2026 Amendments Passed

   PDF Version

Six amendments to the CBA Constitution and By-Laws were approved by the Full Members present at the July 20, 2026 Business Meeting at Loyola University of Maryland and via Zoom. Each of the following motions to approve proposed amendments passed by the appropriate margins (Constitutional amendments passed with a 2/3 majority of those present in favor per ART. IX – 1 and By-law amendments passed with a majority of those present voting in favor per ART. IX – 2.)

1. Limitations on Leadership Roles on the Executive Board

That the following be added to the By-Laws pertaining to the Executive Board

4.26. Going forward, no one person shall ordinarily hold more than one seat on the Executive Board at a given time. In no case may a single individual have more than one vote.

2 a. Redefining the Committee on Research Support

That the current Article VII, Section 5 of the Constitution

There shall be a Committee on Research Support consisting of seven members duly selected as determined by the By-laws. This committee shall be responsible for recommending such grants as the Association may make in the support of biblical scholarship and for overseeing the award of any and all grants.

be changed to the following:

Section 5: There shall be a Committee on Research Support consisting of seven members duly selected as determined by the By-laws. Every year, two–three members are rotated off and two–three new members elected, so that the committee continues to have seven members. This committee shall be responsible for recommending the Research Grants for the Promotion of Biblical Scholarship and the Archaeology Fellowships.

2b. Creation of a Standing Committee: Committee on Professional Development Support

That the numbering of current Article VII, Sections 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the Constitution be changed to accommodate the new Committee, the Committee on Professional Development Support:

Section 6: There shall be a Committee on Professional Development Support consisting of seven members duly selected as determined by the By-laws. Every year, two–three members are rotated off and two–three new members elected, so that the committee continues to have seven members. This committee shall be responsible for recommending the grants for the Pontifical Biblical Institute and Ecole Biblique Visiting Professorships, the Sabbatical Fellowship, and the Travel Grants.

2c. Creation of a Standing Committee: Committee on Emerging Scholars Support

That the numbering of current Art. VII, Sections 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the Constitution be changed to accommodate the new Committee, the Committee on Emerging Scholars Support:

Section 7: There shall be a Committee on Emerging Scholars Support consisting of five members duly selected as determined by the By-laws. Every year, one–two are rotated off and one–two new members elected. This committee shall be responsible for recommending the grants for Emerging Scholars Fellowships and Doctoral Dissertation Stipends.

2d. Expansion of By-Law 4.4.5

That the current By-Law 4.4.5. Research Support be changed to the following:

4.4.5 Research Support Committees

4.4.5.1 Committee on Research Support

The Committee on Research Support, including the member proposed as Chair, shall consist of seven members who are elected by majority vote of the Full Members present and voting at the Business Session of the Annual General Meeting. The term is normally for three years. Every year, two–three members are rotated off and two–three new members elected. Members are ineligible for re-election for five years after last serving.

4.4.5.2 Committee on Professional Development

The Committee on Professional Development, including the member proposed as Chair, shall consist of seven members who are elected by majority vote of the Full Members present and voting at the Business Session of the Annual General Meeting. The term is normally for three years. Every year, two–three members are rotated off and two–three new members elected. Members are ineligible for re-election for five years after last serving.

4.4.5.3 Emerging Scholars Committee

The Emerging Scholars Committee, including the member proposed as Chair, shall consist of five members who are elected by majority vote of the Full Members present and voting at the Business Session of the Annual General Meeting. The term is normally for three years. Every year, one–two are rotated off and one–two new members elected. Members are ineligible for re-election for five years after last serving.

3. Renaming and Changing the Scope the Committee on Technology and Outreach

That Article VII, Section 7 of the Constitution be rewritten as follows:

Section 7: There shall be a Committee Outreach and Communications consisting of six members duly selected as determined by the By-Laws. The mission of this Committee shall be to assist the CBA in researching various components of new CBA initiatives of outreach into areas identified in the initiative. The goal of the Committee will be to help build local, national, international networks for our members and the organization of the CBA as a whole.

and that in By-Law 4.4.7. “Technology and Outreach” be replaced with “Outreach and Communications, to read:

4.4.7. Outreach and Communications

The Committee on Outreach and Communications, including the member proposed as Chair, shall consist of six members who are elected by majority vote of the Full Members present and voting at the Business Session of the annual general meeting. The term is for two years and members may normally be re-elected for three extra terms.