United Church of God, an International Association

Rules of Association

Amended May 7, 2017

© United Church of God, an International Association
P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, Ohio 45254-1027
Phone (513) 576-9796
www.ucg.org

Preamble to the Rules of Association for the UCGIA

These are the Rules of Association (“RoA”) for the United Church of God, an International Association (“UCGIA”), adopted by the Council of Elders (“Council”) and ratified by the General Conference of Elders (“General Conference”). (For a better understanding of terms and abbreviations used throughout these Rules, refer to: Chapter 1—Definitions and Spiritual Integrity.)

The General Conference, the Council, National Councils and local congregations agree to abide by these rules for the purpose of Christian unity. All are willing to submit to the greater call of God and to each other for the purpose of pleasing God.

The mission of the United Church of God, an International Association, is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God in all the world, make disciples in all nations and care for those disciples. As individual nations (or groups of nations) with National Councils and local congregations, we are willing to work together for the good of the whole. We accept the instructions given by the apostle Peter as our guideline for this association: “Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter:5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.–6 NKJV). We also incorporate the instructions of the apostle Paul detailing the nature of our calling and of our unity in the Body of Christ (Ephesians:4:1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,–8, 11–16).

General Organizational Structure of UCGIA

UCGIA is both a physical legal entity and a spiritual body composed of local congregations made up of individual Church members and affiliates.

Every ordained elder in good standing of UCGIA throughout the world is eligible to be a member of the General Conference and, if choosing to be a member of the General Conference, is also a member of UCGIA, a Nonprofit Religious Corporation, incorporated in the State of California and registered or permitted to operate in the other states of the U.S.

The Council (selected by the General Conference) functions as a board of directors. The Council establishes policies and provides direction and oversight to enable the proper management of the day-to-day affairs of UCGIA.

The Constitution and Bylaws of UCGIA, and these Rules of Association, and the policies of the General Conference establish and define (1) local congregations and their members, wherever located, and (2) National Councils and their lines of responsibility and operation.

Purpose and Function of the Rules of Association

The RoA are designed to further good relationships within UCGIA and to effectively facilitate the work of UCGIA. These rules are subordinate to the governing documents of UCGIA as well as the legal documents of the National Councils in their respective nations if differences with these RoAs are required by local law. Their integrity derives from the spiritual ethic of love and mutual submission (Philippians 2:3; Ephesians:5:21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. and other scriptures).

Geographic Scope of Rules

The RoA are designed to guide the activities of UCGIA throughout the world. If any rule promulgated herein is in conflict with the law of any sovereign state, then, except as enjoined in Scripture, a member of the association is expected to give preference to the law of the sovereign state.

Amending the Rules of Association

The Constitution of UCGIA provides for the amending of the RoA. The process for amending these rules shall be the same as the process for amending the Bylaws or the Constitution of UCGIA as outlined in said Bylaws.

Chapter 1: Definitions, Roles and Spiritual Integrity

Definitions

Rule 1-100 Definitions

To aid in a clear understanding of the RoA, the following definitions are offered. Some of these terms have definitions that are unique to UCGIA. Therefore it is important that these definitions be understood in this context.

Advisory Councils/Committees: Groups of UCGIA members that may be formed in local congregations to assist in the organization and administration of local programs. These groups are defined as “advisory” in the Constitution of UCGIA. The formation of such groups should be a cooperative effort between the pastor and membership. See Rule 1-110.

Affiliates: Affiliates are those who participate in and worship within UCGIA, but are not members of UCGIA. They may be prospective members, relatives of members, or duly baptized persons who attend but have not chosen to become UCGIA members.

Church: The Church in its broadest sense is the Body of Christ and is composed of individuals in whom God’s Holy Spirit dwells and are striving to obey His laws. However, the term “Church” if used in these rules applies to those who are members of UCGIA.

Church Member: An individual who has been duly baptized and has the gift of God’s Holy Spirit is a member of the Church of God regardless of organizational affiliation. (Acts:2:38-39[38]Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.[39]For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.; Romans:8:9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) However the term “Church Member” or “Member of the Church” as used in the governing documents of UCGIA applies only to an individual who has been duly baptized, and who is and remains a member in good standing of UCGIA, and may be listed on the membership rolls of UCGIA (where available). This is distinct and separate from being a “Balloting Member of the Corporation” as described in the Bylaws of UCGIA.

Governing Documents: The Articles of Incorporation, the Constitution, the Bylaws and the RoA of UCGIA are considered the governing documents of UCGIA.

Home Office: As stated in the Constitution of UCGIA, the Home Office is the principal place of business and its personnel who serve UCGIA by implementing and administering operations and policies adopted and approved by the General Conference and the Council or as delegated in the Constitution and Bylaws of UCGIA.

Local Congregation: An assembly of UCGIA members and affiliates, wherever located, pastored by a minister recognized by UCGIA and governed by the published RoA and the Constitution of UCGIA, shall constitute a local congregation of UCGIA. For further information see Rule 1-120.

Member Congregations of UCGIA: Local congregations, pastored by an elder who is recognized by UCGIA, are member congregations of UCGIA. National Councils and the local congregations they serve are also members of UCGIA.

Minister/ Elder: The terms minister (or ministry) and elder are used interchangeably throughout the governing documents. No distinction is intended. A minister is a servant of God’s people who has been ordained to the office of the ministry. He is by definition an elder. An elder in good standing is further defined by UCGIA governing documents or policy.

National Council: A council or board that is established to meet the requirements for legal recognition of UCGIA, or serve the administrative needs of UCGIA in nations other than the United States of America, is a National Council. For further information see Rule 1-130.

United Church of God, an International Association/UCGIA: This is the name of and abbreviation for the United Church of God, an International Association, a Nonprofit Religious Corporation, incorporated in the State of California and registered or permitted to operate in the other states of the United States.

United Church of God/UCG: This is the shortened version of UCGIA name used by UCGIA affiliated local congregations (within or outside of the U.S.) and by National Councils in countries outside the U.S. That UCG name, if available, is used with a location of such UCGIA affiliated congregation (e.g. UCG-Denver) or country (e.g. UCG-Brazil).

Roles

Rule 1-110 Church Membership

An individual who has been duly baptized and has the gift of God’s Holy Spirit is a member of the Church of God regardless of organizational affiliation. (Acts:2:38-39[38]Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.[39]For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.; Romans:8:9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) However the term “Church Member” or “Member of the Church” as used in the governing documents of UCGIA applies only to an individual who has been duly baptized, and who is and remains a member in good standing of UCGIA, and may be listed on the membership rolls of UCGIA (where available). This is distinct and separate from being a “Balloting Member of the Corporation” as described in the Bylaws of UCGIA.

Rule 1-120 Local Congregations

As defined, a local congregation is an assembly of UCGIA members and affiliates, wherever located, pastored by a minister recognized by UCGIA, and governed by the published RoA and the Constitution of UCGIA. The organizational structure of a local congregation may consist of elders, deacons, deaconesses and UCGIA members. In addition to this structure, advisory councils or committees may be formed.

Within the United States: In the U.S. according to the governing documents of UCGIA, the Home Office serves the local congregations by administering the policies adopted and approved by the General Conference and the Council.

Outside of the United States: In areas outside the U.S. where a National Council exists, local congregations are administered by the National Council and pastored by an elder recognized by UCGIA. In areas outside the U.S. where there is no National Council and no desire to form one, local congregations are administered by a neighboring National Council or by the Home Office. (see Rule 1-130)

Rule 1-130  National Councils

National Councils are established pursuant to the Constitution of UCGIA to meet the requirements for legal recognition of UCGIA or serve the administrative needs of UCGIA in nations other than the U.S. These National Councils shall conduct themselves in accordance with the Scriptures, the UCGIA Constitution, their legal documents, the RoA and applicable law.

In areas where there is no National Council (and no desire to have one), the brethren, in consultation with the Home Office and the Council, will determine the status of administration they will seek within UCGIA. The choices are either a local congregation (or congregations) functioning under the administration of the Home Office or a local congregation (or congregations) functioning under the administration of a neighboring National Council.

Refer also Rule 3-100 Establishment of National Councils

Spiritual Integrity

Rule 1-140 Doctrine

All local congregations and National Councils of UCG accept and uphold the basic doctrines as listed in the Constitution of UCGIA. Each realizes that this is not a complete listing of the doctrines of UCGIA. Each accepts the apostle Peter’s instruction in 2 Peter:3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. “. . . grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (NAS). Therefore, each must be willing to abide by the process for doctrinal development as outlined by the Council and adopted by the General Conference.

Rule 1-150 Qualifications for Membership

In order to be, and remain, a part of UCGIA, all local congregations and National Councils agree to adhere to the following standards. Each agrees to:

1. Accept and uphold the fundamental beliefs of UCGIA as stated in the Constitution.
2. Abide by the decisions of the Genera Conference and the Council with respect to the goals and purposes of UCGIA.
3. Abide by the decisions of the General Conference and the Council with respect to matters of governance, provided these do not conflict with local or national law.
4. Work within the constitutional structure of UCGIA if desiring to bring about changes or improvements in doctrine, goals and purposes, or matters of governance and support and assist the Council in curtailing divisive behavior on the part of anyone in the ministry or membership.

Rule 1-160 Authority for Compliance

The Council and the General Conference, respectively, are authorized to adopt and ratify these rules. The local congregations and National Councils of UCG agree to conform to the conditions set forth in these rules by these bodies, provided such conditions do not conflict with national or local law.

Rule 1-170 Affirmative Duty of Devotion

Each member of UCGIA agrees to support all others who are members of UCGIA in complying with these rules. Therefore, no one who is a member of UCGIA shall assist in, solicit or induce any violation of these rules.

Rule 1-180 Use of the Name “United Church of God, an International Association”

The name “United Church of God, an International Association,” is the name of this Church organization, which is an incorporated entity in the U.S. that has been established by the General Conference. The name “United Church of God, an International Association,” is reserved for use by the Church organization in the U.S., unless the Council gives permission for other usage. If there is no desire to use the name “United Church of God, an International Association,” it is recommended that members of the association use the name “United Church of God—(Location),” for example “United Church of God—France.”

For legal and financial reasons, local congregations in the U.S. may not use the name “United Church of God, an International Association” without permission from the Council. Unless this permission is given to a local congregation in the U.S., it is recommended that the name “United Church of God—(Location),” for example, “United Church of God—St. Louis,” be used.

In nations where it is not possible to follow this pattern, representatives from the nation so affected shall seek a name, which incorporates “Church of God” in the title, and seek the recommendation of the Council as to further descriptive language. Such use is permitted by virtue of association with UCGIA.

Chapter 2: Local Congregations

Rule 2-100 Administration

A local congregation of UCGIA, wherever located, is pastored by an elder who has credentials from and is recognized by UCGIA. The pastor shepherds the local congregation and may be assisted by elders, deacons, deaconesses and UCGIA members. In addition to this structure, advisory councils (which term can include advisory committees and/or local advisory boards of directors) may be formed within each congregation for the administration of local church programs through a cooperative effort between the pastor and the congregation.

Where there is no National Council, local congregations are administered either by the Home Office or a neighboring National Council as indicated in Chapter 1.

Rule 2-110 Collection of Funds

Within the United States: Tithes and offerings are collected by the Home Office, and may also be collected by local congregations. Congregations that collect tithes and offerings locally are asked to pay their local operating expenses and then send the excess to the Home Office to assist in funding the mission of UCGIA, including salaries for those employed in the ministry as well as the other administrative and service obligations of UCGIA worldwide. An appropriate balance established by the local congregation above and beyond operating costs, may be kept in local accounts and reported annually to the Home Office for budgeting purposes.

Money raised for specific local congregation activities is not to be considered when establishing appropriate balances for local accounts, nor are special donations given as restricted funds for use beyond local congregation activities.

Any funds raised for a local building project should be managed in compliance with the Local Church Building Policy adopted by the Council. (See also Rule 2-120)

Outside the United States: National Councils will establish their own procedures for the collection of tithes and offerings for their respective areas. Whether funds are collected locally or sent to a central source is determined by each National Council.

General Principles: To assist UCGIA  in its ability to present a complete financial picture of the organization, all U.S. congregations, through the local pastor or those he may designate, shall report the annual total of locally collected tithes and offerings to the Home Office in the manner and frequency established by the Treasurer

Local congregations outside the U.S. shall follow guidelines established by the appropriate National Council. All congregations shall prepare annual budgets and follow budget guidelines given by the Treasurer or by National Councils in their respective areas. The Home Office, or National Council, whichever is the applicable administrative body, will work with the local congregations in order to achieve a mutually agreed upon budget.

Rule 2-120 Local UCG Buildings

Each local congregation within the U.S. that desires to build or purchase a church building agrees to abide by the Local Church Building Policy of the UCGIA, approved by the Council of Elders. A copy of said policy is available on request from the Home Office or the Council.

In areas outside the U.S. administered by the Home Office, congregations that desire to build or purchase a building for Sabbath and/or holy day services or other church related activities agree to abide by the Local Church Building Policy of UCGIA, approved by the Council. A copy of said policy is available on request from the Home Office or the Council.

In areas outside the U.S. under their own administration, local congregations that desire to build or purchase a building for Sabbath and/or holy day services or other church related activities agree to comply with the policy developed by their National Council.

Rule 2-130 Ministerial Transfers

All elders employed by UCGIA are subject to transfer and/or change in job description.

Ministerial transfers within the U.S. shall conform to the transfer policy approved by the Council (such policy available on request). Because of the great sensitivity involved in any ministerial transfer, great care and effort will be exercised when arriving at each transfer decision.

The effect upon the congregation, the minister and his family will be considered.

Outside the U.S., the appropriate National Council (or its designee) will make these decisions. Transfers between nations where there is more than one National Council involved will require the approval of both national councils and the Council, in consultation with the Home Office (as applicable). In the event of an unresolved dispute in the matter of transfers in areas outside the U.S., the matter shall be taken to the Council (or its designee) for a decision.

Rule 2-140 Local Corporations in the United States

Local congregations in the U.S. may incorporate if they wish to do so. There is no legal requirement in the U.S. to be incorporated in order to collect funds; therefore, each congregation should analyze all the facts when deciding whether or not to incorporate. Whether to incorporate or not shall remain a local decision for each congregation. The Home Office should be notified of the formation of any new corporations. Appropriate legal counsel (as well as seeking input from the UCGIA attorney) and support from the local congregation should be sought prior to either the creation of such local corporations or the dissolution of any existing corporations. The fact that a local congregation in the U.S. is incorporated does not exempt the congregation from adherence to the Constitution and Bylaws of UCGIA and to these RoA. In addition, it is the policy of UCGIA that all real property assets of all UCGIA congregations (whether the congregation is incorporated or not) are to be placed in the (full corporate) name of UCGIA.

Chapter 3: National Councils

Rule 3-100 Establishment of National Councils

National Councils are established to meet the requirements for legal recognition of UCGIA or serve the administrative needs of UCGIA in areas or nations other than the U.S.  All National Councils must be acknowledged by the Council. Each current or future National Council or congregation currently associated with UCGIA is considered to be a part of, and associated with, UCGIA. Future congregations or National Councils may become members of the association through their proper and legal representatives and upon acknowledgment by the Council of Elders. Since National Councils are subject to the laws of their respective countries, they are expected to be either directly responsible for the administration of UCGIA, or entrusted with the management of the work of and representation for UCGIA in their respective countries. (Refer also Rule 1-130 National Councils)

In order for a National Council to be recognized as a member of this association, all individual members of said National Council officers, directors, trustees or voting members of the corporations or other governing structures of National Councils must be, and remain, members in good standing of UCG (see Chapter 1 of these rules for definition).

National Councils with structures and/or governance inconsistent with these RoA should alter them to be consistent as soon as possible unless local law prohibits the changes. Otherwise, permission should be sought from the Council to allow such inconsistency. Each National Council shall ensure that the Home Office legal counsel has a current copy of their legal documents and shall furnish that office with any proposed amendments thereto before they are adopted.

Rule 3-110 Administration

Each National Council shall maintain its own legal and administrative structure and direct its own affairs in accordance with its legal documents, these RoA, the Constitution of UCGIA and other applicable law. Each National Council will be, in its own country, the official representative of UCGIA. In turn UCGIA shall have, or be represented by, only one duly constituted National Council or equivalent body in each country, area of incorporation or geographical responsibility.

All congregations located in nations outside the U.S., in areas where there exists a duly recognized National Council, shall be administered by that National Council, its legal documents, appropriate national law, the Constitution of UCGIA and these RoA. Therefore, such congregations are ineligible to seek direct oversight as a local congregation, or as a separate entity answering to the Home Office or a neighboring National Council. Any conflict or dispute in this respect, which cannot be resolved, shall be referred by any one or all of the parties concerned to the Council, or those it designates, for resolution.
National Councils exist outside the U.S., but there is no requirement to form a National Council in order for congregations or individual UCGIA members to have membership in UCGIA.

Rule 3-120 Establishing a Legal Structure

To the extent where legally possible, each National Council is responsible for choosing the legal structure that most effectively enables legal recognition of UCGIA or serves the administrative needs of UCGIA in those nations and to accomplish UCGIA’s mission within that area and to provide the maximum protection for the members of UCGIA and UCGIA (or its members’ assets). These structures may consist of separate corporations, unincorporated associations, trusts or, if permitted, by registration of UCGIA as a foreign corporation doing business in that country or similar governance with more direct oversight by the Home Office.

Each National Council shall consult with the attorney(s) designated by the Council, in cooperation with local legal counsel, if needed, in determining which structure is best. To the extent possible (unless prevented by national or local law), the legal documents of each National Council shall establish UCGIA as the general association of which that National Council and its congregations are a part, or a member.

Local congregations in countries where there is no National Council may choose to set up a legal entity for the purpose of serving UCGIA and protecting UCGIA’s assets.

Rule 3-130 Coordination of Resources

Each National Council of UCGIA agrees to participate with the Council and the Home Office of UCGIA (where appropriate) in the development of programs for the purpose of sharing available information and resources so that the mission of UCGIA may be accomplished and those resources properly protected. These programs will be developed through mutual cooperation among the Council, the Home Office and each respective National Council.

Member and subscriber records are vital assets in the worldwide work of UCGIA and should be protected against any eventualities that could affect the use or retrieval of those records by UCGIA. Therefore, National Councils shall provide the Home Office  with a complete database listing of the names, addresses and other available contact information for all UCGIA members, associates, donors and subscribers, unless prohibited by, or it contravenes  national laws. UCGIA agrees to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of all such lists and (unless in emergency cases) seek the approval of the National Council involved regarding Home Office use of the same, National Councils shall send a current update of all such records to the Home Office, or its mutually agreed upon designee, no later than January 1 and July 1 of each calendar year.

Rule 3-140 Financial Subsidies

Each year as a part of the budget process, National Councils may submit to the Home Office of UCGIA any request for financial subsidy. Along with the subsidy request, a financial statement showing the income and expenses for the current year and a proposed budget for the coming year should be included. UCGIA is committed to providing financial subsidies, as funds permit, to areas that have need outside the U.S. The final decision for financial subsidies will reside with the Council and the General Conference as part of the budget approval process.

Chapter 4: Relationships and Duties

Rule 4-100 Dissemination of Teachings

All local congregations agree to participate in and support the development and teaching of doctrine for the edification of UCGIA and the proclamation of the gospel. This must be reflected by the National Councils providing their congregations access to key publications of the Home Office, including videos and periodic correspondence from the president, the Council and others. Local pastors in the U.S. also agree to properly transmit information and communication from the Home Office, the General Conference and the Council to the congregations that they pastor. All agree to participate in a process for the further development of methods that allow for effectively spreading and teaching the truth of the Bible, allowing for consideration of the cultural context of the countries in which they are located.

Rule 4-110 Ordination of Elders

All local congregations and National Councils agree to the process for the ordination and/or credentialing of elders as adopted by the Council. Each National Council agrees to accept the scriptural standards and qualifications for elders and abide by the relevant articles of the Constitution of UCGIA. Since elders are expected to teach and are admitted to the General Conference, the Council must give final authorization for their ordination and/or credentialing.

Rule 4-120 Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is important for the well-being of each member of UCGIA. The Council has developed policies for the resolving of conflicts among UCGIA members and the ministry. These policies may be adapted, but shall be applied in principle among all local congregations and National Councils of UCGIA. The Council may adopt other policies and procedures regarding conflict resolution as needed. All such polices are available upon request from the Home Office or the Council. 

Rule 4-130 Interpretation and Enforcement       

Consistent with the governing documents that provide for the day-to-day operation of UCGIA, the Council is authorized to interpret the meaning and provide for the enforcement of these RoA.

Rule 4-140 Position of Home Office

The Home Office serves as corporate headquarters for UCGIA. The Home Office staff are charged with both serving and providing administrative oversight for all U.S. congregations. They will assist and cooperate with the National Councils when requested and wherever possible. Local congregations outside the U.S. without a National Council, are directly administered from the Home Office or their designees, or they may choose to operate under the administration of a National Council in a nearby country.

Chapter 5: Asset Protection 

Rule 5-100 Assets to be Held in Trust for Those Affiliated with UCGIA

To the extent legally permissible in any specific geographic area or nation, all tangible and intangible assets in possession of members, congregations or National Councils (or other equivalent Governing Bodies) affiliated with (and thus a part of) UCGIA under the RoA are deemed as holding those assets in trust for those members, congregations or Governing Bodies (or remaining parts thereof) who are, or retain, their UCGIA affiliation.

Tangible assets include physical things, such as real property and structures, vehicles, equipment, machinery, furniture, inventory, cash or bank accounts.  Intangible assets include, without limitation, the UCGIA name in the U.S. or elsewhere, local or national corporate or registered name(s) used for the UCGIA affiliates in their areas, their registration(s) (whether as a corporate entity, trust, unincorporated associations, or by whatever other designation), local congregation or national web sites, seal(s) or service marks, UCGIA or UCG member or subscriber lists to both local church or UCGIA publications, service or trademarks, copyrights, Internet domain names, licenses  or lease agreements, service contracts, etc.

Thus, all assets held by, or in the name of, UCGIA or UCGIA affiliated National Councils (or equivalent Governing Bodies in their area or those areas it controls), or any UCGIA affiliated congregations, are deemed as being used permissively only for those UCGIA affiliated Governing Bodies, congregations or members which are recognized, and continue to be recognized, as being associated Governing Bodies, congregations and (lay) members of UCGIA.  If recognition as a UCGIA affiliate is disputed between or within such Governing Bodies, congregations or among members, recognition shall be as determined by the Council of UCGIA.

Rule 5-110 No Unilateral Group Dis-Association; Property Disposition in Event of Schism or Other Dispute

Once a local congregation or National Council (or the equivalent Governing Bodies) has become a part of (or “Associated”) with UCGIA, and, therefore governed by these RoA, they can only sever their Association with UCGIA, as a group, with the approval of the Council of UCGIA and/or the GCE.  So while individual members, in whatever capacity, may leave UCGIA or a UCGIA affiliate at will, they cannot take the named entity, Governing Body or congregation that is associated with UCGIA with them, nor any property (tangible or intangible) without the approval of those still affiliated with UCGIA and the Council of UCGIA.
 
In the event of any schism within UCGIA or any of its UCGIA affiliated entities, Governing Bodies or congregations (within or outside the U.S), all assets, tangible or intangible, are to be used solely by (or remain with) those UCGIA affiliate entities (incorporated or not), Governing Bodies, congregations and members who remain affiliated with/a part of UCGIA which are recognized as so affiliated by the UCGIA Council regardless of where “majority” sentiment within such UCGIA affiliated Governing Bodies, congregations or members (including ordained personnel) may lie within said entities, congregations  or among members. 

In other words, those who decide to leave UCGIA and are no longer, or no longer wish to be, a part or affiliated with UCGIA are not entitled to take any assets with them. 

This expectation is absolute with respect to intangible assets (i.e. Affiliate name, registration in their area, member lists, etc.) and any UCGIA or Affiliate owned real property or leased meeting halls or offices.  But, while there is no requirement for the division of other personal property (like books or furniture or cash assets) in the event of a schism, those remaining with UCGIA in areas outside the U.S., unless barred by their governing documents, are permitted, in their discretion, to agree to a division of said personal property assets to a breakaway group within their area (but not to a minority within a congregation or nation or some individuals who leave—whether those leaving do so voluntarily or involuntarily). 

Rule 5-120 Membership and Subscription Lists

The Home Office of UCGIA shall maintain a list of all baptized members of the Church worldwide and, to the extent allowed by law, a copy of lists of subscribers to any UCGIA publications or recipients of its literature where ever distributed worldwide.  All of said membership and subscription or recipient lists, to the extent allowed by law, shall belong to UCGIA and may be used only by local congregations, National Councils (other applicable Governing bodies), publishing houses, distributors or other agents of UCGIA or said affiliates, while they remain in association with UCGIA. 

To the extent possible, National Councils, local congregations or others which distribute UCGIA literature and develop lists of subscribers, or recipients as a consequence of such distribution (“users”), shall, where the use of such lists is regulated and limited by the government, seek at least shared use of the same with UCGIA. On the termination of any UCGIA association with the aforesaid users of said lists, the same are to be given to UCGIA (to the extent allowed by law), or those it designates who remain affiliated with UCGIA in those areas.

Rule 5-130 Property of Congregation Which Has Dissolved or Is Extinct

If a particular local church congregation is formally dissolved by UCGIA or by a National Council (or other Governing Body) acting on behalf or UCGIA, or becomes extinct by reason of members leaving, abandonment, or other cause, then that congregational property, if any, may be sold or otherwise disposed of as the Council of UCGIA (in the U.S. or for those controlled directly by Home Office) or National Councils (or equivalent Governing Bodies loyal to, and a part of, UCGIA (with jurisdiction outside the U.S.) shall direct.