CONSTITUTION

 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BIBLICAL EDUCATION (IABE)

1. NAME

The name of the organization shall be the International Association for Biblical Education (IABE).

2. MISSION

IABE is dedicated to promoting excellence in theological education by accrediting theological institutions that demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and service, and empowering them to produce graduates who are equipped to fulfill the Great Commission and advance God’s Kingdom.

3. OBJECTS

1. To promote excellence in biblical education by accrediting theological institutions that demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and service.

2. To empower accredited institutions to produce graduates who are equipped to fulfill the Great Commission and advance God’s Kingdom.

3. To establish, maintain, and publish standards for accreditation of theological institutions.

4. To conduct periodic evaluations of accredited institutions to ensure continued compliance with IABE standards.

5. To provide resources and support for the development and improvement of theological education.

6. To foster a community of institutions and individuals committed to the highest standards of biblical education.

7. To represent and advocate for the interests of theological institutions in relevant forums and with governmental and non-governmental bodies.

8. To organize conferences, seminars, workshops, and other educational activities to promote the objects of the IABE.

9. To engage in fundraising activities and seek donations, grants, and other funding to support the activities and objectives of the IABE.

10. To do all such other lawful things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objects.

4. MEMBERSHIP

1. The membership of the IABE shall be open to theological institutions, individuals, and organizations that subscribe to the objects of the IABE and meet the criteria for membership as determined by the Board of Directors.

2. The procedure for admission to membership and the rights and obligations of members shall be prescribed in the by-laws of the IABE.

5. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. The IABE shall be governed by a Board of Directors, which shall be responsible for the management and administration of the affairs of the IABE.

2. The composition, powers, and duties of the Board of Directors shall be prescribed in the by-laws of the IABE.

3.The term of office for each Director shall be three years, with the possibility of reelection for one or more additional terms as may be specified by resolution of the Board of Directors.

6. OFFICE BEARERS

 6.1 PRESIDENT

1. The President shall preside over all the meetings of the Board of Directors and general meetings .

2. The President shall direct other officers to execute the resolution of the Association.

3. The President works in consultation with the Director cum CEO of the Association to establish agendas for the meetings of the general assembly and the executive committee.

6.2 VICE PRESIDENT

1. The Vice President shall assist the President in the performance of their duties and shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board of Directors.

2. In the absence or inability of the President, the Vice President shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President.

6.3 SECRETARY

1. The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining the records of the IABE, including minutes of all meetings, membership records, and other official documents.

2. The Secretary shall issue notices of meetings and shall be responsible for the correspondence of the IABE.

6.4 TREASURER

1. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the financial affairs of the IABE, including the custody of funds, maintenance of financial records, and preparation of financial statements.

2. The Treasurer shall present financial reports to the Board of Directors and the General Meetings and shall perform all such other duties as are incidental to the office.

6.5 DIRECTOR CUM CEO

1. The Director cum CEO shall be the chief executive officer of the IABE.

2. The Director cum CEO shall oversee the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the IABE under the guidance of the Board of Directors.

3.The Director cum CEO shall execute the decisions and policies of the Board of Directors and shall report to the Board on all operational matters.

4.The Director cum CEO shall represent the IABE in external affairs, negotiations, and partnerships, and shall act as the primary spokesperson for the organization

7. MEETINGS

7.1 GENERAL MEETINGS

The IABE shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) once a year, within six months of the end of the financial year, to transact the following business:

1. Presentation and approval of the annual report and financial statements.

2. Appointment of auditors.

3. Any other business as may be prescribed in the by-laws or as decided by the Board of Directors.

4. Special General Meetings may be called by the President or by a resolution of the Board of Directors or by a written request of at least one-third of the members.

7.2 BOARD MEETINGS

1. The Board of Directors shall meet at least quarterly to discuss and decide on the management and administration of the IABE.

2. The President shall preside over the Board Meetings. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside.

3. Notice of Board Meetings shall be given to all members of the Board at least seven days in advance.

7.3 QUORUM

1. The quorum for the General Meetings shall be one-third of the total membership.

2. The quorum for the Board Meetings shall be a majority of the members of the Board.

7.4 VOTING

Decisions at all meetings shall be made by a majority vote of the members present and voting, except as otherwise provided in this Memorandum of Association or in the by-laws.

Each member shall have one vote. In the event of a tie, the presiding officer shall have a casting vote.

8. COMMITTEES

1. The Board of Directors may establish committees as deemed necessary to carry out the objects of the IABE.

2. Each committee shall have a chairperson appointed by the Board of Directors.

3. The duties and responsibilities of each committee shall be defined by the Board of Directors.

9. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

1. The fiscal year of the IABE shall be from 1st April to 31 March of every succeeding year.

2. The Treasurer shall prepare an annual budget for approval by the Board of Directors.

3. All funds of the IABE shall be deposited in accounts designated by the Board of Directors.

4. All disbursements shall be made by checks signed by the Treasurer and one other designated officer, or by other means as approved by the Board of Directors.

5. An annual audit of the IABE’s financial records shall be conducted by an independent auditor appointed by the Board of Directors.

10. RECORD KEEPING

1. The Secretary shall maintain accurate minutes of all meetings of the IABE, including General Meetings and Board Meetings.

2. The Secretary shall maintain a register of members, including their names, addresses, and other relevant details.

3. All records of the IABE shall be open to inspection by members at reasonable times.

11. CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Members of the IABE shall adhere to a code of conduct as prescribed by the Board of Directors.

2. Any member found to be in violation of the code of conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of membership, as determined by the Board of Directors.

12. AMENDMENTS

Any amendment to this Memorandum of Association shall be made in accordance with the procedures prescribed in the by-laws of the IABE and shall be approved by at least two-thirds of the members present and voting at a General Meeting.

13. NON-PROFIT NATURE

The IABE is a non-profit organization. All income, earnings, movable or immovable properties of the IABE shall be solely utilized and applied towards the promotion of its aims and objects only as set forth in this Memorandum of Association.

14. ESTABLISHMENT

1.The IABE was established in the year 2015 with the aim of promoting excellence in biblical education.

2. The IABE was officially registered under the Indian Registration Act in the year 2021, with registration number 41172101966.

15. DISSOLUTION

In the event of dissolution or winding up of the IABE, the assets remaining as on the date of dissolution shall under no circumstances be distributed among the members of the Board of Directors, but shall be transferred to another charitable non-profit organization whose objects are similar to those of the IABE and which enjoys recognition under the Income Tax Act, as decided by the Board of Directors.

This Memorandum of Association is hereby adopted by the founding members of the International Association for Biblical Education (IABE)  in the year of 2021.