APPENDIX 1—Z

INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS LIBERTY INSTITUTE

This section has been extensively revised; the next publication will include the new materials about the new institute

I–-Purpose

The purpose of the International Center  on Religion and Government is to foster and safeguard a world-wide peaceful relationship between government and religion that respects the individual’s fundamental right to believe, to change belief and to act on belief without interference from government, direct or indirect, except to maintain legitimate societal interests.

II—Functions

1. Gathering and dissemination information about religions freedom internationally for the purpose, among others, or publishing an annual World Report.
2. Augmenting general awareness about the freedoms that correlate with faith and about the basis of those freedoms in sacred and secular texts through periodic lectureships, symposiums, publications and the maintenance of a web-site database.
3. Featuring the expertise of recognized thought leaders in the area of church-state relations in periodic regional and world congresses and the publication of their proceedings.
4. Teaching problem-resolution, advocacy techniques, and the skills of diplomacy through academic departments of the University and through internships in Washington, New York and Geneva; and granting certification to qualified individuals.
5. Networking with governmental and private organizations having similar objectives and standards.

III—Organization

The structure of the Center consists of (1) a Board of Directors assisted by (2) an Executive Director, (3) and Advisory Council, and (4) committees as needed. In addition there is (5) a Faculty of the Center. Specifications follow for each of the above.

IV—Administration

Section I - Board of Directors (Trustees)

Purpose: General authority and responsibility for the Center and its functions.

Ex-Officio Members:     President of Andrews University

                                    Provost

                                    GC Vice President in charge of GC PARL

                                    Director GC PARL

                                    NAD PARL Director

                                    Director Lake Union PARL

                                    Executive Director named by the President of Andrews University.

Appointed Members:   Two persons named by the President of Andrews University

                                    one non-PARL person named by the Director of GC PARL.

Terms of appointment: three years staggered.

Meetings:                     at least twice annually.

Section 2 - Executive Director

The Director has the following specific functions:

• Serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors
• Serves as CEO of the Center, administering the office and day-to-day activities of the Center
• Proposes an annual budget to the Board and provides an annual fiscal report to the Board
• Promotes the interests of the Center within the University and represents the Center before various entities of the church and community.
• Networks with counterpart centers, institutes, and organizations Prepares press releases, brochures and newsletters as directed Creates and maintains a Center website
• Engages interested and able students in Center projects
• Seeks financial support for the Center

Section 3 - Advisory Council

This fifteen-member, non-voting, interfaith and international entity appointed by the Board of Directors offers general guidance regarding the Center ‘s functions and priorities.

Section 4 - Committees

As needs arise, the Board of Directors, in consultation with the Executive Director, appoints standing and/or ad hoc committees for specific purposes.

Section 5 - Faculty of the Center

The Board will appoint faculty in consultation with Andrews University administration.

VI—Physical Location

The Center resides in the office of its Executive Director on the campus of Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan.

VII—Financial Support

The Center functions as a specific restricted fund cost center with its own account number as assigned by the University. Operations of the Center rely on grants and donations except as the General Conference and University choose to fund certain of its activities.

VIII—Dissolution

In the event that the Center is dissolved, all of its assets such as papers and equipment are to be distributed as directed by the Board of Directors.