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Council of Assembly
Recommendations
1. That the following amended mission statement be adopted by the Assembly:
The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand believes it is called by God to work with others to make Jesus Christ known – <typolist> through the nurture and teaching of people in the Christian faith through response to human need in loving service through proclamation of the gospel through seeking to transform society through care for the creation. </typolist>
2. That the process for considering the new Book of Order outlined in the report of the Book of Order Rewrite Task Group be adopted.
3. That to assist careful consideration of the new Book of Order, all proposals for amending the new Book of Order be sent to the Assembly Executive Secretary at least four months prior to the meeting of the Assembly which would consider it, for distribution to and consideration by Presbyteries and Union District Councils and feedback to the Task Group.
4. That a Special Assembly be held prior to the next General Assembly at a date, place and time to be set by the Assembly Business Work Group to consider a report with recommendations from the Book of Order Rewrite Task Group.
5. That the Focal Identity Statement be adopted.
6. That the notes accompanying the Focal Identity Statement form part of any discussion towards the formulation of any new subordinate standard. 7. That the proposals in the report regarding doctrinal resourcing be adopted and the Council of Assembly implement them.
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<typohead type="3">1. Introduction</typohead>
1.1 Council records with sadness the death of the Moderator of Te Aka Puaho, Mrs Mona Riini, and its gratitude to God for her rich contribution to Council and the Church.
1.2
Thank you for your help Council met face-to-face three times during each year, and by teleconference at other times to address urgent matters. It sought to interact particularly with presbyteries/udcs on a number of issues through: <typolist> Council members acting as regional liaison people Council News issued after each meeting regional meetings of representatives regarding strengthening presbyteries regional meetings (Tutahi Tatou) questionnaires on particular issues (e.g. single assessment, Nominating Review, parish boundaries) task group consultations through small groups or focus groups(e.g. Book of Order Rewrite, Role of Moderator) feedback from the Service Team informal feedback to Council members. </typolist>
<typolist></typolist> 1.3 Council has initiated a review of its structures and membership and that of the Service Team in relation to the wider church to ensure the ends of mission are being appropriately served. <typohead type="3"></typohead>
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2. What directed our work
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</typohead> 2.1 Council’s direction has been established by the General Assembly in: <typolist> the Church’s mission statement the vision of a network of healthy congregations supported by renewed regional networks (Healthy Congregations policy) the Leadership for Mission policy. </typolist><typolist>
</typolist> 2.2 In 2003 Council adopted Directions 2003-2006, a planning statement which provides focus for the Council of Assembly, Policy Groups and the Service Team. Copies were sent to every Presbytery/UDC and it is available on the Presbyterian website.2.3 Council recommends that the Church’s mission statement, adopted in 1995, be altered to clarify that the mission of the church is an expression of God’s mission and is shared with all the people of God.
The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand believes it is called by God to work with others to make Jesus Christ known – <typolist> through the nurture and teaching of people in the Christian faith through response to human need in loving service through proclamation of the gospel through seeking to transform society through care for the creation. </typolist>
<typohead type="3">3. Key issues identified in "Directions 2003 – 2006"</typohead>
3.1
Leadership – The Church needs effective strategies and the necessary resources for recruiting, nurturing, developing and evaluating ministers, lay leaders, congregations and staff.
3.2 Communicating the Church’s Identity – the Church needs to connect better with people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
3.3 Public Leadership – The Church needs to equip its members and leaders to contribute more effectively to debate and thinking on spiritual, cultural and ethical matters of importance.
3.4 Youth and Family – the Church needs to serve better the needs of young people and families.
3.5 Structures and Processes – The structures and processes of the Church need to be modified to enable more efficient and effective response to opportunities.
3.6 Congregational Mission Focus – Congregations are committed to the healthy congregations model of mission and ministry. Council established goals and action areas and allocated responsibility for each key area. See Appendix 1. This guides the Policy Groups and the Service Team in their work. Directions 2003–2006 sets the Council’s priorities for the next two years. The part of Directions which sets out goals is included as an appendix to this report. <typohead type="3"></typohead>
<typohead type="3">4. Renewing Regions</typohead>
4.1 Council has encouraged the move to fewer, better resourced presbyteries by promoting discussion of the report arising from the last Assembly through meetings with groups of presbyteries/udcs, at Tutahi Tatou and through the work of the Mission Resource Team regional co-directors. Gisborne/Hawkes Bay and Wanganui/Manawatu are amalgamating. The Synod of Otago and Southland and the Presbyteries of Auckland and South Auckland have initiated discussions with a view to greater cooperation. The Auckland Presbytery processes and planning have been promoted as a possible way of working.
4.2 Consultation indicated there was not general acceptance of the proposed five regions as a basis for developing strategy and managing resources. Larger groupings were valued for enabling economies of scale and good use of expertise but smaller groupings were seen as important for local interaction and support. A proposal to do away with parish boundaries has the potential to contribute to regional development. A supplementary paper on this topic is being prepared for Assembly. A task group has been appointed to address the role of moderators of presbytery.
4.3 Council recognises other networks of support are developing and are to be encouraged. Regional congregations are sharing resources. Some larger congregations have hosted conferences. A network of rural congregations has been maintained. Resource people employed locally are being utilised outside their congregation.
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5. Highlights from Policy Groups
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</typohead> 5.1 Highlights from Policy Groups include: Equipping the Leadership <typolist> developed a framework for leadership development through the School of Ministry and continuing education developed and trialled leadership appraisals adopted a business plan for the School of Ministry approved guidelines for local ordained ministry and local ministry teams </typolist> Resourcing for Mission <typolist> developed and trialled mission appraisals adopted an ecumenical policy and priorities identified ways to provide better mission planning support identified ways to encourage congregations to share resources </typolist> Overseas Mission and Partnerships <typolist> prioritised relationships with overseas churches and organisations created a comprehensive policy framework identifying global mission and international, ecumenical relationships to be developed effectively and strategically identified, prioritised and brought to Assembly key international themes and issues for discussion and action </typolist> Connecting with Society <typolist> began to discover ways of working effectively despite struggles finding members and co-conveners began to identify specific actions it can take to highlight this area of the Church’s mission began work on the issue of human rights and the Church worked with the Churches Agency on Social Issues New terms of reference were adopted for the Churches Agency on Social Issues. </typolist> Administration and Finance <typolist> implemented single assessment oversaw the budget process oversaw Council communications strategy liaised with Church Property Trustees </typolist><typolist>
</typolist><typohead type="3">6. Reference Groups and Task Groups</typohead>
6.1 Council appointed task groups at Assembly’s request and to facilitate its work.
<typolist> Focal Identity Statement Task Group (Assembly) Doctrinal Resourcing Task Group (Council) Role of Moderator Task Group (Council) Stipends Task Group (to report to the 2006 General Assembly) (Council) Review of Te Komiti Moana Nui (the body facilitating relationships between the Presbyterian Church and the Pacific Conference of Churches) (Council) Presbytery Moderator Task Group (Council) </typolist>
<typolist></typolist> 6.2 Task Groups previously appointed are: <typolist> Book of Order Rewrite Task Group (Assembly) Nominating Process Review Task Group (Assembly) </typolist>
<typolist></typolist> 6.3 Reports requested by Assembly or which require an Assembly decision are appended.
6.4 After review the Historical Records Reference Group was thanked and discharged as its functions are no longer needed. <typohead type="3"></typohead>
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7. Subordinate Standards
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</typohead> 7.1 Last Assembly, a task group reported on our subordinate standards and the possibility of replacing the Westminster Confession with something more appropriate for the Church. A focal identity statement has been produced at Assembly’s request.7.2 Assembly also asked that a statement of the relationship between members and office bearers, and our theological and historical statements, be developed. Council commissioned Ian Millard QC to provide a legal opinion about what was needed and the implications of these proposals. The opinion is being finalised.
7.3 This relates to the work of the Book of Order Rewrite Task Group. Council supports the Group’s proposal that a Special Assembly be held prior to the next General Assembly specifically to address the new Book of Order, provided there has been adequate preparatory consultation. After consultation with the Assembly Business Work Group, the suggestion is that a Special Assembly could give more thorough consideration to the details of the new Book of Order than would be possible amid the various business of a General Assembly. A Special Assembly comprises an elder and minister from each presbytery, and is called to address specific items of business. <typohead type="3"></typohead>
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8. Service Team Functions
</typohead><typohead type="3"></typohead> 8.1 Council believes some functions are core to the national church and need to be performed by the Service Team. The major parts of the budget relate to the following functions:
8.2 The School of Ministry is key to:
<typolist> leadership formation of national and local ordained ministers, and local ministry teams continuing education of ministers and elders helping the church reflect on and respond to our mission context a plan has been adopted which will release more school resources to the wider church. </typolist>
8.3 The Global Mission position is developing well and is key to:
<typolist> keeping us connected to key overseas partnerships and organisations educating and inspiring us about mission needs and practice </typolist>
8.4 Communications is key to:
<typolist> strengthening national connections networking resources and personnel media management of sensitive issues </typolist>
8.5 Administration helps connect nationally and internationally, provides legal and compliance services and supports Assembly and other bodies. It involves human resource support for congregations and presbyteries, for overseeing the ministry regulations and other aspects of ministry.
8.6 Youth Ministry facilitates networking, produces resources, helps provide training, and advocates for youth workers.
8.7 Ecumenical connections keep the Church connected to the whole Body of Christ. Grants are made to ecumenical bodies in New Zealand and worldwide. These are regularly reviewed using the Church’s policy framework.
8.8 The Churches Agency on Social Issues offers an important resource for Christians as well as in responding to draft legislation.
8.9 Archives needs more adequate accommodation. A Task Group of the Council of Knox College and Salmond Hall is exploring promising options.
8.10 As more specialist knowledge is needed and funding constraints limit full-time positions, more use is being made of project contractors.
<typohead type="3">9. Service Team Issues</typohead>
9.1 Council has been concerned to address particular issues.
9.2 Financial Services has not provided adequate service to presbyteries, congregations, the Church Property Trustees, the Service Team, and the Council of Assembly for many years. Due to their continuing underperformance extra resources were given to address this. A new accounting system has been installed and is operating. A financial management contractor is helping the team improve their performance. Council recognises the urgency for this to proceed further.
9.3 The Assembly Executive Secretary’s (AES) workload is being addressed. The compliance, legal, judicial and administrative functions of the Church have grown significantly and have skewed the work of the AES from core functions. Council approved the appointment of a human resource administrator and the outsourcing of some work to the Synod of Otago and Southland. We are grateful for the Synod’s willingness to offer this support.
9.4 Mission resourcing has been reviewed over the last two years. In 2002 a task group convened by the Rev Martin Baker recommended the appointment of a National Mission Director and the shifting of accountability and funding of the regional co-directors to regions. Council supported the recommendations. The move depended on greater regional cooperation. The 2002 Assembly suggested a slower process of regionalising. Council placed the proposal on hold to await action among presbyteries.
9.5 Council has reconsidered the recommendations due to:
<typolist> mission resourcing, networking and support being key functions for the whole Church feedback from the meetings between presbytery/udc mission committee personnel and the AES. Nearly all expressed appreciation for the Mission Resource Team. There was also recognition of the need to provide specialist expertise (e.g. in employment law and practice), the Church’s ethnic and contextual diversity, the desire for more varied mission support, unrealistic expectations of existing personnel, the struggle to make appointments (e.g. in Northern South Island), and the availability of skilled people part-time or on contract a reduction in Assembly income. </typolist>
9.6 In response to the feedback provided Council has initiated discussions with representatives of presbyteries to consider different forms of national, regional, and local partnerships for mission resourcing. A further report will be brought to Assembly after those meetings.
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10. Service Team Appointments
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</typohead> 10.1 Council accepted resignations from Graeme Nicholas as Co-Director Northern South Island (April 2003) and Mary Macpherson as Communications Manager (March 2004).10.2 Council appointed Kevin Ward as Lecturer in Church and Society at the School of Ministry (November 2002) and John Daniel Co-Director Southern South Island (February 2003).
10.3 No appointment has been made to the Co-Director Northern South Island position or the Communications Manager position initially because no suitable applications were forthcoming. Appointments were then delayed while the budget was developed. The Communications position has been readvertised.
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11. Financial Reporting
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</typohead> 11.1 Audited accounts for the years ending 30 June 2001, 2002, and 2003 were signed off in December 2003. Council regards the delay in the audit as unacceptable and highlighted timely completion of the audit for the performance management of the Financial Services Team for the year ended 30 June 2004. The audited accounts for the year to 30 June 2003 are appended. It is expected that audited accounts for the year to 30 June 2004 will be sent with the late papers. A priority has been set on improving financial reporting and management. Council has been working with the Church Property Trustees to maximise use of income from Assembly trusts. <typohead type="3"></typohead><typohead type="3">
12. The Church’s financial situation
</typohead>12.1 The Assembly’s financial position is of concern. The audited accounts for the year to June 2003 had a deficit of $0.8 million and it is anticipated (the year end accounts have not been completed at time of writing) the year to June 2004 will also have a deficit of $0.8 million.
12.2 This expenditure has been met in part by spending accessible reserves accumulated in previous years. The reserves comprise a number of funds and trusts, many of which are for designated purposes. Some have conditions, such as the need for capital to be maintained and therefore only income is available. Many of the Assembly’s reserves are inaccessible for general purposes.
12.3 The level of remaining accessible reserves to fund future expenditure as has occurred in the last two years is very limited.
12.4 The anticipated deficit for the 2004 year is made up of (a) an agreed budget deficit of $0.4 million plus an over expenditure of $0.1 million and (b) an unplanned shortfall in Mission and Ministry giving of $0.3 million. The consequence has been the need to fund this total shortfall of $0.8 million from reserve funds.
12.5 The Council of Assembly recognises that the ongoing financial position needs to be sustainable, where income and expenditure is in balance and preferably a small surplus occurs for a few years to provide a buffer for unexpected events. Having a buffer allows Assembly some flexibility to address matters in a considered manner.
12.6 In the meantime, not having accessible reserves means a realistic approach is required to ensure Assembly can meet its financial obligations in a timely way.
12.7 The budget for the 2004/05 financial year has been shaped to address the sustainable financial position that is now required and reflects financial prudence and accountability. A modest surplus is anticipated in the years beyond 2004/05.
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13. Giving
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</typohead> 13.1 Council’s view is that the cost of the Church’s national operation in relation to total giving to the Presbyterian Church is low, compared to other churches and organisations, to achieve what the Assembly has directed. Statistics indicate that, even allowing for inflation, giving to congregations has increased over several years as has parish investment in the Amalgamated Investment Fund. Giving to the General Assembly has declined in percentage terms relative to parish income from about 18% in 1987 to about 8.3% at the present time.13.2 Since its inception in 1996 the Mission and Ministry Fund (MMF) has consistently not met presbytery targets. Some parishes have paid much higher proportions than others. While MMF has funded key enterprises such as the School of Ministry, Global Mission and the Mission Resource Team, parishes have seen it as voluntary giving in contrast to the mandatory National Services Levy. It appears MMF giving is $300K below budget for 2003/04.
13.3 Council is grateful that where parishes have declined to pay the National Services Levy, presbyteries have been active in resolving issues.
13.4 Following the 2002 Assembly decision, Council consulted the Church regarding single assessment. Implementation was delayed a year.
13.5 Council welcomes feedback on how Assembly Assessment can best develop. It believes the following principles are important:
<typolist> Equity for all parishes (parishes paying similar proportions across the country according to ability to pay) An agreed formula adopted by Assembly Consistency, certainty and clarity for parishes Consistent income for Assembly Transparent processes that are reported to parishes and presbyteries Oversight role of presbyteries and udcs strengthened Efficient and cost-effective to administer both by parishes and Assembly Office. </typolist>
13.6 While several congregations had reductions, some are facing significant increases. Some have indicated their inability and/or their unwillingness to pay or their rejection of the process. Some have said they are willing to contribute their fair share to the work of the Assembly and have suggested a capped figure of 10% of income. Council has asked the Administration and Finance Policy Group to initiate discussions with congregations.
13.7 Council has begun developing a long-term bequest strategy.
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14. Budget 2004/2005 and in the years ahead
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</typohead> 14.1 Significant budget decisions made for 2004/2005, with indications for 2005/2006 include: <typolist> Funding the School of Ministry according to an agreed plan to make the school more of a national resource, reducing staff to three teachers and one support person (presently four and two). Significant funding is provided by the Synod of Otago and Southland, including for the Lay and Recognised Ministry position. Options for mission resourcing be discussed with presbyteries/udcs, Pacific Islanders’ Synod, Te Aka Puaho, and Council of Asian Congregations. Funding of the Mission Resource Team Youth Ministry position continues, ministry administration shifts to Administration, and the regional and PI Co-Directors are funded as at present for restructuring and notice period. Communications Unit decreasing to two full-time equivalents (presently three), sPanz reduce to four issues per year (presently five), sPanz be reviewed, strengthen website, electronic communication and media relations. Funding of Financial Services – the number of short-term staff will reduce once the work backlog is addressed and the team is performing at a high level. Funding Global Mission operations from designated Trust funds. Explore the option of Global Mission becoming self-funding. Funding of Administration will include a human resource person to provide advice and resource to presbyteries and parishes and to manage sexual misconduct and disciplinary processes. Ecumenical Relations functions will be performed by individuals, Connecting with Society Policy Group, and Global Mission Secretary. The present half-time position will end. Discuss with Te Aka Puaho its funding needs. Council for World Mission relationship and projects funded by CWM funds. Exploring the possibility of the General Assembly meeting becoming self-funding. Hospital and tertiary chaplaincy funding will cease 2005/2006. (Resourcing for Mission Policy Group has recommended this approach even if funding available). Negotiating lending facility with external body. Researching the sale of Laughton House. </typolist> The process of implementation involves consultation with potentially affected employees. <typohead type="3"></typohead><typohead type="3"></typohead><typohead type="3">
15. Human Rights Complaints
</typohead><typohead type="3"></typohead> 15.1 Council responded to two complaints of discrimination made to the Human Rights Commission.15.1.1 Sexual Orientation An applicant for the ministry was not assessed on the advice of the Book of Order and Judicial Reference Group. 15.1.2 Age Two ministers complained that the compulsory retirement age in the Book of Order discriminated against them.
15.2 In both cases the Church’s representatives participated in mediation and a level of agreement was reached. The representatives sought to apply the Church’s view that ministers are not employees and therefore not subject to the prohibition on discrimination in the employment section of the Human Rights legislation. The view was also expressed that the Church’s policies in relation to sexual orientation and age were clear and the Human Rights legislation upheld the right to act on the basis of belief. 15.4 In relation to the complaint of sexual orientation, representatives heard that the applicant had not been informed by her presbytery of the right of appeal and therefore Council supported her application to appeal out of time. <typohead type="3"></typohead>
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16. Judicial Commissions
</typohead>16.1 Council appointed two Commissions.
16.1.1 An appeal was upheld from a decision of the National Assessment Work Group not to assess an applicant who was in a same gender relationship. The commission decided that the Church had no policy regarding the ordination, induction and licensing of practising homosexuals, relying on a decision of the General Assembly in 1994. 16.1.2 An appeal was declined from a decision of the Christchurch Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral tie between a minister and a parish.
Both matters generated extensive media comment. 16.2 A petition was referred for mediation. Court action has been taken to implement a previous commission decision. <typohead type="3"></typohead>
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17. Requests for Emergency Assembly
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</typohead> 17.1 In response to the decision of the Judicial Commission upholding the appeal of the applicant for assessment the Council received requests for an emergency meeting of the General Assembly. 17.2 The Council declined the requests because: An Emergency Assembly would not necessarily resolve the issues. A General Assembly was due to meet within ten months of the request and therefore there could be more time for adequate preparation. <typohead type="3"></typohead><typohead type="3"></typohead><typohead type="3">
18. Homosexuality
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</typohead> 18.1 Many Western churches are divided over whether people in same gender relationships should be permitted to be ordained or in positions of leadership. The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is one of those churches.18.2 The conflict in the Church has exacerbated feelings of suspicion and distrust. Given the situation in the wider church it is unlikely this conflict will be easily or quickly resolved, whatever decisions Assembly makes.
18.3 The Book of Order and Judicial Reference Group has reminded the Council that decisions about these matters are essentially about policy. They are appropriately made by the General Assembly, rather than by Reference Groups or Judicial Commissions or as the result of legal argument.
18.4 Council encouraged the Moderator, when he proposed to initiate "committed conversations", and has worked with him in that process. A report will be presented to Assembly.
18.5 Council was conscious that the decision of the Judicial Commission that the Church had no policy regarding "practising homosexuals" in the ministry raised questions about the Church’s previous stance that the Church’s policy was consistent with the Human Rights Act. If the Church was deemed not to have a policy the question arose as to whether any part of the Church could decline to appoint homosexual people to positions of leadership. Council commissioned Mr Paul Rishworth, a lecturer at Auckland’s Law School and an expert in the area of churches and human rights, to provide an opinion. The full opinion is available on the Church’s website and is available on request. A summary of the opinion is an Appendix to this report.
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19. Ministers
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</typohead> 19.1 Council accepted four ministers into the ministry of the Presbyterian Church and extended the ministry of several. <typohead type="3"></typohead><typohead type="3"></typohead><typohead type="3">
20. Grace Presbyterian Church
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</typohead> 20.1 Council received advice of the formation of a new Presbyterian denomination, Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. The advice of the Book of Order and Judicial Reference Group was that the Church needed to consider protecting the name of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. Although further legal advice confirmed that possibility, Council initiated meetings with representatives of the new denomination to develop agreed understandings. No legal action was taken. The new denomination is entirely independent of our Church. <typohead type="3"></typohead><typohead type="3"></typohead><typohead type="3">
21. Gratitude
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</typohead> 21.1 Of the many people who have contributed to the work of Council a number have completed their terms and the last Council meeting expressed appreciation of their work. <typohead type="3"></typohead><typohead type="3"></typohead><typohead type="3">
22. Spirit
</typohead><typohead type="3"></typohead> 22.1 We live in a world facing grave threats to its very future – and we are called to share the good news of God’s rule in which people can live together. In the context of healthy congregations there are serious challenges to every relationship:relationship with God – in a society where spirituality is expressed in many ways but fewer people attend church; and where different ways of expressing understanding of this relationship can be divisive relationships within our congregations – in a society which has diverse ways of expressing itself, where there is much less commitment and people seeking to ‘belong’ are besieged by multiple choices; where most traditional groups in society are affected by the loss of ‘social capital’ relationships between congregations/churches/denominations – where some congregations claim that theirs is the only way to the exclusion of others – not recognising the contributions of different parts of the body of Christ relationships with the wider environment – in a world where there are very ominous signs about humanity’s poor stewardship of God’s creation and its failure to care for other people; where justice is not done and the gaps between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ is growing.
22.2 It is our belief that we are called to be the people of God in the mission of God – and that healthy relationships are key to the mission of God to which we are called. Shirley Fergusson
Convener Helen Bichan
Deputy Convener Kerry Enright