OF THE ASSOCIATION

European Association for Spiritual Care and Interspiritual Ministry (EASCIM)

Registered name in Austria: Europäischer Verband für Spiritual Care und Interspirituelle Seelsorge

Name used internationally: European Association for Spiritual Care and Interspiritual Ministry

Abbreviation: EASCIM

§ 1 — Name, Registered Office and Scope of Activities

(1) The Association shall bear the following name:

“Europäischer Verband für Spiritual Care und Interspirituelle Seelsorge”.

(2) In international contexts, the Association shall use the name:

“European Association for Spiritual Care and Interspiritual Ministry”.

Its abbreviated name shall be EASCIM.

(3) The Association shall have its registered office at Lilienstraße 60/15, 5204 Straßwalchen, Austria.

(4) Its activities shall extend throughout Austria and Europe and may include international cooperation.

(5) The Association shall be non-partisan, independent of any religious affiliation and open to all worldviews.

(6) The Association shall respect the diversity of religious, spiritual, cultural and secular worldviews and shall not assert exclusive claims to truth.

(7) Its activities shall be founded on respect for human dignity, recognition of human diversity, promotion of respectful dialogue, and support for people undergoing processes of development, crisis, healing, grief, dying and transformation.

§ 2 — Purposes of the Association

(1) The Association shall serve as a European professional association and educational institution for Spiritual Care and Interspiritual Ministry.

(2) The Association understands the human person as a being of meaning, relationships, life transitions and ongoing development. Throughout life, people experience processes of development, transition, crisis, healing and transformation that frequently give rise to spiritual, existential, religious, cultural or philosophical questions.

(3) The Association aims to foster the development, professionalisation, quality assurance and international exchange of competencies that enable people to accompany others through such processes attentively, with respect for human dignity and professional expertise.

(4) The Association shall particularly promote initial training, continuing education and professional development for practitioners in:

(a) Woman, Familiy and early childhood education;

(b) School and adult education;

(c) Social work and social pedagogy;

(d) Therapy and counselling;

(e) Psychology and psychosocial professions;

(f) Healthcare and nursing;

(g) Hospice and palliative care;

(h) Crisis and bereavement support;

(i) Ministry and spiritual accompaniment; and

(j) Other professions involving the accompaniment of people through processes of development, education, healing, care, crisis, grief, dying or transformation.

(5) The Association shall promote diversity competence and the ability to accompany people of different religious, spiritual, cultural, philosophical, social and personal backgrounds with respect and professionalism.

(6) Particular attention shall be given to:

(a) Birth and parenthood;

(b) Childhood and adolescence;

(c) Partnership and family life;

(d) Illness and recovery;

(e) Loss, grief and farewell;

(f) Dying and death;

(g) Biographical transitions;

(h) Personal crises;

(i) Spiritual exploration and development; and

(j) Processes of societal transformation.

(7) The Association shall particularly promote the training of:

(a) Spiritual Companions;

(b) Interspiritual Ministers;

(c) Celebrants;

(d) Trainers and educators;

(e) Supervisors; and

(f) Other practitioners in the fields of spiritual and existential accompaniment.

(8) The Association regards Spiritual Care and Interspiritual Ministry as professional extensions of existing social, educational, therapeutic, nursing and chaplaincy competencies.

(9) The Association shall pursue exclusively and directly charitable, non-profit purposes within the meaning of the applicable legal provisions.

§ 3 — Ethics, Human Dignity, Diversity and Professional Conduct

(1) The Association affirms the inviolable dignity of every human being, irrespective of origin, culture, nationality, religion, worldview, spiritual orientation, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, neurodiversity, social status or any other personal characteristic.

(2) The Association regards human diversity as an enrichment of individual and societal development and promotes a culture of respect, encounter, dialogue and mutual appreciation.

(3) The Association shall not assert exclusive religious, spiritual or philosophical claims to truth. It respects freedom of belief and non-belief, as well as individual spiritual and philosophical convictions.

(4) The Association's activities shall be guided by human dignity, compassion, integrity, responsibility, mindfulness, professionalism, sensitivity to diversity and non-violence.

(5) Spiritual Companionship and Interspiritual Ministry shall always be provided voluntarily, respectfully and free from religious, philosophical or ideological pressure.

(6) Members, trainers, Spiritual Companions, Interspiritual Ministers, Celebrants and other office-holders shall be committed to treating all people professionally, respectfully and without discrimination.

(7) The Association shall promote competencies in engaging with religious diversity, cultural differences, diverse family structures, experiences of migration, neurodiversity, sexual and gender diversity, and differing spiritual and philosophical ways of life.

(8) The Association recognises that people undergoing processes of development, crisis, healing, grief, dying or transformation frequently face existential questions concerning meaning, dignity, identity, belonging, hope and orientation.

(9) All training, certification and Association activities shall be guided by professional quality, ethical responsibility, transparency and continuous personal development.

(10) The Association may adopt supplementary ethical guidelines, professional codes of conduct and quality standards that shall be binding on members, trainers, Spiritual Companions and Interspiritual Ministers.

§ 4 — Means of Achieving the Association's Purposes

(1) The Association's purposes shall be pursued through non-material and material means.

(2) Non-material means shall include, in particular:

(a) Lectures;

(b) Seminars;

(c) Structured courses of study;

(d) Training programmes;

(e) Continuing education and professional development;

(f) Professional conferences;

(g) Symposia;

(h) Research projects;

(i) Publications;

(j) Professional journals;

(k) Digital educational offerings;

(l) Supervision and mentoring;

(m) International cooperation;

(n) Quality development measures;

(o) Professional registers;

(p) Ethical guidelines;

(q) Certification procedures;

(r) Accreditation procedures;

(s) Public relations;

(t) Networking and dialogue events; and

(u) Establishment and operation of academies, educational centres and comparable institutions.

(3) The Association shall be authorised to:

(a) Develop training standards;

(b) Issue certificates;

(c) Award diplomas;

(d) Issue evidence of qualifications;

(e) Recognise or accredit training institutions;

(f) Adopt ethical guidelines;

(g) Develop quality standards; and

(h) Maintain national and international registers.

(4) In particular, the Association may maintain the following registers:

(a) Register of Certified Spiritual Companions;

(b) Register of Certified Interspiritual Ministers;

(c) Register of Certified Celebrants;

(d) Register of Accredited Training Institutions; and

(e) Register of Recognised Supervisors and Trainers.

(5) The necessary financial resources shall be raised through:

(a) Admission fees and membership subscriptions;

(b) Public grants and funding;

(c) Income from events, seminars and training programmes;

(d) Sales of printed publications;

(e) Provision of services and merchandising; and

(f) Donations and other contributions.

§ 5 — Categories of Membership

(1) Membership of the Association shall comprise:

(a) Ordinary Members;

(b) Associate Members; and

(c) Honorary Members.

(2) Ordinary Members shall be natural or legal persons who actively contribute to the fulfilment of the Association's purposes.

(3) Associate Members shall be persons or organisations who support the Association through non-material or financial contributions.

(4) Honorary Membership may be conferred upon persons in recognition of exceptional service to the Association.

(5) Members may include, in particular:

(a) Individuals;

(b) Associations;

(c) Religious communities;

(d) Spiritual communities;

(e) Educational and research institutions;

(f) Training institutes;

(g) Chaplaincy organisations; and

(h) Other legal entities.

(6) The Association may recognise or establish national sections, regional associations and affiliated member organisations within Europe.

§ 6 — Admission to Membership

(1) Membership shall be open to natural persons, legal persons, associations, religious communities, spiritual communities, educational and research institutions, training institutes and other organisations that support the Association's purposes.

(2) The Executive Board shall decide on the admission of Ordinary and Associate Members.

(3) Applications for membership may be rejected without stating reasons.

(4) Honorary Members shall be appointed by resolution of the General Assembly upon nomination by the Executive Board.

(5) The Association shall be entitled to process members' personal data, to the extent permitted by law, for the purposes of membership administration, event organisation, quality assurance and collection of membership fees.

§ 7 — Termination of Membership

(1) Membership shall terminate upon:

(a) The death of a natural person;

(b) The loss of legal personality by a legal entity;

(c) Voluntary resignation;

(d) Expulsion; or

(e) Revocation of Honorary Membership.

(2) A member may submit written notice of resignation at any time, effective at the end of the calendar year. The Executive Board must receive the notice of resignation no later than one month before the end of that calendar year.

(3) A member may be expelled if:

(a) The member remains in arrears with membership fees for more than six months despite receiving two reminders;

(b) The member causes serious harm to the reputation or purposes of the Association;

(c) The member repeatedly breaches the Statutes, ethical guidelines or resolutions of the Association's governing bodies; or

(d) The member's conduct is incompatible with the core values of human dignity, respect and diversity.

(4) The Executive Board shall decide on expulsions.

(5) Honorary Membership may be revoked by resolution of the General Assembly.

§ 8 — Rights and Duties of Members

(1) Members shall be entitled to:

(a) Participate in the Association's events;

(b) Use the Association's facilities;

(c) Contribute to the development of the Association;

(d) Submit motions to the General Assembly; and

(e) Receive information concerning the Association's activities and financial management.

(2) Ordinary Members and Honorary Members shall have voting rights in the General Assembly.

(3) Members shall undertake to:

(a) Support the Association's purposes;

(b) Comply with these Statutes;

(c) Observe the Association's ethical guidelines and quality standards;

(d) Respect human dignity and diversity; and

(e) Pay membership fees when due.

§ 9 — Governing Bodies of the Association

The governing bodies of the Association shall be:

(a) The General Assembly;

(b) The Executive Board;

(c) The Financial Auditors; and

(d) The Internal Arbitration Committee.

§ 10 — General Assembly

(1) The General Assembly shall be the supreme governing body of the Association.

(2) An Ordinary General Assembly shall be held at least once a year.

(3) Extraordinary General Assemblies shall be convened:

(a) By resolution of the Executive Board;

(b) By resolution of the General Assembly;

(c) Upon written request by at least one-tenth of the members entitled to vote; or

(d) At the request of the Financial Auditors.

(4) Notice of a General Assembly shall be given in writing or electronically at least two weeks in advance, together with the agenda.

(5) General Assemblies may be held:

(a) In person;

(b) Online; or

(c) In hybrid form.

(6) The General Assembly shall have a quorum regardless of the number of members present.

(7) Resolutions shall generally be adopted by a simple majority of votes cast.

(8) Amendments to these Statutes and the voluntary dissolution of the Association shall require a two-thirds majority of valid votes cast.

(9) Voting rights may be delegated to another member entitled to vote by means of a written proxy.

§ 11 — Responsibilities of the General Assembly

The General Assembly shall, in particular, be responsible for:

(1) Electing and removing members of the Executive Board;

(2) Electing and removing the Financial Auditors;

(3) Approving the activity report;

(4) Approving the annual financial statements;

(5) Granting discharge to the Executive Board;

(6) Determining membership fees;

(7) Conferring and revoking Honorary Membership;

(8) Adopting amendments to these Statutes;

(9) Resolving upon the voluntary dissolution of the Association;

(10) Deliberating and deciding on fundamental matters concerning the Association; and

(11) Adopting the Association's ethical guidelines and fundamental quality standards.

§ 12 — Executive Board

(1) The Executive Board shall be the governing body of the Association within the meaning of the Austrian Associations Act 2002 (Vereinsgesetz 2002).

(2) The Executive Board shall comprise:

(a) A Chairperson;

(b) A Secretary; and

(c) A Treasurer.

(3) The term of office of the Executive Board shall be two years. Re-election shall be permitted.

(4) The Executive Board shall be elected by the General Assembly.

(5) If a member of the Executive Board leaves office before the end of their term, the Executive Board may co-opt a suitable member to serve until the next General Assembly.

(6) The Executive Board shall have a quorum if all its members have been duly invited and at least two members are present.

(7) Resolutions shall be adopted by a simple majority. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson shall have the casting vote.

(8) Meetings of the Executive Board may be held in person, online or in hybrid form.

(9) Members of the Executive Board shall generally perform their duties on a voluntary, unpaid basis. Remuneration for specific services and reimbursement of documented expenses shall be permitted.

§ 13 — Responsibilities of the Executive Board

(1) The Executive Board shall be responsible for managing the Association.

(2) Its responsibilities shall include, in particular:

(a) Implementing resolutions of the General Assembly;

(b) Managing the Association's assets;

(c) Admitting and expelling members;

(d) Preparing the annual budget;

(e) Preparing the activity report;

(f) Preparing the annual financial statements;

(g) Developing and delivering educational programmes;

(h) Developing training and certification standards;

(i) Maintaining professional registers;

(j) Recognising and accrediting training institutions;

(k) Adopting training, examination and certification regulations;

(l) Concluding national and international cooperation agreements;

(m) Establishing specialist groups, working groups and committees; and

(n) Establishing national sections within Europe.

§ 14 — Specific Duties of Executive Board Members

(1) The Chairperson shall manage the Association's day-to-day affairs and represent it externally.

(2) The Chairperson shall preside over the General Assembly and meetings of the Executive Board.

(3) The Secretary shall keep the minutes of General Assemblies and Executive Board meetings and maintain the Association's records.

(4) The Treasurer shall be responsible for the proper administration of the Association's finances.

(5) Legally binding documents of the Association shall require the signature of the Chairperson to be valid.

(6) In financial matters, the Chairperson and the Treasurer shall be authorised to sign jointly.

§ 15 — Financial Auditors

(1) The General Assembly shall elect two Financial Auditors for a term of two years.

(2) Re-election shall be permitted.

(3) Financial Auditors may not belong to any governing body whose activities are subject to their audit.

(4) The Financial Auditors shall review the Association's financial management with regard to:

(a) Proper accounting;

(b) Use of funds in accordance with these Statutes; and

(c) Sound financial management.

(5) The Financial Auditors shall report their findings to the General Assembly.

§ 16 — Internal Arbitration Committee

(1) An Internal Arbitration Committee shall be established to resolve all disputes arising from the Association's internal affairs and membership relationships.

(2) The Internal Arbitration Committee shall consist of three Ordinary Members.

(3) Each party to a dispute shall nominate one member. The two nominated members shall jointly select the Chairperson of the Committee.

(4) If no agreement can be reached, the Chairperson shall be selected by drawing lots.

(5) The Internal Arbitration Committee shall decide by simple majority after hearing both parties.

(6) The Internal Arbitration Committee shall make its decisions to the best of its knowledge and conscience.

(7) Its decisions shall be final within the Association.

§ 17 — European Sections, Specialist Groups and International Cooperation

The Association may establish or recognise national sections, regional associations, specialist groups and working groups within Europe.

(1) Such organisational units shall not have separate legal personality unless expressly decided otherwise.

(2) The Association may cooperate with national and international organisations, educational institutions, religious communities, spiritual communities, universities, professional associations and research institutions.

(3) The Association may develop or recognise European and international standards, accreditations and quality guidelines.

(4) The Association may maintain national and international professional registers.

(5) The Association may establish or operate academies, educational centres and comparable institutions.

§ 18 — Voluntary Dissolution of the Association

(1) The Association may be voluntarily dissolved only by resolution of the General Assembly, adopted by a two-thirds majority of valid votes cast.

(2) At the same time, the General Assembly shall decide on the winding-up of the Association and appoint a person to conduct the liquidation.

(3) After all liabilities have been settled, any remaining assets of the Association shall be transferred to a non-profit organisation or institution pursuing the same or similar purposes.

(4) Under no circumstances may the Association's assets be distributed to its members.

§ 19 — Entry into Force

(1) These Statutes shall enter into force upon non-prohibition by the competent authority under Austrian association law.

(2) Upon the entry into force of these Statutes, all previous Statutes shall cease to have effect.