Appendix 1: Proposed Amendment to Book of Order

<typohead type="3">Book of Order:</typohead>

Appendix D-8: Office of The Moderator of The General Assembly

<typohead type="3">1. The Office of the Moderator</typohead>

The Moderator is elected to be presiding officer of the Assembly. The office is exercised not only in the General Assembly, but also on behalf of the Assembly in:

(a) the Council of Assembly;

(b) pastoral care of Presbyteries and of those ordained to ruling and teaching ministries in the church and the support and encouragement of Presbytery moderators;

(c) consultations;

(d) relationships with other churches;

(e) the occasions which arise to speak to the church and the wider community; and

(f) communication of General Assembly’s opinions and decisions in the public arena.

The Moderator is to bring unity to the church. The Moderator needs to be informed, competent and recognised as the spokesperson and representative of the church.

The position requires:

(a) Time for preparation during the term of office, and in follow up/continuity.

(b) The time taken for Moderatorial responsibilities during his/her term shall be the equivalent of half of the two year period;

(c) Resourcing/funding for travel, and secretarial assistance as required;

(d) An office and appropriate provision for accommodation in Wellington;

(e) A programme of action implementing the 'Role of the Moderator';

(f) A stipend paid directly from the A ssembly budget for the equivalent of twelve months full- time spent on the Moderatorial programme during the period of his or her term.

<typohead type="3">2. Procedure for Election of the Moderator of the General Assembly</typohead>

2.1 The Assembly invites parishes to submit names of suitable nominees to their Presbytery.

2.2 Each Presbytery nominates, for the consideration of Presbyteries and Sessions/Parish Councils, one person and sends this nomination to the Convener of the Nominating Committee. The nomination is to be supported by a 150 word statement setting out the reasons for the nomination.

2.3 The Convener notifies nominees and seeks their consent for the inclusion of their names on the total list of nominees that is then sent back to the Presbyteries and Sessions/Parish Councils along with the supporting statements.

2.4 Presbyteries, Sessions and Parish Councils consider this list and recommend one person for the consideration of the Assembly. The Presbytery or Session/Parish Council sends that name to the Assembly Clerk.

Martin Stewart
Convenor

Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Appendix 1: Proposed Amendment to Book of Order