for determining personnel policies and salary schedules
j] be responsible for fostering inter-church relations and contacts with other church-related agencies
k] oversee the constitution and implement any changes as required
l] be responsible for providing direction in matters of church polity
m] be accountable to the Conference at its biennial convention.

C - The Board of Christian Education Ministries

Section 2 - Specifically, the Board of Christian Education Ministries shall:

a] work in close cooperation with the provincial Boards of Christian Education/church ministries in developing products and services. Where such boards do not exist, the Board shall work with regional groups of churches
b] promote the biblical and theological training of individuals in their faith formation and church ministry preparation; facilitate cooperative relationships among, and integration initiatives of, Mennonite Brethren schools and colleges; and be responsible for Canadian Conference relationships with Mennonite Brethren schools and colleges as well as other institutions
c] work in close cooperation with the Board of Evangelism in all areas of common concern
d] provide staff and office facilities for the execution of its responsibilities, subject to Conference approval
e] report the plans and activities of the Board to the Executive Board
f] be accountable to the Conference at its biennial convention.

D - The Board of Communications

Section 2 - Specifically, the Board of Communications shall:

a] develop publication policies and periodicals
b] promote and support media productions and innovative communication strategies
c] promote and monitor the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies/Archives through the appointment of an Historical Committee
d] provide staff and office facilities for the execution of its responsibilities, subject to Conference approval
e] report the plans and activities of the Board to the Executive Board
f] be accountable to the Conference at its biennial convention.

The Board of Evangelism

Section 2 - The Board supervises and promotes the work of evangelism and outreach which does not fall within the jurisdiction of a provincial conference.

Section 3 - The Board of Evangelism works in close cooperation with the Board of Christian Education in all areas of common concern.

F - The Board of Faith and Life

Section 2 - Specifically, the Board of Faith and Life shall:

a] when necessary, initiate the appropriate action or serve as a reference body in issues of social concerns
b] be responsible for giving directives for teaching and structuring our peace witness in our country and our constituencies
c] plan Faith and Life conventions in consultation with the Executive Officers of the Conference
d] establish and maintain a functioning pulpit committee to assist churches in ministerial management
e] be responsible for the Mennonite Brethren representation on the Board of Mennonite Central Committee (Canada)
f] report the plans and activities of the Board to the Executive Board
g] be accountable to the Conference at its biennial convention.

G - The Board of Management

Section 2 - Specifically, the Board of Management shall:

a] be responsible for the preparation, presentation, and monitoring of the Conference budget
b] be responsible for the provision and maintenance of adequate Conference offices
c] appoint a treasurer whose duty shall be to receive, hold in custody, and disburse all funds under the supervision and administration of the Board
d] be responsible for the operation of the Christian Press
e] report the plans and activities of the Board to the Executive Board
f] be responsible for the Canadian Conference funding of Institut biblique Laval
g] be accountable to the Conference at its biennial convention.

H - Nominating Commission

Section 2 - The Commission is responsible to the Executive Board and presents its slate of candidates to the Convention.

ARTICLE VII - AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION

Section 2 - Such Notice of Amendment is then to be presented to the churches of the Conference at least three months before the Convention of the Conference at which it is to be voted on.

Section 3 - A two-thirds majority of those present and voting shall be required to carry an amendment.

SCHEDULE A - On the acceptance, sustenance and termination of membership in Canadian Mennonite Brethren Churches

Section 1 - The Acceptance of Members

It is the responsibility of the local church to establish guidelines that will govern each of the following transactions whereby members are accepted by the church:

a] through baptism upon confession of their faith
b] through letters of transfer from other Mennonite Brethren churches
c] through letters of recommendation from other churches or other denominations who practice baptism on the confession of faith
d] through evidence that they have been baptized upon the confession of their faith and on the basis of their testimony.

Membership in the local church is sustained through responsible participation in the life of that church. The Mennonite Brethren Church does not have two membership lists; namely, active and inactive. The local church may, however, limit the privileges of a member under discipline. It is the responsibility of each local church to establish guidelines that will govern this matter.

Section 3 - The Termination of Membership

It is the responsibility of the local church to establish guidelines that will govern each of the following transactions whereby membership is terminated:

a] through a transfer certificate
Members may terminate their membership in a local church through requesting that a transfer certificate be sent to another Mennonite Brethren church. Such transfers, however, will not be effected on behalf of members under discipline.
b] through a letter of recommendation
Members may terminate their membership through requesting a letter of recommendation to a church of another evangelical denomination. A Certificate of Baptism shall accompany the letter.
c] through a letter of release
d] through disciplinary action.
The primary purpose of disciplinary action by the local church is to lead the person under discipline to repentance and faith. Such action shall be taken only after serious attempts have been made by the church to correct the person deemed to be in error. Before disciplinary action is taken, the person under consideration shall receive an explanation of the action being contemplated. The person shall have the right to a hearing prior to the disciplinary action.

Section 1 - Decision-making in Mennonite Brethren Churches

Formal decisions of any Mennonite Brethren church in matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the local church body shall be the exclusive right and duty of its members. It is the responsibility of each local church to establish guidelines that will further govern decision-making.

Section 2 - Tangible Assets

Membership in a Mennonite Brethren church creates no proprietary rights in any of the tangible assets thereof. Termination of membership, for whatever reason, requires no accounting by the church to the departing member in response of such assets.

OPERATING GUIDELINES

PART A - CONCERNING THE COUNCIL OF BOARDS

Each Board shares a resume of plans, proposals, and recommendations with the members of the Council. This sharing may be for one of the following purposes:

a] to obtain counsel from the members of the Council of Boards concerning some specific proposals
b] to give notice to other Boards whose work may be affected by a specific proposal so that necessary consultations and adjustments can take place before the issue is presented to the convention or the churches of the Conference
c] to have the Council of Boards act as Conference-in-Interim. In this capacity, the Council of Boards may make decisions on urgent matters, but it is always responsible to the Conference for such decisions.

a] After a Board has submitted its plans, proposals, and recommendations, opportunity is given for questions to be directed to members of that Board.

b] If it is deemed advisable, a vote may be taken to indicate to the Board concerned what the views of the assembled members of the Council of Boards are. Such a vote is taken for information purposes only and does not represent authorization by the Council of Boards. No Board should at any time attempt to influence voting on any issues before a convention by making reference to an unofficial information vote conducted at a Council of Boards session.

c] It is the responsibility of the Conference Executive Committee to decide when the Council of Boards shall function as Conference-in-Interim and make an interim or a final decision.

d] Only when the Council of Boards acts as Conference-in-Interim are the regular convention procedures (Standing Rules) followed.

PART B - CONCERNING THE BOARDS

a] One of the major responsibilities of a board is to make certain that finances are administered properly. This involves seeing that adequate revenue is obtained, that funds are not wasted, and that accounting and auditing are properly handled.

b] Boards must operate within the limits of convention budget decisions in their spending. An accepted budget is a charge to the Boards and should never be treated lightly. Only upon proper authorization may a Board spend funds beyond the limits of an accepted budget.

Section 2 - The Role of Board Members

a] A Board is a Board only when it is in session. As an individual, a Board member functions as a church member. There is no Board except in meetings duly called and convened, and then only after roll call and before adjournment. Not even in Board meetings has a member any personal authority; he has only his voice and his vote. The control of the work is in the vote.

The resolutions that are adopted govern the work. Every congregation or convention must guard against "power methods" which may be exerted by certain influential people. Board members may convince by facts and persuade by the logic of their arguments, but they must never seek to coerce.

b] Legally, the Board member has no authority outside of the sessions of the Board except when such authority has been delegated to him by the Board. Much trouble can be avoided if the individual Board members will confine their exercise of prerogatives to Board sessions. Board members must be careful not to appear to commit the Board to any stand, in private or public statements, which the Board as a whole might be unwilling to take. No one person ever speaks for the entire Board unless so delegated.

PART C - CONCERNING CERTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

Section 2 - Board Members - When in attendance where their Boards report, members of Boards of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches shall have the status of delegates.

PART D - CONCERNING CONVENTION DELEGATES

Section 2 - Pastor - In addition to the above, each church is entitled to give delegate status to its pastor.

Section 3 - Board Members - All Council of Boards members are entitled to sit as delegates; they may also be selected as congregational delegates by their respective churches.

PART E - CONCERNING PLEBISCITES AND REFERENDUMS

This set of Operating Guidelines was adopted by the Board of Spiritual and Social Concerns of the Canadian Conference of mennonite Brethren Churches at Winnipeg, Manitoba, on February 4, 1984.

Revisions

ARTICLE III - THE CONFERENCE AND ITS CHURCHES

Section 4 - The Conference, in consultation with the General Conference, may request a provincial conference to withdraw the privilege of membership from any church which departs from the Confession of Faith, or which cannot reconcile its own doctrinal convictions with resolutions of the Conference.

ARTICLE IV - CONVENTIONS OF THE CONFERENCE AND THE COUNCIL OF BOARDS

Section 1 - The Canadian Conference meets biennially for inspiration, direction-setting, reporting, and decision-making.

Section 3 - The Council of Boards shall serve as Conference-in-interim when the Conference is not meeting and when called upon by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE V - ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE CONFERENCE

Section 1 - Executive Officers

Section 2 - The Executive Board shall appoint an Executive Minister, subject to the approval of the Conference.

Section 3 - Boards

a] The Boards of the Conference are:
1] Executive Board
2] Program Boards
Board of Christian Education Ministries
Board of Communications
Board of Evangelism
Board of Faith and Life
Board of Management
3] Board of Missions and Services [Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services]

Section 4 - Council of Boards - The Council consists of the following:
a] The Executive Board of the Conference
b] All other members of the program Boards of the Conference.

Section 5 - Executive Board - The Board consists of the Conference moderator, the assistant moderator, the secretary, the chairpersons of the Canadian Conference program Boards, the provincial Mennonite Brethren Conference moderators (or designates), and the senior executive staff (non-voting).

Section 6 - Nominating Committee - The Nominating Committee consists of all provincial moderators and the secretary of the Executive Officers. The Committee is chaired by an appointee of the Executive Board.

Section 7 - Elections and terms of office
a] Each program Board consists of nine members:

2] The other three members of the program Board are elected at large by the Conference at its business sessions from candidates nominated either by the Nominating Committee or from the floor.

c] The term of office of each program Board member is four years. The terms of office of no more than five members of any program Board shall regularly expire at any one business convention.

ARTICLE VI - DUTIES

A - Executive Board of the Conference

Section 1 - The Executive Officers

a] Moderator - The moderator serves as chairperson of all Conference conventions, the Council of Boards, and the Executive Board. He, or his designate, is the official representative of the Conference.

c] Secretary - The Secretary serves as recording secretary at Conference conventions, Council of Boards sessions, and Executive Board sessions, and as secretary for business of the Conference Executive Board.

Section 2 - [delete] Replace with:

d] The Executive Officers also:
1] serve as the executive officers of the Conference, the Council of Boards, and the Executive Board
2] prepare the agenda for the sessions of the Executive Board and the Council of Boards and for national conventions.

Section 3 - Council of Boards:

a] [omit]
b] When the Council of Boards meets, it acts as the Conference-in-Interim and is responsible to the Conference for its interim or final decisions.
c] The Council of Boards ratifies the appointment of a Board to fill any vacancy involving a member-at-large between conventions.
d] When the Council of Boards meets, regular convention procedures (Standing Rules) are followed.

Section 4 - The Executive Minister provides leadership and pastoral oversight to the Conference. He is an official representative of the Conference and is responsible to the Executive Board.

B - The Executive Board

Section 2 - Specifically, the Executive Board shall:

f] coordinate the plans, activities, and budgets of the various boards of the Conference
g] take ownership of the proposed budget
I] appoint a Personnel Committee which, in consultation with other boards, shall be responsible for determining personnel policies and salary schedules.
j] foster inter-church relations and contacts with other church-related agencies
l] provide direction in matters of church polity
n] through its Executive Officers, be responsible for liaison with Institut biblique Laval
o] appoint and supervise the work of the Executive Minister, whose appointment must be approved by the Conference.

F - The Board of Faith and Life

Section 2 - Specifically, the Board of Faith and Life shall:
a] initiate the appropriate action or serve as a reference body in issues of faith and life through consultation, teaching, and publishing
b] be responsible for promoting our peace witness in our constituencies and our country
c] plan study conferences in consultation with the Executive Officers of the Conference
d] establish and maintain a Pastoral Ministries Committee to assist churches in pastoral placement and pastor- church relations

G - The Board of Management Section 2 - Specifically, the Board of Management shall:

c] appoint a treasurer whose duty shall be to receive, hold in trust, and disburse all funds, including stewardship funds, under the supervision, direction, and administration of the Board
f] [delete]
i] be responsible for the supervision of the Stewardship Director and staff, including the review and authorization of marketing, materials, and directions
j] arrange for an annual audit of Conference accounts

H. The Board of Missions and Services
Section 1 - Election and Term of Office
a] The Board shall consist of the Canadian members of the Board of Missions and Services of the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches as they are elected in accordance with the terms of the Constitution of the said General Conference at conventions thereof.
b] The term of office and conditions of office of this Board shall be as set forth in the Constitution of the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
Section 2 - Duties
a] This Board shall have all those duties and powers provided for the Board of Missions and Services in the Constitution of the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

I. Nominating Committee

Section 1 - The Committee shall prepare a slate of candidates for all the offices that are to be filled at the Conventions of the Conference.

Section 2 - The Committee is responsible to the Executive Board and presents its slate of candidates to the Convention.

PART A [delete]

Section 1 - Financial Responsibility
a] One of the major responsibilities of a Board is to make certain that finances are administered properly. [delete rest of paragraph]

c] It is understood that Boards cooperate with the Board of Management for accounting procedures and the preparation of an annual audit.

Section 2 - The Role of Board Members
a] A Board is a Board only when it is in session. As an individual, a Board member functions as a church member. There is no Board except in meetings duly called and convened, and then only after roll call and before adjournment. Not even in Board meetings has a member any personal authority, only a voice and a vote. The control of the work is in the vote.

The resolutions that are adopted govern the work. [delete rest of paragraph]

b] Legally, the Board member has no authority outside of the sessions of the Board except when such authority has been delegated by the Board. Much trouble can be avoided if the individual Board members will confine their exercise of prerogatives to Board sessions. Board members must be careful not to appear to commit the Board to any stand, in private or public statements, which the Board as a whole might be unwilling to take. No one person ever speaks for the entire Board unless so delegated.

PART C - [delete]

PART D - CONCERNING CONVENTION DELEGATES

Section 1 - Congregational Delegates
A congregation is entitled to send to the biennial convention one delegate for every 25 members or remaining fraction thereof.

Section 2 - Pastor
In addition to the above, each church is entitled to give delegate status to one pastor.

Section 3 - Board Members
All Council of Board members are entitled to sit as delegates and are not included in the congregational delegation of their respective churches.

PART E - CONCERNING PLEBISCITES AND REFERENDUMS

It is the right and duty of the Canadian Conference in session to make decisions in all matters affecting our churches corporately. Plebiscites and referendums may be used only in exceptional circumstances and only if agreed upon by a two-thirds majority of a Canadian Conference in session.