Sudanese Christian Community Church, Inc
PO- Box 443
Faribault, MN 55021
Phone (507) 331-9176
Christian News January92009
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Thursday 8 January 2009 05:00.
Sudanese Christian Community Church By-Law
ARTICLE ILocation of Offices
The name of this Corporation is Sudanese Christian Community Church. It is a Minnesota nonprofit religious Corporation with its principal offices in Faribault, MN
ARTICLE IIPurpose
This Corporation is organized for exclusively religious purposes (including charitable and eleemosynary purposes common to a pastoral church ministry as defined by Scripture). Our commission is summarized as follows: “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age’” (Matthew 28:18-20). (as modified by resolution of the Board of Elders on May 13, 1999)
ARTICLE IIIStatement of Faith
The statement of faith of this Corporation is that which is incorporated in its Articles of Incorporation as filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota.
ARTICLE IVCorporate Membership
Section 1. Corporate Members
The Corporation shall have no members. Any action which would otherwise require approval by a majority of all members shall only require approval of the Board of Elders. All rights which would otherwise vest in the members shall vest in the Board of Elders.
Section 2. Members of the Fellowship
Nothing contained in Section 1 of this Article shall be construed to limit the right of the Corporation to refer to persons associated with the Corporation as ‘members’ even though such persons are not corporate members, and no such reference in or outside of these Bylaws shall constitute anyone being a member, within the meaning of Section of MinnesotaNonprofit Corporation Law. The Corporation may confer by amendment of its Articles or of these Bylaws some or all of the rights of a member, as set forth in the Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Law, upon any person or persons who do not have the right to vote for the election of officers or on a disposition of substantially all of the assets of the Corporation or on a merger or on a dissolution or on changes to the Corporation’s Articles or Bylaws, but no such person shall be a member within the meaning of said Section of Minnesota Law.
ARTICLE VChurch Membership
Section 1. Purpose of the Fellowship
The congregation of Christian believers who have applied for membership and have been duly accepted shall constitute a spiritual body, united for the spiritual purposes set forth in the Articles of Incorporation at Article II, and in Article II of these Bylaws.
Section 2. Active Membership
Active membership in the Sudanese Christian Community Church of the Valley shall be open to all persons who confess Christ as their Lord and Savior and who have been baptized.
Section 3. Voting Privileges
Membership in this church shall not vest in any member any proprietary rights in the Corporation, but shall only entitle the member to vote at a meeting of the members on those matters that the Board of Elders chooses to submit to the church membership for affirmation. In such cases, voting privileges are restricted to members who are in good standing, who are not under any disciplinary action, and who have passed their sixteenth (16) birthday. Membership shall not be assignable inter vivos by any member nor shall membership vest to any personal representative, heir, or devisee.
Section 4. Applications for Membership
All requests for membership shall be made to a Pastor, Elder, or Deacon. Upon making such a request, the person shall be given an application for membership, along with a copy of the Statement of Faith contained in the Articles of Incorporation and a copy of the Bylaws. A Pastor, Elder, or Deacon shall meet with the applicant following receipt of the application. Each applicant shall assent to the Statement of Faith, subscribe to the Bylaws, and shall testify publicly before a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at a regularly held meeting for prospective members.
Section 5. Denial of Membership
If, upon review of an application for membership or after meeting with a prospective member, the Board of Elders determines that the applicant does not confess Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior, or that there is a lack of evidence of a godly lifestyle, membership shall be denied. The decision made by the Board shall be final and there shall be no appeal to any court from that decision.
Section 6. Admission of Applicants
Applicants admitted to membership shall, if possible, present themselves at a worship service designated by the Pastor-Teacher and Board of Elders, at which service such applicants shall publicly affirm their membership commitment and be publicly acknowledged as members.
Section 7. Responsibilities of Members
Members shall seek to exercise their spiritual gifts for the mutual benefit of all the church body and shall submit to the loving rule of the Elders.
Section 8. Church Discipline
(a) ‑The threefold purpose of church discipline is to glorify God by maintaining purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6), to edify believers by deterring sin (1 Timothy 5:20), and to promote the spiritual welfare of the offending believer by calling him or her to return to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct (Galatians 6:1).
(b) ‑Members of this church and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church who err in doctrine, or who engage in conduct that violates Scripture as determined by the Board of Elders, shall be subject to church discipline, including dismissal according to Matthew 18:15-18. Before such dismissal, however,
(1) it shall be the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of the erring individual’s heresy or misconduct to warn and correct such erring individual in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration. If the erring individual does not heed this warning, then
(2) the warning member shall again go to the erring individual, seeking his or her repentance, but accompanied by one or two individuals who shall confirm that the sin has occurred or is continuing to occur, and/or that the erring individual has been appropriately confronted and has refused to repent. The first and second warnings may occur with no specified time interval. If the erring individual still refuses to heed this warning, then
(3) it shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board). If the Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board) determines--after thorough investigation in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19--that there is corroborating evidence that the erring individual has sinned or is continuing to sin, that he or she has been appropriately confronted, and that he or she has refused to repent, then the Elders shall inform the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service in order that the church may call the erring individual to repentance. If the erring individual demonstrates repentance, then notice to that effect may be given at a regularly-scheduled worship service. If, however, the erring individual does not repent in response to the church in its collective call to repentance, then
(4) he or she shall be publicly dismissed from the fellowship and/or membership of the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service. If the erring individual, after such dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and requests reinstatement before the Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board), then he or she shall be publicly restored to all the rights, duties, privileges, and responsibilities of fellowship and/or membership.
(c) ‑Notwithstanding the foregoing, the elders in the exercise of their discretion may proceed directly to the third stage of church discipline, (i.e. the informing of the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service in order that the church may call the erring individual to repentance) or to the fourth stage of church discipline, (i.e. the dismissal from the fellowship and/or membership of the church) when one or more of the following have occurred;
(i) ‑Where the transgression and the refusal to repent have been public, i.e. openly and to the offense of the whole Church (1 Cor. 5:1-5)1;
(ii) ‑Where the disciplined party has taught or otherwise disseminated doctrine deemed false or erroneous by the elders, then chosen to disregard the direction and reproof of the elders (Romans 16:17); or
(iii) ‑Where the disciplined party has been warned twice to cease from factious and divisive conduct and has chosen to disregard that warning (Titus 3:10-11).
(d) ‑The members of this church, and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church, agree that there shall be no appeal to any court because of the dismissal or because of public statements to the congregation at the third or fourth stages of church discipline. Members who are under discipline by the church, as defined in the previous paragraphs, forfeit and waive the right to resign from this church. Resignations from membership are possible only by members who are in good standing and who are not under any disciplinary action.
(e) ‑Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders (or a duly constituted subcommittee thereof), a member, non-member regular attender, or other individual may be notified that he or she is not to be present upon church premises for such a period of time as is deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of others on church premises. Such required absence may, but need not, be concurrent with church discipline of that person.
(f) ‑Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders (or a duly constituted subcommittee thereof), the names of any members who have not attended a worship service, Sunday School class session or Fellowship Group meeting at Sudanese Christian Community Church for a period of six months or longer may be removed from the membership rolls.
Section 9. No longer in use
Removal by resolution of the Board of Elders, February 12,2003.
Section 10. Regular Meetings
A regular annual meeting of the church members shall be held at the principal office of the church (as the same shall be from time to time designated in the minutes of the Board) in January of each year. At such regular annual meeting, the members shall consider reports of the affairs of the Corporation, and transact such other business as the Elders determine shall be brought before the meeting, including but not limited to affirmation of the appointments made by the Elders of those who shall serve as Elders for the ensuing year and the election of those qualified in the offices of Deacons, Deaconesses, and Ushers.
Section 11. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the members may be called at any time by order of the Pastor-Teacher, the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board of Elders, or by a quorum of the members of the Board of Elders.
Section 12. Notice of Meetings
Notice of regular meetings shall be given from the pulpit by the Pastor for two successive Sundays prior to the meeting. In addition thereto, notice shall be published in the regular church bulletin for two successive Sundays prior to such meeting. Notice of special meetings shall be given from the pulpit at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting and shall also be published in the regular church bulletin on the Sunday immediately preceding the meeting.
Section 13. Quorum
At all meetings of the members, whether regular, special or adjourned, the members present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 14. Voting Rights
Those admitted to church membership do not constitute a legislative body, nor do they constitute members of the Corporation, and they cannot vote, pass resolutions binding upon the Corporation, nor shall they have any equity in the real property of the Corporation, or rights to vote on its disposal. Said property of the Corporation is dedicated to religious and charitable purposes as outlined in the Articles of Incorporation.
ARTICLE VIElders
Section 1. Powers
Subject to the limitations of the Articles and these Bylaws and of pertinent restrictions of the Corporation Code of the State of California, all the activities and affairs of the Corporation shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Elders, who are responsible for shepherding and having oversight of the flock. Without prejudice to such general powers, but subject to these same limitations, it is hereby expressly declared that the Board shall have the following powers in addition to the other powers enumerated by these Bylaws:
(a) ‑To select and remove all the officers, agents, pastors, staff, and employees of the Corporation; prescribe such duties for them consistent with the Scriptures, with law, with the Articles of Incorporation, or with these Bylaws; and fix the terms of their offices and their compensation.
(b) ‑To make such disbursements from the funds and properties of the Corporation as are required to fulfill the purposes of this Corporation as are more fully set out in the Articles of Incorporation, thereof and generally to conduct, manage, and control the activities and affairs of the Corporation and to make such rules and regulations consistent with the Scriptures, with law, with the Articles of Incorporation, or with these Bylaws, as they may deem best.
(c) ‑To adopt, make and use a corporate seal, and to alter the form of such seal from time to time as they may deem best.
(d) ‑To establish policies and practices for the church consistent with the purposes of this Corporation.
(e) ‑To assist the Pastor-Teacher in the administration of the ordinances of baptism and Communion.
(f) ‑To borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purposes of the Corporation and to cause to be executed and delivered, in the corporate name, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, hypothecations, or other evidences of debt and securities.
(g) ‑To carry on a business and apply any such profit that results from the business activity in which it may legally engage.
Section 2. Number of Elders
In accordance with the provisions of Section of Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law, the authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall not be less than eleven (11) until changed by an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation or by an amendment to these Bylaws.
Section 3. Nomination, Selection, and Tenure of Office
Recommendations to fill the office of Elder shall be requested once a year from all church members. A Nominating Committee consisting of not less than five members of the pastoral staff shall be appointed by the Board of Elders who will also designate a chairman of the committee. This committee shall review all nominations and determine each nominee’s qualifications. A proposed slate of nominees prepared by the nominating committee shall then be submitted to the Board of Elders, along with any relevant comments.
Section 4. Qualifications
Each member of the Board of Elders must be an active member of this church and possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. He shall be:
(a) ‑Blameless as a steward of God; above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)
(b) ‑Husband of one wife; a one-woman man (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6)
(c) ‑Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Timothy 3:2)
(d) ‑Sober-minded, prudent (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
(e) ‑Of good behavior; orderly, respectable (1 Timothy 3:2)
(f) ‑Given to hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
(g) ‑Apt to teach; able to teach; he can exhort believers and refute false teaching (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)
(h) ‑Not given to wine (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
(i) ‑Not violent; not pugnacious (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)
(j) ‑Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle (1 Timothy 3:3)
(k) ‑Not a brawler; uncontentious; not soon angry or quick-tempered (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
(l) ‑Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy of base gain (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)
(m) ‑Rules well his own house; his children are faithful, not accused of rebellion to God (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:7)
(n) ‑Not a novice; not a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6)
(o) ‑Has a good report or reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7)
(p) Not self-willed (Titus 1:7)
(q) ‑A lover of good men and things (Titus 1:8)
(r) ‑Just, fair (Titus 1:8)
(s) ‑Holy, devout (Titus 1:8)
(t) ‑Self-controlled (Titus 1:8)
Section 5. Vacancies
Subject to the provision of Section of MinnesotaNonprofit Religious Corporation Law, any Elder may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board or the Secretary of the Board, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of such resignation. If the resignation is to take effect at some future time, a successor may be selected before that time.
A vacancy or vacancies in the Board shall be deemed to exist in case of the death, resignation, or removal of any Elder, or if a need exists and the specified limit is not exceeded.
No reduction of the authorized number of Elders shall have the effect of removing any Elder prior to the expiration of the Elder’s term of office.
Section 6. Removal of Elders
Any Elder may be removed from office at any regular or special meeting of the Board if he is found to be physically or mentally incapacitated or spiritually unqualified (according to pertinent Scripture, including 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9), after thorough corroborating investigation by the Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board), in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19. When an Elder is removed because of sin that is deemed sufficient to disqualify him from shepherding, and if he refuses to repent from that sin, the removal shall be accompanied by a public rebuke, and notice shall be made before the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly-scheduled worship service as prescribed in 1 Timothy 5:20.
Section 7. Place of Meetings
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in these Bylaws, any meeting (whether regular, special, or adjourned) of the Board of Elders of the Corporation may be held at any place within or without the State of California.
Section 8. Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of the Board shall be held without call or notice on the second Thursday after the first Sunday of each month, unless otherwise modified by the Board. Regular meetings shall be open to church members.
Section 9. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Elders may be called at any time by order of the Chairman or Vice-Chairman or the Secretary of the Board of Elders or by a quorum of the members of the Board of Elders.
Section 10. Notice of Special Meetings
In accordance with the provisions of Section of Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law, special meetings of the Board shall be held upon four days notice by first-class mail or a forty-eight-hour notice given personally or by telephone or other similar means of communication. Any such notice shall be addressed or delivered to each Elder or at such Elder’s address as it is shown upon the records of the Corporation or as may have been given to the Corporation by the Elder for such purpose of notice.
Section 11. Quorum
Except as otherwise provided herein, a majority of the Elders currently serving shall constitute a quorum except when a vacancy or vacancies prevents such majority, whereupon a majority of the Elders in office shall constitute a quorum, provided such majority shall constitute either one-third of the authorized number of Elders or at least two Elders, whichever is larger, or unless the authorized number of Elders is only one. A majority of the Elders present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place. Whenever the matter to be considered concerns calling or dismissing a pastor, or buying or selling real estate, a quorum shall consist of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board. Whenever the matter to be considered is of a nature to require action by Lay Elders only, a majority of the Lay Elders currently serving shall constitute a quorum. Except as the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws and the Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law may provide, the act or decision done or made by the Elders present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Elders.
Section 12. Participation in Meetings by Conference Telephone
Members of the Board may participate in a meeting through use of conference telephone or similar communications equipment, so long as all members participating in such meeting can hear one another.
Section 13. Adjournment
A majority of the Elders present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn any Elders’ meeting to another time and place. Notice of the time and place of holding an adjourned meeting need not be given to absent Elders if the time and place be fixed at the meeting adjourned, except as provided in the next sentence. If the meeting is adjourned for more than forty-eight (48) hours, notice of any adjournment to another time or place shall be given prior to the time of the adjourned meeting to the Elders who were not present at the time of the adjournment.
Section 14. Action Without Meeting
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board shall individually or collectively consent in writing to a duly prepared resolution to such action. Such consent or consents shall have the same effect as a unanimous vote of the Board and shall be documented by attaching the signed resolution with the minutes of proceedings of the Board.
Section 15. Rights of Inspection
In accordance with the provisions of Section of Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law, every Elder shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect and copy all books, records, and documents of every kind and to inspect the physical properties of the Corporation of which such person is an Elder, for a purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as an Elder.
Section 16. Decisions of the Board of Elders
Decisions shall be reached after prayerful consideration by unanimous vote in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself.
Section 17. Committees
Committees of the Board may be appointed by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board. Committees shall be composed of two or more members of the Board and shall have such powers of the Board as may be expressly delegated to it by resolution of the Board of Elders, except with respect to:
(a) ‑The approval of any action for which the Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law also requires member’s approval (must be approved by the Board as a whole).
(b) ‑The filling of vacancies on the Board or on any committee.
(c) ‑The amendment or repeal of Bylaws or the adoption of new Bylaws.
(d) ‑The amendment or repeal of any resolution of the Board which by its express terms is not so amendable or repealable.
(e) ‑The appointment of other committees of the Board or the members thereof.
(f) ‑The approval of any self-dealing transaction, as such transactions are defined in Section Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law.
The Board shall have the power to prescribe the manner in which proceedings of any such committee shall be conducted. In the absence of any such prescription, such committee shall have the power to prescribe the manner in which its proceedings shall be conducted. Unless the Board or such committee shall otherwise provide, the regular and special meetings and other actions of any such committee shall be governed by the provision of this Article applicable to meetings and actions of the Board. Minutes shall be kept of each meeting of each committee.
Section 18. Fees and Compensation
Elders (as such) shall not receive any stated or fixed salary for their services, however, nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any Elders from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation. Any person receiving compensation directly or indirectly from Sudanese Christian Community Church shall not be in a position to determine the nature or amount of said compensation.
ARTICLE VIIOther Councils and Committees
Section 1. Councils and Committees
To promote efficient handling of Board matters, the Board may appoint various councils and committees from within its membership, the staff, and from the church at large. These councils and committees shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties and with powers specifically delegated by the Board. The general functions of councils and committees are:
(a) ‑To bring considered recommendations to the Board concerning ministries.
(b) ‑To provide a wider base of counsel to the Elders having the oversight of specific ministries.
All councils and committees shall exist for the period specified by the Board.
Section 2. Deacons
The Deacons shall consist of members possessing the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and shall be nominated by members of the church. The Board of Elders will compile and confirm the nominations and submit the names to the members for affirmation at the annual meeting. The Deacons shall serve for a term of one (1) year. The Deacons shall assist the Elders in the shepherding of the saints, assist the Pastor at Communion and baptismal services, aid in the general spiritual care of the church, and perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Elders.
A Deacon shall be a man of dignity, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not fond of sordid gain, holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, first tested and found above reproach.
Section 3. Deaconesses
The Deaconesses shall consist of members possessing the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:11 and Titus 2:3-5 and shall be nominated by members of the church. The Board of Elders will compile and confirm the nominations and submit the names to the members for affirmation at the annual meeting. The Deaconesses shall serve for a term of one (1) year. They shall prepare the Communion elements, assist the Pastor at baptismal services and in the general spiritual care of the church, and shall assist in the care of the sick and needy. A Deaconess shall be dignified, not a malicious gossip, temperate, and faithful in all things.
Section 4. Ushers
The Ushers shall consist of members to be nominated by members of the church. The Board of Elders will compile and confirm the nominations and submit the names to the members for affirmation at the annual meeting. The Ushers shall serve for a term of one (1) year. They shall act as church ushers, greeters at the door, church collectors, and assist the Pastor in the services in such matters as he deems necessary. An Usher shall meet the qualifications enumerated for a Deacon in Section 2 above.
Section 5. Nomination and Selection
The nomination and selection of Deacons, Deaconesses, and Ushers shall be done in the same manner as for Elders, as set forth in Article VI, Section 3 of these Bylaws, except they shall be affirmed at the annual meeting by the members of the church.
Section 6. Vacancies
In the event any of the above-mentioned offices becomes vacant during the period between annual elections, the Board of Elders may fill such vacancy for the unexpired term.
ARTICLE VIIIOfficers
Section 1. Officers
The officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board of Elders, other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of this article.
Section 2. Election
The officers of the Corporation, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 or Section 5 of this Article, shall be chosen annually by, and shall serve at, the pleasure of the Board of Elders. Each officer shall hold his office until he shall resign, be removed, or become otherwise disqualified to serve, or until his successor shall be elected and qualified.
Section 3. Subordinate Officers
The Board of Elders may appoint, and may empower the Chairman to appoint, such other officers as the business of the Corporation may require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in the Bylaws or as the Board of Elders may from time to time determine.
Section 4. Removal and Resignation
Any officer may be removed upon disqualification and removal as an Elder per Article VI, Section 6 of these Bylaws. In accordance with the provisions of Section of
Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law, any officer may resign at any time without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract to which the officer is a party, by giving written notice to the Board of Elders, or to the Chairman, or to the Secretary of the Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein; and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 5. Vacancies
A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or any other cause shall be filled in the manner prescribed in the Bylaws for regular election or appointment to such office, provided that such vacancies shall be filled as they occur and not on an annual basis.
Section 6. Inability to Act
In the case of absence or inability to act of any officer of the Corporation and of any person herein authorized to act in his place, the Board of Elders may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer or other person whom the Board may select.
Section 7. The Chairman
The Chairman shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Elders, have general supervision, direction, and control of the activities and officers of the Corporation. He shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Elders, which are to be conducted according to the scriptural principles such as set forth in Philippians 2:2-8. He shall be an ex officio member of all the standing committees, if any, and shall have powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Elders or the Bylaws.
Section 8. Vice-Chairman
In the absence or disability of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall perform all the duties of the Chairman, and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the Chairman. The Vice-Chairman shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed for him by the Board of Elders or the Bylaws.
Section 9. Secretary
The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes at the principal office or such other place as the Board of Elders may order, of all meetings of the members, the Board and its committees, with the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at the meetings, the Board and committees’ meetings, and the proceedings thereof. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal office in the State of Minnesota the original and a copy of the Corporation’s Articles and Bylaws, as amended to date.
The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the Board and any committees thereof required by these Bylaws or by law to be given, shall keep the seal of the Corporation in safe custody, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by the Board.
The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept at the principal office of the Corporation, a church membership register, or a duplicated membership register, showing the names of the members and their addresses.
Section 10. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall ensure the stewardship of the physical and financial resources of the Corporation, “taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration…for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). He shall select “men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to implement and accomplish this responsibility.
The Treasurer shall ensure that all financial activities and transactions are consistent with Articles I, II, III, VI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI, and XVII of these Bylaws as well as Sections (d) (Use of Designated Contributions), (Self-Dealing Transactions), a(Interlocking Directorates) of the Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law.
The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct accounts of the properties and business transactions of the Corporation. The books of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any Elder as provided in Section of the Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law.
The Treasurer shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, all monies and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation with such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Elders. He shall disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Elders, shall render, or cause to be rendered, to the Chairman and the Elders, whenever they request it, an account of all the transactions and of the financial condition of the Corporation, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Elders. He shall make, or cause to be made, the financial reports at each regular Board meeting and at the annual meeting of members.
ARTICLE IXOrdination, Licensing, and Commissioning
Section 1. Ordination
Ordination refers to the unanimous recognition by the Board of Elders of a man’s call to the ministry, preparation as a shepherd, and qualification to serve. Ordination shall be conferred for life, so long as the man continues to manifest the qualifications of the office.
Section 2. Licensing
The license is issued by the Board of Elders and is given in recognition of a man’s call to that ministry. Its aim is to allow a man to perform the ecclesiastical duties and functions of the church. Licenses will be evaluated and issued on a yearly basis.
Section 3. Commissioning
When local-church certification is required for ministry where ordination would be unnecessary or inappropriate, a person is commissioned by the Board of Elders to minister. This authorization continues as long as the opportunity to minister remains in effect and as long as the person maintains the qualifications for ministry.
ARTICLE XThe Pastor-Teacher
Section 1. Election
The Pastor-Teacher shall be selected by the Board and confirmed by the members of the church at its annual meeting or at a special business meeting, and such confirmation shall be a three-fourths (3/4) majority of all the votes cast. He shall remain in office an indefinite period of time subject to the following reservations: The Elders reserve the right to dismiss the Pastor-Teacher upon giving him one month’s written notice of its intention to dismiss. The Pastor-Teacher must give one month’s notice if he intends to resign. The time limit of a Pastor-Teacher’s resignation or dismissal is subject to a lesser time if both the Pastor-Teacher and the church by mutual agreement provide otherwise.
Section 2. Duties
The Pastor-Teacher shall be an ex officio member of all councils and committees, and he shall be responsible to the Board of Elders. The Pastor-Teacher shall arrange for and conduct all public and regular services of the church and shall be responsible for general oversight of the spiritual welfare of the church. In the absence of the Pastor-Teacher, the Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board), shall be responsible to arrange for the public and regular services of the church.
ARTICLE XISettlement of Disputes
Section 1. General
In any dispute arising between church members, pastors, or staff pertaining to any matter of spiritual teaching or practices, church finances, or title to property purchased with church contributions, the dispute shall be resolved by the Board of Elders of the church (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board). A decision shall be reached after prayerful consideration, in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself and striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).
ARTICLE XIIOther Provisions
Section 1. Endorsement of Documents, Contracts
The Board of Elders, except as in the Bylaws otherwise provided, may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized by the Board of Elders, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or agreement, or to pledge its credit, or to render it liable for any purpose or to any amount.
Subject to the provisions of applicable law, any note, mortgage, evidence of indebtedness, contract, conveyance, or other instrument in writing and any assignment or endorsement thereof executed or entered into between this Corporation and any other person, when signed jointly by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman, and the Secretary and the Treasurer of this Corporation shall be valid and binding on this Corporation in the absence of actual knowledge on the part of the other person that the signing officers had no authority to execute the same.
Section 2. Representation of Shares of Other Corporations
The Chairman or any other officer or officers authorized by the Board are each authorized to vote, represent, and exercise on behalf of the Corporation all rights incident to any and all shares of any other Corporation or corporations standing in the name of the Corporation. The authority herein granted may be exercised either by any such officer in person or by any other person authorized to do so in proxy or power of attorney duly executed by said officer.
Section 3. Construction and Definitions
Unless the context otherwise requires, the general provisions, rules of construction and definitions contained in the general provisions of the Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Law and in the Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law shall govern the construction of these Bylaws.
Section 4. Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended and new and additional Bylaws may be made from time to time at any time by the Board of Elders in the exercise of the power granted to said Board of Elders in these Bylaws.
Section 5. Record of Amendments
Whenever an amendment or new Bylaw is adopted, it shall be copied in the book of minutes with the original Bylaws, in the appropriate place. If any Bylaw is repealed, the fact of repeal with the date of the meeting at which the repeal was enacted or written assent was filed shall be stated in said book.
ARTICLE XIIIReceipt, Investment, and, Disbursement of Funds
Section 1.
The Corporation shall receive all monies or other properties transferred to it for the purposes for which the Corporation was formed (as shown by the Articles of Incorporation). However, nothing contained herein shall require the Board of Elders to accept or receive any money or property of any kind if it shall determine in its discretion that receipt of such money or property is contrary to the expressed purposes of the Corporation as shown by said Articles.
Section 2.
The Corporation shall hold, manage, and disburse any funds or properties received by it from any source in a manner that is consistent with the expressed purposes of this Corporation.
ARTICLE XIVCorporate Records and Reports
Section 1. Records
The Corporation shall maintain adequate and correct accounts, books, and records of its business and properties. All such books, records, and accounts shall be kept at its principal place of business in the State of Minnesota, as fixed by the Board of Elders from time to time.
Section 2. Inspection of Books and Records
Every Elder shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, documents of every kind, and the physical properties of the Corporation, and also of its subsidiary organizations, if any.
Section 3. Fiscal Year of the Corporation
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of July and end on the last day of June in each year.
ARTICLE XVDissolution
Upon dissolution of this Corporation, the Board of Elders shall cause the assets herein to be distributed to another Corporation with purposes similar to that identified in Article II of these Bylaws and Article II of the Articles of Incorporation as amended.
ARTICLE XVIMiscellaneous Provisions
Section 1. Instruments in Writing
All checks, drafts, demands for money and notes of the Corporation and all written contracts of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents, as the Board of Elders may from time to time by resolution designate.
ARTICLE XVIIPension
The Board of Elders shall appoint, as deemed necessary by the Board, a pension and retirement review committee consisting of three or more members, and their findings shall be presented, whenever requested, to the Board of Elders.
Copyright @ 20009, Sudanese Christian Community Church.
Signed ____________________________________________
Rev. Gatluak Duop Dieth
President &CEO.
Faribault, MN 55021
Phone (507) 331-9176
Christian News January92009
Sudan’s Vice-President meets US evangelical leader
Thursday 8 January 2009 05:00.
Sudanese Christian Community Church By-Law
ARTICLE ILocation of Offices
The name of this Corporation is Sudanese Christian Community Church. It is a Minnesota nonprofit religious Corporation with its principal offices in Faribault, MN
ARTICLE IIPurpose
This Corporation is organized for exclusively religious purposes (including charitable and eleemosynary purposes common to a pastoral church ministry as defined by Scripture). Our commission is summarized as follows: “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age’” (Matthew 28:18-20). (as modified by resolution of the Board of Elders on May 13, 1999)
ARTICLE IIIStatement of Faith
The statement of faith of this Corporation is that which is incorporated in its Articles of Incorporation as filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota.
ARTICLE IVCorporate Membership
Section 1. Corporate Members
The Corporation shall have no members. Any action which would otherwise require approval by a majority of all members shall only require approval of the Board of Elders. All rights which would otherwise vest in the members shall vest in the Board of Elders.
Section 2. Members of the Fellowship
Nothing contained in Section 1 of this Article shall be construed to limit the right of the Corporation to refer to persons associated with the Corporation as ‘members’ even though such persons are not corporate members, and no such reference in or outside of these Bylaws shall constitute anyone being a member, within the meaning of Section of MinnesotaNonprofit Corporation Law. The Corporation may confer by amendment of its Articles or of these Bylaws some or all of the rights of a member, as set forth in the Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Law, upon any person or persons who do not have the right to vote for the election of officers or on a disposition of substantially all of the assets of the Corporation or on a merger or on a dissolution or on changes to the Corporation’s Articles or Bylaws, but no such person shall be a member within the meaning of said Section of Minnesota Law.
ARTICLE VChurch Membership
Section 1. Purpose of the Fellowship
The congregation of Christian believers who have applied for membership and have been duly accepted shall constitute a spiritual body, united for the spiritual purposes set forth in the Articles of Incorporation at Article II, and in Article II of these Bylaws.
Section 2. Active Membership
Active membership in the Sudanese Christian Community Church of the Valley shall be open to all persons who confess Christ as their Lord and Savior and who have been baptized.
Section 3. Voting Privileges
Membership in this church shall not vest in any member any proprietary rights in the Corporation, but shall only entitle the member to vote at a meeting of the members on those matters that the Board of Elders chooses to submit to the church membership for affirmation. In such cases, voting privileges are restricted to members who are in good standing, who are not under any disciplinary action, and who have passed their sixteenth (16) birthday. Membership shall not be assignable inter vivos by any member nor shall membership vest to any personal representative, heir, or devisee.
Section 4. Applications for Membership
All requests for membership shall be made to a Pastor, Elder, or Deacon. Upon making such a request, the person shall be given an application for membership, along with a copy of the Statement of Faith contained in the Articles of Incorporation and a copy of the Bylaws. A Pastor, Elder, or Deacon shall meet with the applicant following receipt of the application. Each applicant shall assent to the Statement of Faith, subscribe to the Bylaws, and shall testify publicly before a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at a regularly held meeting for prospective members.
Section 5. Denial of Membership
If, upon review of an application for membership or after meeting with a prospective member, the Board of Elders determines that the applicant does not confess Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior, or that there is a lack of evidence of a godly lifestyle, membership shall be denied. The decision made by the Board shall be final and there shall be no appeal to any court from that decision.
Section 6. Admission of Applicants
Applicants admitted to membership shall, if possible, present themselves at a worship service designated by the Pastor-Teacher and Board of Elders, at which service such applicants shall publicly affirm their membership commitment and be publicly acknowledged as members.
Section 7. Responsibilities of Members
Members shall seek to exercise their spiritual gifts for the mutual benefit of all the church body and shall submit to the loving rule of the Elders.
Section 8. Church Discipline
(a) ‑The threefold purpose of church discipline is to glorify God by maintaining purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6), to edify believers by deterring sin (1 Timothy 5:20), and to promote the spiritual welfare of the offending believer by calling him or her to return to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct (Galatians 6:1).
(b) ‑Members of this church and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church who err in doctrine, or who engage in conduct that violates Scripture as determined by the Board of Elders, shall be subject to church discipline, including dismissal according to Matthew 18:15-18. Before such dismissal, however,
(1) it shall be the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of the erring individual’s heresy or misconduct to warn and correct such erring individual in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration. If the erring individual does not heed this warning, then
(2) the warning member shall again go to the erring individual, seeking his or her repentance, but accompanied by one or two individuals who shall confirm that the sin has occurred or is continuing to occur, and/or that the erring individual has been appropriately confronted and has refused to repent. The first and second warnings may occur with no specified time interval. If the erring individual still refuses to heed this warning, then
(3) it shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board). If the Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board) determines--after thorough investigation in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19--that there is corroborating evidence that the erring individual has sinned or is continuing to sin, that he or she has been appropriately confronted, and that he or she has refused to repent, then the Elders shall inform the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service in order that the church may call the erring individual to repentance. If the erring individual demonstrates repentance, then notice to that effect may be given at a regularly-scheduled worship service. If, however, the erring individual does not repent in response to the church in its collective call to repentance, then
(4) he or she shall be publicly dismissed from the fellowship and/or membership of the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service. If the erring individual, after such dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and requests reinstatement before the Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board), then he or she shall be publicly restored to all the rights, duties, privileges, and responsibilities of fellowship and/or membership.
(c) ‑Notwithstanding the foregoing, the elders in the exercise of their discretion may proceed directly to the third stage of church discipline, (i.e. the informing of the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service in order that the church may call the erring individual to repentance) or to the fourth stage of church discipline, (i.e. the dismissal from the fellowship and/or membership of the church) when one or more of the following have occurred;
(i) ‑Where the transgression and the refusal to repent have been public, i.e. openly and to the offense of the whole Church (1 Cor. 5:1-5)1;
(ii) ‑Where the disciplined party has taught or otherwise disseminated doctrine deemed false or erroneous by the elders, then chosen to disregard the direction and reproof of the elders (Romans 16:17); or
(iii) ‑Where the disciplined party has been warned twice to cease from factious and divisive conduct and has chosen to disregard that warning (Titus 3:10-11).
(d) ‑The members of this church, and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church, agree that there shall be no appeal to any court because of the dismissal or because of public statements to the congregation at the third or fourth stages of church discipline. Members who are under discipline by the church, as defined in the previous paragraphs, forfeit and waive the right to resign from this church. Resignations from membership are possible only by members who are in good standing and who are not under any disciplinary action.
(e) ‑Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders (or a duly constituted subcommittee thereof), a member, non-member regular attender, or other individual may be notified that he or she is not to be present upon church premises for such a period of time as is deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of others on church premises. Such required absence may, but need not, be concurrent with church discipline of that person.
(f) ‑Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders (or a duly constituted subcommittee thereof), the names of any members who have not attended a worship service, Sunday School class session or Fellowship Group meeting at Sudanese Christian Community Church for a period of six months or longer may be removed from the membership rolls.
Section 9. No longer in use
Removal by resolution of the Board of Elders, February 12,2003.
Section 10. Regular Meetings
A regular annual meeting of the church members shall be held at the principal office of the church (as the same shall be from time to time designated in the minutes of the Board) in January of each year. At such regular annual meeting, the members shall consider reports of the affairs of the Corporation, and transact such other business as the Elders determine shall be brought before the meeting, including but not limited to affirmation of the appointments made by the Elders of those who shall serve as Elders for the ensuing year and the election of those qualified in the offices of Deacons, Deaconesses, and Ushers.
Section 11. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the members may be called at any time by order of the Pastor-Teacher, the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board of Elders, or by a quorum of the members of the Board of Elders.
Section 12. Notice of Meetings
Notice of regular meetings shall be given from the pulpit by the Pastor for two successive Sundays prior to the meeting. In addition thereto, notice shall be published in the regular church bulletin for two successive Sundays prior to such meeting. Notice of special meetings shall be given from the pulpit at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting and shall also be published in the regular church bulletin on the Sunday immediately preceding the meeting.
Section 13. Quorum
At all meetings of the members, whether regular, special or adjourned, the members present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 14. Voting Rights
Those admitted to church membership do not constitute a legislative body, nor do they constitute members of the Corporation, and they cannot vote, pass resolutions binding upon the Corporation, nor shall they have any equity in the real property of the Corporation, or rights to vote on its disposal. Said property of the Corporation is dedicated to religious and charitable purposes as outlined in the Articles of Incorporation.
ARTICLE VIElders
Section 1. Powers
Subject to the limitations of the Articles and these Bylaws and of pertinent restrictions of the Corporation Code of the State of California, all the activities and affairs of the Corporation shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Elders, who are responsible for shepherding and having oversight of the flock. Without prejudice to such general powers, but subject to these same limitations, it is hereby expressly declared that the Board shall have the following powers in addition to the other powers enumerated by these Bylaws:
(a) ‑To select and remove all the officers, agents, pastors, staff, and employees of the Corporation; prescribe such duties for them consistent with the Scriptures, with law, with the Articles of Incorporation, or with these Bylaws; and fix the terms of their offices and their compensation.
(b) ‑To make such disbursements from the funds and properties of the Corporation as are required to fulfill the purposes of this Corporation as are more fully set out in the Articles of Incorporation, thereof and generally to conduct, manage, and control the activities and affairs of the Corporation and to make such rules and regulations consistent with the Scriptures, with law, with the Articles of Incorporation, or with these Bylaws, as they may deem best.
(c) ‑To adopt, make and use a corporate seal, and to alter the form of such seal from time to time as they may deem best.
(d) ‑To establish policies and practices for the church consistent with the purposes of this Corporation.
(e) ‑To assist the Pastor-Teacher in the administration of the ordinances of baptism and Communion.
(f) ‑To borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purposes of the Corporation and to cause to be executed and delivered, in the corporate name, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, hypothecations, or other evidences of debt and securities.
(g) ‑To carry on a business and apply any such profit that results from the business activity in which it may legally engage.
Section 2. Number of Elders
In accordance with the provisions of Section of Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law, the authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall not be less than eleven (11) until changed by an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation or by an amendment to these Bylaws.
Section 3. Nomination, Selection, and Tenure of Office
Recommendations to fill the office of Elder shall be requested once a year from all church members. A Nominating Committee consisting of not less than five members of the pastoral staff shall be appointed by the Board of Elders who will also designate a chairman of the committee. This committee shall review all nominations and determine each nominee’s qualifications. A proposed slate of nominees prepared by the nominating committee shall then be submitted to the Board of Elders, along with any relevant comments.
Section 4. Qualifications
Each member of the Board of Elders must be an active member of this church and possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. He shall be:
(a) ‑Blameless as a steward of God; above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)
(b) ‑Husband of one wife; a one-woman man (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6)
(c) ‑Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Timothy 3:2)
(d) ‑Sober-minded, prudent (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
(e) ‑Of good behavior; orderly, respectable (1 Timothy 3:2)
(f) ‑Given to hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
(g) ‑Apt to teach; able to teach; he can exhort believers and refute false teaching (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)
(h) ‑Not given to wine (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
(i) ‑Not violent; not pugnacious (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)
(j) ‑Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle (1 Timothy 3:3)
(k) ‑Not a brawler; uncontentious; not soon angry or quick-tempered (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
(l) ‑Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy of base gain (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)
(m) ‑Rules well his own house; his children are faithful, not accused of rebellion to God (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:7)
(n) ‑Not a novice; not a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6)
(o) ‑Has a good report or reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7)
(p) Not self-willed (Titus 1:7)
(q) ‑A lover of good men and things (Titus 1:8)
(r) ‑Just, fair (Titus 1:8)
(s) ‑Holy, devout (Titus 1:8)
(t) ‑Self-controlled (Titus 1:8)
Section 5. Vacancies
Subject to the provision of Section of MinnesotaNonprofit Religious Corporation Law, any Elder may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board or the Secretary of the Board, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of such resignation. If the resignation is to take effect at some future time, a successor may be selected before that time.
A vacancy or vacancies in the Board shall be deemed to exist in case of the death, resignation, or removal of any Elder, or if a need exists and the specified limit is not exceeded.
No reduction of the authorized number of Elders shall have the effect of removing any Elder prior to the expiration of the Elder’s term of office.
Section 6. Removal of Elders
Any Elder may be removed from office at any regular or special meeting of the Board if he is found to be physically or mentally incapacitated or spiritually unqualified (according to pertinent Scripture, including 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9), after thorough corroborating investigation by the Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board), in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19. When an Elder is removed because of sin that is deemed sufficient to disqualify him from shepherding, and if he refuses to repent from that sin, the removal shall be accompanied by a public rebuke, and notice shall be made before the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly-scheduled worship service as prescribed in 1 Timothy 5:20.
Section 7. Place of Meetings
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in these Bylaws, any meeting (whether regular, special, or adjourned) of the Board of Elders of the Corporation may be held at any place within or without the State of California.
Section 8. Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of the Board shall be held without call or notice on the second Thursday after the first Sunday of each month, unless otherwise modified by the Board. Regular meetings shall be open to church members.
Section 9. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Elders may be called at any time by order of the Chairman or Vice-Chairman or the Secretary of the Board of Elders or by a quorum of the members of the Board of Elders.
Section 10. Notice of Special Meetings
In accordance with the provisions of Section of Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law, special meetings of the Board shall be held upon four days notice by first-class mail or a forty-eight-hour notice given personally or by telephone or other similar means of communication. Any such notice shall be addressed or delivered to each Elder or at such Elder’s address as it is shown upon the records of the Corporation or as may have been given to the Corporation by the Elder for such purpose of notice.
Section 11. Quorum
Except as otherwise provided herein, a majority of the Elders currently serving shall constitute a quorum except when a vacancy or vacancies prevents such majority, whereupon a majority of the Elders in office shall constitute a quorum, provided such majority shall constitute either one-third of the authorized number of Elders or at least two Elders, whichever is larger, or unless the authorized number of Elders is only one. A majority of the Elders present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place. Whenever the matter to be considered concerns calling or dismissing a pastor, or buying or selling real estate, a quorum shall consist of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board. Whenever the matter to be considered is of a nature to require action by Lay Elders only, a majority of the Lay Elders currently serving shall constitute a quorum. Except as the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws and the Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law may provide, the act or decision done or made by the Elders present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Elders.
Section 12. Participation in Meetings by Conference Telephone
Members of the Board may participate in a meeting through use of conference telephone or similar communications equipment, so long as all members participating in such meeting can hear one another.
Section 13. Adjournment
A majority of the Elders present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn any Elders’ meeting to another time and place. Notice of the time and place of holding an adjourned meeting need not be given to absent Elders if the time and place be fixed at the meeting adjourned, except as provided in the next sentence. If the meeting is adjourned for more than forty-eight (48) hours, notice of any adjournment to another time or place shall be given prior to the time of the adjourned meeting to the Elders who were not present at the time of the adjournment.
Section 14. Action Without Meeting
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board shall individually or collectively consent in writing to a duly prepared resolution to such action. Such consent or consents shall have the same effect as a unanimous vote of the Board and shall be documented by attaching the signed resolution with the minutes of proceedings of the Board.
Section 15. Rights of Inspection
In accordance with the provisions of Section of Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law, every Elder shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect and copy all books, records, and documents of every kind and to inspect the physical properties of the Corporation of which such person is an Elder, for a purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as an Elder.
Section 16. Decisions of the Board of Elders
Decisions shall be reached after prayerful consideration by unanimous vote in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself.
Section 17. Committees
Committees of the Board may be appointed by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board. Committees shall be composed of two or more members of the Board and shall have such powers of the Board as may be expressly delegated to it by resolution of the Board of Elders, except with respect to:
(a) ‑The approval of any action for which the Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law also requires member’s approval (must be approved by the Board as a whole).
(b) ‑The filling of vacancies on the Board or on any committee.
(c) ‑The amendment or repeal of Bylaws or the adoption of new Bylaws.
(d) ‑The amendment or repeal of any resolution of the Board which by its express terms is not so amendable or repealable.
(e) ‑The appointment of other committees of the Board or the members thereof.
(f) ‑The approval of any self-dealing transaction, as such transactions are defined in Section Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law.
The Board shall have the power to prescribe the manner in which proceedings of any such committee shall be conducted. In the absence of any such prescription, such committee shall have the power to prescribe the manner in which its proceedings shall be conducted. Unless the Board or such committee shall otherwise provide, the regular and special meetings and other actions of any such committee shall be governed by the provision of this Article applicable to meetings and actions of the Board. Minutes shall be kept of each meeting of each committee.
Section 18. Fees and Compensation
Elders (as such) shall not receive any stated or fixed salary for their services, however, nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any Elders from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation. Any person receiving compensation directly or indirectly from Sudanese Christian Community Church shall not be in a position to determine the nature or amount of said compensation.
ARTICLE VIIOther Councils and Committees
Section 1. Councils and Committees
To promote efficient handling of Board matters, the Board may appoint various councils and committees from within its membership, the staff, and from the church at large. These councils and committees shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties and with powers specifically delegated by the Board. The general functions of councils and committees are:
(a) ‑To bring considered recommendations to the Board concerning ministries.
(b) ‑To provide a wider base of counsel to the Elders having the oversight of specific ministries.
All councils and committees shall exist for the period specified by the Board.
Section 2. Deacons
The Deacons shall consist of members possessing the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and shall be nominated by members of the church. The Board of Elders will compile and confirm the nominations and submit the names to the members for affirmation at the annual meeting. The Deacons shall serve for a term of one (1) year. The Deacons shall assist the Elders in the shepherding of the saints, assist the Pastor at Communion and baptismal services, aid in the general spiritual care of the church, and perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Elders.
A Deacon shall be a man of dignity, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not fond of sordid gain, holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, first tested and found above reproach.
Section 3. Deaconesses
The Deaconesses shall consist of members possessing the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:11 and Titus 2:3-5 and shall be nominated by members of the church. The Board of Elders will compile and confirm the nominations and submit the names to the members for affirmation at the annual meeting. The Deaconesses shall serve for a term of one (1) year. They shall prepare the Communion elements, assist the Pastor at baptismal services and in the general spiritual care of the church, and shall assist in the care of the sick and needy. A Deaconess shall be dignified, not a malicious gossip, temperate, and faithful in all things.
Section 4. Ushers
The Ushers shall consist of members to be nominated by members of the church. The Board of Elders will compile and confirm the nominations and submit the names to the members for affirmation at the annual meeting. The Ushers shall serve for a term of one (1) year. They shall act as church ushers, greeters at the door, church collectors, and assist the Pastor in the services in such matters as he deems necessary. An Usher shall meet the qualifications enumerated for a Deacon in Section 2 above.
Section 5. Nomination and Selection
The nomination and selection of Deacons, Deaconesses, and Ushers shall be done in the same manner as for Elders, as set forth in Article VI, Section 3 of these Bylaws, except they shall be affirmed at the annual meeting by the members of the church.
Section 6. Vacancies
In the event any of the above-mentioned offices becomes vacant during the period between annual elections, the Board of Elders may fill such vacancy for the unexpired term.
ARTICLE VIIIOfficers
Section 1. Officers
The officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board of Elders, other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of this article.
Section 2. Election
The officers of the Corporation, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 or Section 5 of this Article, shall be chosen annually by, and shall serve at, the pleasure of the Board of Elders. Each officer shall hold his office until he shall resign, be removed, or become otherwise disqualified to serve, or until his successor shall be elected and qualified.
Section 3. Subordinate Officers
The Board of Elders may appoint, and may empower the Chairman to appoint, such other officers as the business of the Corporation may require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in the Bylaws or as the Board of Elders may from time to time determine.
Section 4. Removal and Resignation
Any officer may be removed upon disqualification and removal as an Elder per Article VI, Section 6 of these Bylaws. In accordance with the provisions of Section of
Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law, any officer may resign at any time without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract to which the officer is a party, by giving written notice to the Board of Elders, or to the Chairman, or to the Secretary of the Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein; and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 5. Vacancies
A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or any other cause shall be filled in the manner prescribed in the Bylaws for regular election or appointment to such office, provided that such vacancies shall be filled as they occur and not on an annual basis.
Section 6. Inability to Act
In the case of absence or inability to act of any officer of the Corporation and of any person herein authorized to act in his place, the Board of Elders may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer or other person whom the Board may select.
Section 7. The Chairman
The Chairman shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Elders, have general supervision, direction, and control of the activities and officers of the Corporation. He shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Elders, which are to be conducted according to the scriptural principles such as set forth in Philippians 2:2-8. He shall be an ex officio member of all the standing committees, if any, and shall have powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Elders or the Bylaws.
Section 8. Vice-Chairman
In the absence or disability of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall perform all the duties of the Chairman, and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the Chairman. The Vice-Chairman shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed for him by the Board of Elders or the Bylaws.
Section 9. Secretary
The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes at the principal office or such other place as the Board of Elders may order, of all meetings of the members, the Board and its committees, with the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at the meetings, the Board and committees’ meetings, and the proceedings thereof. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal office in the State of Minnesota the original and a copy of the Corporation’s Articles and Bylaws, as amended to date.
The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the Board and any committees thereof required by these Bylaws or by law to be given, shall keep the seal of the Corporation in safe custody, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by the Board.
The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept at the principal office of the Corporation, a church membership register, or a duplicated membership register, showing the names of the members and their addresses.
Section 10. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall ensure the stewardship of the physical and financial resources of the Corporation, “taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration…for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). He shall select “men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to implement and accomplish this responsibility.
The Treasurer shall ensure that all financial activities and transactions are consistent with Articles I, II, III, VI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI, and XVII of these Bylaws as well as Sections (d) (Use of Designated Contributions), (Self-Dealing Transactions), a(Interlocking Directorates) of the Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law.
The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct accounts of the properties and business transactions of the Corporation. The books of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any Elder as provided in Section of the Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law.
The Treasurer shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, all monies and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation with such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Elders. He shall disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Elders, shall render, or cause to be rendered, to the Chairman and the Elders, whenever they request it, an account of all the transactions and of the financial condition of the Corporation, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Elders. He shall make, or cause to be made, the financial reports at each regular Board meeting and at the annual meeting of members.
ARTICLE IXOrdination, Licensing, and Commissioning
Section 1. Ordination
Ordination refers to the unanimous recognition by the Board of Elders of a man’s call to the ministry, preparation as a shepherd, and qualification to serve. Ordination shall be conferred for life, so long as the man continues to manifest the qualifications of the office.
Section 2. Licensing
The license is issued by the Board of Elders and is given in recognition of a man’s call to that ministry. Its aim is to allow a man to perform the ecclesiastical duties and functions of the church. Licenses will be evaluated and issued on a yearly basis.
Section 3. Commissioning
When local-church certification is required for ministry where ordination would be unnecessary or inappropriate, a person is commissioned by the Board of Elders to minister. This authorization continues as long as the opportunity to minister remains in effect and as long as the person maintains the qualifications for ministry.
ARTICLE XThe Pastor-Teacher
Section 1. Election
The Pastor-Teacher shall be selected by the Board and confirmed by the members of the church at its annual meeting or at a special business meeting, and such confirmation shall be a three-fourths (3/4) majority of all the votes cast. He shall remain in office an indefinite period of time subject to the following reservations: The Elders reserve the right to dismiss the Pastor-Teacher upon giving him one month’s written notice of its intention to dismiss. The Pastor-Teacher must give one month’s notice if he intends to resign. The time limit of a Pastor-Teacher’s resignation or dismissal is subject to a lesser time if both the Pastor-Teacher and the church by mutual agreement provide otherwise.
Section 2. Duties
The Pastor-Teacher shall be an ex officio member of all councils and committees, and he shall be responsible to the Board of Elders. The Pastor-Teacher shall arrange for and conduct all public and regular services of the church and shall be responsible for general oversight of the spiritual welfare of the church. In the absence of the Pastor-Teacher, the Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board), shall be responsible to arrange for the public and regular services of the church.
ARTICLE XISettlement of Disputes
Section 1. General
In any dispute arising between church members, pastors, or staff pertaining to any matter of spiritual teaching or practices, church finances, or title to property purchased with church contributions, the dispute shall be resolved by the Board of Elders of the church (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 17 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board). A decision shall be reached after prayerful consideration, in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself and striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).
ARTICLE XIIOther Provisions
Section 1. Endorsement of Documents, Contracts
The Board of Elders, except as in the Bylaws otherwise provided, may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized by the Board of Elders, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or agreement, or to pledge its credit, or to render it liable for any purpose or to any amount.
Subject to the provisions of applicable law, any note, mortgage, evidence of indebtedness, contract, conveyance, or other instrument in writing and any assignment or endorsement thereof executed or entered into between this Corporation and any other person, when signed jointly by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman, and the Secretary and the Treasurer of this Corporation shall be valid and binding on this Corporation in the absence of actual knowledge on the part of the other person that the signing officers had no authority to execute the same.
Section 2. Representation of Shares of Other Corporations
The Chairman or any other officer or officers authorized by the Board are each authorized to vote, represent, and exercise on behalf of the Corporation all rights incident to any and all shares of any other Corporation or corporations standing in the name of the Corporation. The authority herein granted may be exercised either by any such officer in person or by any other person authorized to do so in proxy or power of attorney duly executed by said officer.
Section 3. Construction and Definitions
Unless the context otherwise requires, the general provisions, rules of construction and definitions contained in the general provisions of the Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Law and in the Minnesota Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law shall govern the construction of these Bylaws.
Section 4. Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended and new and additional Bylaws may be made from time to time at any time by the Board of Elders in the exercise of the power granted to said Board of Elders in these Bylaws.
Section 5. Record of Amendments
Whenever an amendment or new Bylaw is adopted, it shall be copied in the book of minutes with the original Bylaws, in the appropriate place. If any Bylaw is repealed, the fact of repeal with the date of the meeting at which the repeal was enacted or written assent was filed shall be stated in said book.
ARTICLE XIIIReceipt, Investment, and, Disbursement of Funds
Section 1.
The Corporation shall receive all monies or other properties transferred to it for the purposes for which the Corporation was formed (as shown by the Articles of Incorporation). However, nothing contained herein shall require the Board of Elders to accept or receive any money or property of any kind if it shall determine in its discretion that receipt of such money or property is contrary to the expressed purposes of the Corporation as shown by said Articles.
Section 2.
The Corporation shall hold, manage, and disburse any funds or properties received by it from any source in a manner that is consistent with the expressed purposes of this Corporation.
ARTICLE XIVCorporate Records and Reports
Section 1. Records
The Corporation shall maintain adequate and correct accounts, books, and records of its business and properties. All such books, records, and accounts shall be kept at its principal place of business in the State of Minnesota, as fixed by the Board of Elders from time to time.
Section 2. Inspection of Books and Records
Every Elder shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, documents of every kind, and the physical properties of the Corporation, and also of its subsidiary organizations, if any.
Section 3. Fiscal Year of the Corporation
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of July and end on the last day of June in each year.
ARTICLE XVDissolution
Upon dissolution of this Corporation, the Board of Elders shall cause the assets herein to be distributed to another Corporation with purposes similar to that identified in Article II of these Bylaws and Article II of the Articles of Incorporation as amended.
ARTICLE XVIMiscellaneous Provisions
Section 1. Instruments in Writing
All checks, drafts, demands for money and notes of the Corporation and all written contracts of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents, as the Board of Elders may from time to time by resolution designate.
ARTICLE XVIIPension
The Board of Elders shall appoint, as deemed necessary by the Board, a pension and retirement review committee consisting of three or more members, and their findings shall be presented, whenever requested, to the Board of Elders.
Copyright @ 20009, Sudanese Christian Community Church.
Signed ____________________________________________
Rev. Gatluak Duop Dieth
President &CEO.
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January 7, 2009 (WASHINGTON) — A prominent U.S. evangelical Christian leader, Franklin Graham, received a visit from the President of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Wednesday in Boone, North Carolina.
Franklin Graham welcomes the President of South Sudan government, Salva Kiir Mayardit, to Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Boone, N.C., on January 7, 2009 (photo Samaritan’s Purse)
Graham is the president of the charity Samaritan’s Purse, which said it has spent more than $60 million in the South Sudan in support of four hospitals, new schools and food aid. He is also the son of the charismatic preacher Billy Graham, who gained a large following and was a friend to every living U.S. president.
President Kiir thanked Samaritan’s Purse for assistance during Sudan’s second civil war and for rebuilding 227 churches that were destroyed during the conflict.
During the war (1983-2005), the northern government of Sudan declared jihad against the partly Christian south, prompting some sympathy from Christians in the United States.
“Samaritan’s Purse did not run away from us,” President Kiir said. “They did not abandon us. We will never forget about you.”
Graham told Kiir’s ministers and reporters, “He has been a great friend to us. It is a great privilege.”
The Sudanese leader arrived to the town of Boone after spending Sunday through Tuesday in Washington, meeting with President Bush, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other officials. Kiir, who is himself a Catholic, thanked Franklin Graham and the ministry “for working to strengthen the faith of believers who endured horrible persecution,” said a statement from Samaritan’s Purse.
“Faith is important to the people to determine their destiny,” he said, then describing forced conversions to Islam during the war, in which some Christians renounced their faith.
“Those who resisted are the real Christians,” he said. “And they will have to be supported to become stronger.”
Kiir became the leader of the semi-autonomous region of Southern Sudan after a 2005 helicopter accident took the life of Dr. John Garang, the founder of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), which is now the ruling party of Southern Sudan and a partner in the national government. SPLM has relied on foreign aid money to boost revenues from oil exports in its efforts to govern the vast southern region while contesting for power at the national level.
Samaritan’s Purse plans to rebuild another 110 churches in Sudan during 2009.
Nhial appointment to South Sudan Defense is laced with controversy
Tuesday 23 December 2008 04:44। Printer-Friendly version Comments...
By Isaiah Abraham
December 22, 2008 — The President of the Government of Southern Sudan, H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit has confounded friends and foes one more time and this time, it’s in a big way. Mr. President has made one of his usual belated decisions to appoint Gen. Nhial Deng Nhial one of the bright leaders of South Sudan to become the next second Southern Defense Minister, after the ill fated planed killed Gen. Dominic Dim Deng in May this year. This is a covetous ministry each senior member or regions jostle to convert. At last now we have an NBA basket ball lover (he was one of the players anyway in his student times) becoming forth to non in the hierarchy of Southern Sudan, what would happen to the much circulated rumor under which Gen. Kuol Manyang, the current Jonglei State Governor was link to it? How will it go down with the public, especially supporters of this gentleman. I have specific word to this general at it all and it will be up to him to decide.
Before we fractured that question however, let’s look at the appointment itself, how significant it’s to our current security state of our affairs. What impact would it make for our immediate or short term issues? It’s very significant in that. The curtail has come down to uninvited messengers who juggle between the Presidency and the public about who to fill up that position. But specifically, there would be someone to answer questions in parliament when issues of the defense arise. There are troubles in the army especially issues to do with reorganization and financial management as well as training. A new Defense Minister will have a lot to do to ensure that our army meets the challenges of a true conventional army. In the face of internal and external challenges, the people of Southern Sudan shall watch closely the man in charged of our security; a huge force bloated at the top- many generals and officers with less training and unscreened large army. How is Gen. Nhial going to make changes direly needed by the army right now is another thing, time will tell. Does he has enough military skills and even character to reign over wild Generals who are in hurry with their lives, busy buying companies and houses abroad and inside using 40% army budget? There are rigorous issues in that army that put question to this assignment given Mr. Nhial absence from uniform. We shall wait and see.
Gen. Nhial appointment back to the cabinet is big news to the people of Southern Sudan. Gen. Nhial is an upshot of the liberation struggle and has what it takes to lead Southern Sudan not just a ministry. He talks sense and butter, but also walk his talks. He has tireless stood to ensure that the rights of his people are guaranteed and it came to passed. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) is one of his achievements. His further achievement also is that he managed to bridge negative perception or ideological differences between the United States of America (USA) and the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) while serving as the Movement foreign chief, when the later was accused of being a communist movement. Now his resume has been topped up with the defense portfolio, who shall stop this man from going up to the top after Gen. Kiir and Gen. Dr. Machar retire? He is now a breath away from power, is he going to play it fair and focus or would he throw it away when untouchable generals near him there start to choke his plans, the same late Dr. Justice did. Unfortunately or fortunately, the generals are thanking their ‘stars’, for their prayers are answered. They were really in their knees when the rumor was matured and out that Gen. Kuol was coming to the Defense Ministry. One of the generals from that region this morning couldn’t hide his joys when he started behaving Santa Claus or Christmas man by giving children sweets and the likes while driving because of Gen. Nhial appointment. Make no mistake, Gen. Nhial might not sack anyone but he will use his legal skills and intellectual weights to frustrate our corrupt generals.
But Gen. Nhial departure from the cabinet one a half years ago generated hated arguments among Southern Sudanese about his ability to withstand difficulties or challenges. He was justified few months later when the Minister in charge of Southern Sudan money was implicated in one of the biggest graft in our land- he was relieved from his duties but never charged or tried. Gen. Nhial didn’t like corruption (or he claims it so); he is highly credible and am sure he will do his best there especially that he is so dear to the United States of America. With positive signs tilted towards him nonetheless, Gen. Nhial appointment has been dented by an earlier controversial claim by ‘Ahmed Chol’ or say the media that the position had actually been filed up by Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, the Jonglei State Governor.
The people of Jonglei and Bor in particular where he hails from were excited and that is natural. In disbelief I guess they are now scratching their heads as to what really went wrong. Was it the governor who blew it out himself by breaching the President’s confidence or whether the President himself was the problem or both. Now that the position has snubbed them (or Gen. Kuol) for another home boy of the President, the same place that previously held it, what would be the reaction of these people towards the President in the long run? For now, the business yes might go on as usual but what in the long run or in between- during up coming elections and beyond? Take for granted that the President made that ‘approached’, how did he change his mind so suddenly to make another approach to Gen. Nhial? My guess is like yours; someone must be responsible for that political fiasco, I don’t know who he is. That is about Jonglei people reaction, how about others, how do they think through this drama? Your assignement…
It has been said or denied that nothing has been ‘approached’ and even the governor (Gen. Kuol) was reported to be saying he was misquoted by one of the Tribune writers there in Bor. We don’t know who to believe. It has been however a big relieve that this position has finally been filled. Our phones were breaking up hoarse or crying with people wasting money phoning everyone at night with ‘news’ from the Presidency. They don’t know that some of us have switched off long ago and aren’t interested anymore about any positive news from the Presidency. We are however waiting for a miracle to turn us around! Let me be generous to be general: am congratulating the President and the new Defense Minister and pray that they go ahead with that ministry plans from our late Defense Minister. Plans to strengthen our air defense systems and continuous trainings outside and inside. Gen. Oyai Deng Ajak (Southern Sudan Chief of Staff) did start an excellent deployment criterion (mixture of tribes in the army); it must be followed religiously. Soldiers are soldiers; they belong to no group or tribe: their mixture is critical and it has to go like that! I saw my younger cousin John Loryam Lokwar coming from Aweil this week speaking a bit of Dinka and was surprise how quickly that boy changed. By then he (we) thought these people are ‘animals’.
To General Kuol, there must be a political price to pay; whether he had shown an interest to that position or not, the events surrounding that appointment are embarrassing to the heart. With the quality of leadership and experiences he has, it was unthinkable that he could come public with a claim unless the writer put that word in his mouth and even so, there is no way to let it go. It must be public knowledge that perhaps the President had actually approached him but later changed his mind without consulting him (something not unique to rude employers), some of us can sympathize with that discourteous political gaffe on the side of our leader. The best think he could do therefore, to save his skin, is to resign not in protest but simply to heal from that ‘wound’. Reasons for his ‘healings’ are many but two among them are forcefully standing out: one is trust or confidence. Once that is lost, there is nothing you can do to recover it.
Recall how he came down three times- the first was when he was denied appointment to the same ministry and again when he never made it to SPLM top brass (Governor Agar over jumped him and then his removal from Federal Ministry to Governorship). The President surely has seen something that shunned him from keeping him so close to power or this particular job. To some of us, Gen. Kuol he is a smart hero, whatever capacity he is assigned to, he delivers. I don’t know you but for others he is a villain and murderer. They are missed him. Gen. Kuol will go down in the history of our struggle as a warrior and a liberator who goes by the book (law).
Second, is his integrity: it has suffered a damaged and therefore not easy to re-brand himself before the President for any other serious job at the top. Governor Kuol would be fine representing his people in parliament until leadership changes. He is not too old to be in the next government. For supporters of the Governor, you have to swallow that bitter pill (if its true your man was ‘approached’ or promised the job); but also, its the Presidential constitutional rights of His Excellency the President (Gen. Salva Kiir) to dish out jobs to who he wants. There is nothing you could do but to keep quiet and eat a humble pie; time has come for our President to do what he want to do and tomorrow would be another time for another leader to do his/her part. Let’s stand with our government, the President and our new Defense Minister for the sake of our beautiful land called Southern Sudan.
CHCRISTIAN NEWS 12, 21,2008
Sudan army denies link between war games and ICC indictment
Tuesday 23 December 2008 06:30. Printer-Friendly version Comments...
December 22, 2008 (KHARTOUM) –The Sudanese army today dismissed speculations that war games it conducted is linked to the upcoming decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the case against president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir.
Sudanese soldiers march during a ceremony for the 18th anniversary of the national Popular Defence Forces in Madani Nov 17, 2007 (AFP) The maneuvers that took place over the weekend involved ground and air units under the code name ‘Dawn is one’.
Unidentified sources in the Sudanese capital told the daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat published in London that the military exercises are “precautionary in light of what could happen in case the judges issue an arrest warrant against president Bashir”.
But Lieutenant Colonel Abdel-Samee’ from the army’s spokesperson’s office told the newspaper that the war games are held to celebrate the 54th army anniversary and “has nothing to do with the ICC or anything else”.
He also noted that the celebrations were scheduled to be held in August 14th but were postponed till January 15th.
In mid-July the ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo submitted a new case against Al-Bashir containing counts of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The ICC started a month long judicial recess on December 5th. Most observers expect a decision to be forthcoming next month particularly after remarks by the US and French president.
The exercises come amidst warnings by Khartoum that Darfur Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) is preparing a new attack on the capital.
Today JEM deputy general commander, Suleiman sandal, urged in a press statement released today the Sudanese to remain away from the military positions in all the Sudanese cities and to stay at home because “our attack against these cities is imminent”
In a second separate statement Ahmed Tugud, the secretary of political affairs, called on the Sudanese soldiers to join the rebel movement adding "you are not our enemies." He also pledged to retain their salaries, rights and positions in the army.
On May 10th, the rebel group stormed the twin capital city of Omdurman. More than 222 people were killed in this raid.
Following the JEM attack, Sudanese lawmakers issued a report that was not made public criticizing the army’s performance and recommended that Defense minister be removed.
US SECRETARY OF STATE 12/23/2008
Sudan taunts outgoing US Secretary of State
Tuesday 23 December 2008 04:16. Printer-Friendly version Comments...
December 22, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese Foreign Ministry spokesman referred tauntingly to a recent television appearance by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in which she expressed regret that the U.S. had not done more to end the conflict in Darfur, the westernmost region of Sudan.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Ambassador Ali Al-Sadig, spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, responded to Rice’s interview on Sunday with the MSNBC television programme “Meet the Press.”
The emergency in Darfur, which Rice designated a genocide, will soon enter its sixth year. Experts estimate that some 300,000 people died in the conflict and 2.7 million are still displaced, most of whom are concentrated into massive camps in Darfur or neighbouring eastern Chad.
Rice, replying to a question about the limits of American power, had said “one of the real regrets I’ve had is that we haven’t been able to do something about Sudan.”
She called the lives of people in Darfur “horrible” and said that there is a “horrible tragedy that is unfolding there.” In response, Sadig said that Sudan shares with the U.S. Secretary of State in her regrets on the inability and failure of the United States to contribute to solving the Darfur issue. He continued, "our regret goes for the inability of a major country to assist the African Union and the United Nations to deploy troops in Darfur,” referring to the hybrid UN-AU peacekeeping mission, which is tasked with protecting civilians from government-backed militias and other threats.
Despite the apparent common ground between the two diplomats’ statements, Rice had actually pointed to several areas in which the U.S. did contribute to mitigating the Darfur conflict. Referring to measures that the government of Sudan initially opposed, Rice noted, “We’ve been able to do a lot about the humanitarian situation. We’ve even been able to support getting some peacekeepers onto the ground; and where there are peacekeepers, there’s less violence. But we could’ve done so much more.” Yet Sadig added, "Condoleezza Rice and the administration were capable of doing a lot to settle the Darfur problem but unfortunately they did not do it."
The Sudanese diplomat went on to blame the United States for failing to pressure Darfur rebel movements to come to terms with the government, though the U.S. did in fact pressure the rebels during negotiations in Nigeria in 2006These efforts resulted in one main rebel leader making peace with the government, but the top U.S. envoy to Sudan said last week in Washington that the 2006 agreement actually resulted in greater conflict in Darfur and the senior U.S. diplomat in Khartoum told Sudan Tribune last month that “the majority of the agreement has not been implemented.”Rice’s main point was that the U.S. had not adequately exercised its diplomatic influence with other countries in order to pressure Khartoum: “I think we’ve done a lot unilaterally, but we could’ve done a lot more if the international community were better mobilized.Washington’s frustration with the Sudanese regime resulted in moves to defeat Sudan’s diplomatic efforts in the UN Security Council to block the International Criminal Court’s investigation of President Omer Al-Bashir, who is wanted by the court prosecutor on ten counts of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In a bid for more cooperation from the Sudanese government, President George W. Bush said Dec. 10, “it’s very important for President Bashir of Sudan to know that he cannot escape accountability; that if he so choose, he could change people’s lives, the condition of people’s lives very quickly.”
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We 're responsor by this Church Evagelical Church
FundRaising on 8/30/2008
We had fundraising last month in our Church and it went very well . We had thank God because He was the one who made everything possible to do His wor
We 're Sudanese people who have come in the Us early 90's, and we 're gathered ourselves to formed this Church to become a place for worship for every tribes in Sudanese Communities.we were relocated our first place to worshipped was First Baptist Church of Gallatin, TN,
They were opened their hands to supported Sudanese people. We have held our first worship on february 16, 2003. Rev. Gatluak Duop Dieth, click him here gatluak was the first Pastor and the founder of the Sudanese Christian Community Church,Inc,Our Mission is to spread the Gospels to the needed people and to reminded our young people who were living in US or in aboard so that they will keep our cultures and our idenities.
Now we 're resident here in the Faribault, Mn, the same thing they have given
us the place to worship in the Evangelical Free Church, that where we hold our worship in every sunday afternoon.We were a members of all Churches as well as Evangelical Church, Baptist Church, Naszarene Church, and they 're all our partners.
nasir
beacon university
sudan
south Africa mission
January 7, 2009 (WASHINGTON) — A prominent U.S. evangelical Christian leader, Franklin Graham, received a visit from the President of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Wednesday in Boone, North Carolina.
Franklin Graham welcomes the President of South Sudan government, Salva Kiir Mayardit, to Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Boone, N.C., on January 7, 2009 (photo Samaritan’s Purse)
Graham is the president of the charity Samaritan’s Purse, which said it has spent more than $60 million in the South Sudan in support of four hospitals, new schools and food aid. He is also the son of the charismatic preacher Billy Graham, who gained a large following and was a friend to every living U.S. president.
President Kiir thanked Samaritan’s Purse for assistance during Sudan’s second civil war and for rebuilding 227 churches that were destroyed during the conflict.
During the war (1983-2005), the northern government of Sudan declared jihad against the partly Christian south, prompting some sympathy from Christians in the United States.
“Samaritan’s Purse did not run away from us,” President Kiir said. “They did not abandon us. We will never forget about you.”
Graham told Kiir’s ministers and reporters, “He has been a great friend to us. It is a great privilege.”
The Sudanese leader arrived to the town of Boone after spending Sunday through Tuesday in Washington, meeting with President Bush, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other officials. Kiir, who is himself a Catholic, thanked Franklin Graham and the ministry “for working to strengthen the faith of believers who endured horrible persecution,” said a statement from Samaritan’s Purse.
“Faith is important to the people to determine their destiny,” he said, then describing forced conversions to Islam during the war, in which some Christians renounced their faith.
“Those who resisted are the real Christians,” he said. “And they will have to be supported to become stronger.”
Kiir became the leader of the semi-autonomous region of Southern Sudan after a 2005 helicopter accident took the life of Dr. John Garang, the founder of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), which is now the ruling party of Southern Sudan and a partner in the national government. SPLM has relied on foreign aid money to boost revenues from oil exports in its efforts to govern the vast southern region while contesting for power at the national level.
Samaritan’s Purse plans to rebuild another 110 churches in Sudan during 2009.
Nhial appointment to South Sudan Defense is laced with controversy
Tuesday 23 December 2008 04:44। Printer-Friendly version Comments...
By Isaiah Abraham
December 22, 2008 — The President of the Government of Southern Sudan, H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit has confounded friends and foes one more time and this time, it’s in a big way. Mr. President has made one of his usual belated decisions to appoint Gen. Nhial Deng Nhial one of the bright leaders of South Sudan to become the next second Southern Defense Minister, after the ill fated planed killed Gen. Dominic Dim Deng in May this year. This is a covetous ministry each senior member or regions jostle to convert. At last now we have an NBA basket ball lover (he was one of the players anyway in his student times) becoming forth to non in the hierarchy of Southern Sudan, what would happen to the much circulated rumor under which Gen. Kuol Manyang, the current Jonglei State Governor was link to it? How will it go down with the public, especially supporters of this gentleman. I have specific word to this general at it all and it will be up to him to decide.
Before we fractured that question however, let’s look at the appointment itself, how significant it’s to our current security state of our affairs. What impact would it make for our immediate or short term issues? It’s very significant in that. The curtail has come down to uninvited messengers who juggle between the Presidency and the public about who to fill up that position. But specifically, there would be someone to answer questions in parliament when issues of the defense arise. There are troubles in the army especially issues to do with reorganization and financial management as well as training. A new Defense Minister will have a lot to do to ensure that our army meets the challenges of a true conventional army. In the face of internal and external challenges, the people of Southern Sudan shall watch closely the man in charged of our security; a huge force bloated at the top- many generals and officers with less training and unscreened large army. How is Gen. Nhial going to make changes direly needed by the army right now is another thing, time will tell. Does he has enough military skills and even character to reign over wild Generals who are in hurry with their lives, busy buying companies and houses abroad and inside using 40% army budget? There are rigorous issues in that army that put question to this assignment given Mr. Nhial absence from uniform. We shall wait and see.
Gen. Nhial appointment back to the cabinet is big news to the people of Southern Sudan. Gen. Nhial is an upshot of the liberation struggle and has what it takes to lead Southern Sudan not just a ministry. He talks sense and butter, but also walk his talks. He has tireless stood to ensure that the rights of his people are guaranteed and it came to passed. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) is one of his achievements. His further achievement also is that he managed to bridge negative perception or ideological differences between the United States of America (USA) and the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) while serving as the Movement foreign chief, when the later was accused of being a communist movement. Now his resume has been topped up with the defense portfolio, who shall stop this man from going up to the top after Gen. Kiir and Gen. Dr. Machar retire? He is now a breath away from power, is he going to play it fair and focus or would he throw it away when untouchable generals near him there start to choke his plans, the same late Dr. Justice did. Unfortunately or fortunately, the generals are thanking their ‘stars’, for their prayers are answered. They were really in their knees when the rumor was matured and out that Gen. Kuol was coming to the Defense Ministry. One of the generals from that region this morning couldn’t hide his joys when he started behaving Santa Claus or Christmas man by giving children sweets and the likes while driving because of Gen. Nhial appointment. Make no mistake, Gen. Nhial might not sack anyone but he will use his legal skills and intellectual weights to frustrate our corrupt generals.
But Gen. Nhial departure from the cabinet one a half years ago generated hated arguments among Southern Sudanese about his ability to withstand difficulties or challenges. He was justified few months later when the Minister in charge of Southern Sudan money was implicated in one of the biggest graft in our land- he was relieved from his duties but never charged or tried. Gen. Nhial didn’t like corruption (or he claims it so); he is highly credible and am sure he will do his best there especially that he is so dear to the United States of America. With positive signs tilted towards him nonetheless, Gen. Nhial appointment has been dented by an earlier controversial claim by ‘Ahmed Chol’ or say the media that the position had actually been filed up by Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, the Jonglei State Governor.
The people of Jonglei and Bor in particular where he hails from were excited and that is natural. In disbelief I guess they are now scratching their heads as to what really went wrong. Was it the governor who blew it out himself by breaching the President’s confidence or whether the President himself was the problem or both. Now that the position has snubbed them (or Gen. Kuol) for another home boy of the President, the same place that previously held it, what would be the reaction of these people towards the President in the long run? For now, the business yes might go on as usual but what in the long run or in between- during up coming elections and beyond? Take for granted that the President made that ‘approached’, how did he change his mind so suddenly to make another approach to Gen. Nhial? My guess is like yours; someone must be responsible for that political fiasco, I don’t know who he is. That is about Jonglei people reaction, how about others, how do they think through this drama? Your assignement…
It has been said or denied that nothing has been ‘approached’ and even the governor (Gen. Kuol) was reported to be saying he was misquoted by one of the Tribune writers there in Bor. We don’t know who to believe. It has been however a big relieve that this position has finally been filled. Our phones were breaking up hoarse or crying with people wasting money phoning everyone at night with ‘news’ from the Presidency. They don’t know that some of us have switched off long ago and aren’t interested anymore about any positive news from the Presidency. We are however waiting for a miracle to turn us around! Let me be generous to be general: am congratulating the President and the new Defense Minister and pray that they go ahead with that ministry plans from our late Defense Minister. Plans to strengthen our air defense systems and continuous trainings outside and inside. Gen. Oyai Deng Ajak (Southern Sudan Chief of Staff) did start an excellent deployment criterion (mixture of tribes in the army); it must be followed religiously. Soldiers are soldiers; they belong to no group or tribe: their mixture is critical and it has to go like that! I saw my younger cousin John Loryam Lokwar coming from Aweil this week speaking a bit of Dinka and was surprise how quickly that boy changed. By then he (we) thought these people are ‘animals’.
To General Kuol, there must be a political price to pay; whether he had shown an interest to that position or not, the events surrounding that appointment are embarrassing to the heart. With the quality of leadership and experiences he has, it was unthinkable that he could come public with a claim unless the writer put that word in his mouth and even so, there is no way to let it go. It must be public knowledge that perhaps the President had actually approached him but later changed his mind without consulting him (something not unique to rude employers), some of us can sympathize with that discourteous political gaffe on the side of our leader. The best think he could do therefore, to save his skin, is to resign not in protest but simply to heal from that ‘wound’. Reasons for his ‘healings’ are many but two among them are forcefully standing out: one is trust or confidence. Once that is lost, there is nothing you can do to recover it.
Recall how he came down three times- the first was when he was denied appointment to the same ministry and again when he never made it to SPLM top brass (Governor Agar over jumped him and then his removal from Federal Ministry to Governorship). The President surely has seen something that shunned him from keeping him so close to power or this particular job. To some of us, Gen. Kuol he is a smart hero, whatever capacity he is assigned to, he delivers. I don’t know you but for others he is a villain and murderer. They are missed him. Gen. Kuol will go down in the history of our struggle as a warrior and a liberator who goes by the book (law).
Second, is his integrity: it has suffered a damaged and therefore not easy to re-brand himself before the President for any other serious job at the top. Governor Kuol would be fine representing his people in parliament until leadership changes. He is not too old to be in the next government. For supporters of the Governor, you have to swallow that bitter pill (if its true your man was ‘approached’ or promised the job); but also, its the Presidential constitutional rights of His Excellency the President (Gen. Salva Kiir) to dish out jobs to who he wants. There is nothing you could do but to keep quiet and eat a humble pie; time has come for our President to do what he want to do and tomorrow would be another time for another leader to do his/her part. Let’s stand with our government, the President and our new Defense Minister for the sake of our beautiful land called Southern Sudan.
CHCRISTIAN NEWS 12, 21,2008
Sudan army denies link between war games and ICC indictment
Tuesday 23 December 2008 06:30. Printer-Friendly version Comments...
December 22, 2008 (KHARTOUM) –The Sudanese army today dismissed speculations that war games it conducted is linked to the upcoming decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the case against president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir.
Sudanese soldiers march during a ceremony for the 18th anniversary of the national Popular Defence Forces in Madani Nov 17, 2007 (AFP) The maneuvers that took place over the weekend involved ground and air units under the code name ‘Dawn is one’.
Unidentified sources in the Sudanese capital told the daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat published in London that the military exercises are “precautionary in light of what could happen in case the judges issue an arrest warrant against president Bashir”.
But Lieutenant Colonel Abdel-Samee’ from the army’s spokesperson’s office told the newspaper that the war games are held to celebrate the 54th army anniversary and “has nothing to do with the ICC or anything else”.
He also noted that the celebrations were scheduled to be held in August 14th but were postponed till January 15th.
In mid-July the ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo submitted a new case against Al-Bashir containing counts of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The ICC started a month long judicial recess on December 5th. Most observers expect a decision to be forthcoming next month particularly after remarks by the US and French president.
The exercises come amidst warnings by Khartoum that Darfur Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) is preparing a new attack on the capital.
Today JEM deputy general commander, Suleiman sandal, urged in a press statement released today the Sudanese to remain away from the military positions in all the Sudanese cities and to stay at home because “our attack against these cities is imminent”
In a second separate statement Ahmed Tugud, the secretary of political affairs, called on the Sudanese soldiers to join the rebel movement adding "you are not our enemies." He also pledged to retain their salaries, rights and positions in the army.
On May 10th, the rebel group stormed the twin capital city of Omdurman. More than 222 people were killed in this raid.
Following the JEM attack, Sudanese lawmakers issued a report that was not made public criticizing the army’s performance and recommended that Defense minister be removed.
US SECRETARY OF STATE 12/23/2008
Sudan taunts outgoing US Secretary of State
Tuesday 23 December 2008 04:16. Printer-Friendly version Comments...
December 22, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese Foreign Ministry spokesman referred tauntingly to a recent television appearance by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in which she expressed regret that the U.S. had not done more to end the conflict in Darfur, the westernmost region of Sudan.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Ambassador Ali Al-Sadig, spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, responded to Rice’s interview on Sunday with the MSNBC television programme “Meet the Press.”
The emergency in Darfur, which Rice designated a genocide, will soon enter its sixth year. Experts estimate that some 300,000 people died in the conflict and 2.7 million are still displaced, most of whom are concentrated into massive camps in Darfur or neighbouring eastern Chad.
Rice, replying to a question about the limits of American power, had said “one of the real regrets I’ve had is that we haven’t been able to do something about Sudan.”
She called the lives of people in Darfur “horrible” and said that there is a “horrible tragedy that is unfolding there.” In response, Sadig said that Sudan shares with the U.S. Secretary of State in her regrets on the inability and failure of the United States to contribute to solving the Darfur issue. He continued, "our regret goes for the inability of a major country to assist the African Union and the United Nations to deploy troops in Darfur,” referring to the hybrid UN-AU peacekeeping mission, which is tasked with protecting civilians from government-backed militias and other threats.
Despite the apparent common ground between the two diplomats’ statements, Rice had actually pointed to several areas in which the U.S. did contribute to mitigating the Darfur conflict. Referring to measures that the government of Sudan initially opposed, Rice noted, “We’ve been able to do a lot about the humanitarian situation. We’ve even been able to support getting some peacekeepers onto the ground; and where there are peacekeepers, there’s less violence. But we could’ve done so much more.” Yet Sadig added, "Condoleezza Rice and the administration were capable of doing a lot to settle the Darfur problem but unfortunately they did not do it."
The Sudanese diplomat went on to blame the United States for failing to pressure Darfur rebel movements to come to terms with the government, though the U.S. did in fact pressure the rebels during negotiations in Nigeria in 2006These efforts resulted in one main rebel leader making peace with the government, but the top U.S. envoy to Sudan said last week in Washington that the 2006 agreement actually resulted in greater conflict in Darfur and the senior U.S. diplomat in Khartoum told Sudan Tribune last month that “the majority of the agreement has not been implemented.”Rice’s main point was that the U.S. had not adequately exercised its diplomatic influence with other countries in order to pressure Khartoum: “I think we’ve done a lot unilaterally, but we could’ve done a lot more if the international community were better mobilized.Washington’s frustration with the Sudanese regime resulted in moves to defeat Sudan’s diplomatic efforts in the UN Security Council to block the International Criminal Court’s investigation of President Omer Al-Bashir, who is wanted by the court prosecutor on ten counts of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In a bid for more cooperation from the Sudanese government, President George W. Bush said Dec. 10, “it’s very important for President Bashir of Sudan to know that he cannot escape accountability; that if he so choose, he could change people’s lives, the condition of people’s lives very quickly.”
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We 're responsor by this Church Evagelical Church
FundRaising on 8/30/2008
We had fundraising last month in our Church and it went very well . We had thank God because He was the one who made everything possible to do His wor
We 're Sudanese people who have come in the Us early 90's, and we 're gathered ourselves to formed this Church to become a place for worship for every tribes in Sudanese Communities.we were relocated our first place to worshipped was First Baptist Church of Gallatin, TN,
They were opened their hands to supported Sudanese people. We have held our first worship on february 16, 2003. Rev. Gatluak Duop Dieth, click him here gatluak was the first Pastor and the founder of the Sudanese Christian Community Church,Inc,Our Mission is to spread the Gospels to the needed people and to reminded our young people who were living in US or in aboard so that they will keep our cultures and our idenities.
Now we 're resident here in the Faribault, Mn, the same thing they have given
us the place to worship in the Evangelical Free Church, that where we hold our worship in every sunday afternoon.We were a members of all Churches as well as Evangelical Church, Baptist Church, Naszarene Church, and they 're all our partners.
nasir
beacon university
sudan
south Africa mission
posted by sudanesechristiancc @ 6:24 PM
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