Regulations of the Association
(Revised on 26 January 1961)
(Sections 17, 18, 19 and 24 revised on 15 October 1961)
(Sections 19 and 24 revised on 16 September 1988)
(Section 24 revised on 1 September 1995)
Article 1. General Regulations
Section 1 The name of the association shall be the Japanese Association for the Religious Studies.
Section 2 The registered office of the association shall be located wherever the Board of Directors so determine.
Section 3 The purpose of the association shall be to advance and promote religious studies by means of contact with associations and individuals related to the academic study of religion.
Section 4 The association shall be made up of persons engaged in the academic study of religion.
Section 5 Research groups in accord with the purposes of the association shall be allowed to join the association as a body. Details regarding the nature of this affiliation shall be determined by separate regulations.
Section 6 The association shall permit branches consisting of individual members or affiliate organizations. Details regarding the nature of such branches shall be determined by separate regulations.
Section 7 The association shall engage in the following activities to accomplish its purpose:
1. The conducting of academic research.
2. The organization of academic conventions, lectures, conferences, and similar meetings.
3. The publication of the journal Religious Studies.
4. The allocation of financial assistance for research by members of affiliated organizations.
5. The conducting of other related activities.
Article 2. Membership
Section 8 Members shall be classified in four categories:
1. Ordinary members
2. Supporting members
3. Patrons
4. Honorary members
Section 9 Persons wishing to join the association as ordinary members or supporting members may apply for membership with the recommendation of two or more current members, and their application shall be approved by the Board of Directors.
Section 10 Ordinary members and supporting members shall pay fixed dues to the association. Patrons and honorary members shall be recommended by the Board of Directors. Details concerning fixed dues shall be determined by separate regulations.
Section 11 Members shall receive the journal of the association and shall be allowed to attend meetings, to publish their research in the journal, and to present papers at academic meetings.
Section 12 There shall be a separate category for associate member. Associate members shall pay fixed dues, receive the journal, and be allowed to attend the meetings of the association.
Article 3. Officers
Section 13 The officers of the association shall be composed of the following:
1. A President
2. Directors
3. Two Auditors
4. Councilors
5. An Executive Committee
Section 14 Councilors shall be elected from among the membership at a general meeting of the association. Details concerning the election shall be determined by separate regulations. The Councilors shall act as a body to deliberate on important matters related to the association.
Section 15 Directors shall be elected from among the Councilors. Directors shall organize a Board of Directors and manage the affairs of the association. Directors may elect managing directors from among their number.
Section 16 Auditors shall be elected from among the Councilors. They shall be responsible for auditing the accounts of the association.
Section 17 The President shall be elected by the general meeting to represent the association and to oversee its affairs. Details concerning the election of the President shall be determined by separate regulations.
Section 18 Members of committees shall be appointed by the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, to carry out specific responsibilities.
Section 19 Officers shall be elected for a term of three years and shall be eligible for reelection. The President shall be eligible for reelection for a single term, but may not serve two consecutive terms of office.
Article 4. Meetings of the Association
Section 20 Decisions made at meetings of the body of Councilors and the Board of Directors shall be determined by majority vote. Details concerning general meetings of the membership shall be determined by separate regulations.
Article 5. Finances
Section 21 The expenses of the association shall be covered by dues, donations, and other sources. Surplus monies and donations may be set aside as an endowment.
Section 22 The fiscal year of the association shall begin each year on 1 April and shall end on 31 March 31 of the following year.
Article 6. Additional regulations
Section 23 Amendments to these By-laws shall be discussed among the body of Councilors and approved at the general meeting of the members by a two-thirds majority.
Section 24 These By-laws shall go into effect on 1 September 1995.