Proposed changes to the Constitution of Churches Together in Lichfield and District
June 2025
Background
In February 2025, the Forum agreed changes to the constitution including the change of financial year end from December to March. The current constitution gives the time of the Annual General Meeting in April. This deadline has become too close to the financial year end in March, so the proposed wording gives a range linked to the timing of the year end. Further, the Finance clause specifically mentions cheque signing. Currently, we are able to make payments by on-line bank transfer, so the proposed change in wording reflects this.
FORUM
Current wording; (d) The Forum shall meet not less than three times annually. The Spring meeting (normally in April) shall be the Annual Meeting at which the audited accounts shall be presented, officers elected and annual reports submitted.
Proposed wording (changes in red): (d) The Forum shall meet not less than three times annually. One meeting (normally held within 6 months of the financial year end) shall be the Annual Meeting at which the audited accounts shall be presented, officers elected and annual reports submitted.
FINANCE
Current wording: Each member church shall pay such annual sum to Churches Together in Lichfield & District as shall be agreed at the Annual Meeting of the Forum. The financial year shall be from April to March. Cheques shall require the signature of any of two of the four authorised signatories, who shall be members of the Enabling Group. An honorary auditor shall be appointed at the Annual Meeting.
Proposed wording (changes in red): Each member church shall pay such annual sum to Churches Together in Lichfield & District as shall be agreed at the Annual Meeting of the Forum. The financial year shall be from April to March, prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis. Payments shall require the signature or authorisation of any of two of the four authorised signatories, who shall be members of the Enabling Group. An honorary auditor shall be appointed at the Annual Meeting.