Decisions of the Assembly relating to the work of the Code Committee (in my language and from my understanding).
I know it’s the Rules Committee. Try and stay awake while you read this.
Assembly noted the failure of an overture to change rules which would give the general assembly authority over who are eligible to be ruling elders.
The Assembly decided:
To take no further actions relating to the further development of a national church.
Adopted guidelines to regularise and facilitate the use of electronic communication technologies by various committees and agencies in the church.
Undertook to examine the ways in which people come to serve on Assembly Committees with a view to standardizing our practice.
Additionally the Assembly decided to refer to Assemblies and Presbyteries for approval:
1. A proposed change of rules which would enable people who make reports of abuse not to have to personally confront the other party in the initial stages of process, to promote an atmosphere of safety and support while still protecting the rights of all parties. The process has been designed to recognize a national Presbyterian standard that operates in varying secular state legal jurisdictions and with advice from our denomination’s child protection unit.
(This measure was granted interim authority which gives immediate effect in anticipation of the decision).
A proposal to change a number of rules in order to clarify the process and discretions by which church courts conduct preliminary formal enquiry and mediate in situations under their authority, situations which do not, at that point, involve full judicial process as laid out in the Church’s Code of Discipline, but may in some circumstances do so was adjourned for later consideration.
Mr Benn gave us direction to tonight’s rally. I think some people will end up in Penrith. He also organized people to set up and serve as ushers. I think it will work.
Lunch.
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