The Book of Order and rules.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WALES
T H E B O O K O F O R D E R
A N D R U L E S
July 2003
INTRODUCTION
The appearance of our new Book of Order and Rules has been long awaited. Its predecessor, published in 1978, has now been out of print for some years. During recent years we have witnessed very substantial changes in our structure and consequently in our rules. These rules could only be found by careful searching through the volumes of the Proceedings of the General Assembly. This has caused great difficulty to individuals and to our courts.
At the request of the General Assembly, the Rev. D. H. Owen, one of our former General Secretaries, was requested to prepare a new book. This involved him in enormous labour and took a good deal of time. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for his work.
In 2002, the General Assembly resolved that a panel of seven should edit the draft prepared by the Rev. D. H. Owen. Many hours were spent on this task and I should like to express my sincerest gratitude to those who gave so freely of their time and expertise.
It is not at all beyond the bounds of possibility that we have slipped up here and there and have failed to interpret a rule correctly, or that the wording is unclear. We therefore invite readers to contact the General Secretary by 31st December 2003 with corrections or suggestions. An amended version will be presented to the General Assembly in 2004 to be accepted as our authorised Book of Order and Rules.
You will be aware that a new structure for our Church will be decided in the 2003 General Assembly. Also in the coming year the scheme A Strategy for the Future will be submitted. If these documents are accepted, parts of this book will require considerable redrafting. Some people have suggested that it would be wiser to postpone the publication of this book until decisions have been taken on these documents. However, the majority felt that there was such a demand for the book of rules, to provide guidance for our courts, that it was better to move on with its publication.
This book is published in English and Welsh, but it has to be stated that the Welsh is the authorised version, and should any question arise as to interpretation, the Welsh version shall prevail.
For convenience, this book is published in loose-leaf format, and we anticipate that new pages will be published from time to time over the coming years as rules are changed.
It is published as a photocopy rather than in printed form. This was done to save costs, bearing in mind that this will be a temporary version. Once again to save costs, only a limited number of copies are being published, for all serving ministers, for all our Connexional officers and a copy for each Presbytery.
Meirion Lloyd Davies,
Moderator of the General Assembly
CONTENTS
Page
Section I 6
Our Title, Purpose and Constitutional Rule 6
Section II 7
Church Membership 7
The Meaning of Membership 7
Admission of New Members 7
Rules of Church Membership 8
Church Discipline 8
Rules of Church Discipline 9
Elders 10
A Declaration on the Office and Work of an Elder 10
Rules for the Election of Elders 10
The District Meeting 12
The Presbytery 13
The Association 14
Meetings 14
Standing Orders 15
Rota and Membership 15
Officers 15
Committee 16
Sessions 16
Work 17
Elections 17
Finance and Properties Committee 18
Arrangements Committee 18
Emergency Committee 18
Suspension of Standing Orders 18
Ordination Service 18
The General Assembly 19
Standing Orders 19
Rota and Membership 19
Officers and their Duties 20
The Moderator 21
Nomination 21
Election 21
The General Secretary 22
Minute Secretary to the General Assembly 24
The Treasurer 24
Statisticians 24
The Sessions of the Assembly 25
Section III 27
The Assembly’s Boards, Departments, 27
Committees and Panels and their Rules
The General Assembly Board 27
The General Assembly Department 28
Ecumenical Department 28
The Statistics Department 29
The History Department 29
Tresaith Department 30
Child Protection Panel 30
Appendix 1: Strategy 31
Uniting Churches 32
The Mission Board 33
The Executive Committee 35
The Women’s Department 35
The Ministry of Healing Department 35
The Christian Aid Department 35
The Christian Stewardship Department 36
The Mission Committee in the Presbytery 36
The Mission Committee in the Association 37
The Ministerial Board 38
The Association and the Planning of Pastorates 38
Declaration on the Office and Work of a Minister 38
Rules for the appointment of Ministers to Pastorates 39
Releasing a Minister from a Church/Pastorate 40
A Minister’s Membership of Presbytery 40
Ministers in Other Occupations 40
The Resignation of a Minister 40
An Inquiry regarding Ministers and their Reinstatement 40
Stipends 42
Payments of Stipend 42
Financial Assessment 42
Income 43
Dissolution of a Church and Movements of Members 43
The Sunday Ministry 44
Rules regarding Sunday Remuneration 45
The Sabbatical Leave Scheme 46
The Part-Time Ministry 46
The Admission of Preachers and Ministers from Other Denominations 47
Rules relating to Lay Preachers 48
Community Ministry 49
Candidates and Training Department 56
Admission to the Ministry 57
Rules concerning Candidates for the Ministry 59
The Education of Candidates for the Ministry 59
The Pensions Board 59
Main benefits of the Scheme 60
Pensions 60
Joining 60
Contributions 61
Retirement Provisions 61
Death in Retirement 62
Pension Increases 62
Late Retirement 62
Early Retirement 62
Part-time Service 63
Payment of Pension 63
Leaving 63
Sickness Benefit 64
Death in Service Benefits 64
State Pension 65
Inland Revenue Restrictions 65
Tax 65
Assignment 65
Funding of Benefits 65
Security of Benefits 65
Scheme Accounts 66
Pension Schemes Registry 67
Further Information 66
OPAS and the Ombudsman 66
OPRA 66
Definition of Terms 67
The Christian Education Board 68
Coleg y Bala Department 69
Coleg Trefeca Department 70
The Association’s Youth Service 71
The Presbytery Youth Service 72
The Church and Society Board 72
The Finance and Properties Board 74
The Properties Board 74
Sealing of Documents 76
Safe Custody of Documents of Title 76
Gifts and Legacies 77
Onerous Obligations 77
Mortgaging of Connexional Property 77
Disposal of Connexional Property 77
Investments 77
Letting of Manses 78
Restrictive Covenants 78
Leasing of Connexional Properties 78
Management of Connexional Property 79 7
Functions of Custodian and Managing Trustees 79
The Finance Board 80
Appendix 1: The Connexional Fund and the Manses Fund 81
Appendix 2: The Finance Board Policy – a Declaration 83
Appendix 3: Rule Governing the Sale and Destination of Proceeds
of Sale of Connexional Property 84
Appendix 4: Church Collections 87
Appendix 5: Financial Responsibilities of Presbyteries 88
The Budget Committee 90
The Investment Trustees Committee 91
Investment Guidelines 91
The Audit Committee 92
The Communications Board 94
The Publishing Department 95
The Praise Department 95
Section IV 97
Trusts 97
The Board of the Trustees of the Davies Lecture 97
The Assurance Trust and the Compensation Acts Committee 98
Section V 99
Rules of the Loan Fund 99
The Association in the South 99
The Association in the North 100
The Association in the East 102
Section VI 104
Rules of Procedure 104
Rules of Appeal 105
The Meaning of a Privileged Statement 107
Section VII 108
Declarations 108
Declaration on the Ordinances and Sacraments of the Church 108
The Sacraments 108
The Sacrament of Baptism 109
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper 111
Marriage and Divorce 112
The Short Confession 113
A Short Declaration of Faith and Practice 114
Section VIII 115
The Services 115
Ordination of Ministers 115
The Induction of a Minister 120
The Release of a Minister from his Pastoral Charge 122
The Ordination of Elders 123
The Service for Incorporating a Church 125
The Service for the Dissolution of a Church 126
SECTION I
OUR TITLE
Our Connexion’s title is “The Calvinistic Methodist Church of Wales” or “The Presbyterian Church of Wales”, both names being legal and regular.
OUR PURPOSE
Our purpose is to worship God and spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as it is revealed in the Holy Scriptures and expounded in our doctrinal standards, by establishing and maintaining fellowships of people worshipping God and believing in the Lord Jesus Christ under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We seek to achieve this purpose by:
Preaching the Gospel, administering the sacraments, pastoral care of local churches, holding meetings for fellowship and prayer.
Religious Biblical education and training in the home, the Sunday School and in classes.
Missionary work and evangelising at home and abroad, setting people aside for this work.
Providing and publishing literature.
Setting an example of Christian life and good works.
Serving our communities and our country through practical activity.
Taking a stand for justice and peace in our world.
Safeguarding our environment in every possible way.
Making use of new and experimental methods decided upon from time to time.
CONSTITUTIONAL RULE
‘In order to safeguard the unity of the Church, and to secure uniformity in the procedure of its courts, it is hereby agreed that any changes in the constitution and rules of the Church or any addition to them (excepting at all times any change in the Declaratory Articles) shall be valid if they are approved by the Association in the South after remitting them to its Presbyteries, if it is so determined, and by the Association in the North, after remitting them to its Presbyteries, if it is so determined, and by the Association in the East after remitting them to its Presbyteries, if it is so determined, or if they are approved by a joint meeting of the Association and as subsequently approved by the Association meeting as a General Assembly by at least three fourths of the members present at each of the above mentioned meetings, and provided that the interval of time between the first and last of them shall not be greater than two years, and it is hereby agreed that any change in the Constitution and the Rules of the Church will not be valid if approved in any other way.’
SECTION II
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
The meaning and standards of church membership are based on our doctrine regarding the nature and purpose of the Church of God on earth.
The Meaning of Membership
The admission of a new member is a responsible act on the part of all members of a local church under the guidance of its Minister and/or the Elders. The new member makes a profession of his/her faith in God and belief in Christ, and vows to be loyal to them and faithful to all the ordinances of the church.
To be a member of the Church of God is a great privilege and involves a corresponding responsibility and duty – a responsibility for the worship and whole work of the church, and a duty to take part in that work, and contribute to it in terms of money, time and talents.
The means of grace in a worshipping community are the reading of the Scriptures, prayer, the singing of hymns, the preaching of the Word and the administering of the Sacraments. The regular use of these means is a duty owed to God and a necessity of the Christian life.
The Gospel is the standard and inspiration of the life of the Christian; and in all things, within the Church and outside it, he or she should endeavour to uphold this standard and on every occasion behave as a faithful witness for Christ.
Receiving New Members
New members are received into the local church in one of three ways. The church receives:
Children prepared for membership by the church’s minister or elders.
Members of one church to another church by letter of transfer.
Others, after having conferred with the minister, or the elders where there is no minister, by presenting themselves to the church.
Every candidate for membership, whether from the children of the church, or newly presenting himself/herself for membership, should be made to realise the meaning of membership of the Church of God and of the privilege and responsibility it holds.
These are the standards that can be employed to judge in a practical way the duty and way of life of church members and the quality of their membership.
Loyalty to the church’s meetings on Sundays, and during the week, and spending Sundays in a manner worthy of the Gospel.
Partaking regularly of the Lord’s Supper.
Presenting their children, or children in their care, for baptism and providing them with a Christian upbringing and bringing them to the church’s services.
Serving the church in every way and doing their best to maintain the unity of the church by showing neighbourly love, a forgiving spirit and sympathy for fellow-members.
Endeavouring to live worthy of the Gospel in their personal life at home and in public and giving freely of their service to society.
Contributing regularly, according to their means, towards the maintenance of the local church, the Connexional Contribution and other charitable causes.
Members moving to live at a distance from their own church should transfer their membership to another church and thus retain an active membership throughout their lives.
The Rules of Church Membership
1. When someone desires to become a member, this should be discussed with the Minister, or an Elder where there is no Minister, and the church should then be asked to vote on his/her admission. If the church is in favour, he/she shall be received as a member.
2. It is expected that every Minister, and where there is no Minister, the Elders, will hold a special class to prepare children of the church when it is felt they are sufficiently mature, as well as others who may wish to become members, in readiness for their admission as members.
They will be received by a minister or elder in accordance with the following procedure:
Each candidate shall be conferred with regarding his/her preparation for full membership, and awareness of the responsibilities of membership.
Every candidate shall be asked the following questions:
(i) Do you believe in God your heavenly Father, in Jesus Christ, the Lord and Saviour of your life, and in the Holy Spirit your Helper and Guide?
(ii) Do you promise to be faithful to Christ, and to seek his will for you through reading the Bible and through prayer?
(iii) Do you promise to join in the fellowship of the Church, to share in its work and worship, and to give of your time, talents and money?
(iv) Do you promise to confess Christ before others, to serve him in your daily life, and to walk always in his way?
When each candidate has given a satisfactory reply, the vote of the church should be taken. If the vote is in favour, they should be received to the full privileges and duties of the church and a prayer offered on their behalf.
4. The names and addresses of all those received, together with the date of their admission, should be recorded in the church’s membership roll.
5. When children of the church are received as members, it is suggested that each be presented with a Bible, Hymn Book, Service Book or other suitable book inscribed with the name of the member, the name of the church and the date of admission as a member and signed by the Minister and an Elder.
Church Discipline
The purpose of church discipline is to foster and protect, to deepen and to strengthen, the Christian life and objectives of the Church as a fellowship professing the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The meaning of Church membership and its standards are set out above. These are the standards to which every member is expected to aspire. If a member renounces the aim and spirit and customs of the fellowship, or if there is a complaint that a member has done so, the matter will require special attention.
In dealing with such a case, love and wisdom will be required, remembering that those who sit in judgement are also sinners. A member should not be disciplined in such a way as to embitter him/her or cause him/her to be drawn further away from the fellowship. Patient attempts should be made to bring him/her to repentance and thus to a return as a stronger member.
Not every transgression needs to be publicly disciplined. Members should care for one another and strengthen one another, maintaining the peace of the fellowship.
If a complaint against a member is laid before a minister or elders, they shall inquire carefully and without prejudice whether it has any foundation. Should the complaint be unfounded, there is usually no need to bring the matter publicly before the church. But if they consider there is need to make further investigation into the matter, then the rules of church discipline as they are set out below in Rules of Church Discipline shall be followed meticulously. Every investigation should be made in the spirit of meekness and love in the light of the Word of God. If a member is shown to have rejected the standards, it should be considered whether that member should be:
Counselled.
Warned.
Advised to abstain for a period from partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
In exceptional cases, expelled.
It is difficult to recommend that any member be expelled unless he or she is unrepentant and continuing in sin, for it is the transgressor, more than anyone else, who needs the means of grace and the fellowship of the people of God. It is essential that a minister and elders continue their pastoral care of the disciplined member with a view to restoring him/her to the fellowship and full privileges of the church.
Rules of Church Discipline
1. It is the church that administers discipline in the case of a member; the Presbytery in the case of candidate for the ministry, an elder, and a lay preacher and the Association in the case of a minister.
2. It is not practicable to draw up a list of transgressions and specify the appropriate discipline for each one. This must be left to the conscience and judgement of the church and it must administer judgement in accordance with the nature of the transgression, taking into consideration on the one hand the age, experience, history and circumstances of the transgressor, and on the other the discipline which would be appropriate. Every act of discipline should be an opportunity for the church to examine itself, to bring its conscience to the light and to strengthen its life and unity.
3. When a complaint against a member comes to the notice of the Officers (Minister and Elders) of the church, they should make a thorough and unbiased investigation as to its foundation. Then, if it is considered that further investigation is required, in the case of a minister, a candidate for the ministry, an elder, preacher, and lay preacher, the matter should be referred to the Presbytery, with a detailed statement of the charge which has been brought before it.
4. In the case of a member, when further investigation is required, it is important that accusers and witnesses (if any) be given the opportunity to appear before the Officers in the presence of the member and a friend. He or she should be provided with full information regarding the complaint or complaints and given every opportunity to offer evidence on his/her own behalf and to cross-examine those bringing the charge or bearing testimony against him/her. If the accused, after being given every opportunity, refuses to attend the investigation, the Officers may consider the complaint(s) in his/her absence.
5. Should someone bring an accusation against a member and desire the Officers of the church to judge in the matter, it is thereby understood that those making the accusation accept the decision of the Connexion through its courts in the matter.
6. Officers are required to present to the church a report of their investigation into a complaint against a member.
7. If the church deems it necessary to discipline a member, this should be done in a spirit of meekness and love. The Officers of the church may reprimand a member, or prevent him or her from partaking of the Communion for a period, but it is the church alone that has the right of expulsion.
8. A member has a right of appeal against the decision of the church, initially to the District Meeting and then to the Presbytery and the Association.
9. The church’s Officers should continue their pastoral care of the person who has been suspended or expelled, with a view to his/her restoration, and when there are signs which satisfy the church that the person has repented the error, then he or she may be restored to the full privileges of the church.
10. A church should not admit anyone who is under discipline in another church without informing that church and receiving fully satisfactory signs of repentance.
ELDERS
A Declaration on the Office and Work of an Elder
An elder in the Presbyterian Church of Wales is a man or woman called to serve the local church through a ballot held prayerfully and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Elders, together with the minister, take responsibility as a team for the life, worship and witness of the local congregation. According to their talents/gifts they are to visit the sick, to teach the young, to guide and support those who are seeking Christ, and to train and encourage believers. They are also expected to have a care for the Connexion as a whole. They shall be managing trustees of their local church and they are to work with their fellow elders and the ministers to build up the body of Christ through all the courts of the Church.
Rules for the Election of Elders
Every church is to be given the opportunity, at least once every seven years, to elect Elders. It shall have this opportunity more frequently, if the Minister and Elders deem it necessary. The church shall be given due notice that its opinion is to be sought on the matter, noting the Sunday Service at which this is to be done.
2. The matter shall not be brought before any church unless it is in a satisfactory condition at the time; free from dissention and factiousness, and without any controversial question disturbing its peace. If there is any doubt as to this, Presbytery shall have power to postpone the election. The declaration on the Office and Duties of an Elder shall be read to the church.
3. The view of the church shall be sought by means of a secret ballot in reply to the question – “Are you in favour of electing additional Elders?” Two-thirds of those present and voting must be in favour before any further steps can be taken.
4. If the necessary majority is obtained, the matter shall be brought to Presbytery, and if Presbytery sees fit to consent to the request, it shall appoint experienced delegates to assist the church. A convenient time and date should be arranged for the church meeting when the selection is to be made and due notice should be given of the time and purpose of the meeting. If, in the view of the delegates, a reasonable number are present, a vote can be taken.
5. Only full members of the church have the right to vote; the ballot must be completely secret. The votes of absent members will not be received.
All full members of the church, both male and female, those who have previously been elders in other churches, and ministers without charge of a pastorate, are eligible for nomination as elders, and voters can vote for as many as they wish.
A majority of those present and voting must be in favour before a person can be elected
A church shall (if it should so determine and with the consent of the Presbytery), elect elders through two ballots, the first to be considered in terms of nomination.
The church shall decide, before bringing the matter to Presbytery, whether one or two ballots will be taken and, if two, whether they will be taken in one or two meetings.
When two votes are taken, the church shall be presented at the second ballot with the names, in alphabetical order, of all members who, at the first ballot, gained one fourth of the votes. When voting takes place at two meetings, the representatives shall keep the names confidential until the second meeting.
On both occasions, the vote shall be taken by Presbytery representatives, and, as far as possible, by the same representatives.
After counting the votes, the representatives will inform the church immediately and the Presbytery at its next meeting, regarding those who have been elected. They will keep the details of the ballot confidential. The ballot papers are to be retained in the Presbytery safe for six months.
Every Presbytery shall make arrangements for the ordination of elders, at least once a year, and shall keep a register of Presbytery elders, and publish it in the Presbytery Yearbook at least every five years.
Before an Elder’s election shall be valid, he/she must come before Presbytery for ordination. The election of anyone who refuses to do so within the year will be void.
At a meeting of the Presbytery, held prior to the open session when the Elders are to be ordained, they should be conferred with about their background and religious experience, about the Scriptures and Connexional history and procedure. If the Presbytery is satisfied, they shall be ordained at the open session.
16. If someone who is already an Elder in another Presbytery is elected an Elder, he or she will become a member of the new Presbytery without re-ordination. If the person refuses office, he or she will cease to be an elder of the Connexion, unless there are, in the view of the Presbytery, adequate reasons for the refusal.
17. When an Elder moves to another church, the Minister and Elders shall inform Presbytery. Such a person will not be considered as an Elder of that church, unless elected by it in accordance with the above rules. He or she will, however, remain an elder of the Presbytery that ordained him/her. If an elder removes his/her membership to another church and in the course of time returns to the church that ordained him/her, he/she shall not be an elder of that church a second time without re-election.
18. If a church elects someone who is a member of another Presbytery as an elder, and admits him or her as a member of the second Presbytery, that person ceases to be a member of the Presbytery by which he or she was originally ordained.
19. When an Elder wishes to resign, he or she shall inform the Minister and Elders of this in writing through the Secretary of the church. They in turn shall present the case for the consideration of Presbytery. When Presbytery has made its decision, the church shall be informed.
20. When an elder resigns permanently or wishes to retire from office in a church, he/she resigns from all the privileges and responsibilities of that office in the Connexion, including any posts which involve the making of decisions within his/her own church.
When an elder wishes to retire from his/her office, he/she thereby also retires from all the
privileges and responsibilities of that office in the Connexion.
22. When an elder wishes to resign/reitre from his/her office in a church for a period of time
(here meaning a period of not more than five years from the date of informing the church
of his/her wish) then he/she shall, during that period, resign from all the privileges and
responsibilities of that office in the Connexion.
23. If the elder who temporarily resigned office in the church wishes to return to it, then
he/she should inform the Secretary of the church and the Clerk of the Presbytery, and
when the Presbytery has reached a decision the church should be informed. The decision
to resign, either permanently or temporarily, should be regarded as an honourable act.
24. When an Elder abstains from the work and responsibility of his/her office, but without
notifying his/her resignation, and continues in this manner for more than a year, the Minister and Elders, having discussed this with the Elder, shall inform Presbytery, so that Presbytery may decide as to his/her continuance in office, but if an elder does not act for a period of five years then he/she shall be considered to have resigned the office.
25. When two or more churches united in one building, the elders of those churches are considered to be elders of the united church; if a difficulty arises the Presbytery shall consider the matter and come to a decision
26. Elders are expected to follow the Christian Education Board’s courses for elders, locally and at Bala and Trefeca, and to make full use of the Elders’ Handbook published in 1999.
THE DISTRICT MEETING
Every Presbytery shall be divided into District Meetings. Their number, their boundaries and responsibilities.
1. District Meeting should be held at least four times a year, and comprise the ministers and elders of the churches of the District, other Presbytery members living in the area, candidates for the ministry, and Mission Board workers serving in the area and lay preachers on the Presbytery’s list of Lay Preachers.
The District Meeting should inquire into the state of every church in the District and visit them to:-
Supervise their activities, procedures and financial situation.
Check that their Minute Books, Accounts and Church Rolls are properly kept. (Although this is now generally done by the Presbyteries).
Receive messages from them, and if they are in order, forward them to the Presbytery.
Consider matters of dissension.
Consider the need for New Causes.
It will present a report of its work to Presbytery for its consideration and confirmation and ensure that all the requirements of the Presbytery and the Association are met.
THE PRESBYTERY
The Association is divided into Presbyteries. Their number and boundaries shall be determined by the Association in the Province in which they are situated.
Presbytery shall meet at least once a quarter and shall include:
Pastors, Ministers and elders of the churches of the Presbytery.
Other ministers living in the area and received as members.
Elders ordained in that Presbytery and not members of another Presbytery. The Clerk of Presbytery shall be responsible for keeping a list of all such elders, with their addresses, and Presbytery shall revise it annually.
Persons not ordained to the full work of the Ministry but who are in charge of a church, or occupy another post in the area, with the approval of Presbytery. If they are appointed to the charge of a church or to other service in another Presbytery, they shall be presented to that Presbytery by letter. They shall be members of Presbytery on the same conditions as its other members, but shall not be members of the Association.
In every meeting the time and place of the next meeting shall be decided; this shall be deemed sufficient notice to the churches. No meeting will be regular, nor will its decisions be valid, without such or some other notice that shall be deemed as sufficient, such as the receipt of an agenda.
The Presbytery shall:
Supervise the work of the churches within its bounds.
Converse with ministers and elders concerning their spiritual experience and their experience in their office.
Supervise the election of elders in the churches.
Receive and supervise lay preachers who are not elders.
Hear a case and discipline elders, candidates, preachers and lay preachers with complaints proved against them.
Consider appeals.
Receive and consider messages from the District Meeting and refer messages to the Association.
Supervise the work of the Sunday School, the young people and the children.
Organise and supervise mission work within the Presbytery.
Supervise the course and the work of Candidates for the Ministry, confer with them at least once a year and recommend Candidates to the Association for ordination.
Supervise calls to Ministers, their induction and their release from their pastorates.
Supervise the order and maintenance of the Ministry.
Consider the uniting churches.
Take care of all Connexional interests, supervise buildings and all financial requirements concerning them.
Ensure that all the requirements of the Association are met.
Confer with and ordain those elected to be elders in the churches of the Presbytery and arrange an Open Session for their ordination.
Every Presbytery shall annually forward to the Pantycelyn Press (or its successor) by the end of year a list of the secretaries of churches and their addresses, stipulating the number of Association Reports to be sent to each church.
THE ASSOCIATION
Its proper title is ‘The Association’.
The authority of the Association in its own province is final in all Connexional matters excepting those referred to the General Assembly.
Meetings
The Association shall meet at lease twice a year, in each of the three Provinces, in the South, the North and the East. Welsh is the official language of the Provinces of the Association in the South and North and English is the official language of the Province of the Association in the East.
Membership of the Association
Pastors, Ministers and elders of churches within the province in which it meets.
The Moderator and Clerk of the Association and the Chairperson and Clerk(s) of the Elders’ Meeting(s) of the other provinces.
Ministers and elders of churches in the other provinces who desire to be present.
NOTE – To strengthen the unity of the Church, arrangements should be made whereby at least two of the four above-mentioned officers from each province are present in every Association held in the other provinces, their expenses being borne by the Association that they represent.
In every Association the time and place of the subsequent Association shall be determined; this shall be deemed sufficient notice to the churches and Presbyteries. No Association will be regular, nor will its decisions be valid, without such or some other notice that shall be deemed as sufficient.
It is the responsibility of the Association, within its province, to consider:-
All the affairs of the churches, the District Meetings and the Presbyteries.
Receive Candidates for the Ministry and supervise their course.
Ordain Ministers who are presented to it by the Presbyteries and who receive its approval.
Hear cases and, if appropriate, suspend or dismiss Ministers with complaints proved against them.
Receive and consider appeals.
Receive and consider messages from the Presbyteries.
Receive and consider messages from and for the General Assembly.
Have charge of its funds.
Supervise doctrine, mission and discipline.
Ensure that Connexional policies are implemented.
The travelling and subsistence expenses of the officers and members of the Association Committee, and of members of committees appointed by the Association, shall be defrayed as required and in accordance with the rates which it determines.
The Standing Orders of the Association
Rota and Membership of the Association
The Association shall, as a rule, meet in rotation in every Presbytery.
Whilst every Minister and every Elder in the Connexion has a right to be present at the Association and to participate in every meeting, nevertheless, in order to secure general representation, each Presbytery is requested to appoint a number of ministers and elders as delegates. Only these delegates, officers and representatives of the committees of the Association shall have the right to vote.
A Presbytery with 3,500 members and over, shall appoint three ministers and three elders.
A Presbytery with between 1,000 and 3,500 members, shall appoint two ministers and two elders.
A Presbytery with fewer than 1,000 members, shall appoint one minister and one elder.
The Moderator and Clerk of each Presbytery should be among its delegates to the Association.
It is not in order for Presbytery to appoint as a delegate to the Association someone who is not a member of the Association.
Officers of the Association
The Officers of the Association shall be the Moderator, the Clerk and the Treasurer.
The Officers of the Association in the three Provinces shall be elected by the members of the Association Committee and the delegates from the Presbyteries. The Moderator, Clerk and Treasurer shall be elected by secret ballot. Every three years a Moderator shall be elected from among the elders. The Moderator shall hold office for one year; the Clerk for three years; the Treasurer for five years. Neither the Moderator nor the Clerk shall be eligible for re-election, but the Treasurer may be re-elected for one further term. The Moderator and Treasurer of the Association shall be elected at the Autumn Association and the Clerk at the Spring Association.
The Moderator shall take office at the Spring Association. In vacating the Chair he shall deliver an address.
In the absence of the Moderator, or should the Moderator be unable to complete his/her term, or die, the Chair shall be taken by the past Moderator. In the absence of the Clerk, his/her place shall be taken by the previous Clerk. Should either the Clerk or the Treasurer die while in office, a successor shall be elected at the next Association.
The Association Committee
The Association Committee shall comprise:
The Officers of the Association
The Past Moderators, previous Clerk and previous Treasurer.
The Officers of the Elders’ Meeting, the Secretary and Chairperson of the Finance and Properties Committee.
Four ministers and four elders elected by the Association.
One of the four Ministers and one of the four Elders shall be elected at the Autumn Association. They shall hold office for four years and shall not be eligible for re-election. A minister and an elder shall retire each year.
Meetings
The Association Committee shall meet at least a fortnight before the Association.
The work of the Committee is to:
Inquire as to the regularity of every matter submitted to the Association.
A matter will be regular if it has been submitted by the General Assembly, by one of the Presbyteries, by one of the committees of the Association, or by the Association in another province.
To consider the propriety of every matter submitted, either by individual members of the Connexion or by organisations outside the Connexion or by other Religious Denominations.
Prepare nominations for election by the Association:
(a) when electing members of the Committees of the Association.
(b) when electing persons to perform special duties in, or on behalf of, the Association. These nominations will be submitted to the Association for confirmation or rejection, with power to add to the nominations before voting takes place.
The Sessions of the Association
At the commencement of the first session of the Association, the congregation shall stand for the entry of the Moderator, carrying the Moderator’s Bible, followed by the Clerk, the Treasurer and the Past Moderators. The Moderator shall place the Bible in a prominent position and open it.
At the end of the final session a prayer shall be offered. Then, with the congregation standing, the Clerk, the Treasurer, the Past Moderators shall leave, and finally the Moderator, carrying the Bible.
As a rule, the Association shall arrange for the Ministers’ Meeting and the Elders’ Meeting to be held separately, but occasionally together.
One of the Sessions shall include a report on the History of the Cause in the Presbytery where the Association is held. The Presbytery shall produce a printed report and send copies to the Clerk of the Association in good time. There is no necessity for the report to be read out at the Session unless the Association requests this. The Association may decide to dispense with producing a printed report, but an opportunity shall be given for the report to be presented orally.
A devotional meeting shall be arranged for one of the Sessions and the Association shall arrange a Public Meeting in consultation with the Local Committee.
The Association, in each of the three Provinces, shall be free to decide upon the date(s) and timetable of the Sessions and Meetings.
The Association, in each of the three Provinces, may vary the content of the Sessions and Meetings in response to new requirements and circumstances.
The Work of the Association
The first task of every Association shall be the roll call of Officers, Members of the Association Committee, and delegates of Presbyteries and the Association in the other two Provinces.
When the Moderator has certified that the minutes of the previous Association correspond with the printed copy, they shall be confirmed by the Association and the Moderator and Clerk shall sign the printed copy.
The Report of the Association Committee shall then be presented.
Spring Association: The Moderator’s Valedictory Address and the installation of the Moderator elect.
Autumn Association: Conferring with Candidates to be ordained and the holding of a Service of Ordination. Receipt of reports from the General Assembly.
A commemoration shall be given in each Association as required.
Every Committee will be expected to present a Report at least once a year.
In all sessions, those who present a matter shall be allowed 20 minutes and other speakers no more than 10 minutes each.
The Clerk of the Association shall prepare an Agenda of Proceedings and send a printed copy at least a week beforehand to the Officers of the Association, the Officers of the Association in the other two Provinces, members of the Association Committee, Presbytery delegates and all who will be taking part in the proceedings of the Association, and any others who, it is considered, should receive a copy. In addition, a copy should be sent to every Minister, and a sufficient number for the elders should be sent to the secretary of every church in the Province.
Elections
The Clerk of the Association shall send a ballot paper, with a copy of the Agenda, to the Officers of the Association, members of the Association Committee and Presbytery delegates. In the election for the Moderator of the Association, the voting paper will be blank. In the elections for the Clerk and Treasurer, the Association Executive Committee may submit nominations for election beforehand.
When the means of electing persons or Association committees is not set down in the Standing Orders, the following procedure should be adopted:
The Association Committee shall select as many names as it considers sufficient for the Association to elect the necessary number of persons by secret ballot, namely:
Members of Committees to carry out special duties for the Association.
Members to fill vacancies on Association Committees.
Persons to perform any special task at, or on behalf of, the Association (three names shall be submitted for each position).
The Association Committee shall have power, where there is no rule to the contrary, to propose the re-election of a member of a Committee at the close of that member’s term of office.
Any delegate not able to attend a particular Association is expected to send his/her Agenda and the ballot paper to the Clerk of Presbytery, so that the Clerk can select, and pass them on to, another delegate.
The Moderator, Clerk and Treasurer of the Association must receive a majority of the votes before they are elected. However, if such a majority is not obtained, a second ballot will be necessary, on as many names highest on the list as have together received a majority of the votes. In any other election, the person receiving a majority of the votes at the first vote shall be elected.
Elders’ Meeting
The Officers of the Elders’ Meeting shall be the Chairperson and the Secretary.
The Officers shall be elected by secret ballot at the Autumn Association by Elders who are either members of the Association Committee or Presbytery delegates. The Chairperson shall hold office for one year, the Secretary for three years, and they shall not be eligible for re-election. The Association must confirm the election of the Chairperson and the Secretary.
The Committees
The Finance and Properties Committee
The Officers of the Association, the Officers of the Elders’ Meeting, and others whom it is considered necessary to appoint, shall serve on the Finance and Properties Committee. In the Association in the North the Secretary shall be appointed by the Finance and Properties Committee.
The Arrangements Committee
An Arrangements Committee shall be appointed to present its report to the Association. The Committee’s work shall be to arrange matters for consideration at the Association’s sessions the following year. (Ministers’ and Elders’ meetings excepted) It shall also nominate persons qualified to speak on the appointed matters. The Clerk of the Association shall serve as Secretary of the Committee.
The Emergency Committee
If there be any urgent matter needing consideration between two meetings of the Association, the Officers of the Association, the two immediate past Moderators, and officers of the Elders’ Meeting shall have power to meet and to proceed in a manner consistent with the usual procedure of the Association and the rules of the Connexion.
Suspension of Standing Orders
Any one of the above rules can be suspended when special circumstances necessitate this, if three-fourths of those present and voting are in favour. The suspension shall operate only in that particular circumstance.
The Ordination Service
The Ordination Service shall be held at the Autumn Association. A Minister shall be chosen to preach and the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper shall be celebrated. The Moderator of the Association shall lay his hands on the head of each candidate and the Moderator of the General Assembly shall extend to them the right hand of fellowship.
The Association shall present all who are ordained to the full work of the ministry with a Certificate signed by the Moderator and Clerk of the Association, and by those chosen to preach.
The Order for the Ordination Service can be seen in Section VIII.
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The three Provinces of the Association will hold a joint meeting at least once a year in a General Assembly.
The membership of the General Assembly will comprise the Ministers and Elders of the Connexion. In every Assembly the time and place of the next Assembly will be decided; this shall be deemed sufficient notice to the churches and Presbyteries. An Assembly will not be regular, nor will its decisions be valid, without such or some other notice that shall be deemed as sufficient.
The General Assembly will supervise matters relating to the whole Connexion, such as:-
Mission
Church Unity
The Ministry and Candidates for the Ministry
The Healing Ministry
Education and Training of Candidates, Ministers, Elders and Lay Persons
The Sunday School and Children’s and Youth Service
Publishing
Social Issues
Education
Christian Aid
Financial Matters, including the Connexional Contribution, Pension schemes
The Insurance Trust
Property
Statistics
The History of the Connexion
The Davies Lecture
Praise
Publicity
Child Protection, and any other matters from time to time entrusted to it
The General Assembly shall be the final authority in all these matters.
The Standing Orders of the General Assembly
1. Membership of the General Assembly
The Assembly shall meet annually during the month of July unless otherwise decided. The venue and dates to be confirmed at the previous Assembly.
(i) Whilst every Minister and every Elder in the Connexion has a right to be present at the Assembly, and to address the Assembly, nevertheless, in order to secure representation from every Presbytery, Presbyteries are required to appoint the following number of Ministers and Elders as delegates:-
Two from Presbyteries of less than 500 members.
Three from Presbyteries with 501-1500 members.
Four from Presbyteries with 1501-2500 members.
Five from Presbyteries with 2501-3500 members.
Six from Presbyteries with 3501+ members
In a Presbytery with six delegates, the Moderator, Moderator Elect and Clerk should be included.
In a Presbytery with four delegates, the Moderator and Clerk should be included.
ii) Representatives of the Association in the three Provinces
Moderators (3)
Clerks (3)
Treasurers (3)
Chairmen of the Elders’ Meeting (3)
Secretaries of the Elders’ Meeting (3)
Statisticians (2)
iii) Voting Rights
The following only have a right to vote:
Delegates from Presbyteries as in i)
Representatives from the Associations in the three Provinces as in ii)
Representatives of the Boards and the Assembly Departments if they are ordained ministers and elders. If the representatives of the Boards and Departments are not ordained they are allowed to take part in all discussions but not to vote. No other person present has the right to vote e.g. ministers and elders who are present but are not official delegates or representatives of Presbyteries, Associations, Boards or Departments of the General Assembly.
Representatives of other Churches will be accorded the right to attend the Assembly and to take part in all debates, but not to vote.
iv) The Assembly will pay the travelling and subsistence costs of :
Officers
Past Moderators
Those specially invited to speak at the Assembly
Representatives of the Assembly’s Boards, Departments, Committees and Panels
2. Officers of the Assembly and their Duties
i) Officers of the Assembly:
The Moderator
The Moderator Elect
The General Secretary
Minute Secretary to the General Assembly
The Financial Director
The Treasurer
The Chief Statistician
The Connexional Solicitor
ii) The Moderator
The Moderator shall be elected from the Association in the North and in the South alternately, and every five years from the Association in the East. The following method will be employed:
Nomination
The Spring Association in the Three Provinces (when their turn comes to nominate a
Moderator) to hold a free secret ballot.
The three persons whose names are highest on the list, with their permission, to be
nominated.
Should one or more refuse nomination, then the next names on the list will be selected.
The three names, with relevant information regarding each one, will be submitted to the
General Assembly.
The Election
Prior to the election, arrangements will be made for the information on the three
persons nominated to be circulated to delegates.
Delegates to receive a ballot paper with the three names and to indicate their preference
for first, second and third by numbering them accordingly.
After the ballot, the votes for the third person on the list will be divided between those
coming first and second to ensure that the person elected receives the majority of the
votes.
If two of the nominees receive an equal share of the votes, the ballot papers will be re-
examined and the votes shared between the nominees in the order in which they were cast i.e. a number two will become a one, and a number three will become a two.
In the unlikely event of the final vote’s being equal, the Moderator will have the casting
vote.
A ‘job description’ for the Moderator of the Assembly was decided upon at the 2002 General Assembly.
1. The Moderator shall hold office for one year
2. The Moderator shall chair meetings of the General Assembly and be responsible for directing its proceedings.
3. The Moderator shall be a member of every Board of the General Assembly. The Moderator shall chair the General Assembly Board, the General Assembly Department and the Budget Committee.
4. The Moderator shall deliver a valedictory address when leaving office.
5. The Moderator, together with the General Secretary, is the Connexion’s and the Boards’ contact with the media.
6. The post requires that the Moderator visit Presbyteries by invitation together with the Association and the Connexional centres, as well as representing the Assembly in the funerals of past moderators and other Officers. It is desirable for local churches to consider inviting the Moderator to be present on special occasions in their history, e.g. centenary celebrations etc. to deliver greetings from the Connexion. In view of this, when the Moderator is minister of a pastorate, we appeal to his/her pastorate to do everything in its power to lighten the Moderator’s burden during that year in view of all the additional demands of the post.
7. When the Moderator visits Presbyteries and meetings on behalf of the Assembly, it is the responsibility of the Connexion to pay his/her travelling and subsistence expenses.
8. It is the Moderator who sends regards and greetings to Past Moderators, Officers and Ministers who are in poor health.
9. When meetings are held to commission and/or induct national Connexional workers, the Moderator of the Assembly should be invited, and similarly for national ecumenical occasions, for example CWM, the Free Church Council of Wales, Cytûn, etc.
10. The Moderator shall represent the Connexion in the chief courts of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches, and others, in Britain, as well as in major overseas celebrations, particularly in the Presbyterian Church of India.
11. The Moderator Elect and the Past Moderator shall be members of all the Boards of the Connexion and of the Budget Committee, and shall be expected to attend these meetings.
The General Secretary
A ‘job description’ for the General Secretary of the Assembly was decided upon at the 2002 General Assembly.
The General Secretary is the General Assembly’s full-time Chief Officer and thus bears a wide responsibility for furthering the life of the church, its unity, its public witness and its relationship with other churches. The Assembly expects that the General Secretary, as a minister of the church, will contribute to the theological and pastoral leadership of the church, assisting it to reflect on its call and its nature.
The main areas of responsibility are set out below. Many of the tasks necessary for the fulfilment of these responsibilities will be shared or delegated to others. It is intended to appoint an Assistant General Secretary who will deputise as necessary, and undertake some administrative, financial and legal duties and duties relating to health and safety and property, under the direction of the General Secretary. The staff of the Office include a Financial Director, an Office Manager, a Translator/Administrative Assistant and a Receptionist. It is also intended to set up a Consultative/Support Group to assist the General Secretary to fulfil his/her responsibilities in the most effective manner. The General Secretary will be assisted by the Minute Secretary to the General Assembly who is responsible for keeping the minutes of the General Assembly in collaboration with the Central Office’s full-time staff.
In particular, the General Secretary will work with the General Assembly Board and Department and with the Secretaries of all the Boards and Departments to discover how, together, their varied talents and experience can be employed so as best to fulfil these responsibilities and foster the unity of the church. The Secretaries of the Boards will maintain close contact with the General Secretary and report regularly to him/her on their projects and agendas.
The Post of General Secretary is a full-time post. The General Secretary is accountable to the General Assembly through the General Assembly Board.
Fluency in written and spoken Welsh and English is essential.
A clean driving licence is required.
The office, currently located at 53 Richmond Road, Cardiff, may be relocated.
He/she (The General Secretary) will be appointed, following advertisement of the post and interview, from among the Connexion’s Ordained Ministers, by an Appointments Committee set up by the General Assembly.
The person appointed will be:
a committed Christian who shares the joy and hope of the Gospel;
an experienced minister with an understanding of the life and order of the Presbyterian Church of Wales;
a leader with a vision and capable of sharing that vision effectively with others;
capable of discerning a way forward and planning it without becoming enmeshed by details;
capable of working effectively in committees and as an administrator;
capable of working with others and able to manage change and conflict;
possessing pastoral gifts and the ability to respond sensitively and firmly to a variety of situations.
The post of General Secretary includes the following duties and responsibilities:
a)
Planning for and fostering the spiritual and material needs of the Church for the future.
Developing a pastoral role with ministers by working with the Ministerial Board and a
suitable person in each Association.
Acting, with the Moderator, as a contact with the media on behalf of the Boards and the
Connexion.
Attending the Association in the three Provinces and the Presbyteries as necessary.
Maintaining close contact with all the churches by means of preaching committments
within the Connexion The number and arrangments for these committments will be
planned in consultation with the Consultation Group.
b)
Preparing the agenda and papers of the General Assembly and the Proceedings.
Supervising the Proceedings of the General Assembly.
Promoting and implementing the resolutions of the General Assembly.
c)
Supervising the work of the General Office, personnel management within the Office and responsibility for staff development and accountable management in relation to
employment and dispute procedure. The General Secretary is responsible for
appointing, supervising and dismissing staff, with the exception of those appointed by
the General Assembly.
Responsibility for ensuring that the staff of the Church appointed by the Assembly work
together as a team.
Responsibility within the team for co-ordinating and implementing policies and strategy
as agreed by the General Assembly.
Pastoral responsibility for the welfare of all the Office staff; the General Secretary will
seek to foster their spiritual life together.
Holding the office budget.
The General Secretary is the Executive Secretary of
The General Assembly Board
The Finance and Properties Board and is an ex officio member of all Boards and
Departments. (Secretaries are appointed for other Boards).
The General Secretary is the first contact with CWM centrally and will pass on correspondence to the Secretaries of the appropriate Boards for action and reporting back.
He will be one of the Connexional representatives on CWM (European Region) and a Connexional representative on the Executive (European Region)
The General Secretary will play a prominent part in inter-church discussions and will be among the Connexion’s representatives on:
Cytûn
Enfys
The Free Church Council of Wales
C.T.B.I. (Churches Together in Britain and Ireland)
He/she will be, ex officio, one of the Trustees of the James Pantyfedwen Trust.
The Minute Secretary to the General Assembly
The General Assembly will nominate three people for election to the post, which is for a term of four years. Nominations will be from each Province of the Association in turn. The election will be by secret ballot. The person appointed will not be eligible for re-election.
The duties of the post are:-
To take the Minutes of the Assembly Board and Department and of the annual meetings of the General Assembly.
The Treasurer of the General Assembly and the Connexion
The Treasurer will be elected by secret ballot by the General Assembly. He/she will hold office for five years and will not be eligible for re-election.
The duties of the post are:-
To present the Annual Financial Report, audited by an external Auditor appointed by the Finance and Properties Board.
Receive all moneys owed to the General Assembly and arrange every payment it authorises.
Act as Treasurer of the Finance and Properties Board and the Budget Committee.
Chief Statistician and Statisticians
Each Association is to elect a Statistician. He/she will serve for a term of six years, acting in the final two years as the Assembly’s Chief Statistician. The Association appoints its own Statistician and then submits the name for confirmation by the General Assembly. Persons appointed will not be eligible for re-election. They will compile the Connexion’s annual statistics and submit them to the Assembly with a report drawing attention to the most important and interesting points suggested by them.
The following will be eligible to vote in the above Elections:
Officers of the Assembly
Past– Moderators
Officers of the Association in the three Provinces together with the Officers of its Elders’ Meetings.
Presbytery delegates
Representetives from the Assembly’s Boards, Departments, Committees and Panels
Members of the Assembly Board.
A majority vote will be necessary for election. If a majority is not obtained, (except in the election for Moderator, see 2. above) it will be necessary to vote again on as many names of those highest on the list as have together received the majority of the votes.
The Sessions of the Assembly
Before the commencement of the First Session, the congregation will stand while the Officers of the Assembly enter in the following order:
The Minute Secretary
The Chief Statistician
The Treasurer:
The General Secretary
The Past-Moderators
A person appointed by the Moderator carrying the Assembly Bible
The Moderator
The Bible shall be placed in a prominent position and the Moderator shall open it to signify that the Assembly is in Session. The blessing shall be pronounced at the end of each session, and at the end of the Assembly the Moderator shall close the Bible.
Before taking the Chair of the Assembly in the First Session, with members of the Assembly standing, the Moderator will say:
“In virtue of our spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of the world, and as part of the Holy Catholic Church which he purchased with his precious blood, and which is sanctified by the Holy Spirit for the glory of God the Father, we now meet here. We pray that we shall receive the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all our activities that we may walk in the way of God’s will, and that all we do be for His glory and of benefit to his Kingdom in the world.
The First Session of the Assembly shall commence with the Opening Service. There will be a Devotion/Bible Study at the beginning of every other session, led by a Chaplain appointed by the Assembly Board. Members of the Assembly are to stand at the beginning of each Session, when the Moderator and Officers enter, and to stand after the Blessing has been pronounced at the close of each Session, until the Moderator and Officers have left.
A membership card, together with the Assembly Agenda, will be sent to all those named in the Agenda. The card is to be completed and presented with the ballot paper(s) when registering at the beginning of the Assembly.
The Assembly will arrange that the secretaries of the Association in the three Provinces, each in turn, read the Minutes after the end of each Session and ascertain that they are full and correct minutes. If satisfied, the Secretary will, at the commencement of the following Session, ask the Assembly to confirm the minutes, which will by that time be available in written form. If a Minute cannot be confirmed, the Secretary reponsible for that minute will read it, and the three Secretaries will propose an amendment. The Assembly will then decide between them.
Ordinarily the Assembly meets for four days and the Assembly Board may vary the timetable for experimental purposes and in response to new circumstances.
The Agenda will include:
A Service of Communion and Commemoration.
A Preaching Service.
A Meeting for the Moderator’s Valedictory Address and the Installation of the Moderator Elect.
The Davies Lecture.
The Annual Meeting of the Historical Society
Prayer Meetings
A Session to take the Roll of Representatives and other Members of the Assembly, to make Appointments, to Elect Officers and to Welcome Corresponding Members and Representatives of other Denominations.
Reports from the Boards of the Assembly.
Service for the Installation of a new Moderator
During the singing of the hymn following the Moderator’s Address, the Moderator, Moderator Elect and the General Secretary will leave the hall. The Moderator Elect shall be invested with the official gown and the three will return to the dais. The congregation will remain standing.
The Moderator will say: “In the name of, and by the authority of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, I install you (name) in the Chair of the Assembly, to preside in all its affairs and to lead it, and I commend you to the grace and mercy of God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and grant you His Spirit to lead you in love and wisdom.”
After presenting him with the Assembly Bible, and inviting him to sign it, he shall say; “I give you the Bible of the Assembly as a sign of your authority and privilege”. The Moderator will then call on the Past-Moderator to offer a brief prayer. The new Moderator will then take up office and call on one of the Past-Moderators to offer thanks, and will then bring the service to an end.
A Service for Closing the Assembly
To close the Assembly, the Moderator will announce a hymn; and with the congregation standing, he will read a portion of Scripture, offer a prayer and pronounce the Blessing.
He will then close the Bible and give it to the person whom he appointed to carry it out, with the Officers of the Assembly following.
SECTION III
THE BOARDS, DEPARTMENTS, COMMITTEES AND PANELS OF THE ASSEMBLY AND THEIR RULES
Members
In nominating persons for election and/or in appointing them to serve, careful consideration of the following points is essential:
That they have a genuine interest in, and experience of, the work and objectives of the Board / Department / Committee / Panel and are prepared to give up their time to attend the meetings.
That at least 1/3 of them are women and young people.
Where possible, nomination of the same person to serve on more than one Board, Department, Panel or Committee should be avoided.
Vacancies on Boards, Departments, Panels and Committee will be filled as soon as possible by the Court, Board or similar body which made the original appointment.
The person elected/appointed shall complete the term of the retiring member only.
A member may resign by giving notice in writing to the Chairperson or Secretary of the Board, Department, Panel or Committee.
The Board, Department, Panel or Committee may, given sufficient reasons, dismiss a member. The decision of the Board, Department, Panel or Committee as to the definition of a “sufficient reason” shall be final.
Persons who are full members of the Connexion shall be qualified for membership of the Boards, Departments, Panels and Committees. However, if the person who represents them at the General Assembly is not a minister or elder, he/she may present a report and take part in discussions but will have no right to vote.
The Boards, Departments, Panels and Committees shall be subject to such alterations to their constitutions and rules as are from time to time adopted by the General Assembly.
Quorum – the quorum for a meeting shall be one quarter of the total membership of the Board, Department, Committee or Panel
Language
Correspondence, minutes and documents will be produced in Welsh and English. A simultaneous translation service will be provided at all Board meetings and at other meetings as required.
Expenses
The General Assembly will pay the expenses of the Boards, Departments and Committees in accordance with rates agreed upon from time to time by the Assembly.
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BOARD
Objectives
To further the work of the General Assembly.
To arrange Annual Meetings of the Assembly.
To consider matters from the Association for submission to the Assembly.
To foster a close relationship between the Connexion and the Council for World Mission (CWM).
To promote the work and objectives of the Ecumenical Department.
To promote the work and objectives of the History Department.
To promote the work of the Statistics Department and to consider the significance of the Statistics.
To supervise the work of the Tresaith Department
To supervise and promote the Connexion’s ‘Strategy’
To oversee child protection requirements
Officers and Members
Chairperson: The Moderator of the General Assembly
Treasurer: The Treasurer of the General Assembly
Secretary: The General Secretary of the Connexion
Minute Secretary to the General Assembly
The Past-Moderator and the Moderator-Elect of the Assembly
The Chief Statistician
The Past Moderator, Moderator and Moderator-Elect of the Association in the three Provinces
The Secretaries and Treasurers of the Association in the three Provinces
The Chairperson and Secretary of the Elders’ Meeting of the Association in the three Provinces
The Secretaries of the Boards of the General Assembly
Departments
The General Assembly Department
The Department is the Board’s Executive Committee and is responsible for co-ordinating the work and policies of the Boards of the General Assembly.
Officers and Members
Officers: The Officers of the General Assembly Board
The Past-Moderator and the Moderator-Elect of the General Assembly
The Chief Statistician
The Clerks of the Association in the three Provinces
The Secretaries of the Boards of the General Assembly
The Secretary of the Elders’ Meeting of the Association in the three Provinces
Ecumenical Department
The Department:
Promotes co-operation between the Connexion and other Churches at International, National, Regional and Local levels.
Stimulates and promotes discussions regarding church unity in accordance with the resolutions of the General Assembly
Appoints persons to represent the Connexion on ecumenical and inter-Church bodies and councils such as:
Cytûn – Churches together in Wales
Enfys – Commission of the Covenanting Churches
Council of Churches of Britain and Ireland
Assembly of the World Council of Churches
The Free Church Council of Wales
Assembly of the World-Wide Congress of Reformed Churches
Officers and Members
The Chairperson and Secretary to be appointed by the Department from amongst its members.
Four representatives of each of the three Provinces of the Association
The Secretary of Cytûn
The Secretary of Enfys
The Statistics Department
The Department:
Prepares the Connexion’s membership and financial statistics annually
Presents issues of importance arising from the statistics for the attention of the relevant Board of the General Assembly
Officers and Members
Nine members, two appointed by each of the three Provinces of the Association and three Statisticians appointed by the General Assembly.
The Assembly Statistician shall be appointed on the nomination of the Association for confirmation by the General Assembly.
A Statistician shall hold office for six years, with the one who has been longest in office being the Chief Statistician and acting as Secretary of the Department.
History Department
The Department:
Researches into the history of the Connexion.
Collects the historical materials of the Connexion, catalogues them and secures their safekeeping in the Connexional Archives at the National Library in Aberystwyth. No local church, Presbytery or any institution or department within the Connexion has power to present materials to local record offices. In every case without exception they are to be sent to the Secretary of the Department for transfer to the Archive.
Prepares the Trefeca manuscripts and other similar manuscripts for publication in the Historical Magazine or in some other form that the Assembly shall from time to time recommend.
Arranges the Annual Meeting of the Historical Society at the General Assembly.
Administers the 1904-05 Revival Memorial Fund and arranges the Revival Memorial Lecture to be delivered every three years in each of the three Provinces of the Association.
Officers and Members
Chairperson and Treasurer of the Historical Society
Editor of the Historical Journal
Publishing Officer
Three persons appointed by the Publishing Department of the Communications Board
Eight persons appointed by the General Assembly (two to retire annually)
The Department has power to appoint a number of correspondent members
Tresaith Department
Head: The Warden
Managing Committee: The Managing Trustees
Officers and Members
A Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer appointed by the Department.
The Warden
One representative of the Finance Department.
Three representatives of the General Assembly
The Clerk of the Association in the South.
The Department shall have power to co-opt up to three local members.
Panels
Child Safety Panel
The Panel acts on behalf of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, the Union of Welsh Independents, and the Baptist Union of Wales, and is responsible for leading the three Denominations in carrying out the following policy:-
It is the policy of the Presbyterian Church of Wales to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from neglect, physical, sexual and emotional harm. As a Church we are fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of our members and those entrusted to our care. Members of the Church, employees and volunteers will at all times, show respect and understanding for children’s rights, promoting an ethos of listening to children and ensuring their safety and welfare, conducting themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Christian Church
Connexional Members of the Panel
The General Secretary.
The Officers of the Christian Education Board.
The Director of the Children’s and Youth Service.
The Children’s and Youth Work Resource and Training Officer.
The Children’s Advocates in the North, South and East.
The Connexional Solicitor and one Solicitor appointed by the Assembly.
Consultation
The Board, the Departments and the Panel may obtain expert advice and invite persons with a particular expertise to attend meetings as necessary.
Meetings
The Board shall meet annually during March/April
The Assembly Department shall meet twice a year, following the Autumn and Spring meetings of the Association in the three Provinces.
In addition, the Department may arrange an Annual Consultation including the officers of the Boards of the General Assembly and others by invitation. The purpose of the Consultation is to ensure full understanding and co-operation between the Boards of the General Assembly. The Consultation shall report back to the Annual Meeting of the Assembly Board.
The Ecumenical Department, the Statistics Department, the History Department, the Tresaith Department and Child Safety Panel shall meet as necessary.
The Relationship between the Board and the Departments and the General Assembly
The Departments and Panels shall submit Annual Reports to the General Assembly Board. All the Connexion’s Boards shall also submit a short report. Every application for a new post must come from the Boards to the Assembly Board.
The Board will submit to the General Assembly an Annual Report, which will include the Annual Reports of the Departments.
The General Assembly shall have the ultimate power to accept or change any policy or recommendation, to require its reconsideration or to reject it.
Representatives to the General Assembly
Ecumenical Department (1)
Tresaith Department (1)
History Department (1)
Statistics Department (1)
Appendix 1
Strategy
Objective
To release resources tied up in redundant buildings to safeguard and strengthen the remaining local churches. The aim is to establish a network of local churches that will be CENTRES FOR MISSION AND WORSHIP. In this way, advantage can be taken of a crisis by laying a new, firmer foundation for the development and strengthening of our witness in the local community.
Resources
The Finance and Properties Board received permission from the 1991 General Assembly to consider applications to release up to 75% of the net proceeds from the sale of redundant buildings to implement the ‘strategy’ and this rate was earmarked for each Presbytery from January 1991 onwards. The 2000 General Assembly resolved to utilise money from the sale of redundant buildings as follows – 70% to the Presbytery Strategy Fund, 25% to the Finance and Properties Board and 5% to the Centres’ Capital Fund. However, the Finance Board cannot consider applications for the release of money until a Presbytery has either completed its ‘strategy’ or is able to assure the Board that an individual application or applications play an essential part in the aim of its ‘strategy’ and have received the support of the Association.
Action
Strategy Committees
The work of the Presbyteries’ Strategy Committees is to decide what resources are required for worship, Sunday Schools, children’s and young people’s work, mission and service to the community. Resources in:
Workers: ministers and lay persons, both full-time and part-time, and volunteers.
Buildings: their location and facilities.
Money: to pay ministers and other workers, to further mission in the local community and to adapt and maintain buildings.
The work of the Presbytery will be to accept, support and promote the plans of its Strategy Committee and to forward applications for the consideration of the Association and the Finance Board.
In addition, Presbyteries should forward a copy of their ‘Strategy’ plans to the Mission Board, Similarly, the Mission Board is requested to inform Presbyteries of its long and short-term plans.
Local Churches that Unite
It was accepted at the 2002 General Assembly that:
1. Congregations wishing to unite should inform the Presbytery through the District Meeting, or inform the Presbytery directly if there is no District Meeting.
2. It should be ensured that this is recorded in the Presbytery minutes.
3. The implications of the 2000 – 2001 E C Harris Survey, or a more recent inspection by our Property Advisors should be taken into consideration in the decisions.
4. An attempt should be made to ascertain the feelings of the churches considering uniting in a ‘declaration of intent’ before proceeding formally to the final vote. This will be a secret ballot. A simple majority of 51% in favour of uniting will be sufficient as the ‘indication of intent’.
5. It is important that members of the churches and the Presbytery have an opportunity to consider the recommendations in full before voting on them in the final ballot.
6. The churches should be informed of the time and date of the final ballot, during services at least two Sundays beforehand.
7. The date of the ballot will be arranged by the Presbytery in consultation with the churches. Two representatives of the Presbytery will be present in each chapel where voting is taking place.
The ballot will be a secret one, taken in each chapel separately, with representatives of the Presbytery collecting the votes of the churches together and mixing them prior to the count. (It should be ensured that each chapel uses the same type of ballot paper)
8. Two thirds of the members present and voting in favour of the recommendations will be sufficient for the congregations to unite.
9. A Service of Unification will be arranged under the guidance of the Presbytery. During the service the Moderator of the Presbytery will make a declaration proclaiming the unification. The elders of the uniting churches will join together to form the eldership of the new church.
10. The assets of the merging churches will become the property of the new united church in accordance with Connexional rules. When redundant buildings are sold
If the church is under the care of a minister, £1,200 per member of the net moneys from the sale will be invested for the benefit of the united church.
If the church is not under the care of a minister, £600 per member of the net moneys from the sale will be invested for the benefit of the united church.
11. A distinction must be made between churches that close and churches that unite to form a new united church.
12. When a church closes, action is taken by the officers of the Presbytery, and it is recommended that they should without delay, on the day of closure or dissolution, inform the Presbytery Statistician of the number of members being transferred to other churches, noting the names of the churches which admit them. The number who transfer will be added to the current membership of the churches that admit them to determine the Connexional Contribution. The Presbytery Statistician should inform Central Office, the churches admitting the new members, and, if another Presbytery is affected, that Presbytery should also be informed.
13. Churches that unite lose their identity, and a new church comes into being, a new and separate unit. Members will not be transferred to united churches in the usual sense, from one church to another, but instead merge to form the initial membership of the new church. As the new church takes over the property and revenue of its constituent churches, it must also be responsible for the levy of these churches; i.e. the new church will pay the levies which its constituent churches would have paid had they continued in being, apart from any alteration due to the number of members. This arrangement will continue until the statistics for the new church come into force. Any transfer, or formation of a new unit, should take place at the beginning of a quarter.
14. All the buildings are the responsibility of the new united church until they are sold. If redundant buildings need to be sold, the united church should make application to do thus through the Presbytery and the Association. Should problems arise, the united church may request help from the Presbytery, and in some cases, the Presbytery may take over responsibility for the buildings, and for their sale.
15. When a church is dissolved, responsibility for care of the buildings and their sale falls on the Presbytery.
Presbyteries have power to close a chapel/chapels if the members’ reluctance is hindering the implementation of the ‘strategy’ plans of the Presbytery as a whole.
THE MISSION BOARD
Objectives
To organise, further, develop and supervise the mission activities of the Connexion in Wales and in other countries by:
Directing and supporting our churches in their mission by means of the Mission Committees (including the work of the Women) in the Association and the Presbyteries.
Experimenting in new mission methods.
Co-operating with, and assisting, the work of our Centres at Bala, Trefeca and Tresaith.
Organizing Chaplaincies in Industry, in the Armed Forces and in Colleges and Schools.
Arranging conferences and groups for training in mission.
Providing suitable literature and publishing information about mission work in Wales and other countries.
Administering the Board’s budget, preparing annual accounts for the General Assembly’s Budget Committee and monitoring investments through the General Assembly’s Committee of Investment Trustees.
Arranging and supervising mission activity.
Appointing, admitting and arranging training for candidates for mission work at home and abroad. Arranging spheres of service for them and supervising and assessing the work in consultation with the church/churches, Presbyteries and the Council for World Mission.
Co-operating with other Denominations and Missionary Societies in missionary ventures at home and abroad.
Promoting the work of the Women’s Department, and the Departments of the Ministry of Healing, Christian Stewardship and Christian Aid.
Officers and Members
Chairperson: A Chairperson will be appointed for a period of three years by the Board’s submitting a name from each province for confirmation by the General Assembly.
Treasurer: A Treasurer will be appointed for a period of three years by the Board’s submitting a name for confirmation by the General Assembly.
Secretary: This is a full-time post, for a period of five years, the appointment to be confirmed by the General Assembly. The Board may recommend to the Assembly that the Secretary’s appointment be extended for further periods of five years at a time.
The Secretary of the Women’s Department
The Secretary of the Ministry of Healing Department
The Secretary of the Christian Aid Department
Two persons, a minister and an elder, appointed by the General Assembly, for a period of four years
Five persons appointed by each of the three Provinces of the Association (two ministers and three elders to include the Clerks of the Association’s Mission Committees) and appointed on a rota of Presbyteries in consultation with the Presbyteries/from the Presbyteries in rotation and in consultation with them. The Secretaries of the Mission Committees will be appointed members for their term of office and the rest for three years.
The Board may co-opt up to four members for a term of four years.
Reappointment
The Chairperson, the Treasurer, representatives of the General Assembly, the Association in the three provinces and co-opted members may be reappointed for one subsequent term only.
Observers
The following shall be invited to Meetings of the Board with a right to take part in the discussions but with no voting rights.
The Moderator and Treasurer of the General Assembly
The General Secretary of the Connexion
The Connexion’s Finance Director
The Secretary of the Union of Welsh Independents
The Executive Committee
Members
Officers of the Board
Secretaries of the Missionary Committees in each of the three Provinces of the Association
The Committee has power to co-opt up to four members.
The Women’s Department
The department furthers the formation of a Missionary Society in every church, or group of churches, and in every District Meeting. Every effort will be made to form a Women’s Missionary Committee in every Presbytery and there will be a Women’s Missionary Committee in the Association in the three Provinces. MissionaryRallies will be arranged annually in each Province of the Association.
Officers and Members
Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer of the Women’s Missionary Committees in the Association in the South and in the North. As the Women’s Committee of the Association in the East consists of two branches, the South and the North, the officers of both branches are members.
Other women appointed to the Board.
The Secretary of the Board.
The Department will appoint a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer from among its members.
The Ministry of Healing Department
The Department:
Promotes this ministry
Arranges an Annual Conference.
Officers and Members
The Department appoints a Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary from among its members.
The Secretary of the Board.
Three representatives of each of the three Provinces of the Association.
One representative of the General Assembly
The Christian Aid Department
The Department:
Promotes, and disseminates information about, ‘Christian Aid’.
Appoints Connexional representatives to the National Christian Aid Committee.
Arranges an annual weekend Conference in conjunction with the Board.
Arranges a five-yearly Connexional campaign to disseminate information on, and to raise money for, projects sponsored by ‘Christian Aid’.
Officers and Members
The Department will appoint a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer from among its members.
Three representatives of the General Assembly
Three representatives of each of the three Provinces of the Association
The Secretary of the Mission Board.
The Secretary of the Church and Society Board.
The Secretary of the Christian Education Board.
The Secretary of the Ecumenical Department of the General Assembly Board
The Christian Stewardship Department
The Department encourages members to utilise their talents and money to further the work of the Church.
Officers and Members
The Department appoints a Chairperson and Secretary from among its members.
The Department consists of eight members appointed in such a way that there are representatives the Association in the three Provinces is represented.
Consultation
The Board may obtain expert advice and invite persons with a particular expertise to attend meetings as necessary.
Meetings
The Board will meet twice a year, in the Autumn and Spring, during the weeks of the meetings of the Boards.
The Executive Committee and the Departments to meet as necessary.
The Relationship between the Board, the Executive Committee and the Departments and the General Assembly
The Board will submit an Annual Report, including the report of the Executive Committee and the Departments, to the General Assembly.
The Assembly shall have the ultimate authority to accept or change any policy or recommendation, to require its reconsideration or to reject it.
Representatives to the General Assembly
The Chairperson of the Board
The Secretary of the Board
The Women’s Department 1
The Ministry of Healing Department 1
The Christian Aid Department 1
The Board and the Churches
The Mission Committee in the Presbyteries
It is the Committee that is responsible for:
Stimulating the churches in their mission.
Implementing the recommendations of the Mission Board.
Sharing information about missionary activity and events.
Arranging missionary meetings and campaigns.
Ensuring co-operation with the Women’s Missionary Committee.
Presenting reports to the Presbytery and to the Missionary Committee of the Association
(In some Presbyteries, this Committee has been merged with the Women’s Mission Committee or the Children and Youth Committee, or the Social Matters Committee, or the Strategy Committee.)
Officers and Members
It is the Committee that nominates its Officers to the Presbytery.
Representatives from the District Meetings
Ministers of the Presbytery
Representatives of the Children’s and Youth Committees
The Committee has power to co-opt.
The Mission Committee in the Association
It is the Committee that is responsible for:
Promoting the Church’s mission in a province of the Association.
Implementing the recommendations and resolutions of the Board.
Submitting information for the consideration of the Mission Committees in the Presbyteries.
Presenting a Report on Mission Work in a Province of the Association and presenting the Annual Report of the Mission Board at the Autumn Meeting of the Association.
Arranging public meetings on Mission Work in the Association.
In the Association in the South, the Ministerial Consultative Committee and the Mission Committee have united to form the Committee for the Promotion of Mission and Ministry.
Officers and Members
It is the Committee that nominates its officers to the Association
The Secretaries of the Mission Committees in the Presbyteries.
Representatives of the Association on the Mission Board.
Representation from among the Officers of the Mission Board.
The Committee has power to co-opt.
The Association in the South’s Committee for the Promotion of Mission and Ministry consists of:
The Secretary of the Mission Board.
The Secretary of the Ministerial Board.
One representative from each Presbytery.
Seven co-opted members.
The Committee has a representative on the Mission Board and the Ministerial Board.
THE MINISTERIAL BOARD
Objectives
To consider, maintain, and promote the development of all aspects of the work of the ordained ministry and secure as far as is possible:-
Pastoral care for all churches in our Connexion.
The regular services of an ordained minister for every church.
The admission of candidates for the ministry and the supervision of their education and training.
A minimum stipend for every full-time minister.
Provision of pastoral care for our ministers in consultation with the General Secretary.
Officers and Members
Chairperson: A Chairperson will be, appointed for a period of three years through the Board’s submitting a name for confirmation by the General Assembly.
Treasurer: A Treasurer will be appointed for a period of three years by the Board’s submitting a name for confirmation by the General Assembly.
Secretary: The General Secretary of the Connexion.
The Director of Training
The Secretary of the Ecumenical Department of the General Assembly Board.
The Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer of the Candidates and Training Department
The Chairperson of the Pensions Board
Two persons (a Minister and an Elder) appointed by the General Assembly, for a period of four years
Five persons appointed by each of the three Provinces of the Association, two Ministers and three Elders, appointed on a rota of Presbyteries in consultation with the Presbyteries for a period of three years.
Reappointment
The Chairperson, the Treasurer, representatives of the General Assembly and of the Association may be reappointed for one subsequent term only.
Observers
The following will be invited to meetings of the Board but will have no voting rights.
The Moderator and Treasurer of the General Assembly
The Connexion’s Finance Director
The Association and the Planning of Pastorates
The Connexion ordains ministers to serve the whole Church meeting in the Association. It follows that those who are ordained are maintained by the whole Church and responsible to it.
Declaration on the Office and Work of a Minister
The Risen Christ dwells in the believing fellowship of His Church, which is His body and His fullness, to which He grants the privilege of working together with Him in His Saving Ministry in the world. A minister at his ordination is set apart by the Church to lead it in this varied ministry by entrusting him especially with the preaching of the Word, the administration of the Sacraments, the pastoral care of members and their instruction in the Christian Faith and with leading the Church in its work (both missionary and humanitarian) in the local community, the nation and the world.
Rules for the Appointment of Ministers to Pastorates
It is the responsibility of the elders to inform Presbytery, through the District Meeting, that a church/pastorate wishes to call a minister. The Presbytery will arrange for its Committee for the Order and Maintenance of the Ministry to consider the request, bearing in mind the needs of neighbouring churches and the possibility of forming a Community Ministry with a minister and churches of other denominations. If the Presbytery, having considered the reports, is of the opinion that the church/pastorate/interdenominational community pastorate is ready to call a minister, and that there are no obstacles in the way of this, it will seek the permission of the Ministerial Board to proceed. If the response of the Ministerial Board is favourable, the Presbytery will appoint representatives es to visit the church/the churches of the pastorate/ the Connexional churches forming part of the Community Ministry to ask the members at a public meeting; “Are you in favour of calling a minister to take pastoral charge of this church? If so, signify this by raising your hand.”
If the church/churches are in favour, arrangements will be made at the time to elect members, the number to be decided by the Presbytery representatives and the Elders, to work with the elders of the church/churches, representatives of the Order and Maintenance of the Ministry Committee, and in a Community Ministry, with the corresponding persons from the other denominations, to form a Pastorate Committee. These shall be elected from among the members by secret ballot, those highest on the list to act on the committee. The role of the Pastorate Committee will be to consider the name of a person to undertake their pastoral care.
Representatives from the Order and Maintenance of the Ministry Committee and corresponding persons from other denominations in a Community Pastorate are required to be present at the deliberations of the Pastorate Committee but will not have the right to vote.
When the Pastorate Committee is agreed on a particular name, and when the person’s consent has then been obtained, arrangements will be made to submit his or her name to the members of the church/pastorate/community pastorate for election as its minister. Presbytery delegates, after due notice, shall visit the church/churches and Connexional churches belonging to a Community Ministry. If, in the opinion of the Presbytery delegates, a sufficient number of members is present, the question will be put; “Are you in favour of calling A.B. to be minister of this church?” The members shall respond by secret ballot.
When a pastorate calls an individual to undertake its pastoral care, all the churches are required to proceed with mutual understanding. Each church shall vote separately; then the Presbytery representatives shall collect the votes together and mix them prior to the count.
The representatives shall then present a report to Presbytery. If three-fourths of the full members present have voted in favour of the individual, and the Presbytery confirms the ballot, he or she shall have been regularly elected as minister of the church/pastorate and the Presbytery Secretary shall inform him/her of this.
A ballot is not required when a church or churches are added to a pastorate.
When a minister resigns, or retires from his/her pastorate, the minister shall inform the elders of the church/churches and then the members. The elders shall inform the Presbytery. Presbytery is required to approve the minister’s resignation before it is final.
All the arrangements regarding the ministry in a church/pastorate should be made with the consent of, and under the supervision of, the Presbytery.
Releasing a Minister from a Church/Pastorate
When a minister receives a call to undertake the pastoral care of another church/pastorate, or retires, he or she is required to inform the elders, and then the members. It is the duty of the elders to inform the Presbytery. When it has consented to his/her release, the Presbytery shall, in consultation with the elders, arrange a service to release the Minister.
(See the Order of the Service of Release in Section VII)
A Minister’s Membership of Presbytery
Every Minister should be a member of the Presbytery within whose bounds he or she lives, whether or not he/she has charge of a church/pastorate.
When a Minister moves from one Presbytery to another, he/she shall be introduced by a letter from the Secretary.
If the Minister has churches in more than one Presbytery, he/she shall be a member in only one of the Presbyteries.
Ministers in Other Occupations
If a minister accepts a post outside the Connexion, the Presbytery is required to ask the minister whether he/she wishes to continue as a minister in the Connexion. If so, it is the responsibility of the Presbytery to:
Require him/her to reaffirm this every year before it draws up the list of ministers.
If the minister wishes to continue, Presbytery is required to question him/her as regards his/her experience, including religious history, and to give careful consideration to the replies.
In this context it is important to safeguard the proper objective Connexional funds, and in particular that element of the Connexional Contribution intended for the Ministry, i.e. for supporting/maintaining those who are dependent on the ministry. Great care was taken to ensure this when an order of Lay Preachers was formed, and the same rules should be applied to ministers pursuing other vocations, who no longer depend on the ministry for their livelihood.
The Resignation of a Minister
When a minister resigns from the Connexion, the resignation should be tendered to the Presbytery of which he/she is a member.
An Enquiry regarding Ministers, Lay Preachers and Preachers and their Reinstatement
It is for Presbytery to consider an accusation brought against a Minister, Lay Preacher, or Candidate for the Ministry.
The Inquiry
Any inquiry into an accusation brought against a Minister, Lay Preacher, or Candidate for the Ministry should be undertaken with every care and deliberation. It is important that the Presbytery appoints a strong committee of impartial men and women to consider the matter
It would be fitting if some of them were accustomed to hearing evidence in another sphere.
A Candidate for the Ministry
When a Presbytery considers an accusation against a Candidate it is important for it to consult the Candidates and Training Department. However, if this Department has investigated the accusation, it must submit a report to the Presbytery. It is the responsibility of the Presbytery to decide the matter and, if necessary, take disciplinary action.
The Report
The Committee must present its own report to the Presbytery. Only members of the Presbytery shall have a right to be present.
A Minister
If a charge against a Minister is proved, the Presbytery must submit a report to the Association. The Association may either accept or reject the report (if it has sufficient reasons for so doing). If it rejects the report, it can request the Presbytery to reconsider the matter; but the Association cannot itself consider it, except in the event of an appeal to it against the decision of Presbytery.
Reinstatement
When a Minister, Lay Preacher or Candidate for the Ministry is guilty of an offence that requires the Presbytery to dismiss or suspend that individual for a period, it must act without delay. However, in the case of a Minister, a report of the decision must be submitted to the Association. In the case of a Lay Preacher or Candidate for the Ministry, the decision of the Presbytery shall be final.
Should a case lead, not only to dismissal from the Ministry, or a period of suspension, but also, by the direction of the Association, or, in the case of a Lay Preacher or Candidate for the Ministry, by the direction of the Presbytery, to dismissal from church membership, it shall not be in order, except in very exceptional circumstances, to restore the offender to the work of the Ministry, for fear of impairing the status and weakening the influence of the Ministry.
The first step towards reinstating a Minister who has been dismissed shall be for the case to be brought before the Association through the Presbytery; a period of at least two years should elapse before this is done.
The Presbytery must give the Association notice of the request in accordance with rule 3 above. The Association shall arrange for a committee of seven to consider the request and to report to the next Association. Three-fourths of the votes of those members present must be in favour of reinstatement.
A Presbytery has no power to reinstate a Lay Preacher or Candidate for the Ministry without the approval of the Association, and on the same conditions as in Rule 3 above. In addition, it has no power to reinstate a Lay Preacher or Candidate for the Ministry who has been disciplined by another Presbytery without coming to a mutual understanding with that Presbytery.
A church has no power to invite a Minister, Lay Preacher or Candidate for the Ministry who is under discipline to occupy its pulpit until he or she has been duly reinstated in accordance with the above rules.
Note A Presbytery must consult the Department of Candidates and Training in the case of any Candidate for the Ministry under its supervision.
Stipends
A stipend structure is assured for every full-time minister, and is reviewed annually by the General Assembly.
A Manse, free of rent, Council Tax and water rates is provided by the pastorate. Where there is no Manse, or where the full-time minister chooses to reside in his/her own private house, the Pastorate contributes towards this – a minimum of £2,750, to be reviewed every three years by the General Assembly, plus Council Tax.
Every full-time minister is expected to begin in his/her new pastorate at the beginning of a quarter.
Payments of Stipend
The Ministers’ Remuneration Fund will be responsible for paying every full-time minister a stipend in accordance with 1. above.
The following will be deducted from the stipend before it is paid:
The Income Tax due for the month.
The National Insurance Contributions (class 1 – not contracted out) due for the month (including anything else due such as additional payment from the Pastorate).
The Full-Time Minister’s contribution towards the Connexional Pension Scheme (if a member).
Any other voluntary contributions, e.g. Hospital or AVC Scheme.
Any repayments due, e.g. car loan, mortgage
The stipend will be paid in full for three months to the surviving spouse of a minister who dies in service.
Financial Assessment
Every church under pastoral care is expected to pay into the Ministers’ Remuneration Fund through the Connexional Contribution the amount decided by the Budget Committee and confirmed by General Assembly.
Pastorless Churches are expected to pay the Connexional Contribution, and where possible arrangements will be made for them to receive a number of free services. Pastorless churches that have not received 10 services during the year may claim a refund. All claims for the preceding year should be made through the Presbytery Rota Secretary, to reach Central Office before 31st March each year.
The membership of churches on 31st December twelve months previously will be used to assess their contribution for the twelve month period beginning on 1st January the following year, e.g. the figures for 31/12/03 will be used for 2005. Every Presbytery is expected to ensure that its figures are correct.
Every church is expected to pay its Connexional Contribution quarterly, on or before the 20th of the first month in every quarter, so as to enable the Fund to pay ministers’ stipends promptly. Prompt payment will ensure a saving in labour, time and expense for the churches and for the Connexion.
The Treasurer of a Pastorate paying an Additional Stipend to its full-time minister (i.e. a Stipend additional to that paid to the Minister by the Connexion centrally and in addition to the costs paid by the Pastorate) is required to pay quarterly to the Central Office the employer’s element of the National Insurance Contributions due on the Additional Income, on or before the 20th of the second month in each quarter.
Pastorates with fewer than one hundred members are levied as if they had one hundred members.
Income
The following income will be available to supplement monies received through voluntary donations and through the Connexional Contribution.
The interest on the capital of the Central Fund (Q) in the North and from the Sustentation Fund.
The interest on the capital of the James Pantyfedwen Trust Fund.
Interest on donations to the Fund through bequests, covenants and others methods.
Contributions from the Finance Board.
Income from monies restricted from the sale of Property
Dissolution of a Church and Transfer of Members
A distinction must be made between churches that close and churches that unite to form a new united church.
When a church closes, it is Presbytery officers who act, and it is recommended that they should without delay, on the day of closure or dissolution, inform the Presbytery Statistician of the number of members being transferred to other churches, noting the churches which admit them. The number who transfer will be added to the current membership used by the churches that admit them to determine the Connexional Contribution. The Presbytery Statistician should inform Central Office, the churches admitting members, and when another Presbytery is involved, the Statistician of that Presbytery as well.
Churches that unite will lose their identity, and a new church will will come into being, a new and separate unit. Members will not be transferred to united churches in the usual sense, from one church to another, but instead merge to form the initial membership of the new church. Since the new church is taking over the property and revenue of its constituent churches, it must also be responsible for the levy of these churches; i.e. the new church will pay the levies which its constituent churches would have paid had they continued in being, apart from any adjustment due to the number of members. This arrangement will continue until the statistics for the new church come into force. Any transfer, or formation of a new unit, should take place at the beginning of a quarter.
The Sunday Ministry
The Presbytery will form the Preaching Area unless other arrangements are made either within or between Presbyteries.
In every Preaching Area, the Presbytery shall appoint a Committee of five members, two ministers, if possible, and three elders, to organise a Preaching Rota for all full-time ministers in the area.
Every full-time minister shall preach in his/her preaching area on 46 Sundays without additional remuneration, in accordance with Rota Committee arrangements. On his/her Free Sundays a full-time minister will be free to accept invitations to preach elsewhere and to receive remuneration for his/her services. A student entering his/her first pastorate on 1st July will be entitled to three free Sundays to the end of the year, and to two free Sundays if commencing on 1st October. When there are 53 Sundays in the year, every full-time minister is expected to give 47 to the Preaching Area.
When a pastorate forms one Sunday circuit, i.e. usually requiring three services, a full-time minister is not permitted to preach in his/her own churches on more than 26 Sundays a year.
When a pastorate forms two Sunday circuit , i.e. usually requiring six services, a full-time minister is not permitted to preach in his/her own churches on more than 38 Sundays a year.
When a pastorate forms more than two Sunday circuits, i.e. requiring at least nine services, a full-time minister is permitted to preach in his/her own churches on up to 42 Sundays a year.
When a Presbytery can ensure that every pastorless church will receive 20 services a year, then full-time ministers may be permitted more Sundays in their own church(es) than the number permitted in 4, 5 and 6 above.
Churches receiving the services of their full-time minister on more Sundays than the number noted in 4, 5 and 6 above are expected to pay £15.00 per service in advance to the Presbytery Rota Committee.
Churches and full-time ministers are expected to adhere to the arrangements made by the Rota Committee. Should exceptional circumstances oblige a full-time minister to cancel an engagement on a Rota Sunday, he/she shall inform the Secretary of the Rota Committee and the churches as soon as possible and remit to the Secretary of the Rota Committee £45.00 for the Sunday to enable the Secretary to pay £15.00 per service to the +the churches deprived of his/her services. Ministers and pastorates are earnestly requested to adhere to their commitments to safeguard the rules.
10.When a full-time minister has to cancel a Rota Sunday to accompany children or young
people to one of the Connexional Centres, he/she is permitted to do so on one Sunday a
year without having to pay the £45. The Presbytery’s Rota Committee is expected to pay
£15.00 per service to the church(es) deprived of his/her services. Should a full-time
minister wish to be released on more than one Sunday a year to visit a Centre, his/her own
church(es) will be expected to pay the £45.00 to the Presbytery’s Rota Committee. This
rule also applies to Officers of Boards, Departments or Committees who have to attend a
course or conference.
11. If, owing to sickness, a full-time minister is unable to preach in his/her own church(es)
on one of the Rota Sundays, he/she shall inform the Secretary of the Rota Committee and
the churches immediately.
12.If a minister is likely to be sick for more than five days, he/she shall inform the Secretary
of the Ministerial Board without delay, forwarding the appropriate doctor’s certificate to
the office.
In addition, a list of all the Sundays on which he/she is unable to preach shall be sent to the Central Office.
14. The Ministerial Board (Sustentation Fund) will pay full stipend for the first 6 months of
illness. Half stipend will be paid for the next 6 months. Any further payments would be at the discretion of the Ministerial Board.
Of the amount deducted, the Sustentation Fund will pay £45.00 per Sunday to the Secretary of the Rota Committee to enable him/her to remit £15.00 per service to churches deprived of the services of the full-time minister. N.B.: where the benefit received by the full-time minister is less than £45.00, that amount only will be paid to the Secretary of the Rota Committee.
16. When a full-time minister has been sick for over a month, churches in his/her pastorate
may claim £15.00 for every service for which they have been deprived of the minister’s services on any Sundays after the first month on condition that they ensure that the person who takes his/her place is paid in accordance with the Board’s guidelines (see Rules regarding Sunday Honorarium below).
17.Churches which are part of the Scheme (including those of the minister) are allowed free
services in accordance with the arrangement of the Presbytery’s Preaching Rota.
18. Presbyteries can make use of retired ministers, ministers in Connexional employment and
ministers in other occupations to serve on Rota Sundays to ensure that churches without a
pastor receive at least ten services per year.
The Secretary of the Rota that makes use of the above ministers may apply to the
Sustentation fund for £15.00 per service for them when the Presbytery Rota Committee Fund is insufficient.
When ministers of other denominations are ministers of Interdenominational Pastorates
and offer their services on the Presbytery’s Rota Sundays, they will be expected to observe
the Rules of the Ministerial Board with regard to Rota Sundays.
Rules regarding Sunday Honorarium
To retired full-time ministers, and full and part-time ministers on their Free Sundays, and students accepted by the Connexion, not less than £15.00 per service, to be reviewed every three years, plus expenses of 25p per mile.
To ministers following other occupations (including ministers retired from those occupations) and lay preachers, not less that £7.50 plus expenses.
Where a church has only one service on Sundays, it is expected to pay not less than £15.00 or £7.50 plus expenses.
All full-time ministers must co-operate fully in the re-adjustment of pastorates by taking charge of an additional church or churches, and in some cases relinquishing the care of a church or churches, and the churches of the pastorate must give their support in such cases. Failure to comply with this rule will be a matter to be referred to the Ministerial Board for action.
No church can withdraw from, nor can a minister resign from, a pastorate without the permission of Presbytery, in consultation with the Ministerial Board, and in the same way no minister can resign from part of his/her pastoratewithout permission from Presbytery in consultation with the Ministerial Board.
A copy of the Rules governing payments to ministers in inter-denominational pastorates is available from the central office, 53 Richmond Road, Cardiff, CF24 3WJ.
The Sabbatical Leave Scheme
The Fund will defray the cost of accommodation and meals for full-time ministers taking their Sabbatical Leave. Full details are available from the General Secretary.
The Part-Time Ministry
We believe that God is currently calling to the ordained ministry men and women, some of whom are active in the secular world, or who have a proportion of their leisure time to dedicate to the life of the church, and our Connexion has made provision for those who feel this call by establishing a Part-Time Ordained Ministry in our midst.
A Part-Time Ordained Minister will be ordained to the Ministry of the Word and the Sacraments, but will continue in his/her secular occupation, utilising his/her talents within that occupation, and within the life and worship of the church.
A candidate for the Part-Time ministry will be accepted in accordance with the Connexion’s Order and Rules. He/she will be ordained by the Association on appointment by his/her Presbytery to serve in a particular area for a specified period (the period to be reviewed and extended as required). His/her ministry will be carried out under the guidance and direction of the Presbytery in consultation with the Director of Training .
This may involve appointing a Part-Time Ordained Minister to the care of one or two churches within a pastorate, or to work in conjunction with the District/Presbytery’s full-time minister(s). In some areas the minister could carry out his/her ministry in a special field, for instance as a chaplain in industry, a college or a hospital.
In the event of a Part-Time Ordained Minister being obliged to move owing to the demands of his/her secular occupation, the minister will be available to serve within another Presbytery’s area if that Presbytery is of the opinion that there is a suitable area in which he/she can be of service.
A Candidate for the Part-Time Ordained Ministry should possess experience of work in his/her local church and exhibit talents and qualifications for the work of the Ministry. He/She will be required to follow a specified course of training and to satisfy the Department of Candidates and Training that he/she will be free to give a identified amount of his/her leisure time to the ministry.
The nature and content of each candidate’s course of education will depend on that candidate’s background and previous education. Each candidate’s educational qualifications will be given individual consideration. However, there are essential elements in education for the Ministry in which a Candidate for the Part-Time Ordained ministry will be expected to have been trained, or to receive training, such as the Holy Scriptures, Christian Doctrine, an outline of Church history, studying one period in depth, Practical Theology, including preaching, worship, pastoral work, religious education, work with children and young people and spiritual life.
The Department of Candidates and Training will arrange a course for each Candidate. A Candidate will be expected to follow a correspondence course and ti attend occasional residential-tutorial courses over a period of at least two years. A shorter course will be provided for those who have already received a theological education or who have graduated in Biblical Studies etc.
A previously–ordained minister wishes to offer himself/herself to the Part-Time Ministry, should apply to the Presbytery, which will be responsible for arranging a field of ministry for him/her.
In the event of a Part-time Ordained Minister’s wishing to present him/herself for the Full-time Ministry, application must be made through his/her Presbytery to the Ministerial Board, and the Board will decide whether any further training is required.
Every Part-Time Minister will be paid an honorarium of £2,000 and £15.00 per service for up to 60 services, making a total of £2,900. Local expenses will be paid in full by the church/churches or the Presbytery, in accordance with Connexional requirements.
The Part-Time Minister will be expected to complete a monthly (or quarterly) application form noting the Sundays, and to send it to the Office in Cardiff, countersigned by either the Clerk to the Presbytery or the Secretary of the Rota Committee.
The Admission of Preachers and Ministers from Other Denominations
DECLARATION – The Connexion declares that it does not in virtue of the following rules encourage the transference of Ministers and Preachers from one denomination to another, unless it be as the result of a change of conviction concerning doctrine or church organisation, or because of very exceptional circumstances that make the transfer essential. Such persons cannot expect to be received to our Ministry unless they have sufficient reasons and possess adequate qualifications. Furthermore, they cannot take it for granted that admission as members in one of our churches in itself gives them authority to preach at that time or includes an assurance of freedom to do so later.
Anyone who has been a unordained preacher in another denomination and who wishes to begin preaching must undergo the same probation as every other candidate in our midst.
If a preacher who has not been ordained wishes to join the Connexion, he/she must inform his/her church which must request the Presbytery, by letter to the Clerk, to consider the application. If Presbytery considers his/her qualifications adequate so that he or she need not undergo the usual probation for a Candidate for the Ministry, it shall forward the application to the Association, which will forward it to the Department of Candidates and Training. It will not be in order for the Association to consider an application without receiving a written report from the Department. The Department shall in every case consult with the officers of the church of which the applicant is a member.
If an ordained minister from another denomination becomes a member of one of our churches and expresses a desire to take up the Ministry again, the Officers must ascertain the view of the church by secret ballot. Three-fourths of the members present and voting must be in his/her favour before any further steps can be taken. If the vote is favourable, the application must be submitted to the Presbytery via the District Meeting. Presbytery will appoint a committee of seven to consider the application. Then, having received its report, the Presbytery shall:
Reject the application.
Postpone the matter for a specified period
Grant the applicant permission to preach within the Presbytery for one year.
At the end of one year, the Presbytery may admit him/her as a member. He/she may then be presented to the Association for admission to the full work of the Ministry.
If an ordained Minister from another denomination, or a Minister ordained by the Connexion who is, or has been, serving another denomination, offers him/herself to the Connexion, he or she must apply to the Ministerial Board by letter to the General Secretary. It is the Board’s responsibility to make a thorough inquiry into the Minister’s:
Character.
Status as a Minister, by consulting the relevant Secretary of the other denomination.
Course of education, including theological education.
Faith and belief.
In addition, the Board will arrange to interview the Minister and come to a decision. If the decision is favourable, the Chairperson will ask the following questions of the applicant:
Do you recognize, in general, the Connexion’s present order?
Do you intend, as far as it lies in you, with the Lord’s help, to dedicate yourself to serving this Connexion in Christ, and to preserving the unity of the Church in the spirit of the Gospel?
Do you conform with the Connexion’s call to preach the Gospel, and to administer the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper in our midst?
Would you dedicate yourself to be faithful and industrious in serving and caring for the members of your church/pastorate, to the measure of the help you receive from God?
If the replies are satisfactory, he/she will be in a position to receive a call. That does not, however, guarantee that he/she will receive a call. When a call has been received from a church/pastorate, he/she will be considered a Minister of the Connexion.
Rules relating to Lay Preachers
It is the privilege of the Church to seek to recognise and guide those who offer themselves to preach the Gospel, and to do all it can to train and equip them for effective performance of their work. Character, an experience of the truth of the Gospel, and the ability to convey the message with conviction are essential qualifications. To this end, it is necessary to have men and women who are dedicated, cultured and good.
Rules of Admission
No application may be considered unless the candidate is a full member of one of our local churches and unless the application has come from the officers of the church through the District Meeting to Presbytery.
Presbytery shall appoint two representatives to confer with the candidate and to ascertain the view of the church in which he/she is a member, by secret ballot. Three-fourths of those members present and voting must vote in favour.
The delegates shall inform Presbytery of the result of the ballot.
4. The decision of Presbytery shall be final.
Every Presbytery shall invite its lay preachers to one of its meetings in the course of the year, in order to confer with them.
Preparation
Courses will be arranged by the Coleg Trefeca Department and the Christian Education Board.
Sunday Engagements and their Remuneration
First opportunity should be given to Candidates for the ministry and retired ministers.
Lay preachers must give priority to serving the churches of their own Presbytery.
Churches should invite lay preachers approved by Presbytery to lead services.
Lay preachers shall be paid the sum determined annually by the General Assembly, which shall include travelling expenses. (See Rules regarding Sunday Honorarium)
Community Ministry
Community Ministry exists where local congregations belonging to two or more of the denominations co-operate, with the agreement and support of the denominational bodies, to ensure ministry by a Minister who is recognized by his/her denomination and open to be recognised by the denominations participating in the ministry.
The Connexion, together with the following denominations, has agreed to promote Community Ministry:
The Methodist Church in Wales.
The Baptist Union of Wales.
The Union of Welsh Independents.
The Church in Wales – The Church’s Governing Board resolved in September 1991 to allow priests to give full ministry to a church of another denomination which confesses the Trinitarian faith and celebrates the Sacrament of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The Church also permits a recognised minister of one of the other denominations listed here to give full ministry within its own local congregation. It is essential to ensure appropriate denominational agreement before proceeding in particular areas.
There is also agreement with the following English-speaking churches:
The United Reformed Church.
The Congregational Federation
The Baptist Union of Great Britain.
The Salvation Army.
First Steps in the Formation of a Community Ministry
Local churches, or regional denominational meetings, or the Interdenominational Advisory Committee on the Ministry, can take the first steps when it becomes apparent that the local churches are ready to make progress towards the establishment of a community ministry. It is the Cytun Forum on Local Ministry and Mission, consisting of representatives from the member denominations, that promotes community ministry.
Growth in the number of community ministries depends on local desire and on denominational leadership. When denominations are discussing the pattern of the ministry within an area, they should consider the possibility of forming community ministries rather than a denominational ministry.
The first step is to convene a general meeting of representatives of all the churches in the locality to consider the situation in the area and to discuss possibilities for sharing ministry. It would be beneficial if denominational representatives (national and/or regional) were to attend to give advice on the steps needing to be taken. The Connexion should be represented by the General Secretary or his/her deputy and a representative appointed by Presbytery.
Should it be decided to proceed to seek to form a community ministry, it is recommended that a Local Committee of representatives from the churches be set up. Members of the committee will be drawn from the local churches and the regional and national denominational bodies.
In some communities a minister could already be serving a pastorate and some of the other churches might wish to come under that ministry. In such a situation, it would be appropriate to begin by holding informal discussions with the minister and the appropriate denominational officers before discussing the matter in public. If permission is obtained to proceed, then the matter can be raised in a public meeting as suggested in 4. above.
6. When a community ministry is established in a particular area, it is of the utmost importance to secure agreement to the scheme by the appropriate bodies, both local and national, before taking steps to call a minister.
Local Standing Joint Committee
The benefits of having a Standing Joint Committee for the pastorate, with representation from among the officers and members of all the churches, are strongly urged. The Joint Committee could be an extension of the Local Committee formed to discuss setting up the pastorate. While a number of matters will continue to be the responsibility of the individual churches, there are other matters, such as financial matters, joint meetings, witness to the community, which the churches should consider together in order to promote the co-operation of the churches in ministry and mission.
Guidelines for Community Ministries
Variety. Community Ministries vary greatly from area to area and there is no one pattern which is appropriate in every case. This variety, indeed, is a part of the wealth of such ministries and is a means of strengthening Christian witness. Frequently there are great expectations at the start of such an experiment and care should be taken not to put too much pressure either on the minister or on the churches.
Constitution. A constitution needs to be agreed for the new pastorate. A model constitution is set out below and this can be used as a starting point in developing a local document. However, it should be remembered that it is only a starting point; it will have to be adapted and developed to meet local needs. Naturally, the constitution will require the agreement of all the churches, as well as of the appropriate denominations.
Draft Constitution
N.B.: The following is only a draft. It is intended to be of help to pastorates when drawing up a constitution, but any constitution should include guidelines relating to all the points referred to below.
Name
The name of the Community Ministry will be ………………………………………
Area
The Community Ministry will mainly serve the area of ……………………………
Sponsoring Body
The Community Ministry will look for support from the Interdenominational Advisory Committee on Ministry and the individual denominations.
A Local (or Regional) Sponsoring Body will be appointed which will also offer support and supervision.
Baptism and Membership
Baptism will be administered in accordance with the practices and order of service of each denomination represented and will normally take place during congregational worship.
In the same way a service of reception into full membership will follow the usual order of the denomination represented.
Preparation for baptism and membership will take place in joint classes and will include specific denominational preparation.
Ministry
The basis of Community Ministry is a ministry of the whole people of God.
Ministers will be appointed to the Community Ministry in accordance with the practice of the denominations represented.
It will be a requirement that each denomination represented recognise the ministry of the minister in accordance with the normal rules.
Every induction service shall be interdenominational (jointly arranged by the churches and denominations represented in the pastorate); the order of service shall also include the elements required by the denominations represented. The induction/setting apart will be the responsibility of a person from the minister’s denomination.
A minister within the pastorate shall be under the normal discipline of the denomination to which he/she belongs.
Worship
The Community Ministry shall respect the faith and practices of the denominations represented.
Worship shall be led in accordance with the practices of the denominations and also with recognised interdenominational patterns.
Services (including Communion services) shall be presided over by persons recognised for that purpose by the denominations represented.
All who are members recognised by their denominations shall have the right to receive Communion.
Joint Decisions
Joint decisions in respect of the pastorate shall be made by the local Standing Joint Committee. This shall include representation from among the officers and members of all churches in the pastorate
Local denominational committees shall remain in existence in accordance with denominational requirements.
The minister and members of the pastorate shall foster an appropriate relationship with the regional and national bodies of the denominations and shall be represented on committees as required.
Buildings
The pastorate shall use the following buildings ……………………………………
[Buildings related to different denominations shall be shared in accordance with the Church Buildings Sharing Act (1969). Further details and guidance may be obtained from the General Secretary].
Financial Matters
The Community ministry shall be self-supporting. When help is needed with particular aspects of the work this shall be discussed with the appropriate denominational officers.
Normally, every church in the pastorate will be responsible for the maintenance, heating and lighting of its buildings.
The remaining costs of the pastorate shall be shared between the churches in accordance with an agreed formula, in consultation with the denominations. Those costs shall include the following:
Stipend: The minister shall be paid according to the practice of the denomination to which he/she belongs.
Costs: Appropriate expenses shall be paid to the minister for travelling, telephone, etc., in accordance with the guidelines of the denominations.
Manse: A manse shall be provided in the area (or an adequate housing allowance shall be provided, in accordance with the guidelines of the denominations).
Denominational and mission contributions: The churches shall continue with these contributions (either individually or jointly in accordance with the pattern agreed when the pastorate was established).
Special Projects: When agreement is reached on a special project for mission or social action to be implemented jointly all the churches shall agree in advance to bear the financial responsibility for it.
The wider life of the churches
Discussions with other local churches with a view to joining in the pastorate will be welcomed. The pastorate will aim to co-operate closely with other churches in the area in respect of mission and service to the area.
Review
It is anticipated that a review of the pastorate will be carried out after a period of five years in order to enable others as well as the pastorate itself to profit from the lessons learned as a result of the new ministry.
Continuity
When it appears that a Community Ministry is coming to an end the local Standing Joint Committee should at once consult the officers of each denomination represented and also the Interdenominational Advisory Committee on Ministry.
Change of Constitution
This constitution can be changed by a meeting of the local Standing Joint Committee, following consultation with the congregations within the pastorate, and with permission from the appropriate denominations.
Review. It should also be remembered that the pattern of any scheme is not immutable and should be kept constantly under review. Indeed, it would be worth considering establishing a pattern of review after a period of say five years, since that would enable others, as well as the local churches, to profit from the lessons learned through the new ministry.
Worship. Patterns of worship in a community ministry vary greatly and depend mainly on what is locally appropriate. A minister should not be overburdened with holding a service in every church every Sunday, but a pattern should be established which makes the best use of local talents to assist in leading worship.
Joint worship for all the churches in the pastorate should be regarded as a regular element in the pattern from the very beginning. That would enrich worship and strengthen Christian fellowship in the pastorate.
Sacraments/Ordinances. All denominations have their own particular rules concerning who should administer the sacraments and these rules should be respected within a community ministry. The Service Books of the different denominations include orders of service for Baptism and Communion and these can be used as appropriate, but great advantages would stem from following a united pattern from time to time. For example, ENFYS (the Commission of Covenanted Churches) has published an order for Baptism and also for Holy Communion and consideration could be given to using these occasionally. (Some Baptist ministers find it impossible to administer infant baptism on grounds of conscience. This should be remembered when discussing the establishment of a community ministry and if it arises the local Standing Joint Committee should consider ways of administering infant baptism e.g. by inviting a neighbouring minister to preside at the service.)
Education. The education of the whole people of God is central in any pastorate and community ministry offers an excellent opportunity to do this together. For example, it would be possible to hold Bible classes either on Sundays or on weeknights; classes for children and young people, either as part of Sunday morning family worship or in a Sunday School; classes to prepare parents or young people (and sometimes others) for baptism; membership preparation classes; meditation and prayer circles, or discussions groups, say during Advent or Lent. It would be of benefit to hold such activities jointly for all churches in the pastorate. Where specific guidance is needed on denominational matters (e.g. when preparing for baptism or membership) it is not necessary to confine it to those from the individual church since everyone could profit from coming to a better understanding of one another’s traditions.
Pastoral Care. Pastoral care for a numerically large pastorate can place a heavy burden on a minister if he/she is expected to do this work alone. Consideration should be given to developing a pattern of pastoral care in which deacons, elders and others share this responsibility with the minister. In some pastorates the formation of a ministerial team, including the minister and lay persons, would be an effective way of strengthening the churches’ witness within the neighbourhood.
Witness in the Community. One of the main motives for establishing a community ministry is to strengthen the witness of the churches within the community. The churches in the pastorate should therefore give careful consideration to the needs of the community and how they can work together to meet those needs. Many areas have profited from carrying out such a survey (e.g. by using guidelines such as the Pursuit of Mission available in the Presbyterian Church of Wales and the Union of Welsh Independents). Churches in a number of areas have carried out visits to all homes in the district in order to bear witness to the gospel, to share information about what is happening within the churches and to seek to discover what are the needs of people in the area. Such activities have resulted in the establishment of youth clubs, centres for the elderly, and so on.
Representation on Denominational Bodies. All the denominations which share in community ministry permit a recognised minister from another denomination to represent a Community Ministry on their regional bodies, namely Presbytery, Association, General Assembly and Circuit Meeting, and while it can be burdensome to attend all these meetings it is vital for a Community Ministry to foster a relationship with all the denominations. In the same way, lay people within a Community Ministry should be urged to share in one another’s regional and national meetings since that also would foster a sense of belonging and develop mutual understanding between the different traditions.
10. Language The majority of community ministries (as such) have been set up between
churches operating through the medium of Welsh and in such a situation it would be natural for the worship and activity of the pastorate also to continue through the medium of Welsh. Where there are Welsh-speaking and English-speaking churches in the same pastorate, it would be natural for the worship and activity of individual churches to take place in the usual language, but it would be advisable for the Standing Joint Committee to consider how to organise joint services and meetings. When a bilingual service is held it would be helpful for hymns and at least some of the readings and prayers to be printed bilingually where possible. Such decisions are a local responsibility. This is a matter calling for great sensitivity and the situation should be regularly reviewed. Advice on this difficult matter can be obtained from the denominations.
Where does the authority reside in relation to Community Ministries?
The main responsibility in joint pastorates continues to be in the hands of the individual churches and the denominations in accordance with the constitutions of the various denominations. Exactly where this responsibility resides varies from denomination to denomination and according to the subject under consideration.
The Presbyterian Church of Wales: The General Assembly is the main authoritative body of the Church but some matters are delegated to the Association in the three Provinces and to the Presbyteries to implement the Assembly’s authority in particular situations. Advice on particular matters can be obtained from the General Secretary of the Assembly .
The Methodist Church: The (British) Conference is the highest court of the Church, but implementing the authority of Conference is delegated to the District Synod or the Circuit “The Cymru Province has responsibility in relation to Community Ministries”.
Union of Welsh Independents: The local church has power to act but is expected to consult the Union’s officers .
Baptist Union of Wales: The local church has power to act as regards obtaining ministry, but in relation to a Community Ministry a church is expected to act in close consultation with the officers of the Association and the Union.
Salvation Army: The Divisional Commander is responsible for ministry within the Division in consultation with the staff of the Army’s British Headquarters. The first step in relation to joint ministries would be to consult the Divisional Commander.
The Congregational Federation The local congregation has power to act as regards joint ministry but it would be appropriate to seek the guidance of denominational officers at the commencement of local discussions and before final decisions are taken.
The United Reformed Church: The District Council in partnership with the local church has power to recommend patterns of ministry to the Provincial Synod for ratification. The President of the District Council should be contacted .
Baptist Union of Great Britain: The local church has power to act to secure ministry, but a local church is expected act in full consultation with the regional superintendent and the Association.
[It is anticipated that more congregations of the Church in Wales will share in community ministries in the future. For more information about these possibilities either the Diocesan Bishop or the Provincial Ecumenical Officer may be consulted].
What rules govern Community Ministries?
Each denomination has drawn up rules in connection with community ministries, including rules concerning the accreditation of ministers. Further information can be obtained from the chief officers of the denominations.
Candidates and Training Department
The Department acts on behalf of the Association in the three provinces.
Responsibilities
To arrange a written examination for prospective candidates for the ministry.
To request a written report on each candidate from his/her church and Presbytery.
To arrange to interview each new candidate (and to invite a representative from the Presbytery to accompany him/her) and to discuss with the candidate his/her religious knowledge, experience, service and commitment taking into account his/her character, ability and gifts for the Ministry. After interviewing each candidate the Board will decide:
Should the Candidate be accepted
Should his/her application be deferred
Should his/her application be declined
To supervise the reception and discipline of the Candidates for the Ministry.
To guide and advise candidates regarding their courses.
To interview each candidate annually.
To consider the reports of the Director of Training on each candidate at the end of each Academic Year and to send a full report to the Presbyteries. The report shall answer the following questions:
Should the candidature continue
Should his/her candidature be deferred
Should the candidature be terminated
To arrange for the supervision of ministers during their first two years in the ministry.
To be responsible for finance, administration and academic provision.
To arrange suitable training for each candidate for the full-time and part-time ministry.
Every Presbytery where there is a candidate/candidates is required to:
Appoint a Students’ Committee to oversee them, taking care of their interests and in co-operation with the Department.
Call candidates to appear before it annually to confer with them, and and to give them advice and encouragement.
If the Presbytery wishes to suspend a candidate for a term, or permanently, it is required to do so in consultation with the Department.
Officers and Members
Chairperson: to serve for three years.
Secretary: to serve for three years.
Treasurer: to servefor three years.
The Director of Training
Examiner.
The Secretary of the Mission Board
The Director of Children’s and Youth Service
The Warden of Coleg Trefeca
The Chairman and Secretary of the Ministerial Board
Four persons appointed by each of the three Provinces of the Association (to include at least one woman and one lay person) and appointed on a rota of Presbyteries in consultation with the Presbyteries. These are to serve for three years.
The Department has power to co-opt two members for a term of four years.
Reappointment
The Officers (Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer) and Association representatives may be reappointed for one succeeding term only..
The co-opted members cannot be reappointed for a succeeding term.
Admission to the Ministry
It is the privilege of the Church to seek to recognise those who are called by the Spirit to the Ministry, and to do all it can to assist and equip them for the performance of their ministry so that they may please God.
There are three particular aspects to the work of the Ministry, the preaching of the Word, the administration of the Sacraments, pastoral work and mission. A minister is required:-
To be of unimpeachable character.
To possess a deep experience of the truth of the Gospel.
To possess the ability to deliver the Gospel message with conviction and to both receive and impart instruction.
To be a means of winning some to Christ and of building them up in the holy faith.
To heal and tend those with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
To root the young in the basic truths of the Gospel.
To lead men and women to serve God in a dedicated and consecrated spirit, and to be instruments in His hand to bring about the coming of the Kingdom of Christ in the lives of individuals and in society.
Acceptance as a candidate is conditional to a satisfactory medical examination and a check with the Criminal Records Bureau.
The purpose of the following rules is to create a suitable and uniform order in our Connexion to assist churches to recognize and equip those who are led to the ministry. To respond to the new demands of every era. We as a Church must have brothers and sisters who are not only called to the ministry, but who are:-
Educated and cultured.
Discipline themselves daily through prayer and meditation to receive God’s message.
Proclaim the message with power and build up the Church, the body of Christ, in every possible way.
Rules for Admission to the Ministry
Ministers and Elders are urged to be alert to recognize those among the membership of the churches who are likely to be suitable for the Ministry. They should be given every opportunity to take part in the services and activities of the churchover a period of time. This will give the church an opportunity to form an opinion of their qualifications for the work.
No candidate will be accepted unless he./she has been a member of a church in the Connexion for at least two years.
3. When, in the view of the Officers of the church, a candidate has the qualifications and practical experience, they shall invite a Minister and an Elder from a neighbouring church to ascertain the view of the church by secret ballot. At least three-fourths of those present and voting must vote in favour in order for the matter to be submitted to the District Meeting. This Meeting will arrange for the candidate to preach in a number of churches. Then if the District Meeting approves the candidate, his/her name will be submitted to Presbytery.
If Presbytery considers the matter favourably, it will appoint a minister and an elder to represent it in a special meeting at the church where the candidate is a member. The officers of the church are required to announce the meetings at the Sunday services a week in advance. If the representatives are satisfied that a reasonable number of the members are present they will confer with the Candidate as to his/her qualifications for the work of the Ministry as regards experience, motives, knowledge and religious service, there will then be an opportunity for the church to express its view of the candidate by secret ballot. Three-fourths of the members present and voting must vote in favour of the candidate before any further steps can be taken.
The representatives shall report to Presbytery on the vote and on their own views. If Presbytery supports the candidate, his/her name will be forwarded to the Clerk of Association and the Candidates and Training Department. The Department will interview the candidate (inviting a Presbytery representative – usually the candidate’s minister – to accompany him/her) and if the candidate is received the Department will arrange and then supervise his/her educational course.
If a candidate defers commencing his/her course without sufficient reason, the Department shall have power to terminate the candidature.
Candidates shall remain Preachers on Probation until such time as they have successfully completed their educational course. The Department shall then inform, and forward their names to, Association and Presbytery. Presbytery will invite them to one of its meetings and, having conferring with them, will take a vote of its members as to whether or not to commend them. If the vote is favourable they shall be received as members of Presbytery.
The Director of Training shall forward to the Secretary of the Department a list of those who have satisfactorily completed their courses. The Secretary shall forward the list to all Presbyteries without delay and publish it in the Connexional publications. The list shall be sent to and read out at the Association in the three Provinces.
A Candidate shall be eligible for presentation by Presbytery to his/her Association to be set apart for the full work of the Ministry when he/she has fulfilled all the following conditions:
The candidate has been received as a member of Presbytery, and the Candidates and Training Department has confirmed that he/she has satisfactorily completed his/her educational course.
The candidate has either received a regular call from a church/pastorate to be its minister, the call having been confirmed by Presbytery; or has received a call from the Association or the General Assembly to some other sphere of Connexional service, or, in special circumstances, has been placed in a church/pastorate without receiving a call.
Before the Association at which Ordination is to take place, the Secretary shall contact the Secretary of the Department and the Presbyteries to obtain a list of, and information concerning, the Candidates who, in accordance with rule 8, are eligible for ordination, for submission to the Elders’ Meeting
The Meeting will be required to approve the regularity of the call and the Association will then discuss with the Candidates their experience and their belief with regard to the doctrines of the Gospel. The Association shall then determine whether they should be commended for ordination and will confirm this when called upon by the Moderator to do so.
No one shall be ordained without a written attestation to the Association from the Secretary of the Elders’ Meeting that the candidates have been chosen in accordance with the rules and procedure of the Association. No one should be inducted as a minister of a church/pastorate before being ordained.
Every one who is ordained has the option of joining the Connexion’s Pension Scheme of arranging a Private Pension.
Rules for the Examination of Candidates for the Ministry
The Department will arrange an examination to be held on the same date in all centres at least once a year. However, the Department may arrange a further examination if required. There will be two papers:
A Scriptural examination on an area set and notified by the Department (3 hours).
An essay on one of the subjects offered (2 hours)
Presbytery shall select a centre and two invigilators for the examination. The Presbytery is required to inform the Secretary of the Department of the arrangements in good time.
The Secretary of the Department shall send the questions, under seal, to the invigilators.
The invigilators shall make preparations for the examination, open the envelope containing the questions in the presence of the Candidates, distribute them and collect the answers and forward them without delay to the Secretary of the Department.
Presbytery shall meet the local expenses of the examination.
The General Assembly shall remunerate the Examiners and the Candidates’ expenses when they are required to appear before the Department.
The Education of Candidates for the Ministry
Candidates will need to achieve as a minimum the level of a Diploma in Theology from a recognized university, including study of the Scripture, Church History and Christian Doctrine.
Every candidate, with the approval of the Candidates and Training Department, will study for this qualification in Religious/Theological Studies at a University, or through any other provision approved by the Department.
Every candidate shall receive a year’s training in Pastoral and Mission Studies as an integral part of their education under the guidance of the Training Director.
Pensions Board
Responsibilities:
To act as Managing Trustees of the Pension Scheme
To administer the income of these funds in accordance with the Rules.
To appoint and consult with the Scheme’s Actuary, Administrator and Investment Managers.
To present an Annual report to the Ministerial Board and the Finance and Properties Board and via the Board to the General Assembly.
Officers and Members
Chairperson: Appointed by the General Assembly for a term of three years .
One other person appointed by the General Assembly to serve on the Pensions Board for a period of three years
Two Trustees from each Association, one to be a Pensioner Trustee.
The Scheme at present is being administered by Barnett Waddingham and the Scheme Actuary is Mrs Susanna Morran FIA.
Main benefits of the Pension Scheme
The Scheme was set up in order to provide the members and their families with a measure of financial security in the event of retirement, ill-health or death.
A pension from the Normal Pension Date based on final salary and length of service under the Pension Scheme.
An opportunity on retirement to exchange part of the pension for a lump sum.
A pension payable immediately retirement be necessary owing to ill-health or disability
A lump sum payable to dependants in the event of death in service whilst a Scheme member or on death within 5 years of retirement.
Pensions and allowances for spouse and dependent children in the event of death.
A deferred pension on leaving the Scheme after completion of 2 years’ pensionable service.
An immediate pension, in certain circumstances, on early retirement within 5 years of Normal Pension Date
Joining the Scheme
All permanent full time Ministers and employees of the Church under age 55 are eligible to join providing they are within one of the following categories and are normally employed in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
Ordained Ministers who have been regularly inducted to the Ministerial Charge of a Pastorate and are serving the Church (i.e. The Calvinistic Methodist Church of Wales or The Presbyterian Church of Wales) in that capacity.
Ordained ministers serving on the teaching staff of the Connexion or in its Departmental Offices, e.g. the Director of Training, the Warden of Trefeca, the Director of Children’s and Youth Work, the General Secretary and the Secretary of the Mission Board
Missionaries whether ordained or otherwise serving in the Mission Field overseas
Any other person on the Administrative or Clerical staff of the various administrative departments of the Connexion who is held by the Trustees to be eligible for membership
Membership of the Scheme begins on the date of joining the Scheme and commencing payment of contributions. No-one with a personal pension can join the Scheme and continue contributing to the personal pension. Membership of the Scheme will not normally be affected by contribution to an Additional Voluntary Contributions Scheme (‘AVC’).
If a member has pension benefits under a previous pension scheme, it may be possible to arrange a transfer to the Scheme to secure additional benefits. No transfer can take place without the consent of the member and the Trustees.
If someone has not joined the Scheme within three months of becoming eligible, he/she will be offered an additional opportunity to join upon marriage or on attaining the age of 40.
A member may withdraw from the Scheme at any time subject to giving the Pensions Board 3 months’ notice terminating at the end of any month. If, having withdrawn from the scheme, a member reconsiders, he/she has no right to rejoin the Scheme. The Pensions Board will examine the application and decide on conditions if re-entry is permitted.
Contributions
Members and the Church both make contributions to the Scheme. The Church pays all the Scheme’s administrative costs. All members contribute.
5.5% of pensionable salary.
Contributions will be paid as a deduction from salary before calculation of income tax.
In addition to normal contributions personal contributions may be paid to enhance retirement benefits. These contributions are entirely voluntary. They are known as Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs). Information on this is available from the Connexional Office.
If a member is working part-time, his/her contributions will be based on pensionable salary and not on the full-time equivalent amount.
The Connexion meets the cost of providing the benefits under the Scheme. The rate which the Connexion pays is regularly reviewed by the Scheme’s Actuary and may vary from time to time depending on financial conditions. Current contributions by the Church greatly exceed those of the members.
Retirement Provisions
Pension at Normal Pension Date and Compulsory Retirement Date
On the compulsory retirement date (70 years of age) or the normal pension date (67 years of age) pension entitlement will be 1/80th of the Final Pensionable Salary for each year of Pensionable Service after 1st April 1978. Completed months of service will count in proportion.
For each year of service prior to 1st April 1978 but after 1st January 1974 pension entitlement is 1/60th Final Pensionable Salary.
For each year of service prior to 1st January 1974 pension entitlement is 1/120th Final Pensionable Salary.
So, for example, a person with forty (40) completed years of service accrued after April 1988 will receive a pension of 40/80ths (or half) of his/her Final Pensionable Salary.
Lump Sum
Subject to the Trustees’ agreement (which will not normally be withheld), part of the pension may be exchanged for a tax free cash lump sum. Broadly, up to 3/80ths of Pensionable Salary may be taken for each year of Pensionable Service up to a maximum of 120/80ths (i.e. 1½ times Pensionable Salary which includes any AVC benefits)
Death in Retirement
If a member dies after retirement, the surviving spouse (spouse here means husband or wife) will receive a pension. This pension will be equal to one half of the member’s pension at retirement before the exchange of any pension for a lump sum and allowing for escalation since retirement.
A dependent children’s allowance will be paid in respect children under the age of 18 (21 if still undergoing full time education). The child allowance will be 25% of the spouse’s pension up to a maximum of four children.
In addition, the member’s personal retirement pension is guaranteed for a period of 5 years from the date of retirement. This means that, if the member dies before 60 monthly instalments of the pension have been paid, then a lump sum equal to the balance of the remaining pension instalments (at the rate applicable at the date of death) will be paid to his/her dependants subject to a maximum of the amount that would have been payable had the member died at Normal Pension Date or on the day preceding retirement if earlier.
A member can transfer part of his/her pension and set it aside to provide an additional pension for his/her spouse. The terms under which this transfer is allowed are determined at the time of the member’s retirement by the Trustees of the Scheme (Members of the Grants and Pensions Department) in consultation with the Scheme’s Actuary.
Pension Increases
Pension arising from Pensionable Service after 6th April 1997 will increase in line with the rate of inflation up to a maximum of 5% per year. The Trustees intend to review the strength of the Scheme at regular intervals and to grant further increases if the circumstances permit
Late Retirement
With the consent and approval of the Church retirement may be postponed beyond the Normal Pension Date until 70 years of age, this being the Compulsory Retirement Age. In these circumstances the pension will be calculated at NPD but then increased to take account of the shorter period of payment.
If a member dies after NPD whilst still in the service of the Church, he/she will be deemed to have retired on the day before death and the same conditions and terms will apply as for ‘death in retirement’.
Early Retirement
A member may choose to retire early at any time after his/her 50th birthday with the consent of the Church. In this event, the pension will depend on the Final Pensionable Salary and the completed Pensionable Service only, and will then be actuarially reduced to allow for the longer period for which it will be paid
If a member retires at age 65 or after completing 40 or more years of post-ordination service, then in normal circumstances the Church will waive the actuarial reduction.
However, the Church retains the right not to allow early retirement, if this is necessary in order to arrange a successor or replacement for the retiring member. For this reason a member should give at least 12 months’ notice of his/her intention to retire early.
Application for early retirement should be made to the General Secretary.
The member will be notified what the amount of pension will be at the time of retirement.
Part of the pension may be exchanged for a lump sum
Part-time Service
If a member has any part-time service, his/her pension will be calculated as outlined above but Pensionable Service will be reduced on a pro rata basis according to the number of hours worked while in part-time service.
Payment of Pension
Pension will be paid in arrears by equal instalments on the penultimate day of each month commencing at the end of the first month following the member’s retirement.
Leaving
If a member leaves the Church without receiving an immediate retirement pension, entitlement will depend upon Pensionable Service.
Benefits will be paid as follows:
If the member has less than 2 years’ Pensionable Service, he/she can claim a refund of all his/her contributions with compound interest at 3% per annum. Tax will be calculated at the current rate.
If the member has more than two years’ Pensionable Service, pension will be paid as a Deferred Pension on attaining Normal Pension Date. The Deferred Pension is based on the Final Pensionable Salary and Pensionable Service at the date of leaving, although it will be increased regularly during the period before retirement.
The Deferred Pension will be increased in line with inflation (subject to a maximum of 5% a year).
Under current regulations, if his/her service to the Church and contributions to the Scheme exceed two years, he/she has no right to a refund of contributions.
If a former member is entitled to a Deferred Pension he/she may ask that the benefits be transferred to either a new employer’s scheme or to an appropriate individual assurance policy.
The amount transferred is known as the “cash equivalent” and is the current value of the future pension. It takes into account all the benefits which are promised to the member, but does not take account of benefits which the member might not receive, such as any discretionary pension increases which the Trustees might grant to pensioners. The “cash equivalent” is calculated by the Scheme’s Actuary and is based on financial assumptions (e.g. future investment returns and interest rates) at the time of the calculation. The Actuary must follow rules laid down by his profession and by law, so that the “cash equivalent” fairly reflects the value of the member’s Scheme benefits. If a member wishes to consider this option, he/she should ask the Administrative Secretary of the new employer’s pension scheme or his/her Independent Financial Adviser to contact the Administrator of the Connexional Scheme for an estimate of the “cash equivalent”. In practice the “cash equivalent” is normally guaranteed for a period of three months from the date of calculation.
If a former member dies after leaving service with a Deferred Pension, and before the pension has commenced, a pension will be paid to his/her spouse equivalent to one half of the deferred personal pension including all increases between the date of leaving service and the date of death.
If a former member dies after payment of the Deferred Pension has commenced, his/her spouse will receive a pension equivalent to one half of the pension the member would have been receiving at death had no pension been exchanged for a lump sum.
Entitlement to a lump sum in the case of death in service and benefits in the case of ill-health ceases on the date the member leaves the Service.
Sickness Benefit
If a member is taken ill or becomes disabled to the extent that the Pension’s Boardt is satisfied, on medical advice, that he/she is unable to continue to serve the Connexion, he/she may receive an immediate pension. This pension will be paid irrespective of the member’s age or length of Pensionable Service.
The pension in these circumstances will be equal to the pension the member would have received at NPD had he/she remained in service up to that date and on the assumption that the Pensionable Salary would be unchanged.
Pensions that are paid early are usually subject to a reduction to take account of their earlier and potentially longer period of payment. In the case of ill-health retirement there will be no such reduction.
Part of the pension may be exchanged for a lump sum
Should the member regain his/her health after ill-health retirement the Trustees have discretion to vary or suspend the pension as appropriate.
Death in Service Benefits
Should a member die in service the following benefits are payable to his/her dependants irrespective of his/her age or length of Pensionable Service
Lump Sum: an amount equal to the greater of his/her Pensionable Salary or his/her own contributions to the Scheme with compound interest at 3% per annum. If the member is working part-time the lump sum will be based on Pensionable Salary and not on the equivalent sum for full-time work. Although the Pensions Board has absolute discretion as to whom this should be paid, the member should indicate his/her own wishes (which may be altered at any time) by completing a Nomination Form – a copy of which is in the back of the Scheme Booklet. Further copies may be obtained from the Central Office.
A Spouse’s Pension: if a member is married, the spouse will receive a pension equal to half the pension the deceased member would have received had he/she completed the full period of membership of the scheme up to NPD assuming that pensionable salary was unchanged at that time.
Child Allowance: in addition to the spouse’s pension, if there are children of the marriage, the spouse will receive an additional allowance. This allowance is the same as for death after retirement.
State Pension
Membership of the Scheme does not effect entitlement to Basic State Pension.
A member of the Scheme is not contracted-out of the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme.
A member will therefore receive his/her retirement pension under the conditions and resources of the three sources
Inland Revenue Restrictions
The Scheme is exempt approved under the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 under the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. The Church, as the Administrator, and the Trustees has undertaken to comply with Inland Revenue Regulations. Any member whose benefits have to be restricted will be notified individually.
Tax
The Scheme is designed to attract certain tax advantages, principally:
Contributions are paid out of pre-tax income and thus attract full tax relief
Contributions paid by the Church will not be added to income and taxed as income.
Interest earned on the Scheme’s investments is tax free
Part of the Scheme pension may be exchanged for a tax-free lump sum at retirement.
Assignment
A member may not dispose of or promise his/her benefits to anyone else or use them, e.g., as security for a loan.
Funding of Benefits
To secure the maximum benefit and security for the member and his/her dependants, all benefits offered by the Scheme are safeguarded financially. This means that the Trustees are regularly building up financial resources to meet the cost of benefits in the future, rather than paying for them out of the fund of current contributions as does the State Scheme.
Security of Benefits
Benefits are as secure as is possible. It is certainly not the Church’s intention to reduce the benefits or its contributions to the Scheme at this time, although the Trust Deed and Rules contain powers enabling it to do so. In the unlikely event of discontinuance of contributions ever having to take place, the Church would not be obliged to make up any shortfall in personal or dependants’ benefits if the Scheme’s resources were insufficient to provide all the benefits earned up to that date
Scheme Accounts
The Trustees issue an annual Report and audited Accounts that appear in the Agenda and Proceedings of the General Assembly. Copies are available from the Connexional Office.
Pension Schemes Registry
The Scheme has been registered with the Pension Schemes Registry. The address is:
PO Box 1NN, Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 1NN
The Registry keeps records of all pension schemes so that ex-members of schemes can keep track of which scheme is now responsible for the payment of benefits
Further Information
Should you require further information you should contact the Central Office.
Should it not be possible to resolve the matter in this way, it can be given further consideration under the Scheme’s formal Dispute Resolution Procedure. Information on this Procedure can be obtained from the Central Office.
The first stage under the Procedure is to write to the General Secretary of the Connexion quoting your full name and full details of the enquiry. It is then the General Secretary’s responsibility to look into the facts of the case, the Rules of the Scheme and any relevant legislation, and to arrange for corrective action to be taken if necessary.
OPAS and the Ombudsman
If a member is dissatisfied with the information provided about the Scheme or is in dispute with the Scheme in relation to his/her pension entitlement the member may make a complaint to the Occupational Pensions Advisory Service (OPAS), 11 Belgrave Road, London SW1V 1RB
If this Service fails to solve the member’s problem the case may ultimately be referred to the Pensions Ombudsman 11 Belgrave Rd., London SW1V 1RB
The Ombudsman has power to decide any case and his/her rulings are enforceable in the County Court. However, appeals may be made on points of law to the High Court.
Neither OPAS nor the Ombudsman will act unless the matter has been considered under the Scheme’s Dispute Resolution Procedure.
OPRA
The Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (OPRA) has been appointed to oversee the occupational pensions industry. OPRA may intervene in schemes where trustees, employers or professional advisers have failed in their duties OPRA can be contacted at Invicta House, Trafalgar Place, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4BY.
Definition of Terms
The following are definitions of the terms used in the body of the information and rules.
The Scheme The Presbyterian Church of Wales Pension Scheme
The Church The Calvinistic Methodist Church of Wales or The Presbyterian Church of Wales.
The Churches Any other religious body (or bodies) that may
participate in the Scheme from time to time:
Normal Pension Date (NPD) The end of the month in which the member attains age 67
Compulsory Pension Date The end of the month in which the member attains age 70
Pensionable Salary Basic annual stipend or the amount upon which contributions
to the Pension Scheme are based.
Final Pensionable Salary Pensionable Salary during the year immediately preceding
retirement, leaving the Church, death, Normal or
Compulsory Pension Date. (whichever occurs first).
Pensionable Service Service with the Church as a Minister or employee within
any of the categories listed in the ‘joining’ section.
Consultation
The Board, the Departments and the Committee may obtain expert advice and invite persons with a particular expertise to attend meetings as necessary.
Meetings
The Board will meet twice yearly, in the Autumn and Spring.
The Departments and the Committee are free to arrange their meetings as required.
The Relationship of the Board, the Departments and the General Assembly
The Board will submit an Annual Report, which will include the reports of the Departments, to the General Assembly. The Assembly has the ultimate authority to accept or change any policy or recommendation, to require its reconsideration or to reject it.
Representatives to General Assembly
The Chairperson of the Board (1)
Pensions Board (1)
Candidates and Training Department (1)
An Appointee of the Board (1)
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BOARD
Objectives
To promote Christian education by means of:
The work of Sunday Schools, both Welsh and English-medium, including the preparation of Welsh-medium syllabi, textbooks and training courses for teachers in conjunction with the Council for Sunday Schools and Christian Education in Wales.
Activities and courses for Children and Young People together with Leadership training at the Youth Centre, Coleg y Bala.
Co-operation with Day Schools and contributing to Religious Education courses.
Lay Training and training for Lay Preachers at Coleg Trefeca.
Arranging Activities for Children and Young People in other centres as necessary.
Helping to initiate and develop meetings and activities for children and young people and Lay Training in local churches.
Providing suitable materials and literature for children, young people and lay people.
Departments
Coleg y Bala Department
Coleg Trefeca Department
The Board appoints an Executive Committee
Officers and Members
Chairperson: for a term of three years.
Secretary: Warden of Trefeca for his/her period of appointment
Training Director
The Director of the Children’s and Youth Service.
The Children’s Work Officer.
One representative of the Youth Assembly
The Chairperson and Secretary of Coleg Trefeca Department.
The Chairperson and Secretary of Coleg y Bala Department.
The Secretary of the Council for Sunday Schools and Christian Education in Wales.
Two persons (a Minister and an Elder) appointed by the General Assembly: for a term of four years.
Six persons appointed by each of the three Provinces of the Association (two Ministers, two Elders and two young people to include the Secretaries of the Association’s Youth Committees) and appointed by the Presbyteries in rotation in consultation with the Presbyteries. The Secretaries of the Young People’s Committees of the Association will serve for their term of office and the remainder for four years.
The following will be invited to Meetings of the Board but will have no voting rights:
The Moderator of the General Assembly.
The General Secretary of the Connexion.
The Secretary of the Mission Board.
Reappointment
The Chairperson, and representatives of the General Assembly and of the Association may be reappointed for one subsequent term only.
Observers
These will have no voting rights.
Other salaried employees of the Board, and Field Workers.
The Connexion’s Finance Director.
Coleg y Bala Department
Objects
The Managing Trustees shall hold the Trust Fund and its income upon trust to apply them for the following objects to establish a Christian training centre ( the “Training Centre”), to provide a centre for children and young people from Wales and the world, their instructors, leaders and ministers for:
Organizing and encouraging Christian mission among children and young people.
Supporting and promoting families in the Christian faith non-denominationally
Promoting a positive image of the service of the Training Centre at Coleg y Bala both within and outside the Church.
Providing and facilitating residential courses and distance learning.
Providing and publishing literature and other wide-ranging, easy-to-use materials for children, young people and instructors, leaders and ministers.
Providing and facilitating residential and day courses at Coleg y Bala, at schools and at other centres.
Providing and implementing a training scheme for ministers, instructors and leaders of children’s work, youth work and the whole programme of work of the Christian Church.
Providing leisure-time outdoor and recreational activities and training for children and young people.
With the object of educating and assisting children and young people to develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities, and of enabling them and their families to grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society and improving their conditions of life irrespective of religion, religious denomination, sex, nationality or ability.
Children’s and Youth Service Office and Centre, The College, Ffordd Ffrydan, Bala, Gwynedd. LL23 7RY (Tel: 01678 520565; Fax: 01678 520849.
Head: The Director of the Children’s and Youth Service
Administrative Committee: Managing Trustees
The Body of Managing Trustees shall consist of 14 persons being
3 ex-officio Trustees
4 nominated Trustees
Up to 7 co-opted Trustees
The ex-officio Trustees shall be
The General Secretary of the Connexion for the term of his/her appointment.
The Chairperson of the Christian Education Board for his/her term of office.
The Warden of Coleg Trefeca for the term of his/her appointment
The 4 Nominated Trustees
One representative of the Christian Education Board
The other 3 shall in each case be nominated by
the Youth Committee of the Association of the Church in its three provinces
The co-opted Trustees shall be appointed as to one by the Director of Education of Gwynedd Council, and as to the remainder, by the Managing Trustees.
Each appointment as Nominated Managing Trustee or as Co-opted Managing Trustee shall be made for a term of five years at a meeting convened and held according to the ordinary practice of the appointing body. The Chairman of the meeting shall cause the name of each person appointed to be notified forthwith to the Managing Trustees. The person appointed may be, but need not be, a member of the appointing body.
The Constitution of Coleg y Bala can be seen on pages 75 – 78 of the Proceedings of the General Assembly 2000
Coleg Trefeca Department
Lay Training Centre, Coleg Trefeca, Talgarth, Brecon, Powys LD3 OPP. (Tel. and Fax 01874 711423
Head: the Warden
Administrative Committee: Coleg Trefeca Managing Trustees
Objects:
1. The object of the Charity is to establish a Christian Centre to advance the Christian religion for people from Wales and the world, for organising Christian Mission, supporting and promoting families in the Christian faith, non-denominationally and interdenominationally, providing and facilitating residential and day courses and distance learning, providing and publishing literature and other materials, providing and implementing training schemes for ministers, candidates for the ministry and leaders of the Christian church, providing facilities for people in the interest of social welfare for recreation and other leasure time occupations with the object of improving the condition of life for such people.
2. If and in so far as the property cannot be used for the objects above, then the object shall be to further the religous and other charitable work of the Presbyterian Church of Wales.
3. Subject to the provision of clause 24 the land identified in Part 1 of this Schedule of this scheme must be retained by Trustees for the objects of the charity.
Trustees
There shall be 6 ex officio Trustees
7 Nominated Trustees
and no more than 4 Co-opted Trustees.
The ex officio Trustees will be :
The General Secretary of the Connexion for the term of his/her appointment.
Chairperson of the Church’s Christian Education Board during his/her term of office.
The Chairperson of the Mission Board during his/her term of office.
The Secretary of the Church’s Mission Board for the term of his/her appointment
The Director of the Church’s Youth Service
The Church’s Director of Training during his/her term of appointment.
The Nominated Trustees
One by the General Assembly of the Church
One by the History Dept of the Church
One by the Church’s Presbytery of Brecon Radnor and Hereford or its successor.
One by the Church’s Christian Education Board
And as to the three remaining by the Association of the Church in the three provinces
Each appointment is to be made for 5 years
Co-opted Trustees
The appointment of co-opted trustees must be made by the Trustees at a special meeting called under clause 17.
Each appointment to be made for a term of 5 years..
The Constitution of Coleg Trefeca can be seen in the Additional Papers page 27 of the Proceedings of the General Assembly 2000
Consultation
The Board and the Departments may obtain expert assistance and invite persons with a particular expertise to attend meetings as necessary.
Meetings
The Board will meet twice a year, in the Autumn and Spring, during the weeks of the meetings of the Boards.
The Departments will meet as required.
The Relationship of the Board, the Departments and the General Assembly
The Departments will submit Annual Reports to the Board.
The Board will submit to the General Assembly an Annual Report, which will include the Annual Reports of the Departments.
The General Assembly shall have the ultimate authority to accept or change any policy or recommendation, to require its reconsideration or to reject it.
Representatives to General Assembly
The Chairperson of the Board (1)
The Secretary of the Board (1)
Coleg y Bala Department (1)
Coleg Trefeca Department (1)
An Appointee of the Board (1)
The Association’s Youth Service
There shall be a Children’s and Youth Committee in every Association.
The Committees will:
Monitor youth work undertaken in the Presbyteries and receive their annual reports.
Prepare an Annual Report of their activities and submit it to the Christian Education Board.
Organise at least one Conference, Camp, and Leaders’ Training Course annually.
Discuss suggestions for improving, extending and developing the work.
Prepare and distribute suitable materials and literature for young people and their leaders in consultation with the Training Department, Coleg y Bala, the Communications Board and the Mission Board.
Officers and Members
A Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer appointed by the Association.
The Secretary of the Youth Committee in each Presbytery.
Two young lay people to represent the Youth Committees of the Presbyteries,
appointed in rotation from the Presbyteries .
The Presbytery Youth Service
The Youth Committee of each Presbytery will:
Monitor all youth work undertaken in the Presbytery and send an Annual Report to the Association Youth Committee.
Arrange Training Courses for leaders of local church Youth Clubs.
Organise at least one Conference/Weekend Camp a year for the Presbytery’s young people.
Convene a special Meeting or Rally every year for the Presbytery’s young people.
Maintain contact with the County Education Committee Youth Officer.
Seize every opportunity to set up Youth Clubs in local churches.
Officers and Members
A Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer appointed by the Presbytery.
One representative from each District Meeting.
Two young members of each local church Youth Club.
The Secretary of the Presbytery’s Sunday School Committee.
The Secretary of the Presbytery Mission Committee.
THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY BOARD
Objectives
To consider the Connexional response to social, national and international issues.
To consider the Connexional response to all aspects of education.
Panels
The Board may appoint Panels of people with experience and experts to prepare reports on specific issues.
The Board appoints an Executive Committee
Officers and Members
A Chairperson, for a period of three years. The Board will submitt a name for confirmation by the General Assembly.
Treasurer: The Treasurer of the General Assembly.
A Secretary, for a period of three years. The Board will submitt a name for confirmation by the General Assembly.
Two persons (a Minister and an Elder) appointed by the General Assembly, for a period of four years.
Five persons appointed by each of the three Provinces of the Association (two ministers and three elders to include the Secretaries of the Association’s Social Issues Committees) and appointed from the Presbyteries in rotation in consultation with the Presbyteries. The Secretaries of the Social Issues Committees of the Association will be appointed members for their term of office and the remainder for three years.
Reappointment
The Chairperson, the Secretary, representatives of the General Assembly and of the Association may be reappointed for one subsequent term only.
Observers
The following will be invited to meetings of the Board but will have no voting rights.
The Moderator, Past Moderator and Moderator Elect of the General Assembly
The General Secretary of the Connexion
The Secretary of the Mission Board
The Secretary of the Christian Education Board
Consultation
The Board may obtain expert advice and invite persons with a particular expertise to attend meetings as necessary.
Meetings
The Board will hold a one-day meeting twice a year, in the Autumn and Spring, during the weeks of the meetings of the Boards.
The Panels will meet as required.
The Relationship between the Board, the Panels and the General Assembly
The Panels will submit reports to the Board.
The Board will submit an Annual Report, including the recommendations and/or reports of the Panels, to the General Assembly. The Assembly shall have the ultimate authority to accept or change any policy or recommendation, to require its reconsideration or to reject it.
The Board shall have power to draw up statements within the compass of its objectives, for release to the media from Central Office in consultation with the General Secretary and the Moderator.
Representatives to General Assembly
The Chairperson of the Board (1)
The Secretary of the Board (1)
One Appointee of the Board (1)
THE FINANCE AND PROPERTIES BOARD
Objectives
To co-ordinate the work of the Finance Board and the Properties Board and to supervise the work of the Budget Committee, the Investment Trustees Committee and to consider the report of the Audit Committee.
Officers and Members
Chairperson: The Chairperson of the Properties Board and the Chairperson of the Finance Board to chair Board Meetings alternately.
The Moderator, Moderator Elect and Past Moderator of the General Assembly
Treasurer: The Treasurer of the General Assembly.
Secretary: The General Secretary of the Connexion.
Members of the Properties Board and the Finance Board
Committees
The Budget Committee
The Investment Trustees Committee
The Audit Committee
THE PROPERTIES BOARD
Copies of the Act of Parliament cited as the Calvinistic Methodist or Presbyterian Church of Wales Act 1933 are available from the Central Office.
Reference must also be made to the following statutes:
The Charities Act 1993, particularly Section 36.
The Charities (Exemption from Registration) Regulations 1996 releasing the Board from the requirements of the Charities Act 1993
Officers, Members and Rules
As contained in the First Schedule of the Act of Parliament with amendments contained in resolutions of the Board from time to time and confirmed by the General Assembly in accordance with Rule 18.
Officers and Members
The Board is composed of three classes of members:-
Members ex officio
Elected members
Co-opted members (not more than eight in number)
Members ex officio.
The Treasurer of the General Assembly
The Treasurers of the Association in the three Provinces
Elected Members
One elected representative of General Assembly
One elected representative of each of the three Provinces of the Association.
One elected representative of each Presbytery
Term of Membership
No member may be elected or co-opted for more than four years, but he or she will be eligible for re-election or co-option for one further term.
Rota of Retirement
Members retire in rotation as follows:
Elected members appointed by name by the Act and co-opted members serve for four years.
At the end of the first four years, one-fourth of the members are elected for a year, one-fourth for two years, one-fourth for three years and one-fourth for four years.
Thereafter all classes of members will serve for four years.
Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson
A Chairperson is elected from amongst the members. He/she serves for four years if a member of the Board for this period, and may be re-elected for one term.
A Deputy Chairperson is elected to take the Chair in the Chairperson’s absence.
Quorum
Ten members of the Board shall constitute a Quorum.
Committees
The Board shall have power to appoint committees from among its members and to determine the powers and procedures of such committees provided that such powers fall within the limits of its own powers.
The Officers and their Duties
The Board shall have power to appoint officers and to stipulate their duties subject to the approval of the Finance and Properties Board and the General Assembly.
The Secretary shall have power to receive money on the Board’s behalf and to undertake the work of the Treasurer if necessary.
The Secretary cannot be expected to act as a Legal Adviser in respect of transfers of property. Parties in a case must be advised by their own legal solicitors. However, the Secretary may peruse draft deeds and inform parties should there be anything unacceptable to the Board.
Sealing of Documents
Documents requiring execution under the Common Seal of the Board shall be executed in the presence of one member of the Board and the Secretary. The Secretary is to have custody of the Seal and the Seal shall be affixed in the presence of any one member of the Board together with the Secretary, or, in the absence of the Secretary, together with any other member of the Board. Every document sealed shall be signed by the Secretary and a member of the Board, or another member of the Board in the absence of the Secretary. It is not necessary for execution to take place at a meeting of the Board.
The Seal of the Board shall be affixed with authority in writing as follows:
In the case of the purchase of freehold or leasehold property, with the authority of the Presbytery certified by the Clerk of the Presbytery.
In the case of the sale of freehold or leasehold property, with the authority of the Association certified by the Clerk of the Association.
The Association is required to state clearly in all resolutions authorising the sale of property, how the proceeds are to be distributed
In the case of the Sale or Purchase of Stocks and Shares or dealings with Securities or Mortgages, the Seal of the Board shall be affixed on the written authority of the Managing Trustees or any person to whom they have delegated that authority.
No purchase of stocks or investments should be made in the name of the Board without previous arrangements having been made with the Secretary of the Board.
In cases other than those previously provided for, the Seal of the Board shall be affixed with the authority of the body whose only or final authorisation is necessary for that particular transaction.
Safe Custody of Documents of Title
1. Documents of title relating to freehold or leasehold properties, and deeds of property purchased or released from mortgage, shall be deposited with the Presbytery where the property is located.
The documents are to be kept in a fireproof iron safe.
The key or keys of the safe shall be kept by a person or persons appointed by the Presbytery.
The deposit, withdrawal and return of documents of title and all pertinent papers, such as Insurance Policies, shall, together with a description of the documents, be recorded in the minutes of the Presbytery.
Requests from local churches for documents of title or other documents shall be made to the Clerk of Presbytery in writing and shall state the name of the person authorised to receive them and to be responsible for their safety. In addition, the length of time they will be required must be stated and this period should not be extended without the assent of the Presbytery.
Documents shall not be permitted to leave the safe unless previously entered and signed for in a book provided for the purpose. The date of return of documents must also be recorded.
A list of documents not returned to the safe shall be sent at the end of each year to the Secretary of the Board with a statement as to the length of time each unreturned document has been out of the safe.
The contents of the safe in each Presbytery shall be examined at least every five years and a report thereon sent to the Secretary of the Board.
The Secretary of the Board is authorised to arrange for documents of title to personalty to remain in the same custody as heretofore, and where no other satisfactory arrangement is made, to impress upon the Custodians of the safe the desirability of keeping documents in the Presbytery safe.
Meetings
The Board shall meet at least once a year in time for its annual report to be submitted to the Finance and Properties Board and through the Board to the General Assembly.
Subject to there being a quorum, the resolutions of the Board shall be valid if passed by a majority of the members present and voting.
Additional Matters
With respect to any matter not provided for in the preceding clauses, the procedure of the Board shall be subject to the order and control of the General Assembly
Additional Rules Approved by the General Assembly
Gifts and Legacies
Moneys received from Gifts and Legacies for Connexional Purposes should be invested in the name of the Board in cases in which the interest only is to be distributed.
Onerous Obligations
No onerous obligations shall be accepted on the purchase or receipt of property by way of gift without the consent of the Presbytery. Presbytery must itself be satisfied that the obligations can be met.
Mortgaging of Connexional Property
When Connexional property is mortgaged, the Board cannot enter into a covenant for repayment, but can agree to convey the mortgaged property.
Chapels and vestries may not be mortgaged under any circumstances. The Association may, in special cases, consider the mortgaging of other property in order to secure a loan. Each application must be considered on its merits.
Disposal of Connexional Property
The Association in one province may not give away any property of the Connexion above one hundred pounds (£100) in value without the concurrence of the Association in the other two provinces.
Investments
All Connexional departments and churches are directed to make all investments (except such sums as must otherwise be held) in the name of the Board.
Substantial sums of money should not be allowed to remain for any length of time on current account but be placed on deposit account with the bank.
Tax recovery on dividends and other income should be dealt with promptly by church officers through the Board.
Every Presbytery should appoint a permanent Registrar to keep the Presbytery Register up to date and enter all the relevant changes as they occur from time to time.
Letting of Manses
Before a manse is let, whatever the status of the tenant may be, the Managing Trustees must take the advice of the Presbytery Solicitors and request them to prepare a written contract.
Restrictive Covenants
The following Restrictive Covenants must be included unchanged in any deed of conveyance relating to the sale or exchange of property when that is approved by the Association except when that is to Government Departments, local authorities and other bodies with compulsory powers.
If the Connexion retains property adjacent to a property that is sold, the buyer shall be required to safeguard the Property retained by covenanting for its benefit that he/she will not use any part of the property for the following purposes:
As a public house, club, saloon or hall licensed for the sale of alcoholic drinks or drugs or for the purpose of betting, gaming or wagering, or for the use of any other purpose that may become a nuisance to a place of worship, vestry, hall, Sunday School or manse.
If the Connexion has no property of its own adjacent to that which is sold, a restrictive covenant by the Purchaser of the property being sold can only have a limited legal effect, and so should be in the following form:
The Purchaser for himself and his successors in title, with intent to bind, so far as is legally possible, all persons to whom the premises hereby conveyed shall for the time being be vested hereby covenants with the Vendors:
That the trade of brewer, licensed victualler or seller of beer, wine or spirits or any other intoxicating liquor shall not at any time be carried on upon the said premises or any part thereof.
That no building on the said premises or any part thereof shall be used as a club or saloon or hall in which intoxicants or drugs may be sold or consumed, nor shall it be used for any other purpose that may become a nuisance to a place of worship, a vestry, hall, Sunday School or manse.
In every case where the restrictive covenant is used a copy of the conveyance of the property to its new owner must be deposited with the Secretary of the Properties Board.
Leasing of Connexional Properties
No lease is to be granted in respect of Connexional Properties without the consent of the Association.
The Board’s Expenses
The Board’s expenses shall be met by General Assembly.
MANAGEMENT OF CONNEXIONAL PROPERTY
Functions of Custodian – Managing Trustees
The Calvinistic Methodist or the Presbyterian Church of Wales Act 1933, amended the constitution of our Church and created a Corporate Body, namely, the Properties Board.
By the same Act the whole of our Connexion’s freehold and leasehold properties listed in the second Schedule to the Act were transferred to the Board. Conveyancers accept the statutory transfer as good root of title to the land on a purchase.
All other freehold and leasehold properties held on behalf of the Connexion at the date of the Act were also transferred to the Board by the Act, although a detailed description of them does not appear in the second Schedule. All subsequent conveyances of lands or buildings to be held for the Connexion have, or should have, been made in favour of the Board.
By the same Act the investments listed in the second Schedule were also transferred to the Board, and all subsequent investments held as endowments are or should have been, made in the name of the Board.
All the foregoing properties are vested in the Board as Custodian Trustee only, and their management is vested in the Managing Trustees, who, broadly speaking, in the case of local church properties are the Minister arid Elders for the time being of the local church (without any formal appointment). In all other cases the Managing Trustees are usually the officers of those bodies, or the boards, or committees appointed by the General Assembly or the Association. Certain aspects of their powers of management cannot be exercised except with the consent, or under the direction of the Presbytery, or the Association, or the General Assembly.
The 1933 Act does not define the duties of Custodian Trustees. However, a definition can be found in the Public Trustees Act, 1906, which may be summarised as follows:
As between himself and the Managing Trustees and subject to and without prejudice to the rights of any other person (e g., A special committee to advise the Trustees or persons designated by Testators) a Custodian Trustee has under the general law the custody of all the trust securities and documents of title; but the Managing Trustees have the right to free access thereto and are entitled to make copies and extracts. But by S. 7. (i) Proviso (ii) of the 1933 Act it is declared that, instead of our Custodian Trustee (The Properties Board) the Presbyteries shall have the custody of the documents of title to land but without prejudice to the right of the Properties Board to have free access to them.
All sums payable to or out of the capital or income of the trust property are payable to or by the Custodian Trustee; but the Trustee may allow the income of the trust property to be paid to the Managing Trustees, or to such persons, or the banking account of such persons, as they direct. And in that case the Custodian Trustee is exonerated from seeing to its application or being answerable for its loss or application.
The Custodian Trustee has therefore to be generally satisfied that he is observing the general law of the land in carrying out his duties, e g., that the right bodies have sanctioned a sale or purchase, and that he pays capital and/or income to the right beneficiaries.
In accordance with the Charities Act 1993, Section 36, Connexional lands, including buildings, can be sold without an Order of the Court or the consent of the Charity Commissioners, provided that the requirements of Section 36 have been met. These include the Managing Trustees being obliged to receive a report from a qualified Surveyor, in accordance with the requirements of the Charities (Reports from Qualified Surveyors’ reports) Regulations 1992 Statutory Instrument No 1992/2980.
All Charities are required to register in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 1993 but Government Regulations dated 1966 exempt Charities of which the Properties Board is a Trustee from registering and from the duty of sending audited Endowment Accounts to the Charity Commissioners .
Having regard to the recognition of the Properties Board by the Charity Commission, the Inland Revenue and the Department of Social Security, and the ensuing advantages for tax recovery and other purposes, it is essential that all Connexional Property (investments as well as land) should be in the name of the Properties Board as Custodian Trustees. It is also of vital importance that all Presbyteries and the Association in the three provinces keep the Board informed so that its register can be kept up to date.
The powers of managing all Connexional property are vested in the Managing Trustees. These powers of management include the power to sell, to lease, to exchange, to repair, to rebuild, to maintain and to invest. In the exercise of all these powers, a Trustee is bound at law to take as much care of the property as a reasonable person would of his/her own; no more, no less. He/she must use each power exclusively for the purpose for which it was given or is held.
THE FINANCE BOARD
Officers and Members
A Chairperson and Secretary (namely the General Secretary ex officio) appointed by the General Assembly. They shall hold office for four years but shall not retire in the same year.
The treasurer is the Treasurer of the General Assembly for his/her term of office of five years.
The following will be ex officio members:
The Moderator, the Past Moderator and the Moderator Elect.
The Treasurers of the Association in the three Provinces
The Secretary of the Properties Board
One other member appointed by the Properties Board
The Treasurers of the Mission Board, the Ministerial Board, the Christian Education Board and the Communications Board
The Treasurers of the Candidates and Training Department, the Coleg y Bala Department, the Coleg Trefeca Department and a representative from the Pensions Board
The Chief Statistician
Two members – one Minister and an Elder – appointed by the Association in the three Provinces, to hold office for four years. These will retire in rotation and be eligible for re-election for one term of four years only.
The Board has power to co-opt one or two additional members to serve for 4 years and be eligible for re-election for one additional term only.
The Work of the Board
to superintend every aspect of the financial policy of the Connexion,
to administer two Funds: The Connexional Properties Fund and the Manses Fund (see Appendix 1),
to determine the use to be made of the proceeds from the sale of Connexional Property in accordance with Policy adopted by the General Assembly. (see Appendix 2),
to receive and consider requests for the release of capital and/or the proceeds from the sale of Connexional property, and to come to a decision on such requests, in accordance with ‘The Rules governing the Sale and Destination of the Proceeds of Sale of Connexional Property’ (see Appendix 3),
to receive and consider the report of the Budget Committee,
to receive and consider the report of the Investment Trustees Committee,
to deal with any other financial matters submitted to it by the General Assembly.
The Board shall be responsible to the Finance and Properties Board and through that Board to the General Assembly, but shall have the power to present its resolutions immediately to the Association and the Secretary of the Properties Board.
Where there is dissatisfaction with of the Board’s decisions, this should be submitted to the General Assembly.
Appendix 1
The General Assembly has authorised the establishment of two Funds – the Connexional Fund and the Manses Fund. Monies accruing from the sale of Connexional property shall be paid into these funds as follows:
The Connexional Fund
Proceeds of sale of redundant places of worship (i.e., a chapel, vestry, hall, caretaker’s house within the curtilage of church premises, and any other property connected with the particular redundant church (manse, dwelling house not within the curtilage of the church premises, land, etc.) not being endowments.
Investments, not being endowments, held by the Board on behalf of the redundant church.
Other capital sums that may from time to time be paid into the Fund by resolution of the General Assembly.
The Manses Fund
One third of the net proceeds from the sale of manses, provided the money is not required immediately for the purchase of another manse.
Other capital sums accruing from the sale of manses that may be allocated to the Fund by resolution of the General Assembly
The capital and income of the Connexional Fund may be applied in accordance with the policy of the Finance Board, as follows:
When a disused chapel building which has a cemetery attached, is sold, the cemetery should be put into good order before the sale. An application can be made for release of part of the sale proceeds to pay for this work. Then £5,000 of the proceeds should be retained so that the interest on this amount can be used to pay for the upkeep of the cemetery.
Seventy per cent of the net proceeds from the sale of Connexional property (apart from Manses, and less £5,000 where a cemetery needs upkeeping) shall be set aside for the Presbytery’s Strategy Fund; (Subject to the plans being submitted by the Finance Board.) Twenty per cent to the Connexional Fund and 5% to the Centres’ Capital Fund.
Proceeds of sale are capital assets, expendable on capital projects only, including structural improvements and new buildings.
Income from the capital may be expended on schemes that are not capital schemes, including property maintenance, the ministry, the Connexion’s pension scheme, the appointment of mission, children’s and youth workers etc.
Capital and income of the Connexional Fund can be applied towards Connexional purposes as defined on application by church and/or Presbytery and/or Association and/or General Assembly.
Sale monies under £1,000 can be released for capital purposes forthwith on application through Presbytery to the Association. The Finance Board however, shall be notified of the applications.
The Board contributes, from the income of the Fund, towards the costs of the General Assembly.
The capital and income of the Manses Fund may be applied in accordance with the policy of the Board, for the following purposes:
Capital for the purchase and/or construction of manses, and improvements to the structure of manses. The one third of the net proceeds from the sale of a manse that was transferred to the Fund shall be released if the church/pastorate wishes to build/buy a new manse, i.e. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of the manse shall be available for this purpose.
Capital for the purchase of houses suitable for letting to retired ministers or widows/widowers of ministers in circumstances of exceptional need.
Income for the maintenance of manses and/or church buildings, and/or general church expenses.
Applications from local churches must come to the Board through, and with the support of, Presbytery and Association.
To provide mortgages, on reasonable terms, to ministers and widows/widowers of ministers for the purchase of their own homes. Priority shall be given to ministers who are retiring and to ministers’ widows. Ministers who have completed 15 years of unbroken service may make application for a mortgage. The maximum that may be borrowed is £50,000 at 3% interest, but not more than two thirds of the purchase price or of the valuation may be borrowed, whichever is lower. Applications should be sent to the Office Manager, the Connexional Office, from whom further information may be obtained.
The balance of two-thirds of the net proceeds from the sale of manses remaining after one third has been transferred to the Fund shall be invested. The income may be released to the individual church with the consent of the Board. The Board will review the situation at five-yearly intervals.
The Treasurer, with the assistance of the Finance Director, shall administer both Funds on behalf of the Board. An annual report should be prepared and submitted to the Finance and Properties Board.
The investments portfolio of the two Funds shall be administered by the Investments Managers, who report to the Investments Management Committee which in turn reports to the Finance and Properties Board and through that Board to the General Assembly.
Appendix 2
THE FINANCE BOARD POLICY – A DECLARATION
The authority of the Association in the three Provinces is final in all matters excepting those specifically referred to the General Assembly.
The General Assembly shall determine upon all matters affecting the whole Church, e.g. financial matters, and any other matters that may be entrusted to it from time to time. On these matters the decision of the General Assembly shall be final.
Connexional buildings, e.g. chapels, manses and chapel houses, are held under the authority of the Association; the Association supervises their care and authorises their sale. However, the proceeds from the sale of buildings are a matter of Connexional finance and thus under the authority of the General Assembly.
Connexional buildings are vested in the Properties Board on trust. The trusts in every properly drawn deed from 1826 onwards are ‘for the said Connexion according to the constitution and regulations thereof …’
In the Model Deeds prepared after the 1933 Act the trusts are ‘To hold the said property as Custodian Trustee in accordance with the provisions of the … Act … for the purposes of the Calvinistic Methodist Church of Wales or the Presbyterian Church of Wales according to the constitution and regulations thereof . and upon trust to hold for the said Church the moneys to arise on sale …’
Some lands and buildings have been donated by donors during their lives or by will to individual churches or causes for some special purpose (e.g., as churchyards, dwelling houses to be let on rent by a church for its own benefit, or as a schoolroom, or college, or parking place). All these are held for the defined purposes as endowments and when the time comes for them to be sold their proceeds will have to be used for the same purposes. The objects of the trusts cannot be altered legally without the consent of the court or the Charity Commissioners . What is said below is not therefore applicable to such holdings.
Although the General Assembly is the Authority on Connexional Finance, the Finance Board felt that it would be proper and helpful to obtain the views of the Managing Trustees, the Presbytery and the Association on the use to which the proceeds of sale should be put. However, this does not mean that the Assembly must accept these views as final. The duty of the Board is to reach a decision, after taking into account the views of the Managing Trustees, the Presbytery and the Association and the needs and welfare of the Connexion generally.
As the lands, houses and other buildings are held on trust they must be treated as endowments and their proceeds of sale must be regarded as capital only. The Income may be expendable for Connexional purposes in accordance with the Assembly’s wishes; but the capital can only be expended as capital or for building structures: it cannot be used for the maintenance of buildings.
Thus the natural policy for the Finance Board to follow is:
To keep closely and consistently in every case to the legal and Connexional rules stated above.
To place the net proceeds of sale in one or more funds and preserve them in accordance with the legal and Connexional rules.
To consider carefully every case where it is recommended that the proceeds of sale should be expended on the structure of the buildings of a church on the basis of the Presbytery Strategy, and to form its own judgement and act upon it, having regard to all circumstances relevant to the applications.
To invest proceeds not immediately expendable and to use the income for Connexional purposes.
It will be noted that the Connexional rules refer specifically to Connexional Finance. There may be other funds which are endowments held for the Association or Presbyteries. All other funds are held for the Connexion as a whole without distinction between the three Provinces of the Association – North, South and East.
A loan from Connexional funds may have been made to pay for the maintenance as well as the structure of buildings. When therefore recommendations are made that such loans to a church be repaid from proceeds of sale of the property held for that church, it should be made clear how much of the loan was for maintenance and how much for structural alterations.
Appendix 3
RULE GOVERNING THE SALE AND DESTINATION OF PROCEEDS OF SALE OF CONNEXIONAL PROPERTY
The consent of the Association must be obtained for the sale, mortgage, lease or exchange of Connexional Property.
Application for consent shall, in the first instance, be made on Form I by the Managing Trustees to the Presbytery.
If Presbytery approves the application it shall forward it to the Association with completed Forms 2 and 3 giving the required information, the reason for making the application and the way the proceeds of sale are to be employed.
If the application is approved by the Association, Form 4 shall be sent forthwith by the Clerk of Association to the Secretary of the Properties Board and Form 5 to the Church Secretary. The Church Secretary must send Form 5 to the Solicitor acting on behalf of the church.
Following completion of the sale, the proceeds shall be sent by the Solicitor to:-
The Secretary of the Properties Board who will acknowledge receipt of the money on Form 7.
The Clerk of Association may then forward any application regarding the use of the proceeds, together with Form 6 in duplicate indicating any recommendations by the Association, to the Secretary of the Finance Board.
The Secretary of the Properties Board places the proceeds from the sale of any property in a Properties Deposit Account until guidance is received as to how they are to be employed.
He/she may, however, deal forthwith in the following cases:-
The proceeds of the sale of investment property required for immediate re-investment
Proceeds of sale not exceeding £1,000 required for capital expenditure that has been approved by the Association. The Finance Board must be notified in every case.
Proceeds from the sale of a manse which are required immediately to purchase or build a new manse for the same church or pastorate. The Secretary of the Properties Board has power to pay or transfer the money, including interest if any, to the Treasurer of the Managing Trustees of the new manse when it is required.
All other applications for the release of capital or interest shall be considered by the Finance Board at its regular meetings and it will make a decision in accordance with the following rules:-
Places of Worship, e.g. a chapel, vestry, caretaker’s house within the curtilage of church premises. Seventy per cent (70%) of the net proceeds of the sale shall be earmarked for the Strategy projects of the Presbytery in which these buildings are located. The Connexion’s Finance Director will, on the Presbytery’s behalf, place the money in a Strategy Deposit Account until the projects have been approved by the Association and the Board. No scheme can be started without the consent of the Finance Board. Should a Presbytery have more money in a Strategy Account that will be required for its schemes, the Board may direct this money to be utilised for the strategy schemes of any other Presbytery where funds are inadequate. It is important that in every case the Board only takes action after consultation with the Presbytery and the Association.
Twenty-five per cent (25%) of the net proceeds from the sale of Places of Worship is transferred to the Connexional Fund.
Five per cent (5%) of the net proceeds from the sale of Places of Worship is transferred to the Centres Fund.
The sale proceeds from the above two clauses are to be treated as capital assets to be expended on capital schemes such as the purchase of land on which to erect chapels and/or other buildings for Connexional purposes, to adapt buildings for Connexional purposes, towards structural improvements to existing buildings or other capital projects that may be approved by the General Assembly.
Presbyteries have the right to apply to the Board for the interest from the Deposit Account on the money referred to in the first of the above clauses for three years after the sale. After three years the interest on the first year is can no longer be accessed but the interest for the fourth year will be available. After these years, if the Presbyteries have no acceptable strategy schemes to utilize the money, the interest will be transferred to the Connexional Fund and utilized as determined by the Finance Board towards Connexional purposes until such time as it is required to implement Presbytery strategy schemes that have been approved by the Association and the Board. The Board will not repay the interest transferred to it for this period.
The interest on the deposit/investment of money in the second clause shall be for the Board’s use towards Connexional objectives.
Only income and/or interest shall be utilized for expenditure that is not capital expenditure, such as.
Adequate stipends and pensions for ministers and other employees appointed by the Connexion. First Priority is to be accorded to these objectives.
Presbytery Strategy Schemes calling for current expenditure, such as: Community Ministry, Children, Youth and Community Workers. These appointments may include appointments by the Mission Board, the Ministerial Board, the Christian Education Board and other appointments approved by the General Assembly from time to time. Consultation, mutual understanding and co-operation between Presbyteries’ Strategy Committees, the Mission Board, the Ministerial Board and the Christian Education Board are crucially important in making such appointments. In no case may an appointment be made until adequate funding has been assured and the consent of the relevant Board obtained. The consent of the Finance Board is absolutely essential before appointments are made that depend on income from investment of money from the first two of the above clauses.
Manses and any other Property
When other non-endowed property is sold, such as a manse, land, dwelling house, investment, or business held for a church or pastorate, the proceeds shall be retained until the Finance Board has determined, as soon as possible, how the capital and interest is to be utilized, having regard to:
The nature and situation of the property sold.
The proposals made by the Managing Trustees, the Presbytery, and the Association and the needs of the Connexion.
The importance of conserving and making the best use of Connexional resources.
Whether, in the case of a manse, it is redundant, or whether the proceeds of sale are required to purchase or build a new manse.
The terms of the settlement or gift in the case of settled or donated property.
Any other relevant or material fact made in representations by the Managing Trustees, the Presbytery or the Association.
Sale of Endowments
The proceeds shall be paid to the Treasurer of the church (or any other person appointed by the Managing Trustees) and invested without delay in the name of the Properties Board and the interest used towards the objectives of the endowment. He shall without delay inform the Clerk of Presbytery who in turn shall ensure that the details of the investment are recorded in the Presbytery Register.
Leasing of Property
Where land, or any building erected thereon, is not required by a local church as a manse, chapel house, caretaker’s house, car park or for future extensions or any other local church purpose, such property should not be let or held as an investment. It should be sold unless the Finance Board thinks otherwise and the proceeds of the sale dealt with in accordance with 4 above.
Where it is proposed to let a vacant manse temporarily, the consent of Presbytery must first be obtained. It is vital that a tenancy agreement, enabling the house to be repossessed for a minister, is drawn up with the assistance of the Presbytery Solicitor in order to ensue that the legal requirements in force at the time are observed.
In all other cases where it is intended to lease property, special application must be made for permission from Presbytery and all legal agreements must be prepared under the guidance of the Presbytery Solicitor.
When a vacant manse is not needed for a further Minister, Presbytery shall make full inquiries to ascertain whether it can be used for letting to a retired minister or a minister’s surviving spouse, the rent be determined in consultation with Presbytery and the church/pastorate that will profit by the rent. The Association cannot permit the sale unless these enquiries have been made. Once again, a legal agreement must be prepared under the guidance of the Presbytery Solicitor.
The Finance and Properties Board shall not be responsible for any legal costs incurred in a dispute following the leasing of Connexional property without permission from Presbytery and unless a legal agreement has been drawn up and implemented under the guidance of the Presbytery Solicitor.
Review of Earlier Decisions
In the event of any change of circumstances or the occurrence of some particular event since the date of the transactions, the local church or pastorate may apply to the Presbytery, Association or Finance Board for a review of their decision in such a manner where this is considered expedient and proper. The application must be made through Presbytery to the Association or Finance Board.
Appendix 4
Church Collections
Because of increased demands on the members of our churches for financial contributions, and the practice of outside organisations also appealing for our support, the following guidance is offered to Ministers and Elders.
There are three categories of collections requiring consideration, namely:
Collections that every local church belonging to the Connexion is under an obligation to make.
Collections which local churches are advised or encouraged to make by Presbyteries or the Association.
Collections which local churches on their own initiative, or at the instance of some local district or national movement or authority, decide to make.
Class (a) includes:
The Connexional Contribution towards:
Maintenance of the Ministry
A Pensions Fund
The Mission Board
The General Assembly and its Boards
The Central Office
Gifts and Ecumenical Commitments
Cytûn – Assembly Liaison Officer
Student Grants
The Training Fund
The Christian Education Board
Coleg Trefeca
Coleg y Bala
The Communications Board ( ‘Y Goleuad’ and the ‘Treasury’)
Health and Safety Inspection of the State of Buildings
Child Protection
The General Assembly may remove causes from the above list or add to it
Local cost of the Ministry such as Sunday Services and the Minister’s expenses.
A levy for the support of the Presbytery and the Association
Care and maintenance of church buildings, including the requirements of the Health and Safety Act.
Up-to-date Christian literature and equipment for training adults, children and young people.
Every effort should be made to ensure that all members of our churches are made aware of their Christian duties and responsibilities to contribute to these absolutely essential causes.
It is important that at the end of each year the Treasurer of every Church prepares an estimate of expenditure and income for the following year and gives out the information to all members and urges them to respond to the requirements.
Class (b) includes:
The Bible Society
Christian Aid
Other purposes provided for by the Presbytery or Association.
Class (c)
The following principles are to assist church officers to deal with collections in this class:
The decision on whether or not to make a collection rests with the Minister and the Elders. No collection should be made without their consent.
The making of collections for political parties should not be permitted.
The cause should be unquestionably a worthy one, and not likely to divide the church.
It is the duty of officers to scrutinize every request for financial support from organisations and institutions before it is granted
When churches make church and Connexional collections it is most important that the funds collected should be used only for the purpose for which they were collected. It is improper and totally illegal, to use the money collected for another purpose.
The receipts of all collections must pass through church accounts which are subject to audit and submitted in an Annual Report in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 1993 as follows:
If total church receipts are less than £10,000, the accounts may be based on receipts and expenditure, and are not required to undergo external audit except in exceptional circumstances.
If receipts are between £10,000 and £100,000, accounts may be prepared based on receipts and expenditure, but must undergo external audit. However, trustees may opt for external audit by a qualified, experienced and suitable member of the congregation who is neither an elder nor a minister.
If a church’s income and or expenditure is between £100,000 and £250,000, accounts must be prepared on an accrual basis and must undergo audit by some persons from outside. However, trustees may opt for an independent audit that is not an official audit
If income or expenditure exceeds £250,000 in the current year or in one of the two previous years, accounts must be prepared on an accrual basis, and must be audited by auditors qualified to audit company accounts.
In all cases, the Annual Report, including the accounts, must be forwarded to the Clerk of Presbytery. The Clerk will keep sale the Reports of all churches belonging to the Presbytery and forward them to the Charity Commissioners on request.
Appendix 5
Financial Responsibilities of Presbyteries
Churches whose expenditure far exceeds income.
Every Presbytery should look carefully at the way churches present their Income and Expenditure in their Annual Reports. A shortfall of of either £3,000+ between Income and Expenditure in a single year in a church of 200+ members, or of £20 per member should be a matter for discussion by Presbytery.:
Is the shortfall the result of capital expenditure? If so, does it seem that the financial situation may improve within a few years?
Is the shortfall the result of insufficient contributions on the part of a number of members?
If the financial situation has been steadily deteriorating over the past 5 years, Presbytery delegates should visit the church to speak to members about their financial responsibilities.
Churches in arrears with their Connexional Contributions
Every Presbytery (by means of information gained via its treasurer) should look into the Connexional Contributions owed by its churches. When any churches owe more than £500, and the debt is more than a year old, Presbytery should contact the treasurers of those churches to remind them of the debts and their responsibility to the Connexion.
Annual Report
Every Presbytery should present an Annual Report on the way it has acted in response to the financial situation of the churches described in 1 and 2 above. These reports should be forwarded to the Finance Committee of the Association in each Province with copies to the General Secretary of the Connexion by 1st September annually. Presbyteries which may find themselves in the fortunate situation of having no churches in the above categories should also send in a report to state their positive situation.
(a) At its meeting in November, the Finance Department of the General Assembly shall discuss the responses received from the Finance Committees of the Association in the three Provinces following their discussion of the reports. If necessary, the Finance Board shall resolve to freeze, temporarily, the investments of churches whose debts to the Connexional Contributions are of long-standing (i.e. a year or more) and where the sum is £500 or more. The income from the frozen investments shall then be utilized to reduce the debts of those churches. When the debt has been cleared, income will once again be paid directly to the churches.
When a church that owes the Connexional Contribution over £1,000 sells property, the Finance Department should be empowered to invest the money on behalf of the church and utilize the interest until the debt has been cleared. After this, the church may receive the interest in full and/or apply for the release of the capital to meet capital costs on the buildings. In accordance with the Presbyterian Church of Wales Act 1933, capital must be invested in the name of the Properties Board, but earmarked for the local church which has the right to apply for the release of the capital to meet capital costs on the buildings by the completion of an application form available from the Connexional Office.
When a church receives capital as the result of the sale of a place of worship, vestry, chapel house or land, the Finance Department has power to decide what part of the income from the investment of the capital shall be available to the church for its own purposes in accordance with the following rates which are based on interest of 5% on the capital:
A church with a minister, £60 per head of interest per year to the church fund for every member who joined the United Church.
A church without a minister, £25 per head of interest per year to the church fund …
If a church joins with other churches, the Finance Department shall decide how the investments and interest should be divided.
Local churches must make application to be allowed make use of part or all the interest from capital investments arising from the sale of property. A special form is available for this purpose from the Connexional Office. All churches will receive the minimum investment income, but if the application is for more than that, a form must be completed noting why the income is required, the amount of the investment and the £regularity of contributions.
Applications to spend capital and/or interest on capital investments must be a part of the Presbytery’s intended Strategy. In addition, the Association and the Finance Department of the Finance and Properties Board must grant every application before the church can sign a Contract involving capital expenditure in excess of £3,000 or commence activity that depends on the use of interest. This is exceptionally important since money will not be available for any work or activity commenced before the church is informed of the decision of the Finance Department. No work can be commenced on the basis of permission from Presbytery and Association alone.
Unless permission is granted for the whole of the interest from capital investment to be utilized, the balance will be transferred to the Connexional Fund. The income from this fund will be used to reduce the requirements of the Connexional Contribution.
THE BUDGET COMMITTEE
Responsibilities of the Committee
The Committee shall consider and make recommendations on the following:
The Connexional Contribution.
The budget and expenditure of every Board. The Committee has power to give authorisation.
The financial implications of requests from the Boards for staff appointments.
Requests for donations.
Annual ecumenical and other subscriptions.
Applications from Ministers for scholarships.
The Training budget, and grant applications for Candidates for the Ministry.
Salaries, expenses and allowances for ministers and lay employees of the Connexion with the exception of ministers with pastoral care.
The recommendation of the Ministerial Board in relation to the minimum stipend for Ministers in pastorates.
The expenses of members of the General Assembly’s Boards, Departments, Committees and Panels.
Officers and Members
The Moderator of the General Assembly.
Treasurer: The Treasurer of the Connexion.
Secretary: The General Secretary of the Connexion.
The Treasurer of each of the three Provinces of the Association.
The Treasurers of the Ministerial Board, the Mission Board and the Christian Education Board.
The Past Moderator and the Moderator Elect.
The Investment Trustees Committee
The Committee’s Responsibilities
Monitor, and guide investment and performance decisions. Members have delegated authority from the Boards to do this.
Regularly receiving and considering reports from the Investment Funds Manager and arranging for the monitoring of performance.
It is for each individual Board to decide on its investment priorities in terms of capital growth, income, or a combination of the two.
Ensuring that investments conform to the legal, financial and ethical guidelines resolved upon by the General Assembly.
Members shall report back regularly to their various Boards and be guided by them.
Officers and Members
Chairperson: To be elected by the Committee from among its members for a term of four years.
Secretary: The Connexion’s Finance Director, who will, however, not be a member of the Committee.
Two members from each of the following Boards:
The Mission Board
The Ministerial Board
The Finance and Properties Board
One representative from the Training Department
The Finance Director
The Treasurer of General Assembly
The General Secretary
The Mission Board Secretary.
There shall be power to co-opt up to three persons with expertise in the field.
Investment Guidelines
Aims
The central aim is to ensure the best possible total profit for each fund that is in accordance with the policy framework agreed with the Trustees. Policy is decided by the income needs of the individual funds. Policy objectives shall be achieved by investment in the ‘Fledgling Bond Fund’ and the Presbyterian Church of Wales Segregated Ethical Fund
Investment Limitations
The funds are subject to:
The Calvinistic Methodist Church of Wales or The Presbyterian Church of Wales Act 1933.
Amended Law 1959
The Investments Trustees Act 2000
They are, in addition, subject to the following limitations:
The main objective is to invest in a way that accords with the promotion of the objectives of the Presbyterian Church of Wales and money shall be invested taking into consideration the long term, rather than hopes of short-term profit.
Money is to be invested in fixed interest securities, cash deposits and equity investments in the United Kingdom only, and at a ratio to be agreed between the Boards of the General Assembly and the investment managers along the usual lines of commercial consideration.
There should be no investment in unquoted securities
Money shall be invested, if this is recommended on investment grounds, in enterprises designed to improve the economy of regions of high unemployment in Wales and underdeveloped countries.
Money shall not be invested in companies which have disregarded environmental pollution in any substantial way, or which are perceived to be involved with the following:-
the production of alcoholic beverages or tobacco
gambling
the manufacture of military weapons
pornography
No more than 10% of the total original value of the portfolio may be invested in any one company with the exception of British Government securities and unit trusts (‘pooled vehicles’)
Maximum exposure to any securities – 10% only.
Money shall not be invested in traded options, futures, contracts for differences or options on future and options on contracts for differences.
Investment may be made in:-
Investment Trusts
Authorised Unit Trusts
Priority (subject to normal market consideration) shall be accorded to a portfolio that does not include stocks prohibited by the ethical guidelines
The Audit Committee
Duties
The Committee will keep under review all aspects of the Connexion’s financial affairs. Specifically it should:
Keep under effective review the financial management systems and other internal systems of the Presbyterian church of Wales by means of regular reports from the Finance Director and the Treasurer of the Connexion.
Supervise accounting policies and practices involved in preparing information for external Auditors and to inspect financial statements before their approval by the Finance and Properties Board.
Have power to investigate any matter which is a cause of concern to the external Auditors and/or the Treasurer of the Connexion.
Contact the External Auditors to evaluate the range and result of their audit and any other financial matters and to review the appropriate document.
The review internal management systems as regards their effectiveness and adequacy, dealing with:
Information Managment Systems
the provision of data
whether actions are economic, effective and efficient.
To scrutinize investment systems operated by the Presbyterian Church of Wales, as regards their legality, constitution and performance with power to contact professional consultants or managers.
Senior Officers of the Connexion are expected to response to any reasonable request and to assist external consultants in the provision of necessary information within a reasonable period, normally not more than 28 days after a written request from Committee.
To review any matter submitted to the Committee by the external Auditors, the Finance and Properties Board, the Association or the Presbyteries.
The Committee shall submit an annual report to the Finance and Properties Board and the General Assembly.
Status and Membership
The Audit Committee shall be an independent Committee, with no executive powers, reporting to the Finance and Properties Board with appeal to the General Assembly if so desired.
“Independent” is defined as individuals who are not members of Committees of Boards of the General Assembly involving finance.
The Finance and Properties Board shall appoint the members, the appointments being confirmed by General Assembly.
The Committee should include a minimum of four members, with powers to obtain expert advice as required.
At least two members should have qualifications in Finance, Accountancy or Audit.
Membership shall be for a period of three years in the first instance, with all members eligible for re-election for one further term of two years. Arrangements shall be made for members to retire in rotation following the initial period.
At least two members must be present in every meeting.
The following will normally be invited to attend meetings of the Audit Committee:-
The General Secretary
The Treasurer of the Connexion
The Finance Director
The External Auditors.
Consultation
The Board and the Committees may obtain expert advice and invite persons with a particular expertise to attend meetings as necessary.
Meetings
The Finance and Properties Board shall meet annually, following the Meeting of the Properties Board.
The Finance Board, the Budget Committee, the Investment Trustees Committee and the Audit Committee shall meet as required.
The Relationship between the Board, the Boards, the Committees and the General Assembly
The Committees shall submit reports to the Finance Board and/or to a joint meeting of the Finance and Properties Board.
The Investment Trustees Committee shall submit reports to the relevant Boards.
The Finance and Properties Board shall submit an Annual Report to the General Assembly, to include the Annual Reports of the Properties Board, the Finance Board, the Budget Committee, the Investment Trustees Committee and the Audit Committee.
The General Assembly shall have the ultimate authority to accept or change any policy or recommendation, to require its reconsideration or to reject it.
Representatives to General Assembly
The Chairperson of the Finance and Properties Board (1)
The Chairperson of the Finance Board (1)
The Chairperson of the Properties Board (1)
An Appointee of the Finance and Properties Board (1)
COMMUNICATIONS BOARD
Objectives
To ensure effective communication within the Connexion and promote publicity and public relations.
To prepare and organize exhibitions.
To maintain the PCW website.
To prepared audiovisual resources
To publish and arrange for the printing and distribution of literature as required, including:-
Publishing and arranging for the printing of Christian and Connexional literature and other suitable work.
Publishing and arranging for the printing of Connexional work approved by the Association, the General Assembly and the Boards of the General Assembly including the Davies Lecture Board and the Praise Panel.
1. The Publicity Panel
A small group of up to ten experts who will concentrate on publicity, exhibitions and information technology resources.
2. The Praise Panel
3. The Publishing Panel
Officers and Members of the Board
A Chairperson, for a period of three years through the Board’s submitting a name for confirmation by the General Assembly.
A Secretary, for a period of three years through the Board’s submitting a name for confirmation by the General Assembly.
Officers of the Publishing Department
The Editor of the ‘Goleuad’
The Editor of the ‘Treasury’
The Editor of the Historical Magazine
The Editor of the ‘Year Book’
The Editor of the ‘Traethodydd’
The Secretary of the Publicity Panel
The Secretary of the Praise Panel
The Secretary of the Publishing Panel
The Secretaries of the Boards of the General Assembly
Two persons (a Minister and an Elder) appointed by the General Assembly, for a period of four years
Two persons from each of the three Provinces of the Association (one minister and one elder to include both men and women) and appointed on a rota of Presbyteries in consultation with the Presbyteries for a term of three years.
Reappointment
The Chairperson, the Secretary, representatives of the General Assembly and of the Association may be reappointed for one subsequent term only.
Observers
The following will be invited to meetings but will have no voting rights.
The Moderator of the General Assembly
The General Secretary of the Connexion
The Connexion’s Finance Director
The Manager of the Pantycelyn Press ( or its successor)
The Publishing Panel
The Panel will:
Consider the publication of literature suitable for the whole Connexion.
Recommend editors for ‘Y Goleuad’, ‘The Year Book’ and the ‘Traethodydd
Make all arrangements in relation to the printing, publication and sale of books.
Officers and Members
Chairperson: The Chairperson of the Communications Board.
Secretary: The Secretary of the Communications Board
Treasurer: The Treasurer of the General Assembly.
Publishing Officer.
The Department has power to co-opt.
Observers
The following may be invited to meetings of the Department but will have no voting rights:
The General Secretary of the Connexion.
The Connexion’s Finance Director.
The Manager of Gwasg Pantycelyn ( or its successor)
The Praise Panel
The Department:
Supervises and advises in the matter of Church Praise.
Arranges conferences within Presbyteries and Associations.
Publishes an Annual Selection of Hymns and Tunes for use in Singing Festivals and Children’s Festivals.
Officers and Members
A Chairperson and Secretary appointed by the Department from among the members.
Five persons appointed by the Praise Committee of the Association in the South.
Five members appointed by the Praise Committee of the Association in the North.
Two members appointed by the Association in the East.
Consultation
The Board, the Departments and the Panels may obtain expert advice and invite persons with a particular expertise to attend meetings as necessary.
Meetings
The Board will meet once a year, in Spring, during the weeks of the meetings of the Boards.
The Panels will meet as required.
The Relationship between the Board, the Panels and the General Assembly
The Panels will submit reports to the Board.
The Board will submit an Annual Report, including the Annual Reports of the Panels, to the General Assembly.
The General Assembly shall have the ultimate authority to accept or change any policy or recommendation, to require its reconsideration or to reject it.
Representatives to General Assembly
The Chairperson of the Board (1)
The Secretary of the Board (1)
A Representative from the Publishing Panel
A Representative from the Praise Panel
A Representative from the Publicity Panel
SECTION IV
TRUSTS
THE DAVIES LECTURE BOARD
The Trust was formed in 1894 when Thomas Davies, Bootle, established a lecture to be called “The Davies Lecture”, in memory of his father. He gave two thousand pounds to the original Trustees for this purpose and with his consent the Trustees paid this sum to the University College, Aberystwyth. In recognition of this payment the University College is to pay the Trustees £50 annually. In 1997, on the request of the Trustees, University College, Aberystwyth, paid over the sum of two thousand pounds to the Trustees, which they invested.
Managing Trustees
Eight will be appointed and an attempt will be made to ensure fair representation from the Association in the three Provinces.
Responsibilities
To administer the conditions of the Trust.
To supervise the Revenue.
To suggest the name of a lecturer for confirmation by Assembly.
The Conditions of the Trust
The Lecture shall be delivered annually at one of the regular sessions of the Assembly by an ordained minister of the Connexion with the Moderator or the Moderator’s deputy presiding.
Religion shall be the subject of the Lecture, but the Lecturer shall be given a great measure of freedom and shall not even be confined to the Christian religion.
The Lecturer shall be a member of the North and South Welsh language Association, except for every fifth year, when he/she shall be appointed from among the members of the Association in the East.
The Lecturer shall be paid for delivering the Lecture.
The Lecture, of ¾ of an hour’s duration at most, shall be in Welsh when the Lecturer is from the Association in the South and North and in English when he/she is from the Association in the East.
Should the Lecturer wish to publish his/her work, it shall be passed, via the Secretary, for reading by one or more competent persons appointed by the Officers of the Board who shall be paid for their work.
As a rule, responsibility for publication shall rest with the Board, as shall the copyright.
When the Board publishes the Lecture, it will remunerate the Lecturer.
Representatives to General Assembly
An Appointee of the Board (1)
THE ASSURANCE TRUST AND THE COMPENSATION ACTS COMMITTEE
The Assurance Trust of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists Ltd.
The Trust was established in 1886 with the purpose of insuring Connexional property against fire, storm and tempest, on the best possible terms. All profits are paid by the Trust to the General Assembly for the benefit of the Connexion and its churches. The Directors are elders of the Connexion and give their services free of charge. No local representatives are employed and no commission is paid.
The Compensation Acts Committee of the Welsh Calvanistic Methodists.
The Committee is administered in conjunction with the Trust. Its members are the Directors of the Trust and its work is to supervise all types of insurance apart from insurance against fire, storm and tempest such as boilers, heating apparatus, voluntary workers, money and employers’ liability with regard to employees. The Convener of the Committee shall be the Secretary and Manager of the Assurance Trust.
Further information may be obtained from:-
The Secretary and Manager of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists’ Assurance Trust,
Bryn Afon, Segontium Terrace, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. LL55 2PN (01286 623027)
Representatives to General Assembly
An Appointee of the Trust (1)
SECTION V
THE RULES OF THE LOAN FUND
The Association in the South
The Fund shall be called “the Loan Fund of the Association in the South of the Presbyterian (or Calvinistic Methodist) Church of Wales”, for the purpose of granting loans free of interest or on low interest on Connexional property.
Capital
The sum of £12,500 was initially received from the Twentieth Century Collection.
Contributions from the Finance Board of the General Assembly.
Subscriptions and collections.
Gifts and legacies
Interest-free loans or some other means.
The Fund shall be administered by a Committee of a minister and an elder appointed by each Presbytery, together with the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
The Chairperson and the Secretary shall be appointed by the Committee. The Secretary shall be remunerated for his/her services. The Treasurer shall be appointed by the Association to receive money towards the objectives of the Fund, and to make payments in accordance with the directions of the Committee
Collections shall be paid to the Treasurer through Presbytery treasurers by 31st March, and repayments of Loans directly from churches or pastorates to the Treasurer. The Secretary shall prepare a report to the Annual Committee on all the activity of the year and the Treasurer shall prepare the financial accounts. The annual meeting shall be held at such time as to enable the Annual Report of the Committee to be presented at the Spring Association.
Loans shall be confined to debts incurred in renovating Connexional property, the Committee receiving and considering applications and determining the extent of the loans granted.
Annual repayments of Loans shall be made in instalments of 10% (£10 per £100 of the capital borrowed), together interest of ½ % (50p per £100 borrowed). However, the Committee shall have power to grant churches an extension from year to year in exceptional circumstances.
Before application is made for a loan, permission must be obtained from Presbytery since it, together with the church that makes the application, is responsible for ensuring that the repayments are made regularly. An agreement to this effect must be signed by three Presbytery representatives (namely, the Chairperson. the Secretary and the representative of Presbytery on the Committee) and by three representatives of the Church. No further loan application from any Presbytery shall be considered until all the repayments for which it is responsible are to hand. Applications must reach the Secretary by 1st March.
No loans shall be granted for property not adequately insured (and that, as far as is possible, with the CM. Assurance Trust).
Every five years, the Association shall afford Presbyteries an opportunity to review these rules.
A loan of over £2,500 shall not be granted to any church or pastorate unless the Association shall have authorised a special appeal, or unless Presbytery shall have sent representatives to submit a special appeal to the Committee.
Primary consideration shall be given to churches that contribute annually to the Fund.
If there is capital in hand after the Annual Meeting, an Emergency Committee (comprising the Chairperson, Treasurer and the Secretary) shall be authorised to consider a worthy application for a loan in urgent circumstances. Otherwise the residue shall be placed in a “Deposit Account”.
When the total amount of the loans applied for exceeds the amount of money in hand, consideration shall not be given to a church with outstanding loans until all other applicants are satisfied.
Churches shall be allowed up to two loans insofar as the annual repayment shall not exceed £500 plus interest.
All the Committee’s discussions shall be in Welsh.
The Association in the North
The Fund shall be called the “Loan Fund of the Calvinistic Methodist or the Presbyterian
Church of Wales” in conjunction with and under the authority of the Association in the North, for the purpose of granting interest-free loans to Chapels, Vestries, Manses and Chapel-houses.
Capital
Annual subscriptions and collections.
Contributions from the Finance Board of the General Assembly.
Donations
Legacies
Interest-free loans, or other means.
The Fund shall be supervised by a Committee comprising:
A Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary (appointed by the Committee), but to be confirmed by the Association.
The Treasurer of the Association
One member on behalf of each Presbytery, to be appointed for three years, but eligible for reappointment for one further term at the end of the term of office.
An Annual Meeting of the Committee shall be called apart from the Association, with the cost being defrayed from the Fund.
Loans shall be granted subject to Legal Agreements signed by three representatives of the
church and officers of Presbytery.
Repayment being completed, the Agreement shall be returned to Presbytery to be destroyed.
The Committee shall appoint annually an Emergency Committee comprising the Officers
and three members, to consider any urgent matters, and to submit a report to the
Association.
The Secretary shall produce an Annual Report of the business of the Committee, including the Treasurer’s Financial Report, and a list of subscribers and of church collections.
Loan Conditions
Every application for a loan shall come through Presbytery and be approved by it and forwarded without delay to the Committee. Committee members in each Presbytery are requested to examine a Loan Application Form to ensure it is correct and conforms with Loan conditions.
A church shall not be entitled to apply for a loan unless it undertakes to make an annual
contribution towards the Fund. Priority shall be given to applications from churches that
have made regular contributions to the Fund.
No application from a church for a loan shall be considered if it already has three loans.
A Presbytery has no power to forward an application to the Committee unless:
(i) all repayments due from the churches for that year are in the hands of the General
Treasurer by the appointed date, namely 30th December.
(ii) two-thirds of the churches of the Presbytery sent a collection or a contribution to the
Fund in the preceding year.
Presbytery shall be responsible for all loans made to churches, and for their making regular annual repayments. If any church should default in its repayment, Presbytery shall be responsible for making up the deficiency from its own resources.
No church may receive assistance from the Fund unless the following conditions are adhered to:-
That the property has been certified as Connexional property according to the Deeds.
That the work for which the loan is sought has already been entered on or that an agreement with the contractor has been signed.
That one-fourth of the outlay has been secured or that the church has the money in hand when the application for the loan is made. (This does not include any promise of a grant from the Local Council.)
That all buildings are insured with the Connexion’s Insurance Trust, as far as is possible, against loss through fire and storm, to at least three-fourths of the current value.
That the boilers have been insured
When a church is able fully to repay a loan before the appointed time, the money shall be
sent without delay to the Presbytery Treasurer, and thence to the Treasurer of the Loan Fund.
When a new chapel is erected the first repayment of the loan shall, if so desired, be
made at the end of the second year of the loan.
The annual collection shall be made in each church according to the direction of
Presbytery, and the collection, the contributions and the repayments shall be in the hands of the Presbytery Treasurer by 30th November, and, thence to the General Treasurer of the Fund, by 20th December.
Applications for Loans shall be submitted through Presbytery to the Secretary by 30th
March.
The Association in the East
The title of the Fund shall be The Loan Fund of the Association in the East of the Presbyterian Church of Wales.
Capital
£17,000 namely £10,000 transferred from the Loan Fund of the Association in the North, and £7,000 from the Loan Fund of the Association in the South.
An annual collection from the churches, donations, subscriptions and legacies.
The purpose of the Fund is to grant loans to churches within the Association in the East on the terms and conditions set out below, to defray the cost of the purchase of land or the erection of church buildings, schoolrooms or manses, or of renovating, repairing, rebuilding or extending such property.
The Fund shall be supervised on behalf of the Association by a Committee comprising a Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary, together with three representatives of the Association and two representatives (a minister and an elder) from each Presbytery within the Association. All representatives shall serve for three years and shall be open to reappointment for one term.
The three officers of the Committee shall be nominated by the Committee, and appointed by the Association.
The Committee shall meet annually apart from the Association, the expenses being paid from the Fund, with the exception of the costs of the Association and Presbytery representatives, which shall be paid by the appointing bodies.
An Emergency Committee shall be appointed annually, comprising the three Officers of the Fund and two members, to deal with any urgent matters.
The Committee shall report annually to the Spring Association.
Rules
Every application for a loan shall be made through Presbytery on the prescribed form. After approval, it shall be forwarded to the Secretary so as to arrive no later than 1st March in each year. It shall be understood that it is Presbytery that is responsible for loans made to churches in its area, and for regular repayments of instalments due.
An agreement shall be signed for each loan by three persons on behalf of the church concerned, as well as by the Officers of Presbytery. On completion of repayment, this agreement shall be returned to Presbytery and cancelled.
No loan shall be made unless the debt has actually been incurred.
However, the Committee shall have power to set aside a loan, to be paid when the conditions have been fulfilled. Loans thus reserved shall be subject to review at the next annual meeting, if not taken up during the year.
No loans shall exceed 75% of the costs, and in the case of a debt incurred in the past, the Committee must be satisfied that reasonable efforts have been made to reduce it. When a debt was incurred more than ten years previously, at least 25% must have been paid off in the meantime.
All property in respect of which a loan is applied for must be fully insured against fire to at least three-fourths of its present value and be legally insured as the property of the Presbyterian Church of Wales.
Loans shall be payable by annual repayments of 10%, and shall be free of interest. The
Committee however shall be authorised to grant loans at 5 % in exceptional circumstances, provided always that the loan granted on these terms shall not exceed 25% of the total sum available for distribution each year. A church may repay the full loan if circumstances permit at any time prior to the end of the specified period. Loans applied for and granted after August 31st in any year will not incur a repayment in that year.
7. No applications for loans must be considered unless:-
All instalment repayments of already existing loans are to hand each year.
The church applying for a loan undertakes to make an annual contribution to the fund.
regular contributors to the Fund.
The year of the Fund shall end on 31st December, and all monies, whether repayments,
donations or church collections shall be forwarded from the Treasurer of Presbytery to
reach the Treasurer of the Loan Fund by 30th November each year.
9. The Annual Meeting of the Fund shall be held at as early a date as possible in March. The Treasurer shall present a financial statement for the preceding year, and all applications for loans will be considered. The Secretary shall prepare an Annual Report for this meeting.
10 The Committee shall have power to consider any urgent cases calling for special
consideration.
11 The Presbytery is required to give full information with every application and to have
taken all the facts, including the church’s financial resources and investments, into v b
consideration when resolving to grant the application.
SECTION VI
RULES OF PROCEDURE
These rules are to be adopted and followed in all the courts of the Connexion:-
The District Meeting
The Presbytery
The Association
The General Assembly
A matter will be in order if:-
notice of it has been given,
it comes as a message in accordance with the order of the Connexion, from one of its courts,
it is submitted by one of the committees of the court which will consider it,
the Moderator gives special permission for it to be considered
When a matter before a meeting is in order:
A motion on the matter can be proposed and seconded. Then, any member shall be free to speak on the matter within the limits that the Moderator and the meeting shall deem appropriate.
When a motion has not been proposed and seconded, a member shall not be permitted to speak on it without the permission of the Moderator, but it shall be permissible to ask for, and to give, an explanation regarding the matter.
A motion shall be submitted in writing, in Welsh and English, at the request of the Moderator.
A motion duly submitted and in order may not be withdrawn except by consent of the meeting.
Some motions are considered privileged, i.e., they are to be submitted and decided on immediately with no discussion, and if such a matter is being considered, no other motion can be accepted.
These are the motions that are considered privileged:
To end the Session. This shall always be in order except when the Meeting is in the act of voting or when a member is speaking.
To postpone the discussion for an unspecified period. When a matter is postponed in this way it cannot be raised in any subsequent session of that meeting except two thirds of the members voting and present be in favour.
To postpone for a determined period. When a matter is postponed in this way, it shall ultimately be considered and shall at that time have priority over all other matters,
To refer the matter to a committee.
To move on to the next item.
It is always possible for a member to propose an amendment to a motion, when he has previously neither proposed nor seconded a motion or an amendment regarding the matter under consideration.
When an amendment is proposed to an original motion, and the amendment is seconded, it shall not be in order to propose another amendment. The amendment shall first of all be put to the vote. If the majority be in favour, an amendment to it can be proposed, as to the original motion.
It is not permissible for anyone to propose having one of the resolutions of the meeting rescinded, without a notice of motion to this effect having been given at a previous meeting.
No one has the right to submit a motion that has been rejected within a year of its rejection.
No member has the right to speak twice on the same motion without permission from the Moderator except for the mover of the motion; he/she shall have the right to reply and to wind up the debate.
Speakers from the floor shall be limited to two minutes.
The Moderator shall have an ordinary and a casting vote.
The meeting shall reach a decision through:
A show of hands
Standing
A ballot
Calling the roll of members
Suspension of Standing Orders. Any one of the above Rules can be suspended when circumstances necessitate this, if three-fourths of those present and voting are in favour. The suspension shall operate only in that particular circumstance.
THE RULES OF APPEAL
Every church member has the right to appeal against the verdict of that church. Such a right is an essential element of Presbyterianism.
The appeal shall first of all be made to the District Meeting and thence to Presbytery and thence to the Association.
Every elder has the right of appeal to the Association.
A Minister has the right of appeal on his own behalf to the Association.
Every District Meeting has the right to appeal, and to submit appeals to the Presbytery.
Every Presbytery has the right to appeal, and to submit appeals to the Association.
No appeal shall be in order unless it can be submitted within three months of the verdict against which an appeal is made, unless court to which the appeal is made can be satisfied that it was not possible to do so sooner.
An appeal against the verdict of a church cannot be considered except in a District Meeting or Presbytery that is held at least a fortnight after notice of appeal has been given to the Secretary of the church and the Secretary of the District Meeting or the Clerk of Presbytery.
An appeal against the verdict of Presbytery cannot be considered except in a session of the first Association that is held within four weeks of the notice of appeal being given to the Clerk of Presbytery and the Clerk of Association. The appeal must be a written one and must include the verdict against which there is an appeal and the grounds of the appeal.
When the Clerk of Presbytery receives a notice of appeal, he/she shall write without delay to the Secretary of the church against which an appeal is being made, in order to ascertain whether it has received due notice. When the Clerk of Association receives a notice of appeal, he/she shall write without delay to the Clerk of the Presbytery against which an appeal is being made, in order to ascertain whether Presbytery has received due notice.
Following confirmation that the appeal is in order, Presbytery shall appoint a committee of five of its members to hear the appeal and bring in a report. Following confirmation that the appeal is in order, the Association Committee shall appoint seven of its members to hear the appeal and to produce a report for the Association. The Presbytery and the Association, in appointing the committee, should appoint one of the members to preside.
The Clerk of Presbytery, when an appeal is made to Presbytery, and the Clerk of Association, when an appeal is made to the Association, shall, at least seven days before the appeal is heard, give notice to the parties concerned as to the time and place of the hearing.
The Appeal Committee should meet before commencing the hearing, to appoint its Secretary, and to consider how to conduct the hearing.
No one shall have the right to be present in a court where an appeal is being heard, except the appellant, together with a friend who is a member of a church in the Connexion, and the representatives of the court against whose decision the appeal is being made. The appellant shall, before hand, inform the Clerk of the court that is to hear the appeal what persons will be called to represent him/her and to be witnesses on his/her behalf.
It will be considered that an appellant, in presenting an appeal, is willing to accept the decision of the Connexion through its courts in the matter, and the appellant shall be asked to make a signed statement to this effect before the hearing begins. The decision of the Association in every matter shall be final.
All testimony submitted to the Appeal Committee must be written down and, when it has been read out, the person giving the testimony is required to sign it as a true record of his testimony
All testimony should be submitted to the Appeal Committee at its first session, with an opportunity for the parties in the appeal to see it.
When the Appeal Committee receives documents of any kind as evidence, it should ensure that the original documents, as far as this is possible, are submitted. The submission as evidence of a copy of a document, without such certainty as could be upheld in a court of law that the copy is completely and strictly accurate, is not acceptable.
In hearing an appeal, as far as it is possible, the rules of evidence that obtain in the courts of law of this country shall be followed.
An applicant or his/her friend shall have the right to interrogate, through the Chairperson, any person who gives evidence against him/her; the chief representative of the court against which the appeal is made shall have the right to interrogate, through the Chairperson, the appellant or anyone giving evidence on his/her behalf; and a member of the Appeal Committee shall have the right to ask, through the Chairperson, any question that the Chairperson shall deem relevant and fair, of any persons giving evidence in the case.
The Appeal Committee shall submit its report to the court that appointed it. When this is done the Moderator shall request all who are not members to withdraw while the report is being considered. When the report has been received and confirmed, the Clerk shall sent a copy to the appellant and to the Clerk of the Court against which the appeal was made. The court has power to determine how much (if any) of the report should be made public and to whom. The Appeal Committee can make a suggestion regarding this.
19. These rules are to be followed when one or more persons appeal to one of the courts of the Connexion. When a number of persons appeal together, they are required to appoint one among them as a Secretary, to enable the Clerk of the court to correspond with them through that person.
The Meaning of a Privileged Statement
It is a defence to an action for Defamation of Character to establish that the statement complained of was made on an occasion protected by a qualified privilege. A qualified privilege, in this context, exists where the person who makes a statement has an interest or a duty, whether legal, social, or moral, to make it to a person to whom, or in whose presence it is made, and that person has a corresponding interest or duty to receive it. If the statement was made out of malice (e g., out of spite or ill-
will), the privilege is destroyed.
If the statement is made in the presence of a person without the above-mentioned mutual interest, it is not privileged, e.g., if it is made in a session of Presbytery in the presence of one who is not a member of it.
SECTION VII
DECLARATIONS
These are not to be considered as rules, nor indeed as authoritative declarations, but as reports submitted to the General Assembly by committees it has set up from time to time.
DECLARATION ON THE ORDINANCES AND SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH
The grace of God is bestowed upon His children by mediation. One form of this mediation is the Ordinances of the Church. The institution of some of these, such as Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and the Preaching of the Gospel, derives from the Lord Jesus Christ during His earthly Ministry. Others originated in the practices of the early Church. This set apart some to be evangelists, some pastors, some teachers. It held services of acceptance into membership, of discipline, and of marriage and burial. Our form of Sunday Services developed from the practices of our fathers; this form was considered to be appropriate and a means of blessing, and was consecrated by usage to be the regular mode for a public religious service. It is our people’s experience of the value of the Society, the Prayer Meeting and the Sunday School, that accounts for their status in our Church.
In the practice of these ordinances the Connexion does not prescribe specific and detailed rules. There is a form of service instituted by the Association for the Ordination of Ministers and Elders (Part VIII ) and an order for the following Services can be found in the same Section:-
The Induction of a Minister
The Release of a Minister from his Pastorate
Incorporating a Church
Dissolution of a Church
In 1991 the Connexion published a “Book of Services” which includes the following Services:-
The Lord’s Supper
The Sacrament of Baptism
Confirmation and Reception into Full Church Membership
The Marriage Service
The Blessing of a Civil Marriage
Funeral Services
A service of Healing
However, it has not been considered necessary for the churches to confine themselves to any one form of service. In the past the Connexion has found that many forms of service have been a source of blessing. But the form of service used should be determined by the minister in consultation with the elders, and with the consent of the congregation. Let all things be done in love, for edification, with decorum and in order
I. THE SACRAMENTS
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are sacramental ordinances. The sacramental principle means that the eternal and unseen God reveals Himself and acts in the world of time through visible and finite beings and events. The perfect manifestation of this principle is the incarnation of the Son of God. The preaching of the Gospel is not termed a sacrament, but it reveals the sacramental principle. Enlightened and consecrated men and women are God’s chief means of proclaiming His gracious purposes and of contributing the blessings of salvation.
The Sacraments, from a human standpoint, are symbolic acts. A complete sacrament has three aspects, namely (ì) the elements – water, bread and wine; (ii) the use made of the elements – the sprinkling of water in Baptism, the breaking, distributing and eating of the bread, and the pouring, giving and drinking of the wine in the Holy Supper, (iii) the intention in these acts.
An address is not an essential part of the service. The purpose of an address is to explain the meaning and aim of the sacraments. It is therefore appropriate if it is considered necessary to explain their meaning to the Church, or to remind it of their purpose.
It is the Church, the body of Christ, which administers the sacraments, in His name who dwells in it.
It is true that every member of the Church is a priest, but Ministers are ordained to administer the sacraments. The Minister represents the holy priesthood of believers in administering the sacraments. He officiates in the name of the church as the church does in the name of Christ. The church should assemble together, having prepared itself through the society or some other meeting, to administer the ordinance, and to receive a blessing. Its prime duty is to act on behalf of Christ and in His name. Blessing comes through acting on His behalf and by partaking of Him. But the whole meaning and value of the sacraments are not exhausted by the experiences at the celebration.
The sacraments are not to be considered as means of special grace or as indispensable to salvation. The proclamation of the Word, the Gospel of the grace of God, is the general means of salvation, and it is from an understanding of the Word that the sacraments may be understood. It is the Word that gives them meaning, without it they are empty rites. And they are means of grace precisely in the same sense as the preaching of the Word; they proclaim the self-same Gospel, and they have the same intention – to produce Christian faith and life. But the sacraments do this through symbolic acts. Although the sacraments are not indispensable to individual salvation, their administration, together with the preaching of the Word, is essential to the full life of the Church. Through administering them it confesses in a special way its dependence on God and dedicates itself to Him.
II THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM.
Baptism is an act of the Church, and at the same time an act of God. In it individuals are received into the fellowship of the Church, and thus into the fellowship of God who dwells in it and works through it; it also signifies God’s gracious purpose to save us into life eternal through Jesus Christ.
The subjects of baptism are professing believers and their children. In the case of adults it presupposes that through the hearing of the Word they already believe in Christ, and is a public declaration of their professing Christ, their Saviour. The sacrament should also deepen and strengthen their faith. In the case of infants, baptism precedes personal faith, and its purpose is to engender faith; this faith will develop through the instruction and nurture received in the home and in the church. In this way the infant comes to realise in time that God, through the act of the Church in baptising him, has manifested and sealed His gracious purpose to save him. He learns also of his responsibility to accept, through faith, the blessings promised him in his baptism.
That baptism precedes faith is consistent with the truth that God seeks men and women before they seek Him, and that He claims men and women from the outset as his own; it emphasises also the truth that salvation is the gift of God. It is He who offers the gospel to men and women, and presents Christ to them as the object of their trust. Baptism is an objective sign to the baptised of God’s gracious purpose for them, and may therefore be to them a special means of grace, throughout their lives.
A true understanding of the sacrament shows why it should be publicly administered except when special circumstances call for other arrangements. It is the church, through its Minister, that baptises, and thereby receives the baptised into its fellowship. It is therefore appropriate that the Church as a whole should participate in the administration. Moreover, every time the sacrament is administered, the church is given the opportunity to realise anew its privilege and its responsibility in God’s order for the salvation of man. Furthermore, every administration of this sacrament should remind all who are present that this sign of God’s purpose has been set on them too. They are not just witnesses.
Baptism should be administered in a meeting of the church, except when circumstances call for it to be administered in the home or some institution, and the church should be represented at the service, and be informed that a new member has been received, who needs its prayers and its solicitude.
(Received into the church and not just the faith?)
The Sacrament shall be properly administered by sprinkling with water the one who is to be baptised, or by his/her immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The Baptised.
The true meaning and purpose of the Sacrament show who are to be baptised, namely:
Professing believers.
(My belief is that anyone who wanted to be Baptised would do it because they wanted to believe or already believed so all people who come to be baptised – should be baptised)
The children of professing believers. It is considered that parents (or one of them) by presenting children for baptism vow to give them Christian upbringing
The wards of professing believers. These too, one should expect to receive proper upbringing.
Children brought up in public institutions. When they are presented by the superintendents of these institutions with the solemn promise that the church shall be given the opportunity of giving them appropriate instruction. The church should also name persons to act for it in caring for them
The children of non-members. If the parents desire to give them to Christ, and make a solemn promise to give the Church every opportunity to teach the children. Here too, the Church should nominate its representatives to take care of them.
To non-members who make a request for their children to be baptised it is a duty to explain the true meaning of Baptism, and to impress the importance of owning Christ themselves so that they may fully meet their obligation to their children.
In view of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ we deem that such children should not be deprived of the privilege of baptism; we believe moreover, that children can lead their parents to Christ even as parents lead the children to Him.
The wards of non-members may be presented on the same conditions as the children of non-members.
III THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
In the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper the Church commemorates the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us. In Him God fulfilled the eternal promise of His love by sending His Son into the world to be the Saviour of men. In Christ God reconciles the world to Himself, not imputing to men their sins, and in Him men are reconciled to one another.
In the institution of this Sacrament our Lord said: “Take and eat; this is my body. . . drink from it all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mat. 26: 26-28.)
These metaphors are suggestive of the covenant sacrifices of the Old Dispensation, when the victim’s body was broken, its blood shed, and its life offered to God. They are symbolic representations rather than literal descriptions of the death of our Lord, but having moral and spiritual significance. Even as the essence of primitive sacrifices was the offering of the life, so also the essence of our Lord’s sacrifice was the offering of Himself, blameless, to God for our sake and so bring us to a new covenant with God. The Church is to interpret these metaphors in certain acts. “Do this, in remembrance of me” (I Cor. 11: 24, 25).
We remember with gratitude that He gave Himself as a sacrifice to God for us, and offers us of its fruit. Both gifts are commemorated in the Ordinance, and it is this commemoration that invests it with meaning. But it is His act of giving Himself to us that is signified in the Sacrament; He gave Himself once to God, and He continually offers Himself to the Church, and this offering is represented by the breaking, pouring and distributing on the part of the Minister. In the acts of the Sacrament Christ offers Himself anew, and the members accept the gift in partaking of the elements. In the celebration the Church acts for Christ, and Christ acts through her.
The validity of the Sacrament depends on its proper administration with a sincere aim, namely, to show the Lord’s death till He come.
Its efficacy depends on our acceptance of the gift of our Lord by faith.
By our believing acceptance we enter into communion with the Lord Himself, and our souls derive nourishment and succour.
And the love of Christ, manifested in His sacrifice, constrains us to dedicate ourselves anew to Him and to the work of His Kingdom, which is our reasonable service.
The Celebration
The Sacrament should be celebrated regularly and appropriately.
Inasmuch as Sacraments are symbolic acts it is appropriate that the Minister should break and give bread, pour out wine and distribute it. A piece of bread for breaking and a suitable cup for pouring wine into it should therefore be provided for the Minister.
It has not been the custom in the Christian Church for members either to eat together or to drink together.
Children and the Sacrament
The General Assembly is in principle in favour of giving ministers the power to administer communion to baptised children. It is emphasised that this gives the freedom to respond to requests from parents, and neither ministers nor congregations are compelled to act on this.
The Assembly does not lay down a particular age, since it believes that the age should be decided by the minister, the elders and the parents within the local situation.
The Ministers and elders, and in particular the families themselves, should provide the children with instruction for receiving Holy Communion.
Permitting children to receive Communion does not mean they are received into all the privileges and responsibilities of church membership. There is a further period of preparation for this step.
The Association suggests that a service of re-affirmation of faith is arranged for all the members of a church.
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
Marriage is a holy estate instituted by God. It is based on natural tendencies and needs, and it is an expression of the Divine intention in our creation, to realise moral and spiritual ends. These ends are expressed in the Christian Marriage Service, and it is appropriate therefore that Church members should enter into the covenant of marriage within the sanctuary.
It is the first obvious duty of the Church to explain the true nature of marriage to its members, to impress upon them the sacred responsibilities and obligations of married life, and to show how divine grace can help to maintain and enrich the marriage bond. In the interest of the community as a whole, as well as that part of it which is within the Church, it is of vital importance that the Christian view of marriage as essentially permanent in character should be upheld to the utmost. Those who come to Church to be married, as well as the Minister and the Elders of the Church, should clearly understand that marriage within the Christian context carries with it a bond of interest and responsibility that should be actively and sincerely maintained.
The Church however acknowledges the fact that human nature is beset with many complexities and weaknesses, which may adversely affect human relationships, and, in particular, the marriage relationship. This lays upon the Minister and Elders of the Church the special responsibility of shepherding the flock with love. When a disagreement between husband and wife becomes apparent, an earnest endeavour should be made to effect a reconciliation between them, in wisdom and with gentleness. They should be persuaded to avoid resorting to a court of law to settle their differences, before an earnest effort has been made through repentance, forgiveness and understanding, to restore harmony. In this way, it is possible, in the initial stages of disagreement, to prevent the final breakdown of the marriage.
If and when all genuine efforts at reconciliation have failed, and the husband and wife in all conscience have to accept the fact that the marriage bond has been irrevocably broken in spirit and in truth, then the Christian Church, in accordance with the spirit of the New Testament teaching, cannot condemn persons for seeking a divorce.
When the Church considers the re-marriage of a divorced person, its attitude may be complicated by various factors. It must continue to insist upon the essential permanent nature of Christian marriage. It is also aware of the ease with which young and immature people, as well as others, in these days, are able to obtain divorce on very insignificant grounds. The Church however does not lay down rigid rules regarding the re-marriage in Church of divorced persons. There can be so many complex social, moral and personal factors that differ in individual cases, and so the Church lays upon the minister and elders concerned the responsibility to satisfy themselves that both the reasons for the previous divorce and for the re-marriage are genuine and sincere. If this satisfaction is obtained by the minister and elders of the church then the re-marriage can take place. It is important to state that the Connexion does not lay on any minister the duty of officiating at the marriage of a divorced person if, in so doing, he would be acting against his own conscience and judgement, and that of his elders
If, after sincere deliberation, the minister of the church and his/her elders experience difficulty as to how to act in a particular situation, then the Presbytery may be asked to appoint an ad hoc Committee, consisting of three suitable persons, who may be consulted, and who could offer practical advice.
The Church does not refuse to accept to its communion a divorced person who is morally innocent in the case, or who is sincerely repentant
When a Minister of the Connexion is asked to officiate at the wedding of a member of another church, he may, after consultation with the Minister and Elders of that church, at his discretion, do so.
The church, through its Minister or any other responsible member, should, wherever it is possible, establish a close liaison between itself and the voluntary and statutory bodies which are directly or indirectly concerned with the well-being of family life within the community
THE SHORT CONFESSION
We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator and Ruler of all things.
We believe in Jesus Christ, His only-begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour. Through His life, His death on the Cross, and His Resurrection, He overcame sin and death, forgiving our sins and reconciling us to God.
We believe in the Holy Spirit. Through Him Christ dwells in those who believe Him, sanctifying them in the truth.
We believe in the Church, the Body of Christ and the fellowship of the saints, in the Holy Scriptures and in the Ministry of the Word and the Sacraments.
We believe in the coming of the Kingdom of God and in the blessed hope of the life eternal through our Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him for ever.
A SHORT DECLARATION OF FAITH AND PRACTICE
With the whole Church in heaven and in earth we worship the one living and true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, perfect in love and holiness, in power and wisdom. Of Him, and through Him, and unto Him, are all things. To Him be the glory for ever.
It is the gracious will of God that all men should come to know Him, nor has He left Himself without witness in any age or nation. To the children of Israel He made known His Name, revealing Himself more and more as a just God and a Saviour. Unto us He speaks in His Son, giving us the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Jesus Christ. In Christ, we attain to the fullness of the knowledge of God and of His thoughts towards us. He that has seen Him has seen the Father.
In Jesus Christ God has accomplished the eternal purpose of His love by coming Himself to be the Saviour of men. Through Christ’s perfect life in the flesh, His death for us on the Cross, His resurrection and His exaltation to the right hand of God, we have eternal redemption. Through faith in Him we are reconciled to God, delivered from sin, and made members of the family of God. In Him we are also reconciled one to another, and, constrained by His love, we learn to love and serve one another as the children of God. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.
Through His Holy Spirit God fulfils the glorious purposes of His grace in Christ Jesus. Through the Spirit He dwells in them that believe, changing them into the likeness of Christ, and calling them to be His Holy Church, to glorify Christ in the world and to hasten the coming of His Kingdom. Through the Spirit, also, He leads believers into all truth, convinces the world and guides the ages, until the Kingdom come with power, when our Lord Jesus Christ shall be manifested in glory, and God shall be all in all.
Believing these things, we vow to be faithful to Christ: to seek daily to know the will of our Lord, and so to live that in all things we may be well pleasing in His sight; to confess Him before men; to proclaim His Gospel and further the ends of His Kingdom in all the world, until all men acknowledge Him as the one Saviour of the soul, the one Redeemer of society, the one King and Judge of all mankind
We bless God for the Gospel of His Son and the manifold gifts of the Holy Spirit; for the Holy Scriptures and the Ministry of the Word; for the Sacraments and Ordinances of the Church; for the Fellowship of the Saints and Communion with God; for the promise of a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness; and for the blessed hope of Life Eternal through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, unto Him be the glory in the Church by Christ Jesus through all ages, world without end. Amen.
SECTION VIII
THE SERVICES
ORDER OF SERVICE FOR THE ORDINATION OF MINISTERS
Introduction
Since Ordination is the Ministry of the Word and the Sacraments, it is felt appropriate for the Act of Ordination to take place within a full service of the Word and the Sacrament.
Rather than continuing the tradition of two addresses – on the Nature of the Church and the Charge, there is a sermon (on the nature and challenge of the ministry today) to replace the Charge, and a formal Declaration on the Nature of the Church and the meaning of Ordination to be read out at the beginning of the service, to replace the address.
The practice of Laying On of Hands may be adopted in the Act of Ordination, since the laying on of hands is a Biblical sign of commission and the method employed by the majority of believing churches. It appears that the only reason that Thomas Charles of Bala dispensed with the Laying On of Hands at the first ordination in 1811 was his desire for the ordination to appear as different as possible, as regards order and content, from Anglican ordination, to avoid criticism from his fellow-churchmen. Thomas Jones of Denbigh, on the other hand, argued in favour of the Laying On of Hands. As the original objection is no longer relevant, and to conform with the Biblical and general practice, it has been decided to restore the Laying On of Hands.
The text of the prayers are given in full, but on the understanding that the person leading in prayer is free to do this in his/her own words, if desired, although we recommend the use of the prayer that has been prepared immediately before and during the Laying On of Hands.
Order of Service for the Ordination of Ministers
The congregation standing, the Moderator shall say:
Glorify the Lord with me;
Let us exalt his name together.
Christ is the head of the body, the church.
He is its origin, the first to return from the dead,
to become in all things supreme.
And it is he who has given some to be apostles,
some prophets, some evangelists,
some pastors, and teachers,
to equip God’s people for work in his service,
for the building up of the body of Christ.
To God be glory,
in the church and in Christ Jesus,
from generation to generation,
for evermore. Amen.
The congregation shall sit
The Declaration of the Purpose of the Service
Hear now the declaration of the nature of the church and ordination which is our warrant for holding this service.
The church of Christ is one, comprising all who have been
called by God the Father to be his covenant people; constituted as the body of Christ on the sole ground of the Son’s finished work and engrafted into a holy priesthood by the Spirit, in order to worship and serve the triune God on earth and in heaven.
The church is holy, enjoying and reflecting new life in Christ through the Spirit.
The church is catholic, acknowledging no boundaries of race, nation, age, class, sex, time or place..
The church is apostolic, living by the Gospel of God’s grace as proclaimed by the apostles, and supremely manifested and active in Christ.
The church witnesses to this Gospel in all aspects of its life, but especially when the Word is proclaimed and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are celebrated.
While all members of the church are called to share in the ministry of Christ in accordance with their gifts, some are ordained and set apart to the ministry of Word and Sacrament.
In this service of ordination their call, given by God and tested by training and experience, is gratefully acknowledged by the church, and the blessing of God is sought upon their ministry.
Ordination is to the ministry of the whole church. Under the order and discipline of The Presbyterian Church of Wales the Association, acting as the body representative of the whole fellowship, is responsible for services of ordination.
In this understanding let our worship proceed, giving thanks to almighty God for the way in which he has led us, for the mercy which he continues to show us, and for the challenge set before us to proclaim Christ to the ends of the earth..
Hymn
Prayer Let us pray.
We praise and glorify you,
God our Father and creator.
In your power and love
you created all things,
and by your grace
all things continue in being.
We praise and glorify you,
Jesus Christ, our Lord and saviour.
Through your life and death on the cross
We are reconciled to the Father,
and through your resurrection
we are born again into a living hope.
We praise and glorify you,
Holy Spirit,
giver of life and light.
By your gifts and power
you build up the body of Christ.
With your whole church on earth and in heaven,
into the fellowship and ministry of which you have called us,
we glorify you,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever.
Let us confess before God those sins which prevent us from dedicating ourselves to the work of the church and to our witness as followers of Jesus Christ …
Holy and merciful God,
we acknowledge that we are unworthy
to be counted among your people
or to be called to be members of the body of Christ, your Son.
We confess to you our sins and shortcomings:
we have not walked in your ways,
nor have we wholly striven to do you will;
we have not loved you with our whole heart,
nor have we loved others as Jesus taught us;
we have not made known your love to the world,
nor have we extended to all
the gracious invitation of the Gospel.
We have not given ourselves wholly
to the work and witness of your church,
nor have we consecrated all our talents and our time to you.
Lord, forgive us and
free us from all our sins.
In repentance and faith we receive the assurance of pardon:
“Here is a saying you may trust,
one that merits full acceptance:
‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’.”
Thanks be to God. Amen
Psalm 121 (The metrical form to be read in unison or sung).
The Chairperson of the Elders’ Meeting shall call the names of the Ordinands and each shall respond by standing when his/her name is called.
The Moderator shall ask: Have these candidates been approved in a regular manner for Ordination?
The Clerk of Association shall reply: I wish to state on behalf of the Association that these candidates have been examined and approved in accordance with the rules and order of the Presbyterian Church of Wales for ordination to the work of the ministry, and to posses in our Church every privilege and responsibility pertaining to a minister of the Word and the Sacraments.
The Moderator of General Assembly shall read the Short Declaration on Faith and Practice
The Moderator shall put the following questions to the Ordinands, who have remained standing:
Do you believe the basic doctrines of the Christian faith as expressed in the Scripture and in this Church’s Short Declaration of Faith and Practice?
I do
Do you acknowledge that the order of this Church is consistent with God’s Word, and do you promise to keep the unity of the Church in the spirit of the Gospel?
I do
Do you believe that God has called you to the ministry of the Word and the Sacraments in his Church?
I do
Will you continue diligently in prayer, in your reading of the Holy Scripture, and in every study that will deepen your faith and equip you to profess the truth of the Gospel, and will you live your life in accordance with the way of Christ?
I will, with God’s help
Will you, according to the grace and strength you receive from the Lord Jesus Christ, fulfil your duties faithfully, with zeal for the glory of God, love towards the Lord Jesus Christ and a desire for the salvation of all?
I will, with God’s help
The act of Ordination With the congregation standing and the Ordinands kneeling the Moderator shall say:
Let us pray.
Almighty God,
Lord of creation
and Father of all,
we praise and glorify you,
for calling your church into being,
to be a sign of your living presence in the world,
to witness to the Gospel of your love in Jesus Christ,
and to nurture your people in truth, love and holiness.
We praise and glorify you,
for enriching your church with the gifts of your Spirit,
for calling some to be apostles,
some prophets, some evangelists,
some pastors and teachers,
to equip your people for the work of ministry,
to build up the body of Christ,
and for these your servants
whom you have called from among us
to serve you and to be ministers in your church .
The Moderator of the Association shall lay his/her hands on the head of each candidate in turn and say:
Lord, grant the gift of your Holy Spirit to your servant, A/B ……..,
as in your name and in obedience to your will, we ordain him/her
to the holy ministry of Word and Sacrament in your Church.
The Moderator, or another, shall continue in prayer in his/her own words, or as follows:
Eternal God, our heavenly Father,
dwell with these your servants
ordained to the ministry of your church,
and sanctify the gifts you have given to them,
that the ministry may bear fruit to your glory.
Give them wisdom and power
to proclaim your holy Word,
to celebrate the sacraments of the Gospel
and to build up your people in the faith.
Give them grace and compassion
to tend your flock,
to comfort the sorrowful
and to befriend the lonely and the troubled.
Give them perseverance in times of trial,
humility in success,
and trust in your care
in loneliness and anxiety,
Give them courage and wisdom
to lead the church in its witness to the Gospel
and in its life and service in the world.
Grant grace and dedication
to the people committed to their charge,
that they may work for the furtherance of your kingdom
with one heart and mind;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you, Father, and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Then the Moderator of the General Assembly shall say: I declare you to be ministers of Christ, and on behalf of the Church that ordained you I give you welcome to all the privileges of its ministry, and as a sign of this I extend to you the right hand of fellowship.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you
and be gracious unto you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you
and give you peace. Amen.
A Certificate of Ordination is given to the new Minister(s).
Hymn
Reading(s) from the Scripture
Sermon
Offering
Hymn
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (The Moderator of the General Assembly to preside)
Hymn
The Blessing
SERVICE FOR THE INDUCTION OF A MINISTER
The Service shall be arranged by the Presbytery and the Pastorate, with the Moderator of Presbytery presiding. Members of the Presbytery are asked to sit together in the front pews.
Prayer
Hymn
Reading from the Scripture.
Prayer.
Hymn.
A declaration by the Moderator on the purpose of the service: We meet here as representing the ……………………….. Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Wales together with the church/churches of this Pastorate, to induct ……………………. into the oversight of it/them, and to lay on him/her the responsibility of performing his holy office among the people who have called him/her to serve them in the Gospel.
The Moderator shall call the Minister to him, and request all the Presbytery members to stand.
The Moderator shall ask the Clerk of the Presbytery to testify to the regularity of the call. He/she shall reply: The call of the pastoral charge to …………………… to be its minister was made in complete conformity with the rules of the Church and was confirmed by Presbytery.
The Moderator shall call on the members of the church (or churches) of the pastoral charge to stand as witness to the fact that he/she has been called to be their Minister in the Lord.
The Moderator shall then ask the Minister: Do you acknowledge that you received this call and do you consent to it?
I do
The Moderator shall request the congregation to stand.
The Moderator shall ask the minister the following questions:
(i) Do you promise to apply yourself to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its richness and purity to the people of your charge?
(ii) Do you promise to administer the Sacraments with all reverence?
(iii) Do you promise to give religious instruction and to make every provision, as far as it lies in you, for the nourishment and building up in the Faith of the people committed to your charge?
(iv) Do you promise to visit the sick and the bereaved belonging to this pastoral charge, together with those who neglect the means of grace?
(v) Do you promise to witness to the Gospel in word and deed to those who are without the Church?
The Minister shall answer each question separately: I do.
The moderator shall take the Minister by the right hand and say: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and by the authority of the ……………………. Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, I induct you ……………………. as Minister of this pastoral charge, and on behalf of the Connexion deliver to your care all its members and their children, together with those who are associated with it, and at the same time I commend you to the grace and mercy of God, who alone can make us sufficient for these things.
But watch thou in all things:
face hardship;
work to spread the Gospel;
carry out all the duties of your calling.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you;
and give you peace. Amen.
And the whole congregation shall say, Amen.
The congregation being seated, a prayer shall be offered for the Minister.
Hymn.
Charge to the church(es) (No more than 20 minutes.)
A prayer shall be offered for the church (or churches) of the pastoral charge.
The Minister shall respond.
Hymn.
The Blessing
THE RELEASE OF A MINISTER FROM HIS PASTORAL CHARGE
When a minister receives a call from one pastoral charge to another, with the confirmation of Presbytery, then, in consultation with the Presbytery, the following service shall be held before he is released.
The same order of Service can be followed, with appropriate adjustment, when a Minister retires, or when he/she resigns his/her charge in order to take up a special post for the Church.
The Moderator: The Moderator of Presbytery.
Prayer.
Hymn.
Readings from the Scripture.
A prayer for the Church.
The Clerk of Presbytery shall declare that the Minister’s departure is in order and has been confirmed.
A short address by one of the elders of the pastorate.
The Moderator shall call on those appointed to speak for Presbytery.
The Moderator shall call the Minister forward and say to him: (The congregation standing.) “On behalf of the ……………………. Presbytery and with its consent, I now release you from the responsibility placed upon you of being the Minister of this pastorate. We thank you for your every endeavour to preach the Word, to administer the Sacraments, and to care for the flock. We trust that you have not laboured in vain in the Lord. Go in peace. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
The whole congregation shall say “Amen”.
A prayer for the Minister.
The Minister shall respond.
Hymn.
The Blessing.
THE ORDINATION OF ELDERS
The Moderator of Presbytery shall preside over the Service and it will be so arranged that the persons to be ordained are seated in the front pew or pews, near the Elders Seat in the order in which their names will be read out during the service.
Prayer
Hymn
Reading from Scripture e.g. Mt. 5: 1-16, or Eph. 2: 15-23; 1 Peter 5: 1-11.
Hymn
Prayer, with the Lord’s Prayer said together
The Moderator shall declare the purpose of the service in these words:
We are met here as a Presbytery to ordain ………………………. (naming them) as Elders in the Presbyterian Church of Wales.
The Clerk of the Presbytery shall declare: I wish to declare that these brothers and sisters have been regularly elected and that Presbytery has conferred with them and has been satisfied in them. They are therefore eligible to be ordained as Elders in our midst.
The Moderator shall ask the whole congregation to stand.
The Moderator of the Association or his/her deputy shall read the Short Declaration of Faith and Practice.
Following the reading, the whole congregation shall be seated, with the exception of those who are to be ordained.
The Moderator of Presbytery shall ask them the following questions:
Do you accept the content of the Declaration of Faith that you have heard read?
Do you confess your faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ his Son, his Son, the Lord and Saviour of the World and your complete dependence on the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth?
Do you promise to be faithful to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ on earth, and do you accept the Presbyterian order of church government?
Each of the persons to be ordained shall answer “I do.”
The Declaration on the Office and the Work of an Elder shall be read:
An elder in the Presbyterian Church of Wales is a man or woman called to serve the local church through a ballot held prayerfully and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Elders, together with the minister, shall take responsibility as a team for the life, worship and witness of the local congregation. According to their talents/gifts they are to visit the sick, to teach the young, to guide and support those who are seeking Christ, and to train and encourage believers. They are also expected to have a care for the Connexion as a whole, to be trustees of their local church and to work with their fellow-elders and the ministers to build up the body of Christ through all the courts of the Church.
The Moderator of Presbytery shall ask the following questions:
(a) Are you prepared to respond to the call extended to you by accepting the office of Eldership in our Connexion, and do you promise to work faithfully with the Minister and fellow Elders to further the work of the Church and its Mission to the world?
(b) Do you promise, with God’s grace, to endeavour to live a sober, righteous and godly life, bearing in mind in all circumstances the office to which you have been called, lest in any way you bring dishonour to the Holy Church of God?
Each of the persons to be ordained shall answer “I do.”
The Moderator of the Presbytery shall request all Presbytery members to stand and by raising their right hands toindicate that they approve the ordination of these persons as Elders in the Connexion.
Then, with the whole congregation standing, the Moderator of the Association (or his/her deputy shall declare:
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the authority of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, I ordain you …………………… (naming them), and extend to you the right hand of fellowship commending you to God and to the Word of his grace so that, having been sanctified, you should be made fit for the Lord, having been prepared for every good word.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you,
the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
And the Very God of peace sanctify you in every way and keepyour whole spirit and soul and body blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
The entire congregation shall sit.
A prayer shall be offer for God’s blessing on the Ordination.
Hymn
A Charge shall be addressed to the Elders.
Hymn
The Blessing, pronounced by the Moderator of the Association.
SERVICE FOR THE INCORPORATION OF A CHURCH
The Moderator of Presbytery shall preside.
A Short Prayer by the Moderator
Hymn
Reading from Scripture (e.g. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-20; 25-27.)
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Church
Hymn
A Declaration by the Moderator of Presbytery: “We are met here in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Head of the Church, and by the authority of the …………………… Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Wales to establish a church in this place, to incorporate it within the Presbytery, and to set it under its governance.”
The Clerk of Presbytery shall read the names of the persons present and all will be asked to stand, and to respond to the following questions by raising their right hand:
(a) Is it your desire to be incorporated as a congregation within the Presbyterian Church in Wales?
(b) Do you vow to be faithful to the Meetings of the Church, to live in harmony, and to bear the responsibility of maintaining the Cause in this place?
(c) Do you promise to be loyal to the order and the spirit of the whole Church, as they are expressed in the Rules and in the resolutions of its Courts?
The Moderator shall request members of Presbytery to stand, and shall say: “You have seen the response of these people, and if you agree to receive them as a congregation within the Presbyterian Church of Wales, you will show by raising your right hand.”
Then with the whole congregation standing, the Moderator shall declare: “In the name
of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Head of the Church, and by the authority of the
…………………… Presbytery, I declare that the persons named constitute a congregation
within the Presbyterian Church of Wales. Now you are the body of Christ, and, in
part, members of it. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
Prayer shall be offered on behalf of the church that has been incorporated and the Lord’s Prayer said together by all.
(A sermon, address or the Sacrament of Communion can be arranged at this point.)
Hymn
The Blessing
The foreword to be used only when the church has come to an end, and not when it is uniting with another.
SERVICE AT THE DISSOLUTION OF A CHURCH
Presbytery shall give serious and prayerful consideration to all the circumstances that lead it to declare a chapel within its area redundant. If Presbytery decide that the Church in a particular place is to be dissolved, it should arrange a Service of Dissolution.
The following order of service is suggested:
The Moderator of Presbytery shall preside.
Hymn
Reading from Scripture
Prayer
Hymn
The History of the Cause
A Declaration by the Moderator of Presbytery (with the congregation standing): “We are gathered here on behalf of …………………….. Presbytery to dissolve this church at ………………….. , a church that was incorporated in the year ……………………”
We thank the Lord that this sanctuary was a place where God was glorified throughout the passing years. We thank Him for the preaching of the Word and the administering of the Sacraments in this place, and for those who here received light, grace and strength for all the circumstances of their lives, for the children and young people who came to know here the love of God in his Son, Jesus Christ, and for all who within these walls saw the glory of God.
And now, since God is not confined to any one place, we exhort you, the faithful people who remain, to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that you may receive the privileges of the Gospel in the fellowship of the saints in another church, truly hoping that you can remain members of the Connexion. May the blessing of Almighty God be upon you.”
The Lord’s Prayer said together by all.
Communion and Baptismal vessels and the Church’s Books to be transferred into the charge of the Presbytery. (The Minute Book etc. to be sent to the Connexional Archive at the National Library, Aberystwyth.)
Members of the church that is being dissolved to be transferred to another church or churches in the area, according to their wish.
A Prayer on behalf of the members.
The Blessing.
If the church so desires, the Moderator of Presbytery, carrying the Bible, may lead those present in procession out of the building.
When a church unites with another a service – to be arranged by the Presbytery – may be held giving thanks for past witness, and asking for guidance and blessing to the future. A service of dissolution is not held when a church unites with another as the church continues in another building/other buildings.
– Home –
Character. Character Assassination. Children. Computing. Crosswords. Driving. Education. Electronics. Garden/Yard. Good Man Images. Fitness/Health. French. Homeschooling. House Ideas. How To. Interesting & Helpful Videos. iPad. Jokes. Kitchen/Cooking. Love, Courting and Marriage. Mechanics/Machines. Motivation/Advice. Movies. Music. Narcissism, Abusers & Covert Manipulators. NZ. OOS/RSI. Parenting Idea’s, Tips, Thoughts etc. People. Personal Care. Parenting & Children – Notes. Photography. Plumbing. Poetry. Politics. Product Reviews. Projects. Proverbs. Religion. Reviews.
Sewing. Skills/Hobbies. Slang. Stories & Books. Tips.
Tools. Toxic Parenting. Whats It Mean? Welding. Women. Words. Woodwork. Woodwork Basic Lessons.
===
From Boys to Men.
===
===
© 2021-2026 – James Martin Sandbrook. All Rights Reserved.