Article 6. Legal Characteristics

6.01. Church. The Church is the lawful entity for this organization.

6.02. Free Church. As this Church is independent from the government and the state, it is a free church. A free church does not define government policy, nor have governments define church policy or theology, nor seek or receive government endorsement or funding for its general mission.

6.03. Unincorporated Assembly. This Church is not organized as a corporation. It is comprised of a mutually beneficial, voluntary assembly of free men and women into a social body that shares purpose. It is an Unincorporated Assembly.

6.04. Faith Based Organization. One of our primary objectives is to uphold, promote, and illuminate the fundamental principles of our faith. This Church is a Faith Based Organization (FBO).

6.05. Nonprofit. The mission of this Church is distinctly charitable in nature. It does not seek to profit. Nor are any private parties associated with the Church allowed to profit personally through their relationship with it. The Church is a nonprofit organization.

6.06. Tax Exempt Organization with Exception from Filing. Because this Church is lawfully organized it is not required to file federal tax returns. See 26 U.S. Code § 6033(a)(3)(a).

(a) This Church shall not seek nor accept government registration under I.R.C. §501(c)(3).

(b) If tax status is requested, it shall be recognized as a 508(c)(1)(a) FBO which is mandatorily excepted from federal taxes and reporting requirements.

(c) Certification of state tax exemption or exception does not admit the Church into federal or state jurisdiction.

6.07. Establishment of Religion. This Church shall be recognized as an “establishment of religion” in the terms of the Constitution of the United States of America.