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Minutes of the General Assembly 2002

Session 13
St Patrick's College, Silverstream, Wellington
Friday, 27 September 2002 at 8.15 a.m.

The Assembly met and was constituted with prayer by the Moderator.

Nominating Committee
Nominating Committee Co-convener Mr John Hallett moved, and it was seconded:

[02.193] That the Rev. David Brown be re-appointed as Co-convener of the Assembly Business Work Group for a further two years.

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

Nominating Committee Co-convener Rev Chris Elliot was granted leave to make additions and amendments to the published list of nominations for appointment for Council of Assembly, Policy, Reference and Work Groups.

Mr Hallett moved and it was seconded:

[02.119] That Assembly record its thanks for the service given by Conveners and Members of Council of Assembly, Policy Groups, Reference Groups and Work Groups, who have retired, resigned or who are retiring at this Assembly.

Conveners
Assembly Business Work Group: Rev Pamela Tankersley; Beneficiary Fund: Mr John Melville; Book of Order and Judicial Reference Group: Mr Colin Pidgeon QC; Church Property Trustees: Mr Bob McCay; Churches' Agency on Social Issues: Rev Max Reid; Council of Assembly: Rev Martin Stewart; Crosslink Board: Mr Don Lind; Doctrine Reference Group: Revs Gaye Churchill and Graeme Ferguson; Moderator's Arrangements: Mr Graeme Russell; Nominating Committee: Rev Chris Elliot; Resourcing for Mission Policy Group: Mrs Anne Thomson and Rev Alistair McBride; Te Komiti Takawaenga o te Haahi: Mr Tony Wilson

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

Mrs Elliot moved and it was seconded:

[02.120] That the Council of Assembly, Policy Groups, Reference Groups, Work Groups and Special Committees of the General Assembly be as listed (with corrections).

Council of Assembly
Convener: Shirley Fergusson WK.00.CF
Deputy Convener: Helen Bichan WN.00.LF.
Northland / North Shore: Duncan Gillanders NL.00.LM; Auckland: Kerry Stotter AK.00.LM;
South Auckland: Peter Bristow SA.00.CM; Waikato / Bay of Plenty: Marion Sanders BP.00.LF;
Taranaki / Wanganui / Manawatu: Talosaga Su'a WG.00.CM; Gisborne / Hawkes Bay: David Dransfield HB.02.LM; Wellington / Wairarapa: Helen Beaumont WN.00.LF; Nelson - Marlborough / West Coast: Chris Auchinvole WB.02.LM; Christchurch: Brian Hardie CH.02.CM; Ashburton / South Canterbury: Neil Sinclair AS.O2.LM; Otago-Southland Synod Area: Sa Si'itia-Asi DN.00.CF; Ken Harray DN.00.CM.
Te Aka Puaho: Tiakina Manihera MS.00.CM, Te Aouru Biddle MS.O2.LF; Moderator Te Aka Puaho Mona Riini
PI Synod Moderator Uea Tuleia; Tafatolu Filemoni AK.02.CM (Clerk)
Moderator of General Assembly, Immediate Past Moderator for one year after their term, and Moderator Designate for one year before
5 Policy Group Co- conveners - one from each Policy Group to attend Council
Representative from Church Property Trustees: Margaret Inch
Associate: Assembly Executive Secretary

Administration and Finance Policy Group
Co-conveners: Brian Williscroft: DN.00.CM; Ian Watson: NS.00.LM
Catherine Barclay: WN.00.LF; Bruce Robertson: DN.00.LM; Pauline Stewart: WK.00.CF;
John Trainor: AK.00.LM; Hamish Crooks SA.00.LM; Ron Stout WK.02.LM; Eoin Powell SC.02.LM.
Associate: Peter Isherwood (Chairperson Church Property Trustees)
Service Team Representatives

Assembly Business Work Group
Co-conveners: David Brown AS.02.CM; Reuben Hardie WN.02.CM
Northern Unit: Edwin Clarke MN.98. CM; Rini Gardenier WN.00.LF;
Ola Tofilau WN.00.CM.
Southern Unit: Robert Reid CH.98. CM; Murray Clark CH.00. LM; Sandra Wright-Taylor CH.02.CF; Jennifer Syme CH.02.LF; Barry Murphy CH.02.LM; Chris Elliot SC.02.CF

Book of Order and Judicial Reference Group
Convener: John Marshall WN.02.LM
John Peill WN.98.CM; Alastair Sherriff WN.00. LM.
Joan Baber WN.00.LF; Maurice Brown WN.00.CM; Pam Southey WN.02.LF
Corresponding members: George Barton QC WN.LM; Nolan Martin HB.CM;
Regional Advisors: Jim Milne AK.CM; Bruce Corkill WN. LM; Royden Somerville, QC.DN.LM.

Judicial Panel
Sandra Alofivae AK.02.LF; Roy Christian AK.00.CM; John Evans AK.00.CM; Bruce Harris AK.00.LM; Graeme Murray AK.00.CM; Janet McLean AK.00.LF; Ron Mills NS.00.CM; Jeremy Brook WK.02.LM; Peter Gault WK.02.LM; Ron Stout WK.02.LM; Greg Hollister Jones BP.02.LM; Michael Chrisp HB.02.LM; Alan Cooper WG.00.LM; Russell Feist WN.00.LM; Douglas Day WN.00.LM; Paul Westbury WN.02.LM; Marilyn Wallace WN.00.LF; Michael Cooper WR.02.LM; Peter Whiteside CH.02.LM; Charles Manning CH.00.LM; Hamish Galloway CH.00.CM; Bruce Hansen CH.02.CM; Linton Laing AS.02.02; Arthur Budd SC.02.LM; Graeme Munro NO.02.CM; Neil Churcher DN.00.CM; Fraser Barton DN.02.LM; Rachel Judge CO.02.CF; Virginia Wilson SL.02.LF.; (Subject to their assent: Gaye Churchill AK.02.CF; Ikipa Tongatule AK.02.LM; Emily Maea WN.02.CF).

Church Architecture Reference Group
Co-conveners: Richard Colegrove NS.00.CM; Rose Luxford AK.00.CF; Les Parlane SA.00.LM; Roger Low AK.00.LM; Terry Gill NS.00.LM

Regional Groups:
Wellington: Convener: Glen Robertson WN.00.LM. Fiona Hoang WN.98.LF; one continuing vacancy.
Christchurch: Convener: Cecile Pierce CH.00.LF; Keith Moir CH.00.LM; Ian Wells CH.00.LM; Bruce Yates CH.00.LM; Len Home SC.00.LM; Janet Wishart SC.00.LF.
Dunedin: Convener: John Salmond DN.98.LM; Judy Oakley DN.98.LF; Michael Ovens DN.O2.LM; Dennis Povey DN.02. CM; Neil McDowell SL.02.LM; Robert Simpson SL.02.LM.

Historical Records Reference Group
Convener: Hew McLeod DN.00.LM
Peter Miller DN.00.LM; Stuart Strachan DN.00.LM; Margaret Morgan DN.00.LF; Alan Richardson DN.00.LM; Betty Taylor DN.00.LF; John Sinclair DN.00.CM; Russell Thew NO.00.CM.
Associates: Librarian, Archivist, Master of Knox College

Moderator's Arrangement Task Group
Co-conveners 2002 - 2004: Cecile Pierce and Ivan Pierce
Co-convener 2004 - 2006: Alice Hill

Equipping the Leadership Policy Group
Co-conveners: Graham Redding: WN.00.CM; Asora Amosa: AK.00.CM.
Susan Jones: DN.00.CF; Bruce Leadbetter: DN.00.LM; Tukua Tuwairua: HB.00.LF; Tau Ben-Unu MT.01.CM; Wayne Matheson NL.02.CM; Peter Winder WN.02.LM; John Daniel (2002 Graduate); Elaine Scurr DN.02.LF.
Associate: Service Team representatives

Beneficiary Fund Work Group
Convener: Margaret Inch WN.02.LF
Morag Gray WN.98.LF; Tom Etuata WN.00.CM; Arthur Davis WN.02.LM; Lynn Russell WN.02.CF; Allan Shaw WN.02.CM; Jim Thomson WR.02.LM.
Church Property Trustees representative: John Molloy WN.02.LM
Secretary: Geoff Bell

National Assessment Work Group
Co-conveners: Vivian Coleman AK.00.CF; Reg Weeks CO.00.CM
Vivienne Adair AK.00.LF; Sue Norton AK.02.LF; Maua Sola AK.02.CM; Jonathan Parkes BP.02.CM; Fieta Ikitoelagi-Faitala WG.00.CF; Leslie Solomona WR.02.CM; Emily Maea WN.02.LF; Jenny McKinnon WN.02.LF; Gail Malcolmson WN.02.LF; Johanna Warren NM.00.CF; Sylvia Miller CH.00.CF; Ian Hyslop SC.00.CM; Libby Smith NO.02.CF; Richard Dawson DN.00.CM; Bill Lee DN.00.LM; Sandy Ross DN.00.LM; Clare Ayers SL.00.LF; Helen Martin ( 2002 Graduate).
Representative of: Te Aka Puaho; Pacific Island Synod; School of Ministry.
Associate: Co-Director Mission Resource Team

Resourcing for Mission Policy Group
Co-conveners: Peter Dunn: NL02.CM; Lisa Wells DN.02.LF
Members, Alistair McBride: WK.00.CM; Philip King: CH.00.CM; Lee Somerville: DN.00.LF; Ere Talagi-Ikitoelagi: AK.00.CF; Freda Oloapu WN.00.LF; Forbes Worn AK.02.LM; Mark Chapman SA.02.CM; Steven Finlay WN.02.LM.
Associate: Service Team Representatives

Doctrine Reference Group
From September 2001
Co-conveners: Bruce Hamill CH.01.CM; Charles Manning CH.01.LM
Catherine Fletcher CH.01.LF; Katherine Peet CH.01.LF; Peter Wishart SC.01.CM; Anne Scott CH.01.LF; Alan Herron CH.02.CM; Yvonne Smith CH.02.CF; Jennifer Syme CH.02.LF.
Corresponding members: Graham Redding, John Roxborogh, David S Clark.
Representative of: Principal School of Ministry - Neville Emslie, School of Ministry Staff - Mary Huie?Jolly; Pacific Islanders' Synod: To be approached.

Executive of the Forum of Co-operative Ventures
Ken Linscott SC.01.LM; Chris Nichol (Ecumenical Relations Secretary) WN.02.CM

Overseas and Mission Policy Group
Co-conveners: Stuart Vogel AK.00.CM; Nikki Watkin AK.02.CF
Tokerau Joseph SA.00.CM; Richard Lawrence WK.00.CM; Janet McDonald WN.00.LF; Russell Rofe SC.00.CM; Janet Taege CH.00.LF; Carolyn Kelly WN.01.LF; Isabella Tedcastle AK.02.LF; Glenn Barclay WN.02.CF..
Associate: Service Team Representatives

Connecting with Society Policy Group
Co-conveners: Sally Carter MN.02.CF; Maureen Garing WN.02.LF
Jane Pritchard AK.02.LF; Elama Maea; WN.02.CM; Errol Croy AS.02.LM; Max Reid DN.02.CM.
Associate: Service Team Representatives

Churches' Agency on Social Issues
Presbyterian Co-convener (acting) David Simmers WN.00.CM.
Glen Labrum WN.00.LM; John Jones WN.02.LM; Pam Thomson WR.02.LF; Niki Francis WN.02.CF;
Lesley Shaw WN.02.CF.

Nominating Committee
Co-conveners (nominated by A & F Policy Group) John Hallett WK.00.LM; Nancy Jean Whitehead WK.02.CF.
Verna Healy NL.CF; Ron Mills NS.CM; Cunny Atchison AK.LM; Margaret Anne Low SA.CF; Lance Kendrick WK. LM; Derrick Hills BP.CM; Tukua Tuwairua MS.LF; No nomination GS; Ian Pimm HB.CM; Neil Walker TK.02.LM; Rilma Sands MN.CF; Tom Waight WG.CM; Barbara Curteis WR.CF; Jim Cunningham WN.CM; Johanna Warren NM.CF; Pat Manning CH.LF; Bill Penno SC.LM; Libby Smith NO.CF; Les Gosling CL.CM; John Ranstead MT.CM; No nomination CO; David Gordon SL.CM. Co-opted Ere Talagi-Ikitoelagi.
Representative Pacific Islanders' Synod: Aotafaga Lemuelu; APW: Marion Brash.
Executive: John Hallett, Nancy Jean Whitehead, Cunny Atchison, Jim Cunningham,
Johanna Warren, Bill Penno.

Te Komiti Takawaenga o Te Haahi (Joint Committee of General Assembly and Te Aka Puaho)
Convener: Tame Takao MS.02.CM
General Assembly representatives: Ken Wall GS.02.CM; Catherine Goldsmith BP.97.LF;
Rodney Gallen HB.00.LM; Ray Coster BP.00.CM; Graeme Kitto WK.02.LM;
Jean Cotter WK.02.CF.
Te Aka Puaho representatives: Nehe Dewes MS.02.CM; George Tuwairua MS. CM;
Alfred Te Rire MS.02.CM; Hariata Haumate MS.02.CF; Te Whare Turuwhenua MS.02.LM
Associated: Moderator Te Aka Puaho Mona Riini; Secretary of Te Aka Puaho: Millie Te Kaawa
Moderator General Assembly, Assembly Executive Secretary, Director of Communications

Christian World Service
Lindsay Day, Bruce Hansen, Kim Bathgate, Jan Cormack, Andrew Souness, Margaret Amold, Janet Taege.
Representative on Christian World Service Council: Global Mission Secretary: Andrew Bell

Conference of Churches in Aotearoa New Zealand
Gaynor Larsen (President), (Executive) Max Reid, Ellen Murray

Council of Knox College and Salmond Hall
Appointment / due for re-appointment on dates shown (under the Council's own Constitution.)
Chairman: Prof George Petersen (2002) LM
Mr Adrian Cross (2002)LM; Mr Douglas Graham (2001)LM; Prof Hew McLeod (2002)LM; Mrs Carol Melville (2003)LF; Dr Dawn Miller (2002)LF; Rev John Sinclair (2004)CM; Dr Royden Somerville, QC(2001)LM; Prof. David Skegg (2003)LM; Mrs Lisa Well (2001)LM; Rev Graeme Munro (2001)CM.
Master, Knox College, Bruce Aitken.; Master, Salmond Hall, Mr Bruce Cowan; two others appointed by the Council of Knox College and Salmond Hall; Principal of School of Ministry.

Church Property Trustees
New nominations for appointment: John Harvey WR.02.LM; Michael Scott WK. 02.LM;
John Molloy WN.02.LM; Virginia Wilson SL.02.LF.

Board of Turakina Maori Girls' College
Alan Cooper WG.LM, Nick Thomson WG.LM, Talosaga Su'a WG.CM
(Note: B.R.Cousins and K.L Sims appointed by Presbytery of Wanganui; Ivan Gore and Nancy Hazeleger appointed by Presbytery of Manawatu.)

Board of Iona College
Bob Foster HB.CM; Rodney Gallen HB.LM.

Commission of Refugee and Migrant Service: Beryl Anderson WN.02.LF

Presbyterian Savings and Development Society (and New Vision Foundation)
[to be elected by the Board]: Margaret Slater AK.02.LF; Hamish Crooks SA.02.LM (to be confirmed).

Note: The Moderator of the General Assembly is a full member of all Groups; Assembly Executive Secretary and Manager of Communications are associates.

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

Memorial 2: Nominating Review Process
Mr Neil Walker was granted leave to replace notice of motion [02.106] with notice of motion [02.186].

Mr Walker moved, and it was seconded:

[02.186] replaces [02.106]
a) That the Assembly request the Council of Assembly to remandate its already convened task force set up in 2001 to consider a complete review of the whole appointment making system of the Presbyterian Church.
b) The committee:
1. be expanded to include others to bring an added perspective to the debate
2. include (and consult with) people experienced in Human Resources procedures and Electoral systems.
3. Readdress the concerns expressed in 2000 Assembly, notice of motion [02.128] as printed in Memorial 2.
4. complete the audit of the problems with the existing system and recommend solutions.
5. send it for discussion to all Presbyteries/District Councils/Churches for study and comment by September 1, 2003.
6. that a report including comments from Churches/Presbyteries/Union District Councils and recommendations be brought back to the 2004 Assembly.

There was debate.
The motion was agreed to.

Mr Chris Auchinvole moved and it was seconded:

[02.177] That the Nominating Process Review Task Group be instructed to examine the procedure for the election of the Moderator Designate of the General Assembly in order to clarify the possible uncertainty as to the weighting (if any) of votes between Presbyteries/UDCs/Sessions/Parish Councils in clause 2 Appendix D8 of the Book of Order and to properly reflect the intention of the Commission for Diversity as agreed by General Assembly.

[02.178] That Council of Assembly be empowered to instruct the Book of Order and Judicial Reference Group to draft regulations to implement the decision of the Council of Assembly made after receipt of the advice of the Nominating Process Review Task Group, to be in effect for the election of the Moderator Designate for the 2004 General Assembly.

The motions were debated.
The motions were carried.

The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:

[02.147] That Mr John Hallett and the Rev Nancy Jean Whitehead be Co-conveners of the Nominating Committee

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

Pacific Islanders' Synod
The Very Rev Bruce Hansen moved, and it was seconded:

[02.181] That the terms of reference for the Pacific Islanders' Synod be:

1 To facilitate good communication between the Pacific Islanders' Synod and other groups or courts within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand in accordance with the partnership established under the constitution of the Pacific Islanders' Synod.

2 To act in a mediating role and, where appropriate, to arbitrate when differences of understanding or interpretation arise in the relationship between the Pacific Islanders' Synod and other groups or courts within the Presbyterian Church.

3 To take any actions that might enhance, promote and increase understanding of the role and functions of the P I Synod within the Presbyterian Church.

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

Pacific Islanders' Synod Liaison Group
Mrs Elliot moved and it was seconded:

[02.188] That the membership for the Pacific Islanders' Synod Liaison Group be:
The Rev Bruce Hansen (Convener), the Rev Aotofaga Lemuelu, Mr Ikipa Tongatule and the Rev Lorraine Francis (to be confirmed).

The motion was debated.
Debate was adjourned.

Student Regulations
Debate resumed on notice of motion [02.047] (amendments to student regulations).

[02.047] That the following amendments be made to the Student Regulations, Appendix E-13 in the Book of Order:
a) Student Regulation 4.1 be amended by the substitution of the word "may" with the word "shall"
b) Student Regulation 4.4 be amended by replacing the words from "candidate" on line 2 to "ordained ministry" on line 3 with the following words "…Presbytery Student convener or representative for each candidate of the candidate's acceptance or otherwise as a student for the ordained ministry, such information to be conveyed to the student within the following seven days."

Mr Andrew Scott moved, and it was seconded:

[02.154] amendment to [02.047]
That the first sentence of regulation 4.4 in Appendix E.13 in the Book of Order be replaced by the following;
"the National Assessment Work Group, before the end of the assessment programme, gives the candidate the option of being informed of their acceptance or otherwise as a student for ordained ministry by the National Assessment Work Group at the conclusion of the assessment weekend, or being informed by the Presbytery Student Convener/Representative at a time agreed between the Presbytery Student Convener/Representative and the candidate.

There was debate
The amendment was carried.

[02.047] as amended

That the following amendments be made to the Student Regulations, Appendix E-13 in the Book of Order:
a) Student Regulation 4.1 be amended by the substitution of the word "may" with the word "shall"
b) Student Regulation 4.4 be amended by replacing the words from "candidate" on line 2 to "ordained ministry" on line 3 with the following words "…Presbytery Student convener or representative for each candidate of the candidate's acceptance or otherwise as a student for the ordained ministry, such information to be conveyed to the student within the following seven days."

The motion, as amended, was carried.

The Rev Asora Amosa was granted leave to withdraw notice of motion 54.

[02.153] That Notice of Motion 54 be amended by adding the following words after the word "Malua" in the second line.
"at such time that Malua accepts women students for ordination training," the recommendation then continuing "with the understanding that"

Notices of motion [02.054] and its amendment notice of motion [02.153] were declared to have fallen.

Assembly Greetings and Congratulations
The Rev Dr Graham Redding moved and it was seconded:

[02.138] That the General Assembly convey its greetings and congratulations to the Rev Professor Lloyd Geering in recognition of his being made a Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. In so doing, the General Assembly recognises the long-standing contribution of Professor Geering to the field of religious studies in this country and to the task of taking theological discourse beyond the university, seminary and church into the public arena.

The motion was debated.
The motion was carried.

Regulations for Lay Ministry
Leave was granted to amend notice of motion [02.078], by the following:

Clause 3.14: add the words "prepared by National Assessment Work Group" after the words "application form'
Local Ordained and Local Ministry Teams Assessment: …he/she will be assessed by "Presbytery with input from the Mission Resource Team, the person responsible for the student's training", Senatus ….

The Rev Sally Carter moved en bloc, and it was seconded:

[02.067] That regulation 4 be amended so the words in brackets read as follows: "(except Amorangi, Local Ordained Ministers, those ordained for Local Ministry Teams and retired ministers).

[02.068] That regulation 182 be amended to read:

"Presbyteries have under their supervision all students for the ordained ministry ordinarily residing within their bounds. The process of assessment, training and licensing is set out in the Student Regulations, Appendix E-13. The Presbytery is responsible for licensing students who have satisfactorily completed the required pre-ordination training. In the event of disagreement between a Presbytery and the Principal of the School of Ministry concerning the termination of a student's course at any stage of training, the National Assessment Work Group shall act as arbiter."

[02.069] That regulation 183 be amended to read:

183. Application to Presbytery
Application for acceptance as a student for the ordained ministry shall be made in accordance with the processes outlined in the Student Regulations, Appendix E-13. A medical report from an approved medical practitioner will be required from all candidates before attending the assessment programme.

[02.070] That regulation 185 be amended to read:

185. Acceptance of Candidate
For candidates for National Ordained Ministry the National Assessment Work Group, if satisfied with the candidate's suitability in respect to character and gifts for the work of the ordained ministry, may accept the candidate as a student for ministry. For candidates for Local Ordained Ministry or ministry in a Local Ministry Team the National Assessment Work Group, if satisfied with the candidate's suitability in respect to character and gifts for the work of that ministry, may recommend to the presbytery that the candidate is suitable for acceptance as a student for ministry.

[02.071] That regulation 186 be amended to read:

186. Membership of a Congregation
Students for National Ordained Ministry become communicant members of a Congregation in the centre where they are undertaking foundational studies or in Dunedin if at the School of Ministry, and inform the Principal of the School of Ministry accordingly. The Principal has power to grant exemption in special cases. Students for Local Ordained Ministry and Local Ministry Teams shall continue as members of the congregation for which they have been identified as a student for ministry.

[02.072] That regulation 188 be amended to read:

188. Transference
If the National Ordained Ministry student, at any stage of the trials, requires to remove beyond the bounds, the Presbytery, if satisfied with the reasons stated, gives a transference to the Presbytery within whose bounds the student goes to reside, certifying the subjects of trial, if any, that have been prescribed, the parts that have been performed, and whether with approbation or otherwise. The Presbytery receiving the transference, without any review of the parts of trial already satisfactorily gone through, proceeds with the remainder, as if the candidate had at first appeared before itself.

If a Local Ordained Ministry or Local Ministry Team student requires to move from the congregation for which the student has been accepted the student status will lapse. If subsequently that person is identified for Local Ministry due credit will be given for training done.

[02.073] That regulation 192 be amended by replacing the words "sought ordination" in the first line with the words "been ordained".

[02.074] That regulation 231 be amended by adding the following words in the first line after the words "A final year student", " in the National Ordained Ministry ordination studies programme."

There was brief debate.
The motions were agreed to.

Leave was granted to amend the wording of notice of motion [02.075] by the addition of notice of motion [02.132.], which amended [02.075] paragraph e to read:

Schedule A: Complaint Procedure for School of Ministry, Knox College
"other than a complaint covered by appendix E-9"

The Rev Tom Waight moved en bloc, and it was seconded:

[02.075] (as amended)
That Appendix E-12 be amended by:

a.  In paragraph 2 adding the following sentence at the end of the paragraph. "Mission Resource Team Co-Directors may be associated with the Senatus for the consideration of training relating to Local Ordained Ministry and ordination for Local Ministry Teams."

b.  In 2.3 replace "courses" with "study programmes".

c.  Amending 2.3.1 to read 2.3.1. All students for ordained ministry whether in the School of Ministry (residential or dispersed) or engaged in foundational studies; In 2.4.3 amend to read: "Issue a Diploma in Ministry (Presbyterian Church) to National Ordained Ministry students whose final year is sustained.

d.  Add new paragraph 2.4.4 as follows:
2.4.4 Issue a letter of authorisation to Local Ordained Ministry and Local Ministry Team students whose pre-ordination study has been satisfactorily completed

e.  Add words in heading and first part of Section A: Complaint Procedure so it reads:
Schedule A: Complaint Procedure for School of Ministry, Knox College
"(other than a complaint covered by Appendix E-9)"

Complaints procedure for students not part of the community of the School of Ministry, Knox College site shall be those set out in Appendix E-9.
Schedule A: Complaint Procedure for School of Ministry, Knox College

The motions were debated.
The motions were agreed to.

Leave was granted to amend notice of motion [02.078] by notice of motion [02.146].
Mr Waight moved, and it was seconded:

[02.146] amends [02.078]

That notice of motion [02.146] be amended to read:
'The assessment process for LOM and LMT is conducted by the Presbytery in consultation with the National Assessment Work Group according to national guidelines prepared by Equipping the Leadership Policy Group"

There was no debate.
The amendment was agreed to.
This became the substantive motion, and was agreed to.

Mr Waight moved, and it was seconded:

[02.184] That the Equipping the Leadership Policy Group prepare and authorise such interim provisions in lieu of regulations required to implement the effect of the Lay Ministry Task Group report to this Assembly, and bring further draft regulation changes, to the next General Assembly.

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

Mr Waight moved, and it was seconded:

[02.142] That regulation and appendix changes effected by notices of motion [02.055] - [02.078] come into effect on 1st February 2003.

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

Mr Waight moved, and it was seconded:

[02.187] That the Lay Ministry Task Group be thanked and discharged.

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

The Moderator thanked the Task Group members for their work.

Overture 12: Building Repairs and Maintenance
Mr Rob Ripley moved, and it was seconded:

[02.128] That Book of Order regulation 172 (e) (iii) be amended to read as follows:
"approves plans for any re-erection or renovation of, and alterations and additions to the same where the cost exceeds $15,000".

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

Overture 6: Sacrament of Baptism
Facilitation Group member Rev Ken Wall reported responses from Dialogue Groups on Overture 6, on Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism. He reported that responses were varied.

Leave was granted to withdraw notices of motion [02.080], [02.081] and [02.166], to be replaced by notice of motion [02.182].

The Rev John Turton moved, and it was seconded:

[02.182] That the General Assembly
a. Give approval to extend the provisions for training and authorising elders to conduct the sacrament of communion to include the sacrament of Baptism.
b. Ask the Book of Order and Judicial Reference Group to draft the appropriate amending legislation and report to the next General Assembly.
c. Instruct the Council of Assembly to ensure the preparation of resources for use by authorised elders.

The motion was debated.
The Clerk advised that this proposal would require legislation changing the subordinate standards, so the decision in clause (a) was in principle.

The motion was carried.

Overture 5: Council of Assembly
Leave was granted to amend clause (d):
that this Assembly return to annual meetings of the General Assembly establish a Task Group to report to the next General Assembly.

Mr Rob Ripley moved, and it was seconded:

[02.043] That this Assembly

(a) reaffirms the primacy of local congregations and parishes supported by their local presbyteries as the source of the Presbyterian Church's real strength.
(b) restores the General Assembly to its rightful place as the superior court of the Church which meets each year, receives reports directly from the Assembly Committees and directs the Council of Assembly to implement the Assembly's decisions.
(c) returns the Council of Assembly to the spirit and intent of its 1972 terms of reference and/or constitution by directing the Council of Assembly to restrict its activities to implementing the decisions of the General Assembly.
(d) that this Assembly return to annual meetings of the General Assembly and establish a Task Group to report to the next General Assembly.

There was debate.
The motion was lost.

Comprehensive Motion
Assembly Business Work Group Co-convener Rev Pamela Tankersley moved, and it was seconded:

[02.135] That the reports of the Doctrine Reference Group, Evangelical Presbyterian Missionary Fellowship, Beneficiary Fund, Church Property Trustees, Council of Knox College and Salmond Hall, Assembly Business Work Group, Council of Asian Congregations, Church Architecture Reference Group, Historical Records Reference Group, Moderator's Arrangements Task Group, Te Komiti Takawaenga O te Haahi be confirmed, and notice of motion [02.082] (Constitution of Knox College and Salmond Hall Inc) be agreed to.

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

2004 Assembly
Mrs Tankersley moved, and it was seconded:

[02.007] That the Presbytery of Christchurch be invited to hold the 2004 General Assembly within its bounds; venue, date, and time to be set by the Assembly Business Workgroup.

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

Minutes
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:

That the Minutes of Sessions 3 - 8 of this General Assembly be taken as read and confirmed.

That the Council of Assembly be authorised to confirm the minutes of the remaining sessions of this General Assembly.
There was no debate.
The motions were agreed to.

Reasons for Dissent
The Clerk moved and it was seconded:
The motion was agreed to.

That Council of Assembly be authorised to incorporate reasons of dissent to decision [02.025] clause g in the Minutes of General Assembly, and to arrange for answers to the reasons to be prepared, and incorporated into the minutes of the Assembly.

Reasons for Dissent to Decision [02.025]

On members, associate members, and eligibility for Session/Parish Council.

Answers to Reasons for Dissent against Decision [02.025 g]

Answer to 1.

God's inclusive love towards all people seeks a response which has always been expressed in the church through baptism and a life of discipleship. The church, understood as 'ekklesia'- 'those called out', has always understood that there are those who respond to God's call to live in discipleship and those who do not, and draws on the tradition of Jesus for that understanding. By offering two categories of membership - 'members' and 'associate members'- we seek to recognise that the church has a place both for those who have responded to God's love in this way and also for those who are yet to make such a response.

Answer to 2.

These regulations do not relate categories of membership to eligibility for Session/Parish Council. Rather, they relate eligibility for Session/Parish Council to membership. The only criteria for membership are baptism, publicly professing faith and intention to live out discipleship as part of the congregation. We do not believe we have altered the eligibility criteria. Regulation 65 prior to the amendments being enacted is clear that communicants alone are able to be nominated at present. Our category of 'member' is similar to that of 'communicant member'. It is not our intention to create a third category.

Answer to 3.

"Membership' in the first instance is to the body of Christ, the holy catholic and apostolic church, and not the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. Each congregation is a local manifestation of that. We are Christian first, then later Presbyterian. That distinction is important to hold on to even though it might not easily be understood by some. Regulation 55 is being amended but will still allow for the appointment of associate members of Session or Parish Council from the wider membership. A Session or Parish Council could appoint an associate to such a position. We are clear that those who are to be elders or Parish Councillors must be prepared to subject themselves to the discipline of the church and to be accountable for their actions. This, in our view, requires the level of commitment recognised in Notice of Motion 25(c)

Unfinished Business
The Clerk moved, and it was seconded:
That unfinished business on notices of motion [02.150], [02.190] be referred to the Council of Assembly for appropriate action.

The motion was agreed to.

Standards of Language
The Rev Dr Margaret Mayman moved, and the Rev Stuart Lange seconded:

[02.189] replaces notice of motion [02.168]

That Assembly, mindful of deeply held convictions and sensitivities on all sides and debates within the Church, urges everyone to respect all other persons, seeking to avoid depersonalising others, caricaturing their convictions or questioning their motivations.

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

Gambling
Leave was granted to amend clause 2 of motion [02.191] by changing the word 'supports' to 'encourages'.

The Rev Ken Irwin moved, and it was seconded:

[02.191] That this Assembly express its outrage at the proliferation of poker gambling machines, and its dangerous impact on the lives of children and families throughout the country.

That this Assembly encourage the Government to take all steps necessary to halt further expansion and reduce current operations of poker gambling machines.

The motion was debated.
The motion was agreed to.

Pacific Islanders' Synod Liaison Group
Debate on notice of motion [02.188] was resumed.

[02.188] That the membership for the Pacific Island Synod Liaison Group be:
The Very Rev Bruce Hansen (Convener), the Rev Aotofaga Lemuelu, Mr Ikipa Tongatule and the Rev Lorraine Francis (to be confirmed).

The motion was agreed to.

Leave was granted leave to introduce a new motion.
The Rev Chris Elliot moved and it was seconded:

[02.193] That the Nominating Committee be asked to facilitate the rotation of membership of the Pacific Islanders' Liaison group.

There was no debate.
The motion was agreed to.

Vote of Thanks
The Rev Libby Smith moved, and Mr Erik Erika seconded:

That the thanks of the Assembly be offered to all those who had assisted in the preparation and organisation of this Assembly:
Local Arrangements Committee, St Patrick's College, Silverstream, Wellington, Assembly Clerk and Assistant Clerk, Business Workgroup, sound and video technicians, Assembly Office staff; Facilitation Group, Legal Advisor, Dialogue Group Moderators, and the Moderator.

The motion was agreed to by acclamation.

Assembly was adjourned to meet in the year 2004 in Christchurch, at a date to be determined by the Council of Assembly and the Assembly Business Work Group.

Assembly concluded with a Service of Holy Communion led by the Moderator.

Michael Thawley, Moderator
Kerry Enright, Clerk

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