[CONTENTS]
ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSION
OF THE
GENERAL SYNOD OF THE
ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The Form of Government, Chapter XIV, B, defines an ecclesiastical commission as a body appointed and empowered by a Court of the General Synod to examine, consider, and conclude certain designated business. The decisions of ecclesiastical commissions are to be reported to the appointing court. In the event of judicial cases, decisions may be appealed to the appointing court.
The following is a description of the authority and duties of the ecclesiastical commission appointed by the General Synod.
ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSION ON JUDICIARY AFFAIRS
| Membership: |
At Large: Nine members, consisting of five teaching elders and four ruling elders.
Advisory: Moderator of Synod, Moderator-Elect of Synod, Coordinator of the General Synod
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| Terms of Service: |
At Large: Four years.
Advisory: As determined by the office to which elected.
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| Stated Meetings: |
None. The Ecclesiastical Commission on Judiciary Affairs shall meet only when required.
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| Organization: |
Officers: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary.
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| Authority: |
The Ecclesiastical Commission on Judiciary Affairs is empowered to examine, consider, and conclude certain designated business referred by the General Synod or the Executive Board and/or to examine, consider, and make recommendations on matters referred by the General Synod or the Executive Board. Further it is appointed by the General Synod to take testimony in judicial cases and, with the consent of the parties, to render a judgment. [Synod, 2005]
In the exercise of its authority, the Ecclesiastical Commission on Judiciary Affairs shall comply with the Standards of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and its policies and programs shall be consistent with the purpose of the General Synod.
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| Duties: |
1. To hear judicial cases when the General Synod is not in session, provided both parties consent, and to render a judgment; and to report such judgment to the General Synod at its next meeting.
2. To interpret, construe, and apply the constitution and laws of the church to all matters involving constitutionality referred to it by the General Synod and to report such judgment to the General Synod at its next meeting.
3. To keep full and complete records of all judicial proceedings and to submit such records to the General Synod.
4. To make an annual report to the General Synod of all other activities of the commission.
5. Upon referral by the General Synod or the Executive Board of Synod, to review proposed changes in charters, constitutions, by-laws, and policy manuals in light of the Standards of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and report its findings to the appropriate agency, and if appropriate to the General Synod."
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