Resolution No. 347 - Amending Section 8 Of The Constitution

WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Constitution of the Knights of Columbus provides for the annual election and appointment of Supreme Officers from among the members of the Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, the position of Supreme Physician is one of the Supreme Officers to be appointed; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has not appointed a Supreme Physician since 1983, but has instead appointed an Insurance member to perform the duties of that office, as permitted by Section 8; and

WHEREAS, it has become increasingly difficult to identify an Insurance member who has the requisite qualifications to serve as Supreme Physician or to perform the duties of Supreme Physician, and who is willing to accept the duties and responsibilities of that office; and

WHEREAS, the duties of the Supreme Physician relate principally to the underwriting and claims procedures, which are ordinary functions of any life insurance company and which may be assigned to qualified professionals who would work under the supervision of senior executives in the Home Office; and

WHEREAS, the position of Supreme Physician is not necessary for the governance of a fraternal benefit society,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the position of Supreme Physician be eliminated and Section 8 be amended to read as follows:

"SEC. 8. Annually, at its first meeting held on or after September first in 1955 and thereafter, the Board of Directors shall elect a Supreme Chaplain and a Supreme Warden and shall appoint, from their own number, a Supreme Knight, a Deputy Supreme Knight, a Supreme Secretary, a Supreme Treasurer, and a Supreme Advocate, to serve for a term of one year, unless removed for cause. It shall fill any vacancies for the unexpired terms of Supreme Officers heretofore or hereafter elected or appointed. It shall appoint an Insurance member to perform the duties of Supreme Advocate if there is not a Supreme Director eligible, qualified and a available for appointment to such office."