LoginHome » Parish tools » Book of Order » Old Appendices » Appendix F-1: JOINT REGIONAL COMMITTEES – TERMS OF REFERENCE
Appendix F-1: Joint Regional Committees – Terms of Reference
121 Terms of Reference Joint Regional Committee
1) Preamble
a) Each Committee is established in conjunction with the work of the Forum of Co-operative Ventures and under the authority of the regional courts of the negotiating churches. JRCs are required to function as if a committee or sub-committee of each regional court, meeting to make common recommendations to them.
b) The regional courts retain the right to deal directly with parishes, but where consultation with other church courts is required, will normally work through the JRC.
c) Union District Councils may develop their own structures for dealing with Methodist-Presbyterian co-operative ventures and will follow the standard procedures.
2) Area
The area for which the Committee is responsible is decided by the Forum of Co-operative Ventures after consultation with regional church courts.
3) Functions
1) To foster a spirit of unity, understanding and cooperation among the negotiating churches.
2) To assist the churches to plan co-operatively by monitoring population trends and suggesting appropriate ministry and mission strategies.
3) To receive from the negotiating churches in the area advice of proposed site or building developments, to offer comment as requested and inform the other negotiating churches.
4) To assist in the establishment of co-operative ventures and in the preparation and approval of agreements.
5) To undertake the oversight of co-operative ventures and make necessary recommendations to the churches and the Forum.
6) To keep regional church courts fully informed of the work of the JRC with clearly identified recommendations as well as through its appointed members and the minutes of the JRC.
7) Such other matters as the churches themselves or the Forum shall request.
4) Membership
The JRC shall consist of the following:
1) Representatives of the regional courts of the negotiating churches. These should include people with experience in dealing with the procedures of their church and/or co-operative ventures, able to assist the JRC reach recommendations which will commend themselves to their church court.
2) Representatives of other churches having local interest in one or more co-operative ventures.
3) Representatives from one third of the co-operative ventures in the region retiring in rotation after a maximum three year term. JRCs may adjust this in the light of representation provided by the church.
5) Representation
a) The basis of representation shall be as for the co-operative ventures section of the Forum scaled to meet local needs. This includes representation of the women of the church. (see also 122)
b) Each church may appoint proxy members to attend in the absence of an appointed member.
6) Officers
a) The JRC shall elect a chairperson and a secretary-treasurer.
b) The term of office for any person so elected shall not normally exceed three years.
7) Finance
a) The regional courts of the member churches will contribute to the financial requirements of the JRC as may be determined from time to time.
b) A financial statement shall be submitted at least annually and be subject to qualified audit.
8) Annual Report
An annual report on the work of the JRC together with the financial report shall be submitted to the JRC and the courts of the member churches.
9) Meetings
a) The JRC shall meet regularly as required, at least three times a year.
b) The frequency of meetings may be varied according to local needs and shall be determined by the JRC.
c) Care should be taken in the timing of the meetings so that they can expeditiously forward recommendations to the regular meetings of the regional church courts.
10) Amendments
Amendments to these terms of reference may be made by or after consultation with the Forum.