CONSTITUTION of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA Ratified by Ballot of the Members January 30, 1983

CONSTITUTION of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA

Ratified by Ballot of the Members January 30, 1983

ARTICLE I NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Section 1. The name of the organization shall be DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA. And as such it DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA shall be organized and shall be operated as a non-profit foundation for purposes exclusively religious, educational, social and charitable as specified under the Articles of Incorporation granted this organization by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in perpetuity, the Twenty-third day of January, 1976.

Section 2. DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA is an autonomous organization which is not responsible to the mandates of any other group, organization, or corporation.

ARTICLE II STATEMENT OF POSITION AND PURPOSE

We believe that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics in our diversity are members of Christ's mystical body, numbered among the People of God. We have an inherent dignity because God created us, Christ died for us, and the Holy Spirit sanctified us in Baptism, making us temples of the Spirit and channels through which God's love might become visible. Because of this, it is our right, our privilege, and our duty to live the sacramental life of the Church so that we might become more powerful instruments of God's love working among all people.

We believe that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons can express their sexuality in a manner that is consonant with Christ's teachings. We believe we can express our sexuality physically, in a unitive manner that is loving, life-giving and life-affirming. We believe that all sexuality should be expressed in an ethically responsible and unselfish way.

DIGNITY is organized to unite gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics, as well as our families, friend and loved ones in order to develop leadership, and be an instrument through which we may be heard by and promote reform in the Church.

To be such an organization, we accept our responsibility to the Church, to our Catholic heritage, to society, and to individual gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics.

1. To the Church: We work for the development of its sexual theology leading to the reform of its teachings and practices regarding human sexuality, and for the acceptance of all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered peoples as full and equal members of the one Christ.

2. To Society: We work for justice and equality through education and by supporting social and legal reforms.

3. To Individual Gay. Lesbian. Bisexual and Transgendered Catholics: to reinforce their self acceptance and their sense of dignity, and to aid them in becoming more active members of the Church and society.

As members of DIGNITY, we promote causes of interest to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics. We have five primary areas of concern and commitment:

1. Spiritual Development We shall strive to achieve Christian maturity through all the means at our disposal, especially the Mass, the sacraments, scripture, personal prayer, and an active love of neighbor.

2. Education We wish to inform ourselves in all matters of faith as well as in all matters that concern the gay/lesbian/bisexual community so that we may develop the maturity of outlook needed to live fulfilling lives in which sexuality and spirituality are integrated, and lives which serve to prepare us for service in the gay/lesbian/bisexual community.

3. Social Involvement As Catholics and as members of society, we shall become involved in those actions that bring the love of Christ to others, and which provide the basis for social reform.

a. With individuals: We wish to lead a life of service to others; we hope to render visible the love of Christ, and to contribute our share in building a community of love.

b. With Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgendered Groups: We wish to work with other groups for the cause of justice within, and in regard to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered community, and to promote the growth of a sense of solidarity among gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered people.

c. With Religious and Secular Groups: We wish to work in ways with such groups that their members may come to better know and understand gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered people, and to recognize injustices currently suffered by gays/lesbians/bisexuals and transgendered peoples.

4. Feminist Issues We shall dedicate ourselves to develop the potential to become more fully human; and to work toward the eradication of all constraints on our personhood based on the ascribed roles of women as well as men.

5. Social Events Activities of a social and recreational nature shall be provided to promote an atmosphere wherein friendships can develop and mature, and whereby an individual's sense of dignity and of acceptance may be strengthened.

We believe that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics in our diversity are members of Christ's mystical body, numbered among the People of God. We have an inherent dignity because God created us, Christ died for us, and the Holy Spirit sanctified us in Baptism, making us temples of the Spirit, and channels through which God's love becomes visible. Because of this, it is our right, our privilege, and our duty to live the sacramental life of the Church, so that we might become more powerful instruments of God's love working among all people.

We believe that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons can express their sexuality in a manner that is consonant with Christ's teaching. We believe that we can express our sexuality physically, in a unitive manner that is loving, life-giving, and life-affirming. We believe that all sexuality should be exercised in an ethically responsible and unselfish way.

DIGNITY is organized to unite gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics, as well as our families, friends and loved ones in order to develop leadership, and be an instrument through which we may be heard by and promote reform in the Church.

To be such an organization, we accept our responsibilities to the Church, to our Catholic heritage, to society, and to individual gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics.

TO THE CHURCH: We work for the development of sexual theology leading to the reform of its teachings and practices regarding human sexuality, and for the acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender peoples as full and equal members of the one Christ.
TO SOCIETY: We work for justice and equality through education and by supporting social and legal reforms.
TO INDIVIDUAL GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER CATHOLICS: We reinforce their sense of self-acceptance and dignity and encourage full participation in the life of the Church and society.

As members of Dignity, we promote causes of interest to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics. We have five primary areas of concern and commitment:

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT: We strive to achieve Christian maturity through the sacraments, Scripture, prayer, an active love of neighbor as ourselves, and liturgical celebrations, especially the Mass.
EDUCATION: We inform ourselves in all matters of faith and of interest to our communities, so that we may grow in maturity and may nurture fulfilling lives in which our sexuality and spirituality are integrated.
SOCIAL JUSTICE: As Catholics and members of society, we involve ourselves in those actions that bring the love of Christ to others and provide the basis of social reform in the Church and society. We are actively involved with:

Individuals: We lead a life of service to ourselves and others, rendering visible the love of Christ and assisting in the creation of love centered communities.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Groups: We work with a variety of other groups to seek justice for all persons and to promote a sense of solidarity within the communities.
Religious and Secular Groups: We work with many groups and organizations so that their members might better understand gay, lesbian, bisexuals and transgender persons and thus recognize and eliminate present injustices.
Health Care: We work to promote equal access and justice in all areas of health care and healing.
Women's Justice Issues: We strive to eradicate sexism and patriarchy in all areas of Church and secular life so that women are wholly included, accepted and welcome.

EQUALITY ISSUES: We dedicate ourselves to develop the potential of all persons to become more fully human. To do this, we work toward the eradication of all constraints on our personhood based on the ascribed social roles of women and men and to promote inclusivity in all areas of liturgical and community life.
SOCIAL EVENTS: We provide activities of a social and recreational nature in an atmosphere where friendships can develop and mature, and where our sense of self acceptance and dignity is affirmed.

ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership is open to all who concur with the Statement of Position and Purpose as set forth in

Article II.

Section 2. Application for membership shall be made to the Vice President. Applicants need not use their family name, nor give their address. All membership information shall be confidential, and shall not be used for other than official DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA and DIGNITY/USA purposes.

ARTICLE IV OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers of the organization shall be as follows: the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and additional executive officers as necessary.

Section 2. Officers shall be elected by means of ballots cast by the membership, received and/or postmarked no later than the established date of election, counted by appropriate officer(s), and certified by an ad hoc committee which shall oversee this purpose. as described in Article IV, Section 9.

Section 3. The term of office for the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be one (1) calendar year or until annual chapter elections have been completed is June 1 through May 31 of the following year. If any office remains vacant, the Steering Committee has the responsibility to appoint a member for the same year.

Section 4. Notice shall be given both verbal and written of the call for nominations of candidates who may choose to stand for office, and shall be given reasonably prior to those meetings convened for the purpose of taking nominations. All candidates shall be nominated during one of two business meetings held on successive weekends during the month of April months of March and/or April.

Section 5. A general election of officers shall be held in the month of May and officers newly elected shall assume their duties on the First day of June 1.

Section 6. An individual shall be is eligible to stand for election to office when such individual shall be is of full legal age as defined by the Commonwealth and shall have been is a member in good standing for a minimum of one (1) year. Officers shall must remain members in good standing for the duration of their respective tenures.

Section 7. No officer shall serve more than two (2) successive terms in the same office.

Section 8. The Steering Committee shall appoint in March an Ad Hoc Elections Committee which shall have a least two (2) members other than members of the Steering Committee.

Section 9 . The Elections Committee with the cooperation of the appropriate officer(s) shall: The responsibilities of the Ad Hoc Elections Committee are:

1. Notify the membership of the call for nominations of candidates who shall choose to stand for election to office.

2. Establish the dates of the general business meetings that shall be convened for the purpose of taking nominations and conduct the business of these meetings. At the time of the last general business meeting for nominations, in the case of uncontested elections, motions shall be accepted from the floor for election by acclamation.

3. In the case of offices for which there is a contested election, forward to the membership ballots to be used in elections which shall list by contested offices the names of the respective candidates nominated to stand for election.

4. Establish the date twenty-one (21) days after the close of nominations as the close of voting. The close of voting will be twenty-one (21) days after the close of nominations.

5. Certify the results of the vote. Certification shall include both the count and the plurality for election to each office.

6. Report the results of the vote to the membership within ten (10) days of the closing date for voting.

ARTICLE V OPERATIONS

Section 1. The Steering Committee shall serve as the Board of Directors for DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA, such Board being required by law under the Articles of Incorporation granted this organization by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The members of the Steering Committee shall be understood to serve in the same capacity and to have the same responsibility as do members of any non-profit corporate Board of Directors.

Section 2. The Steering Committee shall be responsible to plan, to organize, to coordinate, to budget, to report, and to conduct the general operations of DIGNITY/PHILADELPHIA.

Section 3. The Steering Committee membership shall consist of officers elected at large, and of coordinators each of whom shall represent one (1) Standing Committee. The Steering Committee membership shall consist of the officers of the chapter as defined in Article IV, Section 1 and one coordinator for each of the Standing Committees.

Section 4. The Executive Committee shall consist of all the Officers of the Chapter as defined in Article IV, Section 1, and that Executive Committee shall possess full powers of the Steering Committee; such powers to be used in emergency situations as defined by a criterion established in the By-Laws. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Officers of the Chapter as defined in Article IV, Section 1. The Executive Committee shall possess full powers of the Steering Committee to be used in emergency situations as defined by a criterion established in the By-Laws.

ARTICLE VI RECALL FROM OFFICE AND FROM THE STEERING COMMITTEE

Section 1. Members of the Steering Committee may be recalled both from office and from membership on this committee by means of ballots cast by the membership, received and/or postmarked no later than the established closing date of voting any recall, counted by the designated officer(s), and certified by an ad hoc Recall Committee which shall oversee this purpose.

Section 2. Recall shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote by count of the ballots cast by and received of the membership.

Section 3. Notice shall be given by means of a petition for the recall of any member(s) of the Steering Committee which shall state "cause" and shall bear the signatures of either one-third (1/3) of the members of the Steering Committee or one-quarter (1/4) of the membership.

Section 4. A petition for recall shall be dismissed in the event that the member(s) named therein shall resign from office or that the term(s) of office shall expire.

Section 5. The Steering Committee upon receipt of such notice and petition shall immediately certify that the conditions required above are properly met and that necessary cause to initiate recall proceedings therefore exists. The Steering Committee shall appoint an ad hoc Recall Committee which shall have at least two (2) members other than members of the Steering Committee.

Section 6. The Recall Committee with the cooperation of the appropriate officer(s) shall:

1. Forward a copy of the petition to the member(s) named by certified mail within fourteen (14) days of appointment.

2. Notify the member(s) named that a response in writing may be given to the charge(s) cited as cause by the petition for recall within twenty one (21) days of the letter(s) of notification receipt postmark.

3. Forward copies of the petition and of any response(s) made by the member(s) named in the petition as well as ballots to be used in voting the question of recall to the membership no later than ninety (90) days after the letter(s) of notification receipt postmark.

4. Notify the membership of the date for a general business meeting at which reading and discussion of petition for recall shall occur.

5. Establish the date twenty one (21) days after the reading of the petition for recall as the closing date for voting.

6. Certify the result(s) of the vote. Certification shall include both the count and the requirement for recall.

7. Report the result(s) of the vote to the membership within thirty (30) days of the closing date for voting.

Section 1. Members of the Steering Committee may be removed from office and from membership on this committee for ‘cause.’ ‘Cause’ shall be any conduct or action on the part of a Steering Committee member considered in violation of the Constitution and Bylaws of Dignity/Philadelphia or contrary to the best interest of Dignity/Philadelphia.

The action of recall shall occur according to the following:

Section 2. Petition: A petition stating ‘cause,’ as defined above, and requesting the recall of a Steering Committee member shall be submitted to the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will appoint an Ad Hoc Recall Committee. A recall will require a vote of either one-third of the Steering Committee or one-fourth of the membership. A petition for recall is dismissed if the member(s) resigns from the Steering Committee or term of office expires.

Section 3. Suspension of a Steering Committee member: Pending the resolution of the petition, the Steering Committee, by two-thirds vote, shall have the right to suspend the Steering Committee member until completion of the recall process.

Section 4. The Ad Hoc Committee will:

1. Forward a copy of the petition to the named member(s) by certified mail within seven (7) days of appointment.

2. Notify the named member(s) that a response in writing may be given to the charge(s) cited as cause by the petition for recall within fourteen (14) days of the letter(s) of notification receipt postmark.

3. Notify membership within thirty-five (35) days of appointment of the date of a general business meeting for the reading and discussion of the petition and any response. The notice must include copies of the petition and any response(s) made by the named member(s) as well as ballots to be used in voting the question of recall. Ballots must be returned within fourteen (14) days of postmark.

4. Certify the results of the vote by both the total count and the requirement for recall of a simple majority.

5. Report the results of the vote to the membership within thirty (30) days of the closing date for voting.

ARTICLE VII MEETINGS

Section 1. There shall be at least one (1) meeting of the Steering Committee convened each calendar month.

Section 2. There shall be at least one (1) general business meeting of the membership convened quarterly semiannually each calendar year.

ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Amendments to this Constitution may be adopted by means of ballots cast by the membership, received and/or postmarked no later than the established closing date of voting any amendment, counted by the appropriate officers(s), and certified by an ad hoc Constitution Committee which shall oversee this purpose. Amendments to this Constitution may be adopted by means of ballots cast by the membership, received, postmarked and/or emailed no later than the established closing date of voting on any amendment, counted and certified by the Ad Hoc Constitution Committee which shall oversee this purpose.

Section 2. Amendments to the Constitution shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote by count of the ballots cast by and received of from the membership. Amendments to the Constitution require a two-thirds vote by total count of the ballots received from the membership.

Section 3. Notice shall be given by means of a petition to amend the Constitution which shall state the proposal(s) and shall bear the signatures of either one-third (1/3) of the members of the Steering Committee or one-quarter (1/4) of the membership.

Section 4. The Steering Committee upon receipt of such notice and petition shall immediately certify that the conditions required above are properly met and that necessary cause to initiate amendment proceedings therefore exists. The Steering Committee shall appoint an ad hoc Constitution Committee which shall have at least two (2) members other than members of the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee upon receipt of the petition will certify that the amendment conditions are met. The Steering Committee shall appoint an Ad Hoc Constitution Committee which shall have at least two (2) members other than members of the Steering Committee.

Section 5. The Constitution Committee with the cooperation of the appropriate officer(s) shall:

1. Forward copies of the petition as well as and ballots to be used in voting the question of amendment to the membership within ninety (90) days of appointment.

2. Notify the membership of the date for a general business meeting at which reading and discussion of the proposed amendment(s) shall occur.

3. Establish the date twenty one (21) days after the reading of the petition to amend as the closing date for voting.

4. Certify the result(s) of the vote. Certification shall include both the count and the requirement for amendment.

5. Report the result(s) of the vote to the membership within thirty (30) days of the closing date for voting.

Section 5. The responsibilities of the Ad Hoc Constitution Committee are:

1. Forward copies of the petition and ballots to be used in voting the question of amendment to the membership within ninety (90) days of appointment.

2. Notify the membership of the date for a general business meeting at which the reading and discussion of the proposed amendment shall occur. Establish the date twenty one (21) days after the reading of the petition as the closing date for voting.

3. Certify the results of the voting by the total count and the requirement for adoption of a two-thirds majority.

4. Report the results of the vote to the membership within thirty (30) days of the closing date for voting.