The pandemic is a reminder religious nonprofits should think about continuity of business during a state of emergency. Some religious nonprofits have no means of calling a business meeting right now because their bylaws don't allow for virtual meetings.

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Other religious nonprofits are calling virtual meetings in direct violation of their own bylaws. Othersare trying to hold in-person meetings, but some members are frustrated feeling they have to risk their well-being if they want to attend.
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These nonprofits should consider which bylaws or policies need to be changed in order for leadership (members, committees, elders, board, church council, etc.) to hold virtual meetings. Consider whether to allow proxy voting.
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Consider whether virtual business meetings should occur on a regular basis or only in the event of an emergency. If only in an emergency, consider who should have the authority to determine an emergency exists that necessitates a virtual meeting.
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How does a religious nonprofit in Texas know if it can have a virtual/electronic meeting? What if the bylaws don't say anything about the meeting having to be in person, does that mean virtual meetings are allowed?
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The Texas Business Organization's Code (TBOC) says meetings of nonprofit corporations "...may be held by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment, another suitable electronic communications system, including videoconferencing technology..."
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So the default position under Texas law is that religious nonprofits can decide to have virtual meetings, but...
Many religious nonprofits state their meetings will follow a manual or parliamentary procedure called Robert's Rules of Order.
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Robert's Rules of order say (1) The business of a religious nonprofit can be validly transacted ONLY at a regular or properly called meeting and (2) A meeting is defined as a single official gathering of members in one room or area.
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Under Robert's Rules the default position is churches/religious organizations cannot have virtual meetings. So, Texas law allows for virtual meetings, but religious organizations often limit themselves by following parliamentary rules that don't allow virtual meetings.
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Some ways religious nonprofits can address this: (1) Specific bylaw amendment that redefines "meeting" or otherwise supersedes Robert's Rules to allow for virtual meetings (2) Don't obligate organization to follow Robert's Rules.
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