N.Y. Religious Corporations Law § 475: Church governance

§ 475. Church governance. 1. A church incorporated under this section

shall provide in its certificate of incorporation or by-laws for

trustees to be elected or appointed at large, or by virtue of their

office. There shall be a minimum of three trustees. To the extent

practicable, terms of office shall be for three years and staggered.

Terms may be consecutive.

2. Provision shall also be made in its certificate of incorporation or

by-laws for officers of the corporation to be elected or appointed at

large or by virtue of their office. The president and secretary shall

not be the same person. To the extent practicable, terms of office shall

be for three years and staggered. Terms may be consecutive.

3. Provision shall also be made in its certificate of incorporation or

by-laws for spiritual oversight of the church by an eldership board or a

senior granthi or guru or some combination of the above. Terms of office

may be definite or indefinite as the by-laws may specify.

4. Provision shall also be made in its certificate of incorporation or

by-laws for periodic affirmation of appointive positions by a designated

body or board.