European Christian Ecotheology Research Network (ECErN)

Statutes of the European Christian Ecotheological Research Network

 Last approved at the board meeting December 12^th, 2024§ 

1. Name The network's name is European Christian Ecotheological Research Network, abbreviated to ECErN.  

§ 2. Purpose The purpose of the network is to contribute to the transition to and engagement for a sustainable society within churches, in Christian organizations, academia and individuals, through a. strengthening theological research and expertise in ecotheology and creation care, sustainability and education, b. strengthening the ecotheological education in churches and academia, c. being a platform for research- and experience-based knowledge exchange, d. promoting collaboration between academics, researchers, and theological educators, and promoting interdisciplinary research, primarily in higher education, e. contributing to the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) gaining access to relevant and new research and that academic work and research are integrated into ECEN's other activities. 

§ 3. Method of work The network's working method shall contribute to achieving the network's purpose by sharing knowledge and contributing to professional insight, research experiences and results. This is done through a. meetings, conferences, and publications, b. taking the initiative to obtain research funding for the field, c. cooperating with other national and international research communities with common interests, d. creating suitable digital platforms, meeting places, a journal, etc. 

§ 4. Organisation § 4-1 Annual meeting a. The annual meeting consists of the network's members and is the network's highest body. b. The annual meeting elects the chairperson on a proposal from the  working group. c. All members of the network are entitled to vote at the annual meeting. d. The annual meeting adopts articles of association and any strategy plan for the board and other matters raised by the board. e. The annual meeting adopts the statutes with a 2/3 majority. Other decisions are made by an ordinary majority. f. The annual meeting establishes a nomination committee. g. The annual meeting elects the Network committee § 4-2   The Network committee a. The Network committee should be broadly composed, and should consist of 5, 7, 9, or 11 representatives. ECEN has two permanent board seats, while VID Specialized University and the Theological Institute of Volos Academy for Theological Studies each have one permanent board seat. The remaining board members are elected at the annual meeting. b. The Network committee and chairperson are usually elected for 2 years at a time by the annual meeting. Otherwise, the board constitutes itself. The secretary is elected by the board members from its midst. c. The Network  committee shall implement the annual meeting's decisions. The board may entrust the implementation of decisions and tasks to the association's members. d. The Network committee is responsible for sending out newsletters, operating the network's website, social media, and other media where the network is present. e. The Network committee is responsible for organizing and arranging the annual meeting, either physical or online, and the annual network meeting, if separate committees are not established for this. f. The Network committee convenes the annual meeting with at least one months’ notice, and case documents are sent out no later than two weeks before the annual meeting. g. The Network committee may submit matters to the annual meeting. These must be received by the board three weeks before the annual meeting. 

§ 5. Membership a. Membership is open to researchers and educators working for sustainability and education at college and university level. b. All members may submit matters to the annual meeting and have the right to vote when conducting the annual meeting. c. Individuals or organizations that do not meet the requirements for membership can apply for associate membership. Associate members do not have the right to vote at the annual meeting, nor can they be represented on the board. d. Registration is done by contacting the commitee. The list of members is kept by the secretary. e. The annual meeting can both decide on and determine a membership fee.