Connecticut General Statutes 33-264d – Change from religious society to corporation
(a) Any religious society may become a religious corporation, when its purpose to do so is determined by a vote of two-thirds of those members present at a meeting warned and held for that purpose or by such other vote, but not less than a majority of members present and voting, as may be provided by the charter or bylaws, by filing, in the office of the Secretary of the State, such certificate, in proper form executed, as shall be prescribed by said secretary.
Terms Used In Connecticut General Statutes 33-264d
- Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
- Deed: The legal instrument used to transfer title in real property from one person to another.
- Gift: A voluntary transfer or conveyance of property without consideration, or for less than full and adequate consideration based on fair market value.
- Legacy: A gift of property made by will.
- Liabilities: The aggregate of all debts and other legal obligations of a particular person or legal entity.
(b) A person who, at the date of the organization of such corporation, is a member of such religious society shall become a member of such religious corporation, unless within a reasonable time he notifies the clerk or similar officer of either the religious society or of the religious corporation that he has elected not to become a member of the religious corporation.
(c) Upon filing with the Secretary of the State as provided in this section, the separate existence of the religious society shall cease and thereupon all property, real and personal, and all debts due on whatever account, and all other choses in action, and all and every other interest, of or belonging to or due to the religious society shall be taken to and transferred to and vested in the religious corporation without further act and deed. The religious corporation shall thenceforth be responsible and liable for all the liabilities, obligations and penalties of the religious society; any claim existing or action or proceeding, civil or criminal, pending by or against any such religious society may be prosecuted as if such incorporation had not taken place, or the religious corporation may be substituted in its place; and any judgment rendered against the religious society may be enforced against the religious corporation. Neither the rights of creditors nor any liens upon property of the religious society shall be impaired by the incorporation of such religious society.
(d) Each unvested gift or legacy to a religious society which, pursuant to the provisions of this section has ceased to exist, shall inure to and vest in the religious corporation which has taken its place.