Is it entitled "Articles of Association And Bylaws"? I have a copy of it that was photographed via blackberry from the information board.
It is 3 pages long. Even to my non-legally trained eyes, it is without a doubt a legal document written by WT lawyers. In fact, I think it can be downloaded from the Society's web site if one has the authorization.
It is a document meant to be adopted by the congregation that is the title holder. Or at least, that is what a current elder told me.
In answer to the idea that it is meant for siezing the KH property, well, I haven't read the whole thing yet, but, from what I've read so far, I can see where it allows the Society to do just that. Now whether they intend to do that would be another story. But as far as I can tell (again, I'm not legally trained), it allows for just that.
Here are some tidbits:
Page 1, Article IV - PURPOSES (There are four listed. I just put the gist. Number 4 is verbatim.)
1. To worship Jehovah, support rulership of Christ
2. To gather for instruction, mutual encouragement, and be strengthened to do God's will.
3. To learn the truths of the Bible and faiths and beliefs of JWs, all of which are based upon the Bible. [note: that's how it reads]
4. To recognize the spiritual authority of the ecclesiastical Governing Body of JWs ("Governing Body") [again, that's how it reads except I abbreviated JWs]
Page 2, Article VI - MEMBERS
The members of the Congregation shall be individuals who are fully dedicated to Almighty God, Jehovah, baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, are completely in harmony with the doctrines and organizational arrangements set forth by the Governing Body, and report ministerial activity to the Congregation. Anyone meeting these requirements who is at least 18 years of age shall be designated a member of the Congregation.
Any member who moves from the Congregation or is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses shall be automatically removed from membership in the Congregation without the need of his resignation.
Page 2, Article VIII - AMENDMENT
These articles of Association and Bylaws may be amended or repealed, in whole or in part, by a majority vote of the members at any noticed and scheduled meeting of the Congregation. (I thought this was curious, but probably required.)
Page 2, Article IX - PERSONAL LIABILITY
No member of the Congregation shall be personally liable for any of the debts, liabilities, or obligations of the Congregation.
Page 2, Article X - PROPERTY
(a) The property of the Congregation is irrevocably dedicated to religious purposes, and no part of the net earnings or assets of the Congregation shall inure to the benefit of an elder, trustee, any member of the Congregation, or any private individual. No substantial part of the activities of the Congregation shall consist of the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, nor shall the Congregation participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. (followed by references to US and IRS laws)
Page 3
(b) In the event a dispute ever arises over who is entitled to own or possess the property of the Congregation, if the Congregation cannot decide the dispute in a manner satisfactory to all of the members, the dispute will be decided by Christian Congregation of JWs in the United States, or by any other organization designated by the ecclesiastical Governing Body of JWs. The determination [of said organization] as described herein will be final and binding on all members, including those who may have disagreed or dissented.
Page 3, Article XI - DISSOLUTION
Upon dissolution of the Congregation, after paying or adequately providing for debts and obligations of the Congregation, the remaining assets shall be distributed to Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., a corporation organized under Internal revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) for religious purposes. No assets will be deemed to be received by Watchtower ... until such acceptance is evidenced in writing. If Watchtower ... is not then in existence and exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) ... then said assets shall be distributed to any organization designated by the ecclesiastical Governing Body of JWs that is organized and operated for religious purposes and is an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) ...
Then there is a paragraph for dating when the cong. votes and accepts, and then signiture lines for the service committee.
I think that hits all the parts that would be of interest.
My two typing fingers need a rest.
Take Care
