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People of Faith CT
Progressive Politics & Activism!
An Act Modifying Corporate Laws Relating To Certain Religious Corporations
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Bill Number:
1098
Stance:
Support
Status:
Open Summary:
To revise the corporate governance provisions applicable to the Roman Catholic Church and provide for the investigation of the misappropriation of funds by religious corporations.
Progress:
3/11/09, 12 noon, Public Hearing Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building -- POSTPONED.
Action Alert:
Call your legislator today and urge support for Raised Bill 1098. Phone numbers below.
House Democrats: 1-800-842-8267, 860-240-8585
House Republicans: 860-240-8700, 1-800-842-1423
Senate Democrats: 860-240-8600, 1-800-842-1420
Senate Republicans: 860-240-8800, 1-800-842-1421
Talking Points:
- Catholics have a right to know how their weekly financial donations to their parish are being spent. This bill would give them the right to inspect the finances of their parish.
- Not long ago, a priest in the Bridgeport diocese stole parish donations for his personal aggrandizement. He was allowed to get away with this because the parishoners had no means to track how their donations were being spent.
- Catholics have a right to serve on a parish board of directors which would oversee the financial affairs of the parish. This bill would establish such boards.
Read Full Text, excerpts below:
(b) The corporation shall have a board of directors consisting of not less than seven nor more than thirteen lay members. The archbishop or bishop of the diocese or his designee shall serve as an ex-officio member of the board of directors without the right to vote.
(c) The members of the board of directors shall be elected from among the lay members of the congregation at an annual meeting of the corporation. The members of the board of directors shall serve for staggered terms of not more than three years. The members of the board of directors shall owe a fiduciary duty to the corporation and the members of the congregation.
(d) The board of directors shall meet at least quarterly. A majority of the members of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Notice of the meetings of the board of directors shall be sent by mail or electronic mail to each member of the board of directors and be delivered or published in a manner likely to come to the attention of a majority of the members of the congregation.
(e) The general administrative and financial powers of the corporation shall be exercised by or under the authority of the board of directors. Such powers shall include, but are not limited to:
(1) Establishing and approving budgets;
(2) Managing the financial affairs of the corporation;
(3) Providing for the auditing of the financial records of the corporation;
(4) Developing and implementing strategic plans and capital projects;
(5) Developing outreach programs and other services to be provided to the community; and
(6) Any of the powers enumerated in section 33-1036.
(f) The pastor of the congregation shall report to the board of directors with respect to administrative and financial matters.
(g) Any member of the corporation is entitled to inspect and copy, during regular business hours at the corporation's principal office, any of the business records of the corporation including accounting records and financial statements of the corporation if such member gives the corporation written notice of his demand at least five business days before the date on which he wishes to inspect and copy.
(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit, restrict or derogate from any power, right, authority, duty or responsibility of the bishop or pastor in matters pertaining exclusively to religious tenets and practices.