THEBYLAWSOFTHEWESLEYANCOVENANTASSOCIATIONBylawsAdopted:May31,2016

BylawsRevisedandadopted:July1,2020

ArticleI

Section1. Introduction.TheseBylawsconstitutetheregulationsadoptedbyWesleyanCovenantAssociation(the“WCA”).

Section2. Powers.TheWCAwillhavethepurposesorpowersasmaybestatedinitsCertificateofFormation,andsuchpowersasarenowormaybegrantedhereafterbytheTexasBusinessOrganizationsCode,NonprofitCorporationsCodeSection22.001et.al(the“Act”),oranysuccessorlegislation.

Section3. Purposes.TheWesleyanCovenantAssociation(“WCA”)isanassociationofcongregations,clergypersons,andlaitywhodesiretocooperateinthemissionoftheWCAtopromotetheministryofthegospelfromaWesleyantheologicalperspectivewithinTheUnitedMethodistChurchandkindredbodies.TheWCAisorganizedexclusivelyforreligiouspurposes.ThepurposesforwhichtheWCAisformedinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

A. TopromotetheworshipoftheHolyTrinity,topreachthepureWordofGod,to uphold the rich tradition of sacramental practice, to maintain Christianfellowship,tofostertheedificationofbelievers,andtowelcomeandadvancetheworkoftheKingdomofGodonearth.

B. TobeobedienttoourLordJesusChrist’scommandto“Goandmakedisciplesofallnations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andofthe Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I [Jesus] havecommandedyou”(Matthew28:19-20).

C. TosupportdisciplesofJesusChristbyproclaimingthegoodnewsofsalvationthroughfaithinourLordJesusChrist,andbyexemplifyingJesus’commandtoloveGodandneighbor,byanysuitablemethodormedia,whichincludesbutisnotlimitedtothefollowing:

1. ConnectinglocalchurcheswhoworshipJesusChrist,byusingpersonalevangelism,televisionandradio,theInternet,conventions,preaching,teaching,missionsandotherChristianmethods;

2. Assisting and furthering the proclamation of Scriptural Christianitythroughprintedanddigitalmaterial,byprovidingspeakers,mentoring,or coaching, and by other instructional and educational programs

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whichmaybedeemednecessaryorconvenientineffectingtheabovepurposes;and

3. Establishing new programs of outreach and ministry, and thestrengthening and partnering with existing programs andorganizationsthathaveasimilarpurposeanddedicationtopresentingChristasSaviorandLord.

D. Toexploreandpromotethefullministryofthegoodandlife-givingHolySpiritthroughoutthelifeandworkofthechurch,notleastintheentiresanctificationofChristiandisciples.

E. ToguidetheministriesoftheWCAwithintheboundariesofthestatementoffaith, using accountability processes for congregations, clergy, and laymembersasshallbepromulgatedbytheWCA.

F. ToengageinspiritualworkandservicesbasedupontheauthorityoftheHolyBible.

G. Additionalgeneralpurposesandpowersare:

1. Tosolicit,collect,receive,acquire,holdandinvestmoneyandproperty,bothrealandpersonal,includingmoneyandpropertyreceivedbygift,contribution,bequestordevise;tosellandconvertproperty,bothrealand personal, into cash, and to use the funds of the WCA and theproceeds,income,rents,issues,andprojectsderivedfromanypropertyoftheWCAforanyofthepurposesforwhichtheWCAisformed;

2. To purchase, acquire, own, hold, sell, assign, transfer, dispose of,mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or encumber, shares, bonds, notes,debentures, or other securities or evidences of indebtedness of anyperson,firm,corporation,orassociationand,whiletheownerorholderofthem,toexerciseallrights,powersandprivilegesofownership;

3. Topurchaseoracquire,own,hold,use,lease(eitheraslessororlessee),sell, exchange, assign, convey, dispose of,mortgage, hypothecate, orencumberrealandpersonalproperty;

4. Toenterinto,make,performandcarryoutcontractsofeverykindforany lawful purposewithout limiton amount,with any person, firm,association or corporation, municipality, county, parish, state,territory, government, or other municipal or governmentalsubdivision;

5. To borrowmoney, incur indebtedness, and to secure repayment bymortgage, pledge, deed of trust, orotherhypothecation of property,bothrealandpersonal;and

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6. To do all things necessary, expedient, or appropriate to theaccomplishment of any of the objects and purposes for which thiscorporationisformed.

H. Notwithstandinganyof theabove statementsofpurposesandpowers, thiscorporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in anyactivitiesorexerciseanypowersthatarenot in furtheranceof theprimarypurposeoftheWCA.NopartofthenetearningsoftheWCAshalleverinuretoor for the benefit of or be distributable to itsmembers, Councilmembers,officers,orotherprivatepersons,exceptthattheWCAshallbeempoweredtopay reasonable compensation forservices renderedand tomakepaymentsanddistributionsinfurtheranceofthepurposesforwhichitwasformed.

I. NotwithstandinganyotherprovisionsoftheseBylaws,theWCAshallnotcarryonanyotheractivitiesnotpermittedtobecarriedon(a)byanassociationexempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the InternalRevenueCodeof1954(oranycorrespondingorsuccessorprovisionofanyUnitedStatesInternalRevenueLaw),or(b)byacorporation,contributionstowhicharedeductibleunderSection170(c)(2)oftheInternalRevenueCodeof1954 (or any corresponding or successor provision of any United StatesInternalRevenueLaw).

Section4. StatementonBiblicalAuthority.Given the current challengesdirected totheuniqueplaceoftheBibleinthechurch,weaffirmthatthecoreoftheChristianfaithisrevealed in Scripture as “the faith thatwas once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3;NRSV).We look to theBible thereforeasourauthorityand trustworthyguide,which “isusefulforteaching,forreproof,forcorrection,andfortraininginrighteousness”(2Timothy3:16;NRSV).Illuminatedbytradition,reason,andexperience,therevelationofScriptureisthechurch’sprimaryandfinalauthorityonallmattersoffaithandpractice.

Section5. StatementofFaith

A. DoctrinalStandards.WeaffirmclassicalWesleyandoctrineandthehistoricfaith,whichthechurchhasusedtodefinetheparametersofChristianteaching.Doctrine,properlyunderstood,unifiesthechurchandgivesdirectiontoitslife.Allcongregational,clergy,andlaymembersoftheWCAaffirmthefollowingDoctrinalStandards:

1. TheNiceneCreed(AD381)

2. TheArticlesofReligionoftheMethodistChurch(AD1808)

3. TheConfessionofFaithoftheEvangelicalUnitedBrethrenChurch(AD1963)

4. TheStandardSermonsofJohnWesley

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5. TheExplanatoryNotesUpontheNewTestamentbyJohnWesley(1755)

6. TheGeneralRulesofTheMethodistChurch(1868)

Section6. Statement of Moral Principles. Given our current time and context, wehighlight and affirm the following moral principles, acknowledging that other moralprinciplesmeritourfurtherattention.

A. StatementonGenderEquality:ScriptureteachesthatmenandwomenareofequalvalueintheeyesofGod.Accordingly,thechurchshouldtreatwomenandmenequally.Webelievethatbothwomenandmenarecalledtoandgiftedforordainedandlicensedministry,andbothgendersareabletoholdanyroleofleadershipwithintheWCA.

B. Statement on Equality: We believe that all persons are of sacred worth.Therefore,wegladlywelcomeallwhoseektogrowintheirrelationshipwithGodtoattendworshipservicesandparticipateinthechurch’sministries.Nopersonshallbedisqualifiedfrombecomingamemberofalocalcongregation,holding a leadership position in the church, or becoming an ordained orlicensedclergybasedonrace,color,nationality,nationalorigin,maritalstatus,economic condition,or disability. TheWCA specifically renounces all racialandethnicdiscriminationandcommits itselftoworktowardfullracialandethnicequalityinthechurchandinsociety.

C. Statement on Marriage and Sexuality:We believe marriage and sexualintimacyaregoodgiftsfromGod.InkeepingwithChristianteachingthroughtheagesandthroughouttheChurchuniversal,webelievethatmarriageistheunitingofonemanandonewomaninasingle,exclusiveunion.WebelievethatGodintendsfaithfulnessinmarriageandcelibacyinsingleness.

D. Statement on Human Dignity: We believe that every person must beafforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful andharassingbehaviororattitudesdirectedtowardanyindividualorgrouparetoberepudiatedandarenot inaccordwithScripturenorthedoctrinesof theWCA.

ArticleIIMembership

Section1. Membership.Membership in the WCA may be held and acquired by thefollowing:

A. Congregationswhosubscribetothestatementoffaithandmoralprinciples,Sections4,5,and6ofArticleI,andarewillingtocooperateintheirministrythroughtheWCA;

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B. Clergypersonswhosubscribetothestatementoffaithandmoralprinciples,Sections4,5,and6ofArticleI,andarewillingtocooperateintheirministrythroughtheWCA;

C. Laitywhosubscribetothestatementoffaithandmoralprinciples,Sections4,5, and 6 of Article I, who are believing and confessing Christians, whoacknowledgeandaccept JesusChristasLordandSavior,andwhodesiretopreservetheunityoftheSpiritinthebondoflove;

D. All individualmembersshallhavetheresponsibilityofsupportingtheWCAthrough:

1. PrayingfortheWCA,itsministries,anditsmembersandleaders

2. AdvocatingfortheWCAintheirlocalchurch

3. Spreading the word about the WCA to neighboring congregations,clergy,andlaity,encouragingtheirparticipationasappropriate

4. SupportingtheWCAfinanciallythroughtheirmembercongregationorthrough individual contributions of at least the annual amountdeterminedbytheWCACouncil

Section2. Voting.

A. CongregationalMembers.AllorganizedcongregationsthathavejoinedtheWCA hold voting membership in a regional chapter of the WCA and areentitledtoatleastonevotingdelegatetothemeetingsoftheregionalchapteroftheWCAtowhichitrelates,evenifthecongregationhasnoclergymembersoftheWCA.AtthemembermeetingsoftheregionalchaptersoftheWCA,laydelegates equal to the number of clergy WCA members serving thatcongregationshallrepresenteachcongregation. WherecongregationshavemorethanoneclergymemberoftheWCAonstaff,eachshallbeentitledtoavote,andthecongregationsshallbeentitledtoacorrespondinglaydelegatewithvote.

B. ClergyMembers.Clergymembers,whetherornot theyareservingaWCAmembercongregationorareretired,areentitledtovoteatthemeetingsoftheregionalchaptertowhichtheyrelate.

C. Lay Members. Lay members who are not delegates representing acongregationalmemberareentitled tovoteat themeetingsof the regionalchaptertowhichtheyrelate.

D. EqualizationofVotesBetweenClergy&Laity. In preparation for eachGlobalLegislativeAssemblyofthemembershipoftheWCA,theWCACouncil

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shallensurethataprocedureexiststoprovidethatthenumberofvotesatsuchmeetingeligibletobecastbyclergyandlaityareequal.

Section3. Conditions of Membership. Conditions for acquiring and holdingmembershipintheWCAarethefollowing:

A. Agreementwithandadvocacyofthestatementoffaithandmoralprinciples,Sections4,5,and6ofArticleI,andmaintainingone’steachingandconductwithintheboundariesestablishedtherein.

B. For clergy members, currently an ordained or licensed clergy person andblameless in their life and administration. Persons previously but notcurrently ordained or licensedmay be admitted as clergymembers at thediscretionoftheWCACouncil.

C. Acongregationshallbereceivedintomembershipbasedonaffirmationofthestatementoffaithandmoralprinciples,Sections4,5,and6ofArticleI,andthepurposes, Section 3 of Article I, of theWCA by the congregation’s primaryleadershipbody(churchcouncilorequivalent).

D. Approvalofmembership.1. Congregations, clergypersons, and laypersons shallbe received into

membership at such time and manner, and according to suchprocedures,asshallbesetforthbytheWCA.

2. TheWCACouncil,oracommitteeoftheCouncil,shallevaluateaclergy

person or congregation who desires to become part of the WCAthroughitsinternalreviewprocess;

3. The WCA Council shall approve by majority vote the admission of

congregationalandclergymembers.

E. Congregational, clergy, and lay supportingmembers, in order to remain ingood standing, must contribute financially to the WCA at least an annualamountdeterminedbytheWCACouncil.

Section4. RemovalfromMembershipintheWCA.Anyclergy,lay,orcongregationalmembermayberemovedupona two-thirdsvoteof theCouncilmembers,eitherwithorwithout cause. Anymember proposed for removal shall be givenwritten notice of suchintentionattheaddresslistedintherecordsoftheWCA.SuchmembershallbeofferedanopportunitytomeetwiththeMembershipCommitteeoftheCouncilpriortoavotebytheCouncil to remove the member. If the member does not meet with the MembershipCommittee,theCouncilmayproceedtoact.

Section5. RightsofMembers. EachMemberoftheWCA,asdefinedinthisArticleII,

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shallbeeligibleforparticipationinpositionsofleadershipoftheWCA,includingasanofficerorCouncilmember.Forallpurposes,theCouncilmembersshallconstitutetheinitialvotingmembersoftheWCAforpurposesoftheAct(seeArticleI,Section2).Membersshallonlyhavethosevotingrightsasspecificallysetforthhereinand/orasspecificallymandatedbythelawsoftheStateofTexas.

Section6. ResignationofMembers.Anyclergyor laymembermayresignby filingawrittenresignationwiththeSecretaryoftheWCA.Anycongregationalmembermayresignbyactionofitsprimaryleadershipbody(churchcouncilorequivalent)andthereafterfilingawrittenresignationwiththeSecretaryoftheWCA.

Section7. Transfer of Membership. Individual membership in the WCA is neithertransferable nor assignable. Congregational membership may be transferred to a legalsuccessorcongregationatthediscretionoftheWCACouncil.

ArticleIIIAnnualMeeting–GlobalLegislativeAssembly

Theannualmeeting,knownastheGlobalLegislativeAssembly,oftheWCAshallbeheldattheofficesoftheWCA,orotherlocationdesignatedbytheCounciloftheWCA,inJulyofeachyear,orsuchotherdateastheWCACouncilshalldetermine.NoticeofthetimeandplaceoftheGlobalLegislativeAssemblyshallbegivenelectronicallyorotherwisetoeachregionalchapter.Byatwo-thirdsmajorityvote,theWCACouncilmaycallaspecialGlobalLegislativeAssemblyupon30days’noticetotheregionalchapters.Businessofaspecialmeetingshallbe limited to items listed in the call to themeeting.TheWCACouncil shall establish thenumberofdelegateseligibletovoteatanannualorspecialGlobalLegislativeAssembly,withthenumberofclergyandlaydelegatesbeingequal. TheWCACouncilshallapportionthedelegatestoanannualorspecialGlobalLegislativeAssemblyamongsttheregionalchaptersinproportiontothepercentagethemembershipoftheirregionalchapterrepresentstothetotalmembershipoftheWCA.Aminimumof50percentofthewholenumberofdelegatesestablishedbytheWCACouncilshallconstituteaquorum. Only delegates certified by the WCA Council shall have voice and vote at the Global Legislative Assembly. Members of the WCA Council who are not delegates from a regional chapter shall have voice, but no vote.

ArticleIVCounciloftheWCA(“theBoardofDirectors”)

Section1. Purpose,Mission,andMinistry.

A. TheWCAshallbegovernedbyaBoardofDirectors,whichshallbehereinaftercalledtheCouncil,andcomposedofCouncilmembers.TheCouncilshallmeetregularly,butnotlessfrequentlythaneverysixmonths.ThisCouncilshallbealegislative,notanexecutivebody,whosedutiesandresponsibilitiesshallbeprimarily:

1. Assistance,guidance,evaluationandmonitoringoftheprogressofthe

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WCAinthefulfillmentofitsmissionandvision;

2. Overseeing theselectionandperiodic (not less thanonceeach fiscalyear)writtenperformanceassessmentofanypaidstaff;

3. Participationintheselectionofstaffleaders;

4. Theongoingmonitoringof the financialstatusandriskmanagementpractices of the WCA to ensure fiscal responsibility, solvency, andadequateprotectionfromalloperatingrisks;

5. The periodic review of all practices, activities and decision-makingprocesses of the WCA to ensure they do not violate commerciallyreasonable standards of conduct, professional ethics, or the “bestpractices”ofreputablenon-profitinstitutions;and

6. As needed, the establishment of fiscal “guardrails” andmanagementpoliciestoensuretheongoinghealthoftheWCA.

B. NoticeofthetimeandplaceofanyregularorspecialmeetingoftheCouncilmembers shallbegiven toeachCouncilmemberbyelectronicmailor firstclassmail at least tendaysbefore themeeting.Notice for regularmeetingsneednotspecifythepurposeofthemeeting,whilenoticeforspecialmeetingsshallspecifythepurposeofthemeeting,withbusinessatthespecialmeetinglimitedtothepurpose(s)statedinthenotice.AnyCouncilmember,however,maywaivesuchnotice,inwritingeitherbeforeorafteranysuchmeeting,orbyattendanceatsuchmeetingwithoutprotestprior to thecommencementthereof.

C. Subject to the limitations set forth herein, the WCA Council shall beresponsiblefortheadministrationandcareofallrealandpersonalpropertyheld by the WCA and shall have that authority conferred on said CouncilmemberspursuanttotheTexasNonProfitAct.

Section2. Council MemberQualifications.With the exception of the initial CouncilmembersoftheWCA,eachCouncilmembershallbealaymemberofacongregationoftheWCAoralayorclergymemberoftheWCAandshallannuallyrecommittothecovenantsinArticleIfortheentiretyoftheirtermofoffice.EachCouncilmembermustpossesssignificantexperienceandgiftsinareasofexpertiserelevanttothePurpose,Mission,andMinistryoftheWCAandtheprimarydutiesandresponsibilitiesoftheWCACouncil.

Section3. Membership.

A. The number of Council members shall consist of not less than three (3) members and not more than twenty (20) members initially, and not less than twelve (12) members and not more than thirty-seven (37) members after the initial election. At least five of the members of the Council shall be from outside the United States

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with three from the continent of Africa, one from the continent of Europe and one from the continent of Asia (including the Philippines).

1. Initial Election ofWCA CouncilMembers. TheWCA Council shallconsist of the President and at least three Members who are notemployees of the WCA. A Council member shall be elected upon amajority vote of the Council members (with any current Councilmember abstaining from the vote on such Council member’sreelection).Aquorummustbepresentforanelection.

2. Subsequent Election of WCA Council Members. Until the 2018GlobalLegislativeAssemblyof theWCA, theMembersof theCouncilshallbeelecteduponamajorityvoteoftheCouncilmembers(withanycurrent Council member abstaining from the vote on such Councilmember’sreelection).AquorumoftheCouncilmustbepresentforanelection. Beginning with the 2018 Global Legislative Assembly, thedelegatestotheGlobalLegislativeAssemblyshallelectuptotwenty-seven(27)theCouncilmembersasfollows:

a. Names of persons interested as serving as Council membersmay be submitted by themselves or others, along withbiographicalinformation,totheCouncilandshallbesubmittednolaterthan30dayspriortotheGlobalLegislativeAssemblyora special calledmeeting atwhich Councilmembers are to beelected.

b. The Council shall disseminate the names and biographicalinformation of all nominees to the Delegates to the GlobalLegislative Assembly no later than 14 days prior to itsconvening.

c. TheDelegatestotheGlobalLegislativeAssemblyshallelect,bymajorityvote,thenumberofCouncilmembersneededtofillallvacancies. The election shall be conducted in a two-stepprocess. First,ballotsshallbetakentoelect thepersonto fillanyvacantpositionreservedforaninternationaldelegatefromnomineesfortherespectiveinternationalarea.Second,ballotsshallbetakentoelectpersonstofillanyremainingvacancies.Nominees for any vacancy reserved for an internationaldelegate who are not elected in the first step shall remaineligibleasnomineesforconsiderationinthesecondstep.

d. TheCouncilmembers,exceptforthePresidentwhoshallbeanexofficiomemberoftheCouncil,shallbeelectedforatermofthree (3) years, with approximately one-third of the Councilhavingtheirtermsexpireeachyear.TheCouncilshall,inorder

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toreceivethebenefitsofstaggeredterms,initiallyarrangetheCouncilmembersinclasses.Subsequentannualelectionsshallattempt to preserve a numerical balance among the threeclasses.

e. ThetermofofficeforCouncilmembersshallcommenceontheadjournment of the Global Legislative Assembly of theirelection.Councilmembersshallserveuntiltheirsuccessorsaredulyelected,unlesstheyhavebeenremovedorhaveresigned.

f. TheCouncilmembersshallannually,bymajorityvote,electaChairperson,foratermofone(1)year,commencingatthefirstmeeting of the Council after election. The Chairperson shallservenotmorethanfour(4)consecutiveone(1)yearterms.

TheWCACouncilmay elect up to an additional nine (9) Councilmembers,uponnominationbytheGovernanceCommittee,assigningeachsuchpersonto one of the three classes then serving on the Council, for the purpose ofensuringdiversityinthecompositionoftheCouncil.

B. Term Limits. Any Council member shall be limited to serving two (2)consecutive three (3) year terms. After the completion of any secondconsecutivethree(3)yearterm,suchCouncilmembershallberequiredtositoutforoneyearbeforebeingeligibletobenominatedandelectedasaCouncilmemberandmaythenserveanadditionaltwo(2)consecutivethree(3)yearterms.IfaCouncilmemberiselectedforatermlessthanthree(3)yearsbutgreaterthanone(1)year,thattermshallbeconsideredafullthree(3)yearterm for purposes of the term limit provision described herein, and thatCouncilmembershallbepermittedtoserveonlyoneadditionalthree(3)yearterm,afterwhich thatCouncilmemberwillbe required to sitoutoneyearbeforebeingpermittedtobenominatedandelectedasaCouncilmemberforan additional term. In exceptional circumstances, the term limit provisiondescribed hereinmay bewaived by a unanimous vote of all other Councilmembers.Notwithstandingtheforegoing,themembersoftheCouncilelectedin2016bythe initialCouncilshallbedividedintothreeclasses–aclassof2018,aclassof2019andaclassof2020,withtheirtermsendingonJuly1oftheyearoftheirclassoratsuchtimeastheirsuccessorsareelected.Membersof the class of 2018 shall be eligible to be nominated and elected for twoconsecutive three-year terms before rotating off the Council in accordancewiththeprovisionsofthisparagraph.Themembersoftheclassesof2019and2020shallbeeligibletobenominatedandelectedforoneadditionalterminkeepingwiththeforegoingtermlimits.

C. Quorum.AmeetingoftheCouncilshallrequireaquorum.AquorumconsistsofamajorityoftheCouncil.

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D. MannerofActing.UnlessotherwisespecifiedintheseBylaws,anyactionbytheWCACouncil requiresamajorityof theCouncilmembersattending themeeting,eitherliveorbyelectronicmeans,tovoteinfavoroftheaction.Anyactionwhichmaybe takenat ameetingofCouncilmembersmaybe takenwithoutameetingifauthorizedbyawritingorwritingssignedbyamajorityof theCouncilmembers,whichwritingorwritingsshallbe filedorenteredupontherecordsof theWCA.Councilmembersmayutilizecommunicationequipment to hold a meeting, and to thereby take action, if all those inattendancecanheareachother.

E. Resignation.AnyCouncilmembermayresignatanytimebygivingthirty(30)dayswrittennoticetotheWCA.

F. Removal. ACouncilmemberof theWCAmayberemovedwithorwithoutcauseatanytimeuponatwo-thirdsvoteoftheCouncilmembers,exceptthattheCouncilmemberforwhomremovalissoughtshallnotbeentitledtovoteon such Council member’s removal. Any Council member proposed forremovalshallhavetheopportunitytomeetwiththeCouncilpriortoanyvoteonremoval.IftheCouncilmemberdoesnotmeetwiththeCouncil,theCouncilmayproceedtoact. IftheCouncilvotestoremoveaCouncilmember,thetermofofficeofsuchCouncilmemberwhoshallhavebeensoremovedshallforthwithterminate.

G. Vacancies.AvacancyintheWCACouncil,fromwhatevercause(forexample,death,resignationorremoval),maybefilledfortheunexpiredportionofthetermbyamajorityvoteoftheCouncilmembersataregularmeetingorataspecialmeetingcalledforthatpurpose.Withrespecttoanyvacancy,CouncilmembersshallseeknominationsuggestionsfromthestaffoftheWCAandtheMembers.TheCouncilmembersmayalso formanominating committee tonominatecandidatestofillthevacancy.

Section4. Committees.TheWCACouncilmaycreatefromitsmembershipoftheWCACouncil the following Committees. Each such committee and eachmember thereof shallserveat thepleasureof theWCACouncil.Anysuchcommittee, to theextentprovidedbyactionoftheWCACouncil,mayexercisethepowersandauthorityoftheWCACouncilintheaffairsoftheWCAwiththeexceptionofanyauthoritythedelegationofwhichisprohibitedbytheAct(seeArticleI,Section2).However,eachsuchcommitteeshallbeamenabletotheCouncilanditsactionsmustberatifiedbytheCouncilinordertotakeeffect.Suchratificationmaybeenactedviaconferencecallorelectronicmeans.

A. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee operates within thefollowingboundaries:

1. ComprisedentirelyofWCACouncilmembersandofficers;

2. IncludesCouncilChairperson,ViceChairperson,Secretary,Treasurer,andonetothreeadditionalCouncilmembers,foraminimumof five

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members,staffedbythePresident;

3. MayexerciseallofthepowersoftheWCA(totheextentpermittedbytheTexasNonprofitCorporationLaw)betweenfullCouncilmeetings;

4. ReportsanyactiontakenbytheExecutiveCommitteepriortoorduringthesubsequentmeetingofthefullCouncil;

5. The purpose and responsibilities of the Executive Committee are asfollows:

a. ConducturgentbusinessbetweenfullCouncilmeetings;

b. Assess financial health and keep routine financial activitiesmovingbetweenfullCouncilmeetings;

c. AssistthePresidentduringemergencies;

d. HearreportsfromthePresidentandVicePresidentofStrategicEngagement and provide counsel to the Chair or PresidentbetweenfullCouncilmeetings;and

e. Lead Council development efforts and new member on-boarding.

f. DeterminetheagendafortheCouncil'smonthlymeetings.

B. AdministrativeandFinanceCommittee:ThepurposeandresponsibilitiesoftheAdministrativeandFinanceCommitteeareasfollows:

1. DeveloppoliciestoberecommendedfortheCouncilrelatedtofinance,funddevelopment,andpersonnel;

2. Workingwiththestaff,recommendtheannualbudgetandreviewtheWCA's financial position on a monthly basis, making suchrecommendations to theCouncil asnecessarytoensure sound fiscalmanagement;

3. DetermineamatrixbywhichtheCouncilwillmeasuretheeffectivenessandneedsoftheWCA'sfunddevelopmentefforts;

4. Develop the system for the annual review and evaluation of allemployees,includingareviewofthecompensationoftheofficersoftheWCA.

C. DoctrineandPracticeCommittee:ThepurposeandresponsibilitiesoftheDoctrineandPracticeCommitteeareasfollows:

1. Develop doctrinal standards that need to be clarified andrecommendedtotheCouncilforeventualrecommendationtotheWCA

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membershipaspartoftheWCA'stheologicalfoundation;2. Developa recommendationof "bestpractices" for theapplicationof

doctrineintheorthodox,Wesleyantraditionwhichmaybetopicsforpapersorprintresources;

3. Receive the initial report and provide first and possibly secondreadingsand feedback to theTaskForceonDisciplineand theTaskForceonResources.

D. GovernanceCommittee:ThepurposeandresponsibilitiesoftheGovernanceCommitteeareasfollows:

1. ReviewthepresentWCAby-lawsandbringrecommendedchangestotheCouncil;

2. MakerecommendationsrelatedtoCouncilmembernominations;3. DevelopaplanoforganizationforGlobalmeetingsoftheWCA;4. Monitor the Council membership for continuing effectiveness and

desire to serve, and determine a slate of Council nominees whorepresenttheaspirationtobeadiverse,globalconnectionoforthodox,WesleyanChristians.

E. Global Connections Committee: The purpose and responsibilities of the

GlobalConnectionsCommitteeareasfollows:

1. Workwith thepresident to identifyopportunitiesand strategies toexpand the WCA in the Central Conferences that includes specificcontactsandtargetdatesforcompletion;

2. Workwith theGovernance Committee to identify potential CouncilandTaskForceMembersinandamongtheCentralConferences.

F. Strategic Initiatives Committee: The purpose and responsibilities of the

StrategicInitiativesCommitteeareasfollows:1. WorkwiththePresidenttoanalyzetheever-changinglandscapeofthe

denomination;2. Assist thePresidentandVice-Presidentof StrategicEngagementon

messaging, and bring recommendations to the Council whenappropriateactionisneeded,including,butnotlimitedto,respondingtotheCommissiononaWayForward,theCouncilofBishops,CentralConferences,andacceleratingactsofecclesialdisobedience;

3. DeveloprecommendationsfortheWCA'sengagementwithlegislationproposedforthe2019specialGeneralConference;

4. BringrecommendationsforTaskForcesthatmaybeformedforshort-term,confidential,strategicworkonbehalfoftheCouncil.

G. OtherCommitteesandTaskForces.TheWCACouncilmayfromtimetotimeappointacommitteeortaskforceandmaydelegatetosuchcommitteeortask

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force power to be exercised under the control and direction of the WCACouncil. Each such committee or task force shall have at least one Councilmember,butmayalsonameadditionalWCAlayorclergyMembersnotontheCouncil to serve on the committee or task force. Laymembers serving oncommitteesandtaskforcesareentitledtovoiceandvoteonthatcommitteeortaskforce,regardlessofwhethertheyarevoting(delegates)ornon-votingmembersoftheWCA.

H. Records and Reports of Committees. Unless otherwise provided by theWCACouncil,amajorityofthemembersofanycommitteeappointedbytheWCACouncilpursuanttothisSectionshallconstituteaquorumatanymeetingthereof,andtheactofamajorityofthememberspresentatameetingatwhichaquorumispresentshallbetheactofsuchcommittee.AnysuchcommitteeshallbegovernedbyArticleIII,Section1Bforthecallingofmeetingsandshallprescribe its own rules for holdingmeetings and itsmethod of procedure,subjecttoanyrulesprescribedbytheWCACouncil,andshallkeepawrittenrecordofallactionstakenbyit.

ArticleV.Officers

Section1. OfficersofWCA.TheOfficersoftheWCAhavetheexecutiveresponsibilityforday-to-daybusinessoperations.TheOfficersshallactasagents for theWCA,andwillhavelegalauthoritytobindtheWCAasprescribedbytheWCACouncil.IndividualCouncilmembers do not have the legal authority to bind theWCA. There shall be a President,Treasurer, and Secretary of the WCA, and other Officers as defined below. Except asprovided elsewhere in these bylaws, compensated Officers shall not serve as votingmembersoftheWCACouncil,althoughtheymayserveasexofficiomemberswithvoice.

Section2. Appointment.TheCouncilmembersshallappointaPresident,aTreasurer,and a Secretary to serve asOfficers of theWCA. SuchOfficers shall be appointed in themannerdescribedbelowbytheCouncilmembers,ifaquorumispresentatsaidmeeting,andshallserveatthepleasureoftheWCACouncil.

Section3. PowersandDutiesofOfficers.EachOfficershallbeaMemberoftheWCAassetforthinArticleIISection1hereof.TheOfficersoftheWCAshalleachhavesuchpowersandperformsuchdutiesasmaybeconferredandassignedfromtimetotimebytheWCACouncil.

A. The President. The President of the WCA shall exercise leadership andoversightofthespiritualandtemporalaffairsoftheWCA.ThePresidentisanexofficiomemberoftheCouncil,withvoiceandvote.

1. ThePresidentshallhavethefollowingresponsibilities:

a. EnsurethatthepoliciesandproceduresestablishedbytheWCAand its Council are implemented and followed, engaging in

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effectiveadministrationonbehalfof theWCAand itsCouncil,includingwithoutlimitationthenegotiatingandsigningofanycontracts, deeds, mortgages, bonds, documents, debtinstruments or other agreements or commitments properlyauthorizedbytheWCACouncil.

b. Teach and proclaim the Christian faith as outlined in thestatementoffaithandmoralprinciples(ArticleI).

c. Develop with others and propound a vision for the WCA’sministryandmission.

d. Represent theWCA in relationshipswith denominations andministries.

e. Strengthenandencouragetheministryofthelocalchurchasthemostsignificantarenathroughwhichdisciple-makingoccurs.

f. Presideovermembershipmeetings.

2. The initialPresident shallbeelectedbya two-thirdsmajorityof theCouncil for an indefinite term.Whenever the office of the Presidentshallthereafterbevacant,theelectionofasuccessorPresidentforanindefinitetermshalloccuratthenextGlobalLegislativeAssemblyoftheWCA,withatwo-thirdsmajorityvoteofthedelegatespresentandvotingrequiredforelection.TheWCACouncilbyatwo-thirdsmajorityvoteisempoweredtoelectaninterimPresidenttoservebetweenthetimeofvacancyandthenextGlobalLegislativeAssemblyoftheWCA.

3. ThePresidentshallbeaclergymemberoftheWCAwhosemembershipisingoodstanding.

4. The President shall be amenable in the first instance to the WCACouncil and ultimately to theWCAMembers and shall receive suchcompensation as the Council determines. The President may beremoved fromofficewithorwithout cause at any time by theWCACouncilbyatwo-thirdsvote.Beforeremoval,theCouncilshallofferthePresident theopportunity tomeetwiththeCouncil. If thePresidentdoesnotmeetwiththeCouncil,theCouncilmayproceedtoremovethePresident without such a meeting. The Council may suspend thePresidentwithcompensationpendingfinalaction.

B. Treasurer.TheTreasureroftheCouncilshallbeelectedforanindefinitetermby a two-thirdsmajority vote of the Council upon recommendation by thePresident.TheTreasurershallbeamenableto theCouncilandreceivesuchcompensationastheCouncildetermines.IfrequiredbytheWCACouncil,theTreasurershallgiveabondforthefaithfuldischargeofhis/herdutiesinsuch

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sumandwithsuchsuretyorsuretiesastheWCACouncilshalldetermine.TheTreasurershallhavechargeandcustodyofandberesponsibleforallfundsandsecuritiesoftheWCA.TheTreasurershallperformsuchotherdutiesandresponsibilities incident to the Office of Treasurer as may be assigned asdirectedbythePresidentortheWCACouncil.

C. Secretary.TheSecretaryoftheCouncilshallbeelectedforanindefinitetermby a two-thirdsmajority vote of the Council upon recommendation by thePresident.TheSecretaryshallbeamenable to theCouncil and receive suchcompensation as the Council determines. The Secretary shall record theminutesof themeetings of theMembers andWCACouncil inone ormorebooks provided for that purpose; see that all notices are duly given inaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheseBylawsorasrequiredbylaw;keeparegisterofthepostaladdressofeachWCAMemberwhichshallbefurnishedtotheSecretarybysuchMember;andingeneralperformalldutiesincidenttotheOffice of Secretary and such other dutiesas from time to timemay beassignedbythePresidentorbytheWCACouncil.

D. OtherOfficers.TheWCACouncilmayfromtimetotimeappointadditionalOfficersandmaydelegatetosuchOfficerspowertobeexercisedunderthecontrolanddirectionoftheWCACouncil.EachsuchOfficershallserveatthepleasureoftheWCACouncil.AnysuchOfficer,totheextentprovidedbyactionoftheWCACouncil,shallhaveandmayexercisethepowersandauthorityoftheWCACouncilintheaffairsoftheWCAwiththeexceptionofanyauthoritythedelegationofwhichisprohibitedbytheTexasNonProfitAct.

Section4. Vacancies.Theprocessoutlinedforthatofficeshallfillavacancyinanyoffice.InthecaseofthePresident,theCouncilChairpersonmayserveasthePresidentprotempore,ifqualified,oranotherCouncilmemberwhoisqualifiedmaybeappointed,bymajorityvoteoftheCouncil.

Section5. Resignation.Subject to theprovisionsof any contractof employment, anyofficermayresignassuchatanytimebygivingwrittennoticetothePresidentorinthecaseofthePresident,theChairpersonoftheWCACouncil.

Section6. Removal. Any officer, excluding the office of President, may be removedsummarilyeitherwithorwithoutcauseatanytimebytheCouncil.TheCouncilshalloffersuchofficertheopportunitytomeetwiththeCouncilpriortoCouncilaction.IftheofficerdoesnotmeetwiththeCouncil,theCouncilmayact.InthecaseofthePresident,theWCACouncilmayremovehimorherundertheprocessoutlinedaboveunderArticleIV,Section3A4.

ArticleVI.RegionalChaptersoftheWCA

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Section1. EstablishmentofRegionalChaptersoftheWCA.RegionalChaptersoftheWCAshallbeestablishedasauthorizedbytheWCACouncil.SuchregionalchaptersshallencompassataminimumthegeographicalterritoryincludedinanyannualconferencewithinTheUnitedMethodistChurch.However,aregionalchaptermayencompassthegeographicalterritoryofmorethanoneannualconferencewithinTheUnitedMethodistChurchiftheWCACouncilchooses.Inestablishingaregionalchapter,theWCACouncilshalldesignateoneormorepersonswhoshallhaveauthoritytorepresenttheWCAintheestablishmentofeachchapter.

Section2. PurposesofEachRegionalChapter.EachregionalchapteroftheWCA

shallhavethesamepurposesastheWCA(seeArticle1,Section3)withinthegeographicalboundariesoftheregionalchapterandshallupholdtheStatementofBiblicalAuthority,StatementofFaithandStatementofMoralPrinciplesoftheWCA.

Section3. MembershipofEachRegionalChapter.Exceptasprovidedherein,the

membershipofeachregionalchaptershallconsistoftheclergy,congregationalandlaymembersoftheWCAwhoresidewithinthegeographicalboundariesoftheregionalchapter(regardlessofwhethersuchmembersaremembersofTheUnitedMethodistChurch).ClergymemberswhoareordainedinoneannualconferenceofTheUnitedMethodistChurchbutresidinginanotherannualconferenceofTheUnitedMethodistChurchshallhavetheoptiontochoosetorelateexclusivelytoeithertheregionalchapterwheretheyareordainedortheregionalchapterwheretheyreside,butnotboth.

Section4. MembershipRecordsforEachRegionalChapter.TheSecretaryofthe

WCAshallprovideeachregionalchapterwithalistofclergy,congregationalandlaymembersoftheWCAwhoareingoodstandingandwhoarerecognizedashavingmembershipintheregionalchapteronanannualbasisonadateestablishedbytheWCACouncilandsuchmembersshallbeentitledtovoteatthemeetingsofeachregionalchapter.MembershipinformationshallbeprovidedtotheregionalchapteratothertimesuponrequesttotheSecretaryoftheWCA.

Section5. LeadershipofEachRegionalChapter.

A. InitialChair.ThepersonselectedbytheWCACouncilshallbetheinitialchairoftheregionalchapteruntilthechapterholdsitsinitialorganizingmeeting.Theinitialchairshallserveinthatcapacityuntiltheinitialorganizingmeetingof the regional chapter and the election of a chairperson by the initialorganizingmeeting.

B. InitialOrganizingMeeting andAnnualMeetings ofRegional Chapters.Theinitialchairoftheregionalchaptershallestablishthedateoftheinitial

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organizingmeeting. Thereafter, theannualmeetingof theMembersof theregionalchaptershallbeheldata locationdesignatedbythecouncilof theregionalchapteronadatedeterminedbythecounciloftheregionalchapter.Notice of the initial organizingmeeting and of each annualmeeting of theregionalchaptershallbegiventoallmembersoftheWCAwholivewithinthegeographicalboundariesoftheregionalchapterandtothoseclergymembersoftheWCAwhohavechosentorelatetotheregionalchapter.Byatwo-thirdsmajorityvote,thecounciloftheregionalchaptermaycallaspecialmeetingofits members upon 30 days’ notice. Business of a special meeting shall belimitedtoitemslistedinthecalltothemeeting.Aminimumof50percentofthemembersshallconstituteaquorumforameetingoftheregionalchapter

C. Regional Council & Officers. At its initial organizing meeting, themembershipoftheregionalchaptershallelectaregionalcouncilofnotlessthan four (4) nor more than twenty (20) members to a three-year term,subject to being assigned to classes, and shall also elect a chair, vice-chair,secretaryandtreasurerofsuchregionalcounciltoserveforatermofoneyeareach.Suchofficersmaybeelectedtotwoconsecutivetermsofnotmorethanthree(3)yearseach,beforetheymustvacatethepositionforaminimumofoneyearatwhichtimetheymaybeelectedtothepositiononceagain. Theregionalcouncilmayelectotherofficersandestablishothercommitteesasitmay determine to be necessary from time-to-time. Any regional councilmembershallbelimitedtoservingtwo(2)consecutivethree(3)yearterms.After the completion of any second consecutive three (3) year term, suchregionalcouncilmembershallberequiredtositoutforoneyearbeforebeingeligibletobenominatedandelectedasaregionalcouncilmemberandmaythenserveanadditionaltwo(2)consecutivethree(3)yearterms.Ifaregionalcouncilmemberiselectedforatermlessthanthree(3)yearsbutgreaterthanone (1) year, that term shall be considered a full three (3) year term forpurposes of the term limit provision described herein, and that regionalcouncilmembershallbepermittedtoserveonlyoneadditionalthree(3)yearterm,afterwhichthatregionalcouncilmemberwillberequiredtositoutoneyearbeforebeingpermittedtobenominatedandelectedasaregionalcouncilmemberforanadditionalterm.Inexceptionalcircumstances,thetermlimitprovisiondescribedhereinmaybewaivedbyaunanimousvoteofallotherregionalcouncilmembers.Notwithstandingtheforegoing,themembersoftheregionalcouncilelectedin2016shallbedividedintothreeclasses–aclassof2018,aclassof2019andaclassof2020,withtheirtermsendingonJuly1oftheyearoftheirclassoratsuchtimeastheirsuccessorsareelected.Membersof the class of 2018 shall be eligible to be nominated and elected for twoconsecutive three-year terms before rotating off the regional council inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthisparagraph.Themembersoftheclassesof 2019 and 2020 shall be eligible to be nominated and elected for oneadditionalterminkeepingwiththeforegoingtermlimits.

D. Removal ofRegionalOfficers orRegional CouncilMembers. TheWCA

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Councilmayremovearegionalofficeroraregionalcouncilmemberbytwo-thirdsvoteoftheWCACouncil.TheWCACouncilmayoffersuchapersonanopportunitytomeetwiththeCouncilbeforethevoteonremoval.IfthepersondoesnotmeetwiththeWCACouncil,theCouncilmayproceedtoact.

Section6. Bylaws & Rules of Regional Chapters. Each regional chapter shall begovernedbythebylawsoftheWCA,anditsownarticlesofincorporationandbylaws which shall be identical to the model regional chapter articles ofincorporationandmodelregionalchapterbylawsadoptedbytheWCAwithanychangesapproved inadvanceof implementationbytheWCACouncil .TheregionalchaptermayadoptsuchotherrulesandproceduresasnecessaryforitsoperationnotinconsistentwiththeWCAbylawsfromtimetotime.TheWCACouncilshallhavetherighttovetoanyruleorprocedureatanytimebymajorityvote. RegionalchaptersmaybeauthorizedbytheWCACouncil toadoptadditionalmeansoffundingtheoperationsofregionalchapters.

Section7. ElectionofDelegatestoWCAGlobalLegislativeAssembly. Beginningin2018,eachregionalchaptershallelectdelegatestotheWCAGlobalLegislativeAssemblyasapportionedtoeachregionalchapterbytheWCACouncilbasedupontherelationshipofthemembershipoftheregionalchaptertothetotalmembershipoftheWCA.ClergymembersoftheregionalchaptershallelecttheclergydelegatesfromtheregionalchaptertotheWCAGlobalLegislativeAssemblyfromthoseclergymemberswhorelatetotheregionalchapterwhoareingoodstanding. TheWCACouncilshallestablishaprocessbywhichanumber of lay delegates equal to the number of clergy delegates from theregionalchaptertotheWCAGlobalLegislativeAssemblyareelectedwiththecongregationalmembersand laymemberselecting such laydelegates. Laydelegatesmusteitherbemembersofacongregationalmemberof theWCAthat is in good standing or be an individual member of theWCA in goodstanding. RegionalchaptershavetheoptiontoelectdelegatestotheGlobalLegislativeAssemblybyemail,subjecttotheapprovalbythePresidentoftheWCA.

ArticleVII.BooksandRecords

Section1. Records.TheWCA shall keep correct and complete books and records ofaccountandshallalsokeepminutesofallmembermeetings,WCACouncil,andcommittees,andshallkeepattheregisteredorprincipalofficearecordgivingthenamesandaddressesof the WCA Members. The WCA shall gather congregational statistics as necessary toevaluateourmissionaloutreach.

Section2. Right toReviewBooksandRecords.Anymember shallhave the right toexamine the books and records of the WCA and may do so only at a reasonable andconvenienttimeasestablishedbytheWCA.Inanyevent,nomembershallhavetherighttoexamineanypersonnel, financial,ormedical information thatwouldviolate thepersonal

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privacy rightsofWCAstaff,members, contributors,orguestsasdeterminedby theWCACouncil.

ArticleVIII.LimitationsofLiabilityandIndemnification

In the event aCouncilmember, officer, employee,member, or agent of theWCA,who isservingat therequestof theWCA, ismadeapartytoasuitorproceeding,whethercivil,criminal,administrative,orinvestigative,otherthananactionbyorintherightoftheWCA,byreasonofthefactthatheorsheisorwasaCouncilmember,officer,employee,member,oragentof theWCA, theWCAwill indemnifyor reimbursehimorheragainst expenses,including reasonable attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlementactually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connectionwith such action, suit, orproceedingifheorsheactedingoodfaithandinamannerheorshereasonablybelievedtobe in or notopposed to the best interests of theWCA, andwith respect to any criminalproceedings,ifheorshehadnoreasonablecausetobelievethatanyconductwasunlawful.

ArticleIX.

AmendmentofArticlesofIncorporationandBylaws

The Certificate of Formation and Bylawsmay be amended, repealed, or new Articles ofIncorporation orBylawsmay be adopted by the affirmative vote of seventy-five percent(75%)oftheCouncilmembersatameetingheldforsuchpurposeifaquorumispresent.

ArticleX.

AccountingProvisions

TheannualaccountingperiodforthiscorporationshallbeginonthefirstdayofJuly,andshallendonthelastdayofJune.Withintwoyearsofitsformation,theWCAshallmeetthefinancialstewardshipstandardsoftheEvangelicalCouncilforFinancialAccountability.Allaccountingproceduresshallfollowgenerallyacceptedaccountingprinciples.

ArticleXI.Dissolution

UponthedissolutionoftheWCA,theCouncilshalldistributeassetstotheCongregationalMembers of theWCA that are 501(c)3 organizationswithin themeaning of the InternalRevenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, to be usedexclusively for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of that section, or toorganization(s)createdandoperatedfornonprofitpurposesunderSection501(c)(3)oftheInternalRevenueCode,or thecorrespondingsectionofany future federal taxcode, tobeusedexclusivelyforoneormoreexemptpurposeswithinthemeaningofthatsection.AnysuchassetsnotsodisposedofshallbedisposedofbyaCourtofCompetentJurisdictionof

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thecounty inwhichtheprincipalofficeof thecorporation is then located,exclusively forsuchpurposesortosuchorganizationororganizations,assaidCourtshalldetermine,whichareorganizedandoperatedexclusivelyforsuchpurposes.

ArticleXII.

Miscellaneous

Section1. ExecutionofDocuments.TheWCACouncilmayauthorizebymajorityvoteanyofficerorofficers,agentoragentstoenterintoanycontractorexecuteanyinstrumentinthenameofandonbehalfoftheWCAandsuchauthoritymaybegeneralorconfinedtospecific instances. Unless so authorized, noofficer, agent or other personshall have anypowerorauthoritytobindtheWCAbyanycontractorengagementortopledgeitscreditortorenderitliableforanypurposeortoanyamount.

Section2. OfficialWCAInsignia.TheWCACouncilshallberesponsibletosupervisetheuseofanyofficialWCAinsigniaandpreservetheintegrityofitsdesignandtrademark.AnyofficialWCAagencyorbody,includinglocalchurches,mayusetheinsigniatoidentifyWCAwork,programs,andmaterials.Inordertopreservetheintegrityofitsdesign,theinsigniashould not be altered or modified by those official WCA organizations that use it. Anycommercial use of the designmust be explicitly authorized inwriting by an appropriateofficeroftheWCACouncil.TheCouncilshallalsosupervisetheuseofthename“WesleyanCovenantAssociation.”

Section3. InspectionofCertificateofFormationandBylaws.TheWCAshallkeepinits principal office the original or a copy of its Certificate of Formation and Bylaws, asamendedtodate,whichshallbeopentoinspectionbytheMembersatallreasonabletimesduringnormalofficehours.

Section4. Construction of Definitions; Choice of Law; Mediation & BindingArbitrationandVenue.Unlessthecontextotherwiserequires,thegeneralprovisions,rulesof construction, and definitions contained in the Texas Non Profit Act shall govern theconstructionoftheseBylaws.ThelawsoftheStateofTexasshallbecontrollinginanylegaldisputerelatedtotheconstructionand/orimplementationoftheseBylaws.Anyclaimordispute arising from or relating to these Bylaws, including, but not limited to, theconstructionand/orimplementationoftheseBylaws,involvingtheWCA,anyofitsofficersorcouncilmembers,and/oritscongregational,clergy,orlaymembersshallbesettledbymediation and, if necessary, legally binding arbitration in accordance with the Rule ofProcedureofChristianConciliationoftheInstituteforChristianConciliation,adivisionofPeacemaker®Ministries (a complete text of the Rules is availableatwww.peacemaker.net/rules-of-procedure/).Judgmentuponanarbitrationdecisionmaybe entered in any courtotherwise having jurisdiction. TheWCA, its officers and councilmembers,anditscongregational,clergy,andlaymembersunderstandthatthesemethodsshall be the sole remedy for any controversyor claim addressed under this section andexpresslywaivetheirrighttofilealawsuitinanycivilcourtagainstoneanotherforsuchdisputes,excepttoenforceanarbitrationdecision.Thevenueforalldisputesinvolvingthe

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WCA,itsofficersandcouncilmembers,and/oritscongregational,clergy,andlaymembersshallbeinMontgomeryCounty,Texas.

Section5. Conflict of Interest Policy. Whenever a Councilmember or officer has afinancialorpersonalinterestinanymattercomingbeforetheCouncil,theaffectedpersonshalla)fullydisclosethenatureoftheinterestandb)withdrawfromdiscussion,lobbying,andvotingonthematter.Anytransactionorvoteinvolvingapotentialconflictofinterestshallbeapprovedonlywhenamajorityofdisinteresteddirectorsdeterminesthatitisinthebestinterestofthecorporationtodoso.Theminutesofmeetingsatwhichsuchvotesaretakenshallrecordsuchdisclosure,abstention,andrationaleforapproval.

Section6. Choice of law; Venue. Any and all claims that are not precluded by theinternalreligiousorganizationaldisciplinearesubjecttostatelawofTexas,withvenueintheFederalCourtinHouston,Texas,orstatecourtinMontgomeryCounty,Texas.

BylawsAdopted:May31,2016BylawsRevisedandadopted:July1,2020__________________________________________By:Rev.MadelineHenners,Secretary