Pittsburgh Conference Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Constitution and By-Laws
ARTICLE I - Name
Section 1.
The name of this organization shall be the Pittsburgh Conference Lay Organization (PCLO) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
ARTICLE II - Purpose and Objectives
Section 1.
The purpose of this organization shall be to organize and train the lay members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in each local church in the Pittsburgh Conference, so that each member may utilize to the maximum the abilities and skills granted by God, in assisting with the improvement and extension of God's Kingdom, and creating happiness, peace and harmony among its members.
Section 2.
Objectives - To accomplish this purpose, the following objectives are adopted:
A. To instill in the membership of the church a love for, and an appreciation of the history, tradition, and principles of African Methodism.
B. To keep forever alive 'the sacred memory of Richard Allen, our illustrious Founder.
C. To advocate respect and loyalty at all times to constituted authority and leadership.
D. To encourage the laity to support the total program of the church in the local congregation, in the community, and, throughout the Connection.
E. To encourage, stimulate, and educate the laity of the church in the history, development,, and organic laws of African Methodism.
F.To foster a systematic and regular study of the Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Parliamentary Procedure, to the end that greater knowledge and information may be disseminated among the laity, and with the further purpose of encouraging many members to participate more largely in the general functioning and supervision of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
G. To foster, influence, and support all constructive and progressive legislation for the church that promotes the teachings of Jesus Christ.
H. To encourage development, recognition and utilization of the most appropriate operational practices and modern technology in conducting the activities of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
ARTICLE III - Divisions
Section 1.
The Pittsburgh Conference Lay organization shall be composed of the local church lay organizations of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. (The Conference Presiding Elder District Lay Organization shall be optional)
ARTICLE IV - Membership
Section 1.
The Pittsburgh Conference Lay organization membership shall be as follows:
A. All elected officers of the PCLO.
B. All Presidents and Directors of Lay Activities of the local church lay organization.
C. Six (6) elected delegates (of which one shall be a young adult between the ages of 18 and 30) from each local church lay organization within the Annual Conference boundaries and shall meet annually.
D. A duly organized local church lay organization shall be an organization reporting to the Annual Conference Lay Organization meeting.