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12.1. Council elections are held when a position becomes vacant, with mandatory participation in all elections.
12.2. The Council conducts five types of elections:
12.3. The GIC Electoral Committee (GICEC) oversees all elections, starting operations six months prior to election day. The GICEC consists of 10 members: 5 Shia Imams and 5 Sunni Imams, with no members being part of the GIC Governing Board. Election dates must be announced by the GIC Governing Board at least six months before the initial election.
12.4. GIC Governing Board elections are conducted internally and managed by the GICEC. Approval of admission to the Board requires a unanimous vote from all existing board members.
12.5. The GIC Governing Board appoints members of the Senior Imams Committee through an election managed by the GICEC. Approval requires a unanimous vote from all GIC Governing Board members. Candidates are recommended by the GIC Advisory Committee. As per Clause 4.3.4 of the GIC Constitution, the ‘Senior Imam’ position is permanent, concluding only upon resignation, removal by unanimous Governing Board vote, or death.
12.6. Advisory Committee members are appointed by the Senior Imams Committee through an internal election managed by the GICEC. Approval requires a unanimous vote from the Senior Imams Committee. Candidates are recommended by either the GIC Governing Board or current Advisory Committee members, serving a term of five years.
12.7. Council Directors are appointed by the GIC Governing Board through a unanimous vote managed by the GICEC, serving for five years or until removal, reassignment, resignation, or death.
12.8. Votes may be submitted in person, by postal mail, or through an appointed representative. Members intending to vote by mail must notify the Governing Board in advance to receive their ballots.
12.9. In the event of disputes during the election process or regarding the results, the GICEC must refer the issue to the Senior Imams Committee. Based on their advice, the GICEC may call for a second election within 7 days.
12.10. General Council elections are conducted if there is a proposal to restructure the Council. The GIC Governing Board, Senior Imams Committee, Advisory Committee, and General Council members worldwide participate in these elections, which are managed by the GICEC.
12.11. Emergency Elections are held by the GIC Governing Board and Senior Imams Committee to address urgent and immediate concerns, managed by the GICEC.
12.1. Council elections are held when a position becomes vacant, with mandatory participation in all elections.
12.2. The Council conducts five types of elections:
12.3. The GIC Electoral Committee (GICEC) oversees all elections, starting operations six months prior to election day. The GICEC consists of 10 members: 5 Shia Imams and 5 Sunni Imams, with no members being part of the GIC Governing Board. Election dates must be announced by the GIC Governing Board at least six months before the initial election.
12.4. GIC Governing Board elections are conducted internally and managed by the GICEC. Approval of admission to the Board requires a unanimous vote from all existing board members.
12.5. The GIC Governing Board appoints members of the Senior Imams Committee through an election managed by the GICEC. Approval requires a unanimous vote from all GIC Governing Board members. Candidates are recommended by the GIC Advisory Committee. As per Clause 4.3.4 of the GIC Constitution, the ‘Senior Imam’ position is permanent, concluding only upon resignation, removal by unanimous Governing Board vote, or death.
12.6. Advisory Committee members are appointed by the Senior Imams Committee through an internal election managed by the GICEC. Approval requires a unanimous vote from the Senior Imams Committee. Candidates are recommended by either the GIC Governing Board or current Advisory Committee members, serving a term of five years.
12.7. Council Directors are appointed by the GIC Governing Board through a unanimous vote managed by the GICEC, serving for five years or until removal, reassignment, resignation, or death.
12.8. Votes may be submitted in person, by postal mail, or through an appointed representative. Members intending to vote by mail must notify the Governing Board in advance to receive their ballots.
12.9. In the event of disputes during the election process or regarding the results, the GICEC must refer the issue to the Senior Imams Committee. Based on their advice, the GICEC may call for a second election within 7 days.
12.10. General Council elections are conducted if there is a proposal to restructure the Council. The GIC Governing Board, Senior Imams Committee, Advisory Committee, and General Council members worldwide participate in these elections, which are managed by the GICEC.
12.11. Emergency Elections are held by the GIC Governing Board and Senior Imams Committee to address urgent and immediate concerns, managed by the GICEC.
13.1. No changes or alterations to the Council’s logos may be made without the unanimous direction, permission, and approval of the GIC Governing Board.
13.2. The appropriate Council Logo must be displayed at the top of all official documents issued by the Council, including press releases and statements.
13.3. The Seal of the Council must be affixed to all official documents, correspondence, statements, and press releases that represent a decision of the Council.
14.1. The Council is a civil-led entity that is completely apolitical in nature, with its key criteria being: The separation of Islamic communities from political interests, militant ideologies and extremist teachings.
14.2. Council Members may not be affiliated with any political figure, organization, party, or entity, and may not lead any political activity, party, entity, or organization.
15.1. All internal disputes within the Council shall be reviewed and resolved by the GIC Governing Board.
15.2. In cases where a dispute necessitates police involvement, Council members are required to report any incidents of violence or illegal activities to the police immediately.
15.3. Disputes within the GIC Governing Board must be addressed and resolved by its other members. If such disputes escalate to a level that impedes the Council’s normal operations, the Senior Imams Committee is authorized to appoint a member from its ranks to intervene and resolve the issue.
15.4. Should the Senior Imams Committee be unable to resolve disputes within the GIC Governing Board within 48 hours, it is empowered to elect one of its Senior Imams to govern the Council until the dispute is resolved. In the event of resignations from the GIC Governing Board, the Senior Imams Committee will conduct elections for the vacant positions in accordance with the guidelines of this Constitution.
15.5. The Senior Imams Committee must keep the Advisory Committee informed of all developments and collaborate in a consultative manner to maintain the stability of the Council.
16.1 The Council has and reserves the right to reassign members to different roles as well as completely terminate the membership of any of its members.
16.2. The procedure for removal from office is exclusively conducted by the GIC Governing Board. Under no circumstances are other Council officers, including Ambassadors, permitted to directly address other Council members regarding expulsion.
16.3. The Governing Board alone is permitted to communicate with the to-be-expelled members regarding their expulsion.
16.4. The procedure of removing a member from the Council must comply with local laws and regulations. This includes the period of notification delivered to the member.
16.5. All members being reviewed for expulsion have the right to appeal. This is to be forwarded, in writing, to the Governing Board.
16.6. Any member acting without proper authority and attempting to expel other Council members will face immediate expulsion, and the affected members will be reinstated to the Council without delay.
16.7. If the Governing Board decides to expel a member, the member will be given seven days to leave the Council and return any property or confidential information belonging to the Council, in any form. This includes, but is not limited to, updating their social media status to reflect their departure from active membership in the Council.
16.8. The final decision to remove a member from the Council will be mailed/E-mailed to the individual by a member of the GIC Governing Board.
16.9. A member of the Global Imams Council may resign their membership at any time by submitting a written resignation form to the GIC Governing Board.
16.20. The Governing Board, through a majority vote, holds the absolute authority to suspend or remove any member from the Council, regardless of their status or position, if it is deemed in the best interest of the Council.
16.21. Any Imam, regardless of their status within The Global Imams Council, can be suspended and or removed from the Council if they neglect or refuse to comply with the Constitution, Declaration, and Membership Policy. The guidelines for these processes have been outlined within this constitution.
17.1. The nature of the Council is a Not-For-Profit Charity.
17.2. Bank Accounts
17.2.1. The GIC headquarters will maintain a primary bank account, along with separate accounts in each country where it is incorporated and operates, to ensure transparent and lawful handling of the Council’s expenses and activities.
17.2.2. Only the treasurer appointed by the GIC Governing Board has the authority to manage and oversee the Council’s finances.
17.3. Donations, Finances, and Grants
17.3.1. The Council will hold all donations, finances, and grants in the Council’s primary bank account.
17.3.2. All Council chapters are obliged to direct all donations received to the Council’s primary bank account.
17.3.3. All Council finances will be managed with full transparency.
17.3.4. Council members are strictly prohibited from receiving or soliciting any funds, grants, donations, or gifts of any kind or value from any government or government entity, suspicious organizations, terrorist groups, extremist establishments, or any groups associated with such entities. Violations of this policy will result in immediate removal from office, termination of membership, and the initiation of legal proceedings if necessary.
17.4. Financial Reporting
17.4.1. The financial reporting of the Council and its offices shall comply with local laws and regulations.
17.5. Council Records
17.5.1. All transactions, grants, donations and expenses must be recorded on paper and stored in the Council’s database. All receipts from purchases must be filed in the appropriate portfolios.
17.6. Council Assets
17.6.1. All assets and properties of the Council belong solely to the Council. Any changes or alterations to Council assets must be approved by the GIC Governing Board.
18.1. In the event of the Council’s dissolution, any remaining assets, after settling all debts and liabilities, shall be donated to a charitable organization with similar purposes. This organization must be legally recognized as charitable and have regulations that prohibit the distribution of its assets to its members.
19.1. The rules of this Constitution may be amended after a vote by the GIC Governing Board.
19.2. An updated version of this Constitution must be certified and published on the official Council website, as well as on all government charity commission websites that display the Council’s constitution.
20.1. As a condition of admission, all incoming Council members must agree that, upon accepting and agreeing to the Council Constitution, Declaration, and Policy, The Global Imams Council retains the right to pursue legal action against any former members whose actions during their membership have intentionally tarnished the Council’s professional reputation.
21.1. The Global Imams Council, in its capacity as a Muslim leadership organization, adopts and proposes definitions for terminologies that lack fixed meanings. This is important because it provides clarity and consistency in communication, ensuring that all members and affiliates have a common understanding of key terms. This fosters unity and coherence within the Council and helps to prevent misunderstandings and disputes that could arise from ambiguous or varying interpretations. Additionally, these definitions allow the Council to guide discussions and policies in a way that aligns with its values and objectives.
21.2. GIC Terminology Use and Definitions
21.2.1. Islamophobia
The GIC uses the term: Anti-Muslim Bigotry
The term “Anti-Muslim Bigotry” is preferable to “Islamophobia” for several reasons. First, “Islamophobia” is a heavily politicized term that can obscure the distinction between legitimate criticism of certain actions and ideologies and the unjust discrimination against individuals based on their religion. By using “Anti-Muslim Bigotry,” we can accurately identify and address prejudice and discrimination specifically directed at Muslim individuals, without conflating it with broader political debates.
Second, the term “phobia” implies an irrational fear. While irrational fears of Muslims or Islam as a whole are indeed problematic and unjust, it is not irrational for individuals to have concerns about the actions of extremist groups who commit acts of terrorism in the name of Islam. By using “Anti-Muslim Bigotry,” we avoid the implication that all fears related to Islamist terrorism are baseless and instead focus on combating unjust prejudice and discrimination against Muslim individuals.
The Global Imams Council views that “Anti-Muslim Bigotry” provides a clearer, more precise way to address the specific issue of discrimination against Muslims, without the broader and more contentious implications of “Islamophobia.”
21.2.2. ‘Antisemitism’
The Global Imams Council adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism on the 29th of October 2020.
The following is our apoted definition of Antisemitism:
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
and all examples underneath it, is binding on all current and future members of The Global Imams Council; including all affiliate Mosques, Centers, Institutes and Organizations operated by the Imams of this council worldwide.
Definitions
“Constitution” means the constitution of the Global Imams Council.
“Council” means the Global Imams Council.
“Director” means the person or officer appointed as Director of an office, department or region by the Governing Board.
“Governing Board” means the Imams who hold the highest level of authority within the Council. This board is responsible for setting overall policies, strategic direction, and making major decisions that affect the entire council.
“Senior Imams Committee” means the senior ranking Imams in the council.
“Advisory Committee” means the members of the council that serve as advisors to the Senior Imams Committee and the Governing Board.
“Member” means a person who is granted membership in the Council through either employment, application, election, or appointment.
“Objectives” means the objectives of the Council.
“Written” or “In Writing” includes printing, lithography, photography, and other means of representing or reproducing words in a visible form.
Definitions
“Constitution” means the constitution of the Global Imams Council.
“Council” means the Global Imams Council.
“Director” means the person or officer appointed as Director of an office, department or region by the Governing Board.
“Governing Board” means the Imams who hold the highest level of authority within the Council. This board is responsible for setting overall policies, strategic direction, and making major decisions that affect the entire council.
“Senior Imams Committee” means the senior ranking Imams in the council.
“Advisory Committee” means the members of the council that serve as advisors to the Senior Imams Committee and the Governing Board.
“Member” means a person who is granted membership in the Council through either employment, application, election, or appointment.
“Objectives” means the objectives of the Council.
“Written” or “In Writing” includes printing, lithography, photography, and other means of representing or reproducing words in a visible form.
2.1. To provide a global representation of Islam and Muslims.
2.2. To serve Islam and the global Muslim community in most areas of life.
2.3. To advocate for peaceful coexistence, dialogue, tolerance, mutual respect, human rights, and the building of bridges between all religious communities.
2.4. To advocate against terrorism and extremist ideologies.
2.5. To provide advice on all relevant matters concerning and related to Islam and Islamic Communities.
2.6. To counter hate directed towards Muslims, religious groups and religious minorities.
2.7. To propose Islamic Laws (Fatwas) to The Islamic Fatwa Council concerning contemporary and or developing jurisprudential issues.
2.8. To unify and support organizations, groups, and individuals with common objectives and visions.
3.1. Governing Board:
3.1.1 Governing Members
3.1.2. Directors
3.2. Senior Imams Committee
3.2.1. Chairman of Senior Imams Committee
3.3. Advisory Committee
3.3.1. Chairman of Advisory Committee
3.4. Administrative Board:
3.4.1. Director of Administrative Board
3.4.2. Treasurer
3.4.3. Program Director
3.4.4. Research Director
3.4.5. Interfaith and Outreach
3.4.6. Spokesperson(s)
3.4.7. Communications Director
3.4.8. Social Media Director
3.4.9. Security Detail Director
3.4.10. Communities Director
3.4.11. Government Relations Director
3.4.12. Educational Affairs Director
3.4.13. Youth Coordinator
3.4.14. Volunteer Coordinator
3.4.15. Cultural Affairs Director
3.4.16. IT Director
3.4.17. Community Services Director
3.4.18. Event Coordinator
3.4.19. Library and Resources Director
3.4.20. Council Liaison Officer
3.5. Interfaith Network
3.6. Honorary Members
3.7. Global Ambassadors
3.8. Subsidiaries
3.8.1. Global Imams and Scholars Council (GISC)
3.9. Committees
3.10. Initiatives
3.10.1. GIC Academic Council
3.10.2. Office for Women
4.1. GIC Governing Board
4.1.1. The GIC Governing Board holds the highest level of authority within the Council. The board is responsible for setting overall policies, strategic direction, and making major decisions that affect the entire council. Members of the Governing Board include the Council’s most senior members, who oversee the Council’s operations, ensure compliance with its mission and goals, and provide governance and accountability. The GIC Governing Board’s duties include financial oversight, appointment of executive officers, and approval of key initiatives and policies.
4.1.2. Members of the GIC Governing Board shall be appointed through a process requiring the unanimous approval and vote of the existing Governing Board members.
4.1.3. Members of the GIC Governing Board must be fully qualified and ordained Shaikhs, Imams, and certified scholars of Islamic doctrine, theology, jurisprudence, Quranic science, and Hadith. They must have an excellent understanding of other subjects and sciences required for this role.
4.1.4. Members of the GIC Governing Board must be of good character, reputation, and fit for office.
4.1.5. Members of the GIC Governing Board serve for a term of five years, and have the option of serving for a second term, subject to the unanimous approval and vote of the existing Governing Board members.
4.1.6. Members of the GIC Governing Board, as with any Council member/officer, may be removed from office. The removal of the a Governing Board member is done by a majority vote from the GIC Governing Board. If there is a tie in the vote, the Governing Board has a period of 14 days to find alternative solutions to the situation at hand. Otherwise, the member in question remains in office for the rest of his term or until resignation.
4.2. Roles and Powers of the GIC Governing Board:
4.2.1. The GIC Governing Board is responsible for setting overall policies, strategic direction, and making major decisions that affect the entire council. Members of the Governing Board include the Council’s most senior members, who oversee the Council’s operations, ensure compliance with its mission and goals, and provide governance and accountability. The GIC Governing Board’s duties include financial oversight, appointment of executive officers, and approval of key initiatives and policies. [See clause 4.1.1. of this GIC Constitution)
4.2.2. The GIC Governing Board has the ultimate responsibility for overall supervision and control of all functions of the Council, and prepares the necessary requirements for the Council to function, operate, and achieve its goals, as well as coordinates all activities of the Council.
4.2.3. Based on their regions, GIC Governing Board members are responsible for integrating Council policy into day-to-day operations, and administrate all Council members, Committees, Initiatives, their roles and positions.
4.2.4. GIC Governing Board members serve as the ultimate representatives of the Council, and have the general signature authority of the Council and may provide Council officers in other committees such as the Senior Imams Committee with signature authority with or without limitations.
4.2.5. Based on their roles, GIC Governing Board members are responsible for making sure that all Council officers and members are fulfilling their duties.
4.2.6. GIC Governing Board members participate in, or lead, short and long-term planning for the Council; as well as prepare and preside over regular, general, and special meetings.
4.2.7. In addition to their inner-Council responsibilities, GIC Governing Board members have the important role of establishing healthy and positive relations with faith leaders and religious communities.
4.2.8. The GIC Governing Board shall assign a senior member of the Governing Board to oversee fundraising operations and serve as the Council’s chief fundraiser. This involves acting as the primary spokesperson for the Council, recruiting donors, and attending/hosting fundraising functions.
4.2.9. The GIC Governing Board develops and manages plans and budgets for the Council, and is responsible for all day-to-day operations as well as the implementation of Council strategy and its financial management.
4.2.10. The GIC Governing Board members share equal powers, such as the authority of signature, the reception of official delegations, the establishment of council branches, chapters, and to expel or acknowledge a particular chapter.
4.3. Senior Imams Committee
4.3.1. The Senior Imams Committee is made up of six senior Imams, three Sunni and three Shia.
4.3.2. Members of the Senior Imams Committee are appointed by the GIC Governing Board, based on internal decisions or the advice of the GIC Advisory Committee.
4.3.3. Members of the Senior Imams Committee report to the Governing Board directly and attend all Council meetings.
4.3.4. The position of ‘Senior Imam’ is a permanent position and ends with an official resignation, removal from office by a unanimous vote in the GIC Governing Board, or their demise.
4.3.2. The Role of the Senior Imams Committee
4.3.2.1. The Senior Imams play a vital and essential role in the religious direction of the Council and provide regular advice to the GIC Governing Board.
The Senior Imams Committee oversees all matters concerning Islam and the affairs of the global Muslim community and prioritizes the responsibilities of the Council accordingly.
The Senior Imams Committee has authority to advise the GIC Governing Board on all Council affairs concerning Islam, interfaith diplomacy, and all related events.
The Senior Imams Committee has the authority to recommends candidates to the GIC Governing Board.
The Senior Imams Committee supervises/oversees initial Advisory Committee elections and holds secondary council elections.
4.4 Advisory Committee
The Council Advisory Committee is a body of experts that provide regular advice, recommendations, and proposals to all Council committees and boards.
Members of the Advisory Committee are appointed by either the Senior Imams Committee or at least one member from the GIC Governing Board.
Advisory Committee members serve until their official resignation, removal from office, or demise.
4.4.2. The Role of the Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee is responsible for overall monitoring, evaluation, organizational growth, and new council developments.
The Advisory Committee works to ensure that the Council’s objectives, mission, and vision that are presented in its Declaration are achieved.
The Advisory Committee recommends candidates to the Governing Board, Council Board, Senior Imams Committee, and Council Ambassadorships.
5.1. The Administrative Board manages the daily operations of the Council, and is governed by the GIC Governing Board alone.
5.2. The Administrative Board does not preside over the Imams Council, but works alongside the Imams Council to undertake and achieve Council objectives.
5.3. The positions of the Administrative Board are:
5.3.1. Director of Administrative Board
5.3.2. Treasurer
5.3.3. Program Director
5.3.4. Research Director
5.3.5. Interfaith and Outreach Director
5.3.6. Spokesperson(s)
5.3.7. Communications Director
5.3.8. Social Media Director
5.3.9. Security Detail Director
5.3.10. Communities Director
5.3.11. Government Relations Director
5.3.12. Educational Affairs Director
5.3.13. Youth Coordinator
5.3.14. Volunteer Coordinator
5.3.15. Cultural Affairs Director
5.3.16. IT Director
5.3.17. Community Services Director
5.3.18. Event Coordinator
5.3.19. Library and Resources Director
5.3.20. Council Liaison Officer
5.4. Officers and Members of the Administrative Board are appointed by the Governing Board.
5.5. The Advisory Committee and Senior Imams Committee recommend new Administrative Board officers to the GIC Governing Board.
5.6. All Administrative Board officers must be qualified for their roles.
5.7. All Administrative Board members must agree to the Council Constitution, Declaration, and Policy before being accepted or appointed to the Board.
6.1. All membership applications are managed by the Governing Board and the Senior Imams Committee, and may, in their ultimate discretion, recommend the applicant for admission as a Member of the Imams Council.
6.2. All applicants must satisfy the qualification requirements listed in the membership form.
6.3. All applicants must agree to all articles and clauses within the GIC Constitution, Declaration, as well as the Membership Policy.
6.4. All applicants and members must not be affiliated with Islamist, extremist, terrorist, and or any other questionable organizations.
6.5. Council Members may not be affiliated with any political figure, organization, party, or entity, and may not lead any political activity, party, entity, or organization.
6.6. All applicants must agree to/with all local government laws and legal systems and agree to abide by them at all times.
6.7. All applicants must agree that any illegal activity from their behalf will result in an immediate suspension and termination of membership, and removal from the Council with short notice.
6.8. All applicants must be willing to cooperate with government departments and security agencies, and agree that their information may be disclosed to said organizations if the Council is legally requested to do so.
6.9. All applicants must disclose all official and unofficial positions and affiliations. Failure to disclose all positions and affiliations will result in immediate suspension and/removal from the council, depending on the severity of the matter, regardless of how far the applicant has progressed within the Council.
6.10. Upon the acceptance of a membership application by the Governing Board and Senior Imams Committee, the applicant becomes an official Member and officer of the Council.
6.11. In no case shall the Global Imams Council be required to give any reason for the rejection of an applicant.
6.13. All Imam-applicants must satisfy the qualification requirements in order to become members of the Imams Council. These prerequisites are:
6.14. Membership Rights
6.14.1. The Council acknowledges and protects the rights of all of its members.
6.14.2. Council members have, but are not limited to, the following rights:
6.15. Membership Policy
6.15.1. Members of the Council will belong to different Islamic sects, schools of thought and denominations; and will all work together towards achieving the Council’s objectives enlisted in Clause 2 of this constitution.
6.15.2. Muslims and Non-Muslims alike may become officers and affiliates of the Council.
6.15.3. The GIC Governing Board positions must be occupied by individuals adhering to the Islamic faith, in order to maintain the nature of the Council as an Islamic council. Positions such as website developer or similar non-executive roles may be occupied by individuals of any background or faith.
6.15.4. Individuals may become officers of the Council by invitation, application, or election. The Council may also assign individuals as honorary members.
6.15.5. All Council members must be qualified for the positions which they occupy.
6.15.6. Council members may hold one or more roles within the Council.
6.15.7. All Council officers and members will not discriminate in membership on the basis of race, colour, creed, religion, sect, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, or disability.
6.15.8. All Council members must agree to all articles within the GIC Constitution, Declaration and Policy; and must not be affiliated with Islamist, extremist, terrorist, or questionable organizations.
6.15.9. GIC Members may not be affiliated with any political figure, organization, party, or entity, and may not lead any political activity, party, entity, or organization.
7.1. It is an essential part of a professional organization to regulate the behaviours of its members. The Global Imams Council requires that its members and officers abide by this Code of Ethics and Conduct policy. All members of the Council must act in accordance with the standards of conduct set out in this Code. This Code sets down minimum standards of conduct and professional values and is not intended to cover all possible situations in terms of specific behaviour.
7.2. Members of the Global Imams Council must:
7.3. Members of the Council could be disqualified for (and not limited to) the following reasons:
8.1. The GIC Governing Board has the authority to assign Ambassadors throughout various countries.
8.2. GIC Ambassadors serve for a term of 1 year. Decisions are made within the Governing Board to extend an Ambassador’s term or reassign them to a different location.
8.3. Once appointed, a Council Ambassador can only be reassigned or expelled by the GIC Governing Board.
8.4. The Council Ambassador manages the affairs of the Council in their respective country and/or location. This means that an Ambassador Imam ranks higher than the members of the Imams Council within that particular country, and can be granted administerial powers, such as limited signature authority.
8.5. Council Ambassadors serve under the GIC Governing Board and report only to the Governing Board.
8.6. An Ambassador does not have the authority to appoint or expel members of the Council.
8.7. If a dispute between an Ambassador and a member of The Global Imams Council takes place, all matters must be brought to the attention of the GIC Governing Board, to which a report will be prepared and a meeting will be held to resolve the dispute. The GIC Governing Board decision will be final.
8.8. Role of the Ambassador
8.8.1. The Council Ambassador:
9.1 The Global Imams Council’s Interfaith Network comprises of distinguished faith leaders from different religions.
9.2. Members of the Council’s Interfaith Network are appointed by invitation of the GIC Governing Board.
9.3. Members of the Interfaith Network may provide direct recommendations on religious diplomacy to the GIC Governing Board.
9.4. Members of the Interfaith Network are able to submit a request for an official statement from the council regarding any relevant matter.
9.5. Membership within the Interfaith Network is honorary, and not on a contractual basis.
9.6. Members of the Interfaith Network do not participate in Council elections.
10.1. The GIC Governing Board is responsible for organizing the Council’s meetings.
10.2. At least fourteen (14) days’ notice of every Council meeting must be given in writing to the Members entitled to attend.
10.3. At least 3 months’ notice of every annual meeting must be given in writing to the Members entitled to attend.
10.4. The GIC Governing Board will appoint a Meeting Chairman from either the Governing Board or Senior Imams Committee.
10.5. A Meeting Chairman has the power to:
10.6. Notice of adjourned meeting
10.6.1. If any General Meeting is adjourned by the Meeting Chairman for more than seven days, a notice of the adjournment must be given to the GIC Governing Board.
10.6.2. Every notice convening a General Meeting must:
10.7. Fortnightly Meetings
10.7.1. All GIC Members will attend fortnightly council meetings in their respective cities to discuss current affairs concerning or relating to the Council, as well as its future development.
10.8. Annual Meetings
10.8.1. The Council will hold one annual meeting every calendar year wherein all Council members will participate to discuss the achievements and future objectives of the Council.
10.9. Special Meetings
10.9.1. The GIC Governing Board may call for a special meeting at any time and at any venue, such as emergency meetings.
10.9.2. For all emergency and or urgent meetings, members shall be contacted by telephone, or the most efficient way possible, and informed of the details of the meeting.
10.10. Voting at Meetings
10.10.1. At the end of the Council’s Annual and/or Special meetings, Members may vote on non-executive decisions that concern the functioning of events and activities of the Council.
10.10.2. All Council members are entitled to appoint a person from within the Council to act and vote on their behalf in all events and meetings of the Council, provided a written notice is submitted to the GIC Governing Board beforehand.
10.11. Meeting Minutes
10.11.1. The Meeting Chairpersons must ensure that minutes of all proceedings of all council meetings are scanned and saved in the council database under ‘Minutes’ and original documents to be stored in the ‘Minute Folder’ at the GIC Headquarters.
10.11.2. Any Decisions arising from Council Meetings must be certified by the Governing Board and announced on the Official Council Website (www.imams.org).
10.11.3. All international meetings must be signed by the presiding Ambassador after each meeting, photocopied, stored, and an electronic copy delivered to the GIC Governing Board.
10.11.4. Signed minutes are deemed evidence that the meeting was held.
10.11.5. Meeting decisions must be clearly included within the Meeting Minutes, at the bottom of the Minutes paper, or wherever appropriate on the document.
10.12. Chairman of Meetings
10.12.1. If the Chairman of a meeting is unwilling or unable to act, the Members present may elect a Chairman from among them.
11.1. Only GIC Governing Board members are authorized to vote on executive council decisions.
11.2. At the end of Council meetings, participants may vote on non-executive decisions that concern the functioning of events and activities of the Council.
11.3. All Council members are entitled to appoint a person from within the council to act and vote on their behalf in all events and meetings of the Council, provided a notice is submitted to the GIC Governing Board beforehand.
11.4. Votes may be amended or withdrawn within three hours of submission, except during Council elections.
The Global Imams Council (GIC) is an independent and apolitical not-for-profit charity and NGO that adheres to the mainstream Islamic teachings founded upon the principles of The Holy Quran and Prophetic traditions.
The GIC operates in line with the directives of the prominent Islamic Seminaries and scholarly consensuses.
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