BYLAWS for
LIGHT PATH RESOURCES -
WORLD WIDE

(An On-Line Free-Church & Ministry, operating at LPRWW.US)

ARTICLE 1 ORGANIZATION

As an On-Line Free Church and Ministry, we participate, do and engage in any and all lawful activities of an On-Line Free Church and Ministry. Light Path Resources - World Wide is a spiritually oriented (NOT religious), humanitarian, research and educational organization. (The term "Light Path" can be interpreted on a variety of levels and the further one progresses with spiritual teachings, the more meaning this term assumes.)

As an On-Line Free Church and Ministry we are a single Director-administered, spiritually oriented organization, with ordained Member Ministers capable of assuming the Directorship at any time. The Director also assumes the functions of Treasurer and Secretary with whatever assistance that may be provided by the Member Ministers, or outside support, as appropriate.

We are strong believers in the separation of church and state to the extent that we do not believe a church (or even a ministry) should be subject to oversight by any individual state (supported by Oregon Revised Statutes 65.042 and 128.640(2)(a)), nor by the federal government. Therefore, as a spiritually based On-Line Free Church and Ministry, we are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS. (From IRS PUB 1828; "Recognition of Tax-Exempt Status - Automatic Exemption for Churches - Churches that meet the requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS." Also, "Religious Organizations - Unlike churches, religious organizations that wish to be tax exempt generally must apply to the IRS for tax-exempt status unless their gross receipts do not normally exceed $5,000 annually.")

One website that discusses these issues very succinctly is Boundries-For-Effective-Ministry.com, with pages of particular importance being:

http://www.boundaries-for-effective-ministry.org/501c3-application.html, "Ministry and the 501c3 Application Gag"
http://www.boundaries-for-effective-ministry.org/separation-of-church-and-state.html, "Separation Of Church And State Is The Church's Job!"
and which was, in turn, guided by the precepts of
http://www.sedm.org/LibertyU/LibertyU.htm

(Side Note, IRS audit: On February 17, 2009, the IRS conducted an in-office audit of this Church's founder for the express purpose of attempting to "rend the veil" of the Church's automatic non-profit status in the 2006 tax year. I informed that office that I would tape record the full session, which forced the IRS auditor to then do the same for their records. A detailed set of written questions were answered in preparation for the audit (here), yet the auditor tried additional questions concerning the Church finances, then rapidly backed off when I stated that such questions were illegal. She said a resolution letter would be sent out within about two weeks, but I didn't receive it until about three months later. They could find nothing to access me for or to follow up on.)

On August 7, 2006 (because of Patriot Act requirements and as a result of an exhaustive search for an alternative solution, including off-shore account with responsible banking institutions), we applied for and received an EIN from the IRS for Church banking account purposes only. We have assured ourselves that this does not impact our very strong belief in the separation of church and state, per the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, it remains to be seen whether this Patriot Act requirement erosion of our First Amendment rights will be otherwise interpreted by the IRS, or any other governmental agency.

To that end, however, this On-Line Free Church and Ministry hereby states that it:

___ is organized and operated exclusively for spiritual and educational purposes,

___ does not allow its earnings to inure to the benefit of any private individual or shareholder,

ARTICLE 2 PURPOSES & MISSION STATEMENT

ARTICLE 2, SECTION 1 - GENERAL

Our Purposes are:

___To help each individual establish a base for themselves which is centered, joyous, prosperous, stress free, healthy, supportive and compatible with the whole physical, psychological and spiritual being. We accomplish this through the presentation of channeled and non-channeled published materials in any format. (The term 'channeled' refers to the expression of universal spirit/spiritual energies being expressed through a human vehicle which, we feel, is within the capability of every human being.)

___We are devoted to the upliftment of mankind through accelerating the spiritual development and inner healing of each individual and answering our quest for our place in the Universe and the God within.

___As a globally conscious organization, we are interested in helping to redefine the world economy through a different perception of 'supply.'

Our mission statement is: Bringing awareness of spiritual principles to daily living.

ARTICLE 2, SECTION 2 - SPECIFICALLY

This On-Line Free Church and Ministry is specifically intended to:

(a) provide any advise, counseling or other duties normally associated with a spiritually based or religious organization;

(b) to promote, publish and distribute highly spiritualized teachings (as defined below) on a world-wide basis;

(c) publish and distribute materials in whatever form necessary (initially as free documents on the internet), and otherwise to assist in the development of enhanced and expanded spiritual and educational opportunities for, and service to, the people of the world;

(d) acquire and provide operational funds for officers, agents, general or specific, including, but not limited to, defraying capital and ordinary expenses; acquiring and/or maintaining appropriate facilities for operation; financing teachers, scholarships and fellowships; sponsoring lectures, conferences, institutes and symposia and providing grants (within the resources of the Church) to any individuals whose knowledge, talent and skill, in the opinion of the Director, contribute importantly to the welfare of humanity or have demonstrated spiritual or academic achievement.

ARTICLE 3 MEMBERSHIP

Beyond the ordained Member Free Church Ministers, there is no specific membership. The Director, the Member Ministry, or the Light Path Resources Charitable Trust Succeeding Trustee shall decide the successor Director and/or the various functional tasks to be carried out in the absence of the initial Director.

 

ARTICLE 4 DIRECTOR

The originating Director is the founding Free Church minister, succeeded by whomever the originating Director, the Member Ministers, or the Charitable Trust Succeeding Trustee decides (The Succeeding Trustee may also designate him/her self as the temporary Director).

ARTICLE 4, SECTION 1 - QUALIFICATIONS

Any Director shall be at least 21 years of age and, preferably, be an ordained minister as recognized by this Free Church and Ministry.

ARTICLE 4, SECTION 2 - POWERS

The activities and affairs of this On-Line Free Church and Ministry shall be conducted, and all powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Director.

ARTICLE 4, SECTION 3 - DUTIES

The Director's duties are to: (a) Perform any and all duties imposed on them collectively or individually by law, or by these Bylaws; (b) Appoint and remove, employ and discharge, prescribe the duties and fix the compensation of any Officers, agents and employees; (c) Supervise any/all Officers, agents and employees of the Ministry to assure that their duties are performed properly; (d) Accomplish those duties assigned to them by these Bylaws, and (e) Meet at such times and places as required by these Bylaws.

ARTICLE 4, SECTION 4 - TERM OF OFFICE

Each Director (other than the originating Directors) shall be elected to office by the majority of the Member Ministers (or the Charitable Trust Succeeding Trustee) and shall hold office until such time as they resign from being the Director, transition, or can be shown to be incompetent or unlawful.

ARTICLE 4, SECTION 6 - COMPENSATION

The Director shall serve without specific compensation except for: (a) reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of his/her duties, (b) nominal housing and/or communications support, depending upon the level of the Ministry's donations and available funds.

ARTICLE 4, SECTION 7 - MEETINGS

Meetings may be held at the principal office of the Free Church, by email, telephone, or any other medium agreed upon, and depending upon the availability of the Director and a quorum of Member Ministers (at least 50%). Meetings shall be presided over by the Director or the Member Minister calling the meeting, or by an elected chairperson for that meeting. The meeting notices be verbal or written, but it is necessary only to establish a quorum for any given meeting. Meeting minutes may be signed off by any member present at the meeting provided these minutes are approved at the next meeting.

ARTICLE 5 OFFICERS

ARTICLE 5, SECTION 1 - DESIGNATION OF OFFICERS

The minimum Officer functions shall be a Director, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, and each of these functions may be combined into the same individual.

ARTICLE 5, SECTION 2 - QUALIFICATIONS, DUTIES AND COMPENSATION

Any person may serve as any Officer at the discretion of the Director. Officers' duties are as outlined in these Bylaws and as designated by the Director. The salaries and other compensation of the Officers shall be fixed by the Director. In addition, any Officer shall be allowed reasonable advancement or reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

ARTICLE 5, SECTION 3 - TERM OF OFFICE\VACANCIES

Officers shall be appointed by the Director. Each Officer shall hold office until s/he transitions, resigns, or is removed by the Director, with or without cause. The Director may fill any Officer vacancy on either a temporary or permanent basis.

ARTICLE 5, SECTION 4 - DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR/PRESIDENT

The Director shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry as well as the Pastor of the Ministry. S/he shall supervise the affairs of the Free Church and Ministry, the activities of the Officers, and shall perform all duties incident to the office and by these Bylaws. The Director shall be capable and ready to perform the duties of any of the Officers in the event of their absence or inability to accomplish their function(s) for any reason. S/he shall execute or delegate the execution of, all daily business authorized by the Board of Directors toward the purposes stated in Article 2 of these Bylaws.

ARTICLE 5, SECTION 5 - DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY

The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of the transactions of all meetings of the Board of Directors, maintain an accurate record of these Bylaws and all changes to these documents, and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Director.

ARTICLE 5, SECTION 6 - DUTIES OF THE TREASURER

The Treasurer shall maintain, have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the Free Church and Ministry, deposit all such funds, keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of properties and business transactions, including accounts of assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains and losses; and perform all duties incident to the office of the Treasurer and which may be assigned by the Director. The Treasurer is authorized to contract the detailed record-keeping to an outside firm.

ARTICLE 6 NON-LIABILITY/INDEMNIFICATION

The Directors, Officers and Member Ministers shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities or other obligations of the Ministry with the exception of acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct, fraud, a knowing violation of law, or the payment of dividends. The Directors and Officers shall be indemnified by the Free Church and Ministry to the fullest extent permissible.

ARTICLE 7 EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS

(a) The Director may authorize any Officer or agent of to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name or on behalf of the Free Church and Ministry. Unless so authorized, no Officer, agent, or specific employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Free Church and Ministry by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable monetarily for any purpose or in any amount.

(b) Any Officer, employee or agent of the Free Church and Ministry is authorized to endorse checks, drafts or other evidences of indebtedness made payable to the Free Church and Ministry, but only for the purpose of deposit.

(c) The Director, the Treasurer, or in both the Director's and Treasurer's absence, the Secretary, are authorized to obligate the Ministry for goods and/or services needed in the normal course of business, with companies or individuals already known to or doing business with the Ministry.

(d) All checks, drafts and other instruments obligating the Free Church and Ministry to pay money shall be signed on behalf of the Free Church and Ministry by signature of the Director, the Treasurer, or in both of their absences, the Secretary.

ARTICLE 8 FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year shall be that of the normal calendar year, from January 1 through December 31.

ARTICLE 9 DOCUMENT PRECEDENCE, AMENDMENT, RECORDS, LOGO & SEAL

ARTICLE 9, SECTION 1 - SEVERABILITY

Should any of the provisions of these Bylaws be held unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the remaining provisions and portions of these Bylaws shall be unaffected by such holding.

ARTICLE 9, SECTION 2 - AMENDMENT OF THE BYLAWS

These Bylaws may only be amended by the Director. In such event, a copy of such amended Bylaws shall be posted on the LPRWW.US web page.

ARTICLE 9, SECTION 3 - RECORDS

This Free Church shall maintain:

* a copy of the Bylaws, as amended to date;
* minutes of all meetings of Director/Member Ministers (as applicable), indicating the time and place of such meetings, how called, the names of those in attendance and the proceedings (these may also include email records);
* adequate and financially correct records of account.

All such records are considered confidential to the interests of the Ministry and shall be accessible only by the Director, Member Ministers, the Officers mentioned within these Bylaws, or the Charitable Trust Succeeding Trustee. No part of these records shall be copied and/or released to any organization or individual, without the consent of the Director, except as provided herein.

ARTICLE 9, SECTION 4 - LOGO AND SEAL

The Director may adopt, use, and alter as necessary a logo and seal. Failure to affix either the logo or seal to any instrument, however, shall not affect the validity of any such instrument.

ARTICLE 10 DISSOLUTION - Upon the dissolution of this Free Church and Ministry by the Board of Directors, the remaining assets, after providing for the debts and obligations of this organization, shall be distributed to a like-minded Free Church or ministry.

ADOPTION OF BYLAWS - The undersigned, constituting the initial Director and incorporator of this Free Church and Ministry hereby consent to, and adopt the foregoing Bylaws, consisting of four pages, as the Bylaws of Light Path Resources - World Wide.

/s/ August 25, 2004

____________________________________ ______________________________

(Signed by) Don Chapin, Director/Minister and Date

FREE CHURCH BYLAW AMENDMENTS

March 14, 2005: Article 4, Section 6(b) modified to provide more flexible support reimbursement, in the spirit of Article 2, Section 2(c). by Don Chapin, Director/Minister

July 8, 2005: As an On-Line Free Church and Ministry, delete all references to IRS requirements. Concomitantly, the website PayPal donation links for the LPRWW-only pages have been deleted. by Don Chapin, Director/Minister

October 15, 2005: Provide for a Director succession that is not restricted to Member Minister voting. At the same time, the change from the use of donated book cover figures from a professional artist to those of an internal design opened up the potential to put the book chapters on-line in "html" format, instead of the more protected Adobe file format. Don Chapin, Director/Minister

January 1, 2006: Clean up some general wording to achieve better uniformity throughout the document, while reformatting to ".HTML." by Don Chapin, Director/Minister

May 10, 2006: Reference Oregon Revised Statutes in "Organization." by Don Chapin, Director/Minister

September 1, 2006: Included EIN application discussion in "Organization." by Don Chapin, Director/Minister

August 4, 2010: Included references to Boundries-For-Effective-Ministry.com and http://www.sedm.org/LibertyU/LibertyU.htm in the "Organization" section, which may well change the topic of our lprww.info website.

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