The laws of the congregation

Chapter 1. Name of the congregation, home and role.
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Article 1. The congregation is called Smárakirkja. Its home is at Sporhömrum 3, 110 Reykjavík. It has a court of law in Reykjavík.
Article 2. The role of the congregation is:
1. To proclaim the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ, i.e. that Christ has atoned for the sins of all men by his death and that redemption is granted to everyone who believes.
2. To proclaim sanctification in word and deed and spiritual growth to him who is the head, Christ.
3. To cooperate with those who want to work for the positive advancement of the Christian faith.
4. To strengthen the preaching of the Christian faith, at home and abroad.
5. To follow the guidance of the Word of God and the Spirit of God in small and large things.
6. Purchase, sale, operation and rental of real estate, which is for raising funds for the work of the church.

Article 3. The church intends to achieve its purpose by:
To hold regular meetings, Bible readings and prayer times as well as through children's and youth work.
To preach its faith and teachings as widely as possible.
To provide material in spoken and written language for spiritual edification and education.
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Chapter 2 Church Members
Article 4. All who believe in the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ and the words of the Holy Scriptures and agree with the creeds and teachings of the church and sincerely want to progress in sanctification and Godly conduct may become members of the church.

Article 5. Those who, in the opinion of the board, have shown in action that they want to belong and work in the church in its spirit may request to become members. If the board approves the application, they shall sign their names on a specially prepared form that is sent to Statistics Iceland.

Article 6. The board of the congregation may remove a person from the congregation if it deems it necessary. This may also be brought up at a congregation meeting.

Article 7. The congregation's fiscal year is the calendar year.

 

Chapter 3 Congregational Meetings

Article 8. The congregational meeting has the highest authority in the affairs of the congregation. A congregational meeting shall be called at least one week in advance and shall be advertised at congregational meetings. A majority of votes shall decide the matters brought before the meeting. The general congregational meeting shall be held in April of each year, or as decided by the board.

Article 9. The chairperson is assigned the role of ensuring that substantive discussion takes place only on the topics of the meeting and is authorized to intervene in the meeting if deemed necessary.

Article 10. Requests to address specific issues at a congregational meeting must be received by the board by March 20, including requests for board membership, and the agenda shall be announced in the notice of the meeting.

Article 11. The sitting chairman of the board shall call a meeting and confirm that he has been summoned in accordance with the congregation's statutes.

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Agenda;
1. Meeting called
2. Proposal for a meeting secretary and chairman submitted for approval
3. Board report
4. Annual accounts presented
5. Discussion of the board's report and annual accounts
6. Approval of annual accounts
7. Election of the board
8. Other matters (proposals and inquiries)
Article 12. An extraordinary general meeting shall be held if the congregation's board deems it urgent or if 20% of the congregation's full members so request. The meeting shall be called in the same manner as the general meeting, and the agenda shall be announced in the notice of the meeting.

Article 13. The board of the church shall be elected at a church meeting by secret ballot. The names of up to 5 members of the church shall be written on a form. Members of the church who are 18 years of age or older have the right to vote. Those who, through their presence and means (tithes and offerings), contribute to the growth and prosperity of the church and also fulfill other requirements of the Scriptures are eligible to vote. At church meetings, the board may be asked to give an account of their work. Two election officers are selected from the hall from among the full members of the church. These officers are responsible for collecting ballots and counting the votes. The chairman of the meeting decides on doubtful votes.

Article 14. The church's bylaws may only be amended at church meetings, and this requires a 3/4 vote of those present. Proposed amendments to the bylaws shall be well advertised in the meeting notices.

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Chapter 4 Church Board

Article 15. The board of the congregation shall consist of five members and one alternate. The director plus four others, who are elected at a congregational meeting. The director shall be elected separately, but the board members shall all be elected at the same time. The alternate is the person who receives the next most votes without being elected to the board. An alternate takes his seat if a board member is absent continuously for more than 3 months.

Article 16. The board of the congregation shall manage its affairs, within the limits set by the congregational law. The board shall make decisions on the activities of the congregation and shall be responsible for its finances. It shall bind the congregation to other parties, and the signature of the director and treasurer shall be sufficient for this.

Article 17. The composition of the board may be reviewed at a congregational meeting.

Article 18. Board meetings shall be called in a reliable manner and with one day's notice if possible. A board meeting shall constitute a quorum if three or more members of the board are present. The number of votes shall determine the outcome of board meetings. In the event of a tie, the vote of the chairman shall determine. The decisions of the board shall be recorded in the books.

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Chapter 5. Miscellaneous provisions
Article 19. If a proposal is made to dissolve the congregation, it shall be subject to the same treatment as a proposal to amend the law, cf. Article 10.
Article 20. If the congregation is dissolved, its assets shall be used for missionary work and Christian preaching.