The Parish General Body
The general assembly of all parish members for decision-making.
The Parish General Body is the supreme decision-making body at the parish level, consisting of all baptized members of the parish who are eligible to participate in parish governance. It serves as the democratic foundation of parish administration.
Membership
All baptized members of the parish who meet the following criteria are eligible to be members of the Parish General Body:
- Must be baptized in the Malankara Orthodox Church
- Must be regular attendees of parish services
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be in good standing with the parish
- Must have contributed to parish activities
Functions and Powers
The Parish General Body has the authority to:
- Elect members of the Parish Managing Committee
- Approve annual budgets and financial reports
- Make decisions on major parish projects and initiatives
- Approve changes to parish constitution and by-laws
- Decide on matters affecting the entire parish community
- Review and approve parish policies and programs
- Elect representatives to diocesan bodies
Meetings
The Parish General Body meets regularly throughout the year:
- Annual General Meeting - for elections and major decisions
- Special General Meetings - for urgent matters
- Regular meetings - for ongoing parish business
Decision Making Process
Decisions in the Parish General Body are made through democratic processes:
- Majority vote for most decisions
- Two-thirds majority for constitutional changes
- Consensus building for important matters
- Open discussion and debate on all issues
Democratic Foundation
The Parish General Body represents the democratic foundation of the Malankara Orthodox Church at the local level. It ensures that all parish members have a voice in parish governance and that decisions are made collectively by the community.
This body maintains the connection between individual parish members and the broader church structure, ensuring that local needs and concerns are addressed while maintaining unity with the universal church.