Article I: The Name
The community shall be known as The Hospitallers of St. Martin of Tours, Veteran (or The Hospitallers of St. Martin).
Article II: Purpose
The Hospitallers of St. Martin is a new monastic Christian Community as defined by the Canon Law of The Episcopal Church that focuses on Prayer, Hospitality, and Reconciliation for veterans and all those who have been affected by war, poverty, and violence.
Article III: Obedience
The Hospitallers of St. Martin observes the doctrine, discipline, and worship of The Episcopal Church as the supreme authority under which it functions in obedience. The doctrine and worship of The Episcopal Church is set forth in the Book of Common Prayer, and authorized additions and supplements thereto. The discipline of the Episcopal Church is set forth in its Constitution and Canons.
Article IV: Governing Documents
- The three documents by which the members of the Hospitallers of St. Martin shall be governed are the Rule of Life, the Constitution, and Bylaws.
- The amendment of the Rule of Life or the Constitution shall require the following majorities of the Council held at the Annual Meeting:
- The Rule requires a seven-eighths majority for amendment.
- The Constitution requires a three-fourths majority for amendment except for those clauses requiring a greater majority for action; in which cases the same majority required for action shall be required for amendment. This exception itself may only be amended by the largest such majority required in any clause of the Constitution.
- Proposed amendments of the Rule of Life or the Constitution must be submitted to the Secretary, in writing, no less than 45 days prior to the beginning of the annual Community Meeting.
- All amendments to the Rule of Life or the Constitution and actions of Annual Meeting become effective immediately upon the adjournment of the meeting at which they are adopted, unless an alternative effective date is specified in the enabling resolution.
- The Bylaws will provide working level procedures and remain as a “living document” that provides enough flexibility to address the needs of a growing community.
- The Bylaws shall be the responsibility of the Secretary.
- Changes to the bylaws requires a simple majority to of the active membership.
- Voting on changes to the bylaws can be done in person, by Email, other electronic methods, or other methods deemed appropriate by the Leadership committee.