Session 4<TD></TD><TD width="100%">
Dunedin College of Education, Union Street, Dunedin
Monday 2 October 2000 at 1.00 pmThe Assembly met and was constituted with prayer led by the Moderator.
The Moderator welcomed an overseas guest, Rev Nove Vailaau, Moderator, Council for World Mission.
Mr Vailaau addressed the Assembly. He brought greetings from Council for World Mission Churches.
Ms Jill Hawkey, Christian World Service National Co-ordinator, addressed the Assembly.
The Moderator expressed appreciation of the work done by Christian World Service, and the personal contribution of Ms Hawkey.
The Rev Robert Paterson was presented to the Assembly. The Moderator paid tribute to his long service in Overseas Mission. Mr Paterson addressed the Assembly. Council for Mission and Ecumenical Co-operationThe Rev Stuart Vogel moved, and it was seconded:
[00.051] That Assembly, through the Moderator, communicate to Partner Churches in Fiji, the Solomon Islands, East Timor, and Indonesia, and convey its greetings and assurance of prayer and support during their times of political crises and change.
[00.052] That Assembly affirm, publicise and encourage, through all of its Policy Groups, the World Council of Churches' Decade to Overcome Violence.
[00.053] That Assembly, through its Overseas Mission and Partnerships Policy Group, remind the church of the opportunities for global mission education created by the observance of Special Sundays, and that the Policy Group offer and inform the church of resources for worship and study around those Sundays.
[00.054] That Assembly remind the church of the principle that Christian mission places priority on a generous response to needs and urges action and expansion of resources.
[00.055] That Assembly affirm that the Conference of Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand is an important network for unity in ecumenical mission, both within Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.
[00.056] That Assembly affirm the work of Christian World Service and encourages parishes to support the Christmas Appeal and emergency appeals.
[00.057] That Assembly encourage parishes to undertake the educational programmes available through Christian World Service and participate in the Jubilee 2000 campaign.
[00.058] That Assembly encourage youth groups to participate in 'Wipe Out Poverty' when it is launched in 2001.
[00.059] That Assembly commend the Evangelical Presbyterian Missionary Fellowship for its commitment to global mission through its care for Presbyterians serving overseas, and encourage continued close liaison between the Council for Mission and the Evangelical Presbyterian Missionary Fellowship.
The motions were discussed.
Mr Vogel and the Rev Neal Whimp responded to questions of clarification.
The motions were referred to Dialogue Groups for consideration. Evangelical Missionary FellowshipThe Rev Dr Bruce Nicholls presented the report of the Evangelical Missionary Fellowship. The Moderator paid tribute to the work of the Fellowship. Transition Task GroupDr Helen Bichan, Transition Task Group Convener, presented the Task Group's report.
Dr Bichan moved, and it was seconded:
[00.041] That the Appendix - Responsibilities and Accountabilities - be included as an Appendix in the Book of Order replacing Appendices E- 11, E-20, E-21, and E-25.
[00.042] That the Appendices E-12 and E -13 in the Book of Order be replaced with the Appendices E-12 and E-13 attached to the report of the Transition Task Group.
[00.043] That Appendix E-17 be amended as follows:a. Section 1 Order of Reference to read:"The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand will maintain an effective Ministry of Word and sacrament to serve the Church as part of the ministry which belongs to the whole people of God by:
a) challenging Church members with the call to ordained ministryb) receiving ministers from overseas as well as from other Churchesc) encouraging development of a variety of opportunities for continuing education and in-service trainingd) keeping under constant review the basic stipend, car allowance scales and general living conditions of everyone in the Ministry of Word and Sacrament."b. 2.2.6 Remove first sentencec. Last sentence of 2.2.6: Replace "Continuing Ministry Formation Workgroup of the Mission Resource Board" with "Mission Resource Team"d. In 2.3.4 (b), and subsequent references replace "Mission Resource Board" with "Mission Resource Team"e. 3.4.3 Remove "and reported to the Mission Resource Board"f. 4.1.5 and other references "Personnel Workgroup of the Mission Resource Board" to "Personnel Work Group of the Equipping the Leadership Policy Group".
[00.044] That the Book of Order be amended as follows: - Page 8
Regulation 34
Lines 1, 2 "Mission Resource Board"
Change to "Resourcing for Mission Policy Group"
- Page 8
Regulation 35
Lines 3, 5, 8 "Church Union and Inter-Church Relations Committee"
Change to "Resourcing For Mission Policy Group"
- Page 32
Regulation 172(d)(x)
Line 3
Delete: "only after receiving a report from the Church Worship Committee on the project;"
- Page 36
Regulation 182
Line 7 and subsequently "Education for Ministry Committee"
Change to "Principal"
- Page 36
Regulation 185
Line 4-6
Delete "The committee may, should it seem necessary, accept the candidate provisionally for one trial year of study. (Appendix E-13, Section 3.12)"
- Page 37
Regulation 186
Line 2-4
Amend to read "Students become communicant members of a Congregation in the area where they are studying, and inform the School of Ministry accordingly."
Delete "The Committee has power to grant exemption in special cases."
- Page 38
Regulation 192
Line 5-6 and subsequently "Personnel Work Group of the Mission Resource Board"
Change to "Personnel Work Group of the Equipping the Leadership Policy Group".
- Page 76
Regulation 384
Line 1
Delete "All" before "committees", and
add "may" before "require" so the first line reads: "Groups or bodies of the Assembly employing agents for work in any capacity may require ..."
- Page 96
Regulation 516
delete
[00.045] That the Book of Order be amended as follows:
App E-14 School of Ministry Staff Leave1. p 213 No.1 c) Line 1 and subsequently"Theological Hall Committee" to "Principal of the School of Ministry"
App E-22 Regional Conferences - delete entire section
App E-28 Response - delete entire section
The motions were discussed.
Questions of clarification were answered by Dr Bichan and Mrs Helen Beaumont. Overture 19The Rev Dr John Roxborogh moved, and it was seconded:
[00.108] (Overture 19) - That the General Assembly affirm the long standing principle of Presbyterian Churches that power should not be concentrated in the hands of one person, or even of a few.
- That the Council of Assembly be requested to order its affairs and conduct its business with greater respect for these traditions of our Church.
- That the Moderator of the General Assembly be also the Moderator of the Council of Assembly.
- That the Conveners of the appropriate Policy Groups be responsible for conducting employee performance reviews for ministerial and other senior staff employed by the national Church.
Overture 4The Rev Dr Clive Yates moved, and it was seconded:
[00.090] (Overture 4)
That this General Assembly itself appoint a Special Commission on Governance comprising senior and respected Ministers and Elders (a total of five in number and otherwise uninvolved in the new structures) who, with adequate resourcing from the Book of Order and Judicial Committee will investigate, address and within eight months will provide to the Presbyteries and Parishes a copy of the Report containing their observations and recommendations which the Commission will make in full to the next General Assembly after 2000 upon the issues which have been raised in this Overture on Constitutional Governance and generally which are creating unease and giving increased concern to many concerning the principle of continued conciliar Governance of this Church through its three Court conciliar structure which is hierarchical only in terms of authority: and concerning the place and direct reporting role of the five major Policy Groups/Committees to the General Assembly, Presbyteries, and the Parishes who ultimately breathe life into the missionary impetus of our Church. Overture 18The Rev Ralph Penno moved, and it was seconded:
[00.104] (Overture 18) 1. That the Council of Assembly consist of one person commissioned by and from within each of the Presbyteries or Union District Councils and Te Aka Puaho, who shall have one vote; plus the Associate membership of any leaders of the Church that the Council of Assembly determines, who shall not have a vote. Due consideration shall be given by the Council, with guidance to the Presbyteries, Union District Councils and Te Aka Puaho to endeavour to maintain a balance of gender, between ministers and elders, and to represent the cultural balance of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
And:
2. That the Order of Reference for the Council of Assembly be strengthened to include:-- setting the priorities of the mission of the Church- ensuring that the mission of the Church is monitored and encouraged- guiding the Church in carrying out the decisions of Assembly- interpreting the mind of the Church and making such decisions that are necessary on behalf of the Church between Assemblies- to monitor or make such public statements on behalf of the Church between Assemblies as are deemed necessary.
And:3. That Assembly ask the Council to examine the feasibility of Presbyteries, Union District Councils and Te Aka Puaho meeting the travel costs of their representatives on a shared cost basis.
Overture 16The Rev Stuart Lange moved, and it was seconded:
[00.102] (Overture 16)That the General Assembly:(1) Request that the Council of Assembly review the system of Policy Groups, Work Groups, Reference Groups, and Task Groups with a view to making reforms that would significantly produce greater transparency, accountability, and democratisation, including provision for lower courts to nominate and endorse membership of all national policy and task groups and committees, and that the General Assembly bring back proposals to the 2002 Assembly.(2) Request that the Book of Order and Judicial Committee draft appropriate regulation changes, to give effect to the Council proposals. Overture 10Mr Neil Walker moved, and it was seconded:
[00.096] (Overture 10) - That the conveners of the Policy Groups and of the Nominating Committee be appointed to their positions by preferential ballot by the General Assembly
- That candidates be nominated by at least three Presbyteries
- That other details for the operation of the system, and the rules to apply, be determined by the Council of the Assembly in consultation with the Book of Order and Judicial Committee.
Questions of clarification regarding the overtures were answered by the presenters.
The Assembly met in Dialogue Groups.
The Assembly resumed in plenary session. Te Aka Puaho Mrs Mona Riini, Te Aka Puaho Moderator, and Mrs Millie Te Kaawa, Clerk, presented the report of Te Aka Puaho.
There was brief discussion of the report.
The Moderator paid tribute to the work of Te Aka Puaho.
The Very Rev Bruce Hansen took the chair.
The Assembly Clerk moved, and it was seconded: That the Revs Sherril Weinberg and Clare Brockett be asked to collate a statement of reasons for dissent recorded in Session 1.
The motion was agreed to.
Assembly Executive Secretary ReportThe Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.063] That the following amendments to chapter 10 in the Book of Order be adopted: - That regulation 479 be replaced with the following:In cases of discipline a decision of an inferior court may only be reviewed by a superior court by way of appeal brought by either the person bringing the complaint (which shall not include the court whose decision is appealed from) or the accused person, pursuant to regulation 438. Notice of such appeal, stating the grounds for the appeal, shall be given not later than 10 working days after the decision appealed from is received by the appellant.
- That regulation 481 be replaced with the following:If any case arises for which the rules laid down do not make full provision, Sessions or Parish Councils or Presbyteries shall proceed in a manner best calculated to promote the ends of justice and in accordance with the principles of natural justice.
- That regulation 485 be amended by adding the words "or body" after the word person in line 2.
- That regulation 487 be replaced by the following:Prior to initiating any formal disciplinary process, the court shall consider any appropriate means of reconciliation, having regard to Matthew 18: 15-17 and also mediation (referred to in the appendix to Appendix E-9 to these regulations and section J of chapter 9 ( RR465-470).
- That regulation 488 be replaced by the following:An offence in respect of which no formal disciplinary action has been taken for 5 years shall not be revived for the purposes of discipline, unless it be of a serious nature.
- That regulation 493 be amended by adding after the words "...administer such censure..." the words "pursuant to Section E herein" so the regulation reads "When the person accused confesses the sin or offence alleged against him/her, the court proceeds to appoint and administer such censure, pursuant to Section E herein, as circumstances require.
- That regulation 497 be replaced with the following:When it has been resolved to proceed to formal inquiry, the court shall ensure that the accused person is personally served with a formal written charge providing full details of the charge and of the time and place at which the inquiry is to be held, and at which his/her presence is required. The Presbytery may, without prejudice to the final outcome and after providing the accused person a reasonable opportunity to be heard on the matter in person or by counsel, suspend the accused, pending the outcome of formal inquiry.
- That regulation 507 be amended by replacing the words "If the accused again fail to appear without adequate reasons, the court may hold him/her as having confessed, or may proceed with the inquiry in his or her absence, and in either case dispose of the cause" with the words "If the accused again fail to appear without adequate reasons, the court may proceed with the inquiry in his or her absence and dispose of the cause.
- That regulation 508 be replaced with the following:In the event of the accused appearing as cited, and the case being otherwise ripe for formal inquiry, the court proceeds to adjudicate as follows:a) The charge specifically stated is readb) The party making the charge is called or the members of the court appointed to support the chargec) The accused is calledd) The accused is asked whether he admits the charge in which case the court takes action accordinglye) The evidence of witnesses in support of a charge is taken, starting with the person bringing the chargef) The accused may if he/she chooses give evidenceg) The evidence of the witnesses called by the accused is takenh) The court gives a decision on the case and announces the same, either at that time or some later time as fixed by the Court.
- That regulation 509 be replaced with the following:At any stage of the proceedings the person accused may admit the charge and the court takes action accordingly.
- That regulation 512 be replaced with the following:An indictment shall:a) Set forth in sufficient detail to fully and fairly inform the accused person of the charge against him/her, the nature of the offence charged and shall declare it to be punishable according to the Word of God and the laws of this Church.b) Assert that the accused person is guilty of the offence charged and narrate the facts involving his or her guilt, specifying the time, place and circumstances, in one or more distinct counts.c) State the censures or punishments to which the accused person is liable if the charge is found proven.
- That regulations 522 and 523 be replaced with the following:If the accused person or the prosecutors are members of the court they shall retain all their rights as such while the question of relevancy is under consideration and until such time as the court resolves to serve the indictment, except that he, she or they shall not participate in the deliberations of the court as to whether or not to serve the indictment. Thereafter they take no part in the discussion of the case or in any vote thereon, either in the court in which it originates or in any higher court.
- That regulation 524 be replaced with the following:Complaints as to RelevancyThe relevancy of an indictment includes two questions: a) Whether the offence or offences set forth in the indictment be truly or not a subject of Church censure, inferring a penalty, according to the Word of God and the standards of the Church.b) Whether the facts alleged in the indictment, if proved or admitted, really amount or not to the offence or offences set forth in the indictment rendering the accused liable to punishment.
- That clause (d) in regulation 530 be replaced with the following:d) The court may also resolve, after providing the accused person a reasonable opportunity to be heard on the matter in person or by counsel, to suspend the accused person from all the functions of his or her office until the case be finally adjudicated. (See also 533, 586)
- That regulation 531 be replaced with the following:A court in taking evidence and adjudicating in a case of trial upon an indictment proceeds as follows:a) Reads the indictmentb) Calls the prosecutors c) Calls the person indicted (the accused)d) The accused is asked whether he/she admits the charge, and if so the court proceeds to censuree) The evidence of the witnesses in support of the charge is taken, starting with the person bringing the chargef) The accused may, if he/she chooses, give evidenceg) The evidence of the witnesses called by the accused is takenh) All witnesses are subject to cross-examination and re-examinationi) Directs that the evidence of the witnesses, as taken down in writing, be read over to them, and when correct, subscribed by them in the presence of the Clerk, or of a member of the court appointed for the purposej) Hears the parties in the case upon the evidence, first those in support of the indictment, then the accused or his/her advisor, and thereafter one of the prosecutors in replyk) Proceeds to a decision on the case and announces the same, either at that time or some later time as fixed by the court.
- That regulation 534 be amended by replacing the last sentence with the following:A complaint or appeal in such case does not stop procedure, but the same may be pursued following the conclusion of the court hearing by way of appeal.
- That regulation 538 be repealed.
- That regulation 539 be replaced with the following:
A member of a court who is called upon to give evidence in a case is not thereby deprived of his/her rights as a member of that court, provided that no such person shall thereafter participate in any deliberations of that court relating to that case.
- That regulation 540 be replaced with the following:
The court may receive any relevant evidence, including hearsay, whether admissable in a court of law or not, and may give such weight to any evidence as it deems appropriate in the circumstances.
- That regulation 541 be repealed.
- That the following regulation (547A) be approved and referred to Presbyteries/UDCs under the Barrier Act.
In deciding whether or not an accused person is guilty or not guilty on any particular charge, the court shall determine the matter on the balance of probabilities, but shall also have regard to the seriousness of the allegation and the requirement in criminal courts that proof of criminal charges be beyond reasonable doubt.
- That regulation 548 be replaced with the following:VerdictThe court hearing a charge or charges shall make a finding that the accused person is either guilty or not guilty of each charge.
- That regulation 549 be replaced with the following:
A court, having concluded a judicial trial and having found a charge proven shall consider what censure should be pronounced upon the offender, according to the nature and gravity of the offence. Before a decision is made as to censure, the offender shall be entitled to make submissions, orally or in writing to the court as to censure.
- That regulation 593 be replaced with the following:
When a Presbytery enters upon a trial by indictment it follows the procedure already laid down, and so soon as the indictment has been served upon the accused he/she may then be suspended from the exercise of all the functions of his/her office until the case shall be finally determined, either by the Presbytery itself, or, if an appeal has been taken, by the superior court. No suspension shall occur until after the accused person has been provided a reasonable opportunity to be heard on the matter, in person or by counsel if allowed under 477.
- That the following regulation (609) be approved and referred to Presbyteries/UDCs under the Barrier Act.
Where an accused person has been convicted in a court of law of any criminal charge, any Church court shall, for the purposes of enforcing discipline pursuant to these Rules, accept such charge as proven without further enquiry, and may proceed to censure in respect of such conviction on the basis that it constitutes a breach of Church discipline pursuant to RR474 and 475, without further proof of such charges.
- That any consequential numbering be approved.
There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.064] That the following amendments and additions to Section G of chapter 5 and Appendix H-4 in the Book of Order be adopted: - New regulation 248A.
248A Edict
Once the Presbytery has appointed a day for the ordination, an edict is ordered to be announced on the Lord's Day to the Congregation where the ordination is to take place intimating the ordination date, and giving notice that any objections to the character or the teaching of the Licentiate, must be made in writing to the Presbytery Clerk by a date specified in the edict no later than 4 weeks prior to the ordination date, due time being allowed between the announcing of the edict and the day fixed for objections to be received. (Appendix H-4)
- New regulation 248B
Objectors
Objections will be received only from communicant or adherent members of the Congregation issuing the call. (Reg 19)
- New regulation 248C.
Edict Returned
Once the Edict has been announced to the Congregation and published in the Order of Service, the Session Clerk returns the Attestation (Appendix H-4) to the Presbytery Clerk, who then intimates to the Presbytery that the Edict has been announced.
- New regulation 248D.
Objection received.
If an objection is received by the due date, the Presbytery shall meet to hear the objection. If the objection is found to be trivial, or is not supported by sufficient evidence, the Presbytery sets it aside and proceeds to the ordination. If the objection is not summarily set aside the ordination is postponed until the case is dealt with according to the rules of the Church.(See Chapter 10, especially 482ff.) If a commission is acting for the Presbytery, any objections not summarily set aside shall be referred to a subsequent meeting of the Presbytery itself.
- Replace regulation 249 with following
Presbytery meeting
The Presbytery meets on the day of the ordination, to ordain its new member. The Moderator, (or his or her nominee) officiates at the ordination (ministers only joining in
- That regulation 250 be repealed. (becomes 248c.)
- That regulation 252 be amended by replacing the word "imposition" with the words "laying on".
- That regulation 257 be repealed. (becomes 248d)
- That Appendix H - 4 be replaced with the following:
Appendix H - 4
Edict - Ordination/Induction of Minister.
The Presbytery of .......................................................... having resolved to proceed to the ordination (or induction) of (insert name), who has been called (or appointed) to be minister of this Congregation, gives notice to members of this Congregation, that if any of them has any objections to offer to the character or the teaching of (insert name) they must make such objection in writing to the Presbytery Clerk (insert address) by (insert date, no later than 4 weeks prior to the ordination/induction.)
If no relevant objection be made and proved, the Presbytery will proceed to ordain (insert name) to the office of the holy ministry, and induct him/her to the pastoral charge of this Congregation.On behalf of the Presbytery .................................Presbytery Clerk.
In the case of a person already ordained to the office of the holy ministry, the second paragraph should be replaced with the following:
If no relevant objection be made and proved, the Presbytery will proceed to induct (insert name) to the pastoral charge of this Congregation.---------------------
ATTESTATION OF EDICT BEING READ: The above edict was announced by me to the Congregation (insert date)............................................................... Minister/Preacher/Session ClerkThis attestation is to be returned to the Clerk as soon as the edict has been read.
A question of clarification was responded to.
There was no debate.
The motion was carried.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.065] That the following amendments to regulations 39, 387 and a new regulation 172 (p) in the Book of Order be adopted.
39. Paying Assessments made by the General AssemblyEach Congregation must pay assessments made by the Assembly by the time specified by the Assembly (unless and to the extent that the Assembly stipulates that an assessment does not apply to that Congregation or is not mandatory).387. Makes AssessmentsThe Assembly makes assessments to be paid by Congregations for objects, which the Assembly considers important. The Assembly decides the amount or basis of calculation of assessments and the time for payment. Unless and to the extent that the Assembly stipulates otherwise, such assessments apply to all Congregations and are mandatory.
172(p).Presbyteries may inquire into non-payment and impose penaltiesInquiries into the reasons for a Congregation within the Presbytery's bounds not paying an assessment made by the Assembly by the time specified by the Assembly (unless and to the extent that the Assembly stipulates that the assessment does not apply to that Congregation or is not mandatory), and takes such action as the Presbytery considers appropriate. Notwithstanding regulations 175(1), 175(2), 175(4) and 175(5), the Presbytery may decide not to appoint representative Ministers and elders to the Assembly from or elected by a Congregation which, at the time Presbytery makes such appointments, has not paid an assessment made by the Assembly and the time for such payment has passed.
Renumber existing regulation 172(p) as new regulation 172(q).Refer to regulation 172(p) in the note at the end of regulation 38.
There was no debate.
The motion was carried.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.066] That the following amendment to regulation 124(b) in the Book of Order be adopted.124(b) Delete: Professors of Theology and substitute Teachers of Theology at the School of Ministry.Add: Ministers who are teachers of theology at a tertiary institution accredited for Foundation Studies.
There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.067] That a new regulation be adopted and included in the Book of Order as follows:Regulation 35A A Presbytery may judge and determine a petition from a Congregation seeking, in circumstances which Presbytery regards as appropriate, to order its life according to the Common Provisions for Co-operative Ventures (Appendix F-5)
There was no debate.
The motion was carried.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.068] That regulation 175 in the Book of Order be amended to read:
Regulation 175 Assembly Representatives
Presbyteries appoint representative ministers and elders to the General Assembly according to the following Regulations: - The representative ministers shall be one half of those on the roll of voting members six months prior to the opening of the General Assembly excluding ministers of Te Aka Puaho (the Maori Synod) who are members of the Presbytery under Reg 124, emeriti/emeritae, locum tenentes and absent Chaplains and ministers serving overseas, who do not count for representation but may be chosen to fill vacancies.
- The representative elders shall be equal in number to the ministers chosen under (1) and to one half of vacant parishes. A Presbytery shall nominate which sessions or parish councils are to elect representative elders; elders so elected shall thereafter be appointed by the presbytery as Assembly representatives. Elders representing Maori Pastorates under Reg 124 are excluded.
- Where the division to secure one half results in a fraction, the next higher complete number will be taken.
- In appointing representatives, Presbyteries shall ensure that each parish shall be represented by either a minister or elder as a voting member.
- Where a Session or Parish Council is unable to elect one of its number as a representative it may elect an elder in any Session or Parish Council within the Presbytery bounds. Ministers emeriti or emeritae cannot be elected as representative elders.
A question of clarification was responded to.
There was no debate.
The motion was carried.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.069] That Regulation 176 (1) & (3) in the Book of Order be amended to read: - Presbyteries may appoint two youth representatives living within the bounds.
- Pacific Island Regional Youth Committees (Auckland, Wellington/Wanganui and the South Island may each appoint three representatives, and the Te Aka Puaho may appoint six representatives
A question of clarification was responded to.
There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.070] That the following amendments to regulations 340 (2) and 364 in the Book of Order be adopted:a. Regulation 340 (2)Be amended by replacing it with:Associate members, being ministers, elders and any other persons whom the Assembly requires to be present for the conduct of its business. Associate members shall be granted the right to speak and move or second recommendations on those matters for which the Assembly requires their presence.
b. Regulation 364 Business Committee, DutiesBe amended by adding:(f) To determine associate membership of the Assembly.
There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.071] That the following addition to regulation 340 in the Book of Order be adopted:c. Regulation 340 (5)Observer members, being ministers on the rolls of Presbytery or Te Aka Puaho, who have intimated to the Assembly Clerk through the Presbytery Clerk their intention of being present; and elders who have intimated to the Assembly Clerk through the Session/Parish Clerk their intention of being present. Observer members will have the right to take part in the Assembly except speaking rights in debates and the right to vote.
There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.072] That the following amendment to regulation 132 in the Book of Order be adopted:
Regulation 132 Moderator - Sessions/Parish Councils in the Presbytery may nominate to Presbytery a minister or elder of the Church for the office of Moderator of Presbytery.
- Presbyteries on receipt of the nomination or nominations may choose the Moderator from such nominees. The Moderator must be chosen from members of the Court. It is usual to appoint a new Moderator every six or twelve months. In cases where the Moderator is an elder, the Presbytery may, if it so desires, authorise such an elder to administer the Sacrament of Holy Communion during the tenure of office, and shall ensure that such a Moderator receives assistance and training as required.
There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.073] That the following amendments to regulations 174, 348 and Appendix D-8 in the Book of Order be adopted: - Regulation 174 Assembly Moderator
Be amended by replacing it with the following:
Presbyteries, Sessions and Parish Councils may nominate a minister or elder of the Church for the office of Moderator of the General Assembly, such nomination being made not more than 90 days and not less than 30 days prior to the meeting of the General Assembly. No publicity is giving to the nomination. Notice of nomination is forwarded immediately to the Clerk of the Assembly (Appendix D-8 Section 2) (348)
- Regulation 348 Moderator Designate
be amended by adding after the word "Presbyteries" "and Sessions/Parish Councils".
- Appendix D- 8
Section 2 be amended by adding in paragraphs 2 and 3 after the words "Presbyteries" "and Sessions/Parish Councils".
- Appendix D-8
Section 2, paragraph 4 be amended by adding after the word "Presbyteries" "Sessions/Parish Councils", and after the words "The Presbytery" "or Sessions/Parish Council".
There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.074] That the following be appointed Trustees under the provisions of the Church Property Act 1885:
Robson Blyth King, Kenneth Gerard Irwin, Jeffery Garfield Todd, Fuimaono Tuiasau.
A question of clarification was responded to.
There was no debate.
The motion was carried.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.075] That pursuant to the Presbyterian Church Property Act 1930 the following be the Commission with Assembly powers to deal with such matters as may be submitted to it by the Church Property Trustees under Section 5 of the Amendment Act 1914 and to be the Commission under section 7 of the Presbyterian Church Property Amendment Act 1996 to consider applications under Part 1 of the Act:
The Rt. Rev Rob Yule, Moderator of the General Assembly, The Very Rev Tom Corkill, Revs Robin Lane, Alan Shaw, Shirley Simmers, Harry Swadling, Kerry Enright Assembly Executive Secretary, Messrs Brian Chisholm, Bruce Corkill, Russell Feist, Robert Hopkirk, Ian Fraser, Colin McLeod, Peter Martyn, Mrs Margaret Inch. Associate: Ray Wilderspin.
A question of clarification was responded to.
There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
[00.076] That the resignation of the Reverend R.A. Foster from the Iona College Trustees be accepted.
[00.077] That Sir Rodney Gallen be appointed as an Iona College Council Trustee.
[00.078] That the Reverend B M Johnstone of Havelock North be appointed to the Iona College Council as a clergy representative.
There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to. Pre-Assembly CommissionsThe Clerk moved, and it was seconded: That Petitions 1 and 2 be received as official documents of the Assembly.
The motion was agreed to.
The Assembly adjourned to meet again at 7.00 pm.
Robert Yule, Moderator
Kerry Enright, Clerk
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