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SectionO:TheUnitedReformedChurchTheministerialdisciplinaryprocess

GuidelinesfortheassemblycommissionThis is an advisory document,made available by theMission Council’s ministerialincapacityanddisciplineadvisorygroup (MIND). It does not carry theauthorityof theGeneralAssemblyand,ineveryrespect,itissubjecttothedisciplinaryprocess.The disciplinaryprocess was approved by General Assembly in1997 in orderto providetheChurchwithameansofresolvingissuesaffectingtheconductof ministers of theUnitedReformedChurchwhichcouldnotbe resolvedbyanyothermeans.Subsequentlychurchrelatedcommunityworkers(CRCW's)havebeenbroughtwithinthescopeoftheprocess.

The minister’s/CRCW’s conduct is to be judged applying the standard of proof of' balanceofprobabilities'againstthepromisesmadeatordination/commissioning.

Aflowcharthasbeenpreparedwhichchartstheprogressofadisciplinarycasefromstarttofinish.ThiscanbefoundontheChurch’swebsitewww.urc.org.uk.

Note that disciplinaryprocess applies toMinisters ofWord and Sacrament and tochurchrelatedcommunityworkers(CRCWs).Forbrevitythesenotesrefer,onthe whole,toministers.YoushouldtakeitthatallsuchreferencesapplyalsotoCRCWs.

1. Introduction1.1 YouhaveagreedtobeamemberofanAssemblycommissionforthe hearing of acase against a minister and are anxious to learn more about the role you will be called upon to play. These guidelines are designedtohelpyou.

1.2 The documents which are the tools you need as a member of the Assemblycommissionare:

* anuptodatecopyofthedisciplinaryprocess(checkforchangesafterevery GeneralAssemblyanMissionCouncilandbeforeeachcase).Alsoyouwill needtoensurethattheministerhasaccesstothis

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* anuptodatecopyoftheBasisofUnion,whichyouwillfindatsectionAof theChurch’smanual* anuptodatecopyoftheincapacityprocedure* anuptodatecopyoftheseguidelines,acopyofthereferralnotices,copiesof anycautions(exceptthosesuccessfullyappealedagainst)issuedwhereacase haspassedthroughthecautionstage* copiesofallpaperslodgedbytheparties.

Allthedocumentsmarked*areavailableontheChurch’swebsite.It goeswithout saying that youmust study all the papers in the case verycarefully,butyoumustputoutofyourmindanyinformationwhichmayreachyoufromanyoutsidesource.

1.3It cannot be emphasised too strongly that everything which happens throughout the whole process is strictly confidential (seeparagraph A.4).Disciplinaryprocess hearingsareconductedinprivate(see paragraph E.12.1) and,while the case is continuing, youmust under nocircumstancesmakeanypubliccommentordiscuss anyaspectofthecasewithanyoneotherthanyourcolleaguesontheAssembly commissionorthe secretary ofthecommission.Todosowould prejudice the chance of afair hearing. Even afterthe case hasbeen concluded unguarded comments can be damaging to people connectedwith thecaseandmustatall costsbeavoided.ParagraphA.11 refers to the relationship between the Church and themedia in casesinvolvingthedisciplinaryprocess,andinparticularexplainsthe specialroleoftheChurch’sPressOfficer.

1.4 Throughoutthedisciplinaryprocessmanywordsandphrasesare usedwhichhavespecialmeaningsinthecontextoftheprocess.TheseareallsetoutinparagraphA.5andyoumuststudythat paragraph andmakesure that you understand those meanings. Severaloccurintheseguidelines,inparticular‘mandatedgroup’, ‘cautionstage’, ‘initialenquiry stage’, ‘commissionstage’, ‘referralnotices’, ‘parties’, ‘Assembly commission’,'outsideorganisations'.(This last termisdefined in paragraph A.5 as:"any bodyororganisationoutside theChurchbywhich the minister isemployedor with which theministerholds any position or post or hasany involvement, paid orunpaid, where such body ororganisation would haveareasonableandproperexpectationofbeingmadeawareofthe particularstep(s)beingtaken".Thiswillbeanorganisationwithwhich the minister has a relationship, perhaps directly through the work of his/herchurchorbecauses/he is,forexample,chaplaintoahospital, schoolorprisonorisinvolvedwithanyof theuniformedorganisations suchasScoutsorGuides.)Youhavenoparttoplayuntilamandatedgroupbelievesthatthereis a prima facie case for the minister to answer and issues a referralnoticestotakethecaseintothecommissionstage.

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Theprocedurefor your appointment as the Assembly commissiontakesplaceat that point.

The word ‘convenor’ is used to denote two different roles within the disciplinaryprocess, i.e. the convenorof the commission paneland the convenor of the Assembly commission.The former is appointed by General Assembly under paragraph A.6.3 and s/he and his/her deputymustappointfivepanelmembersto theAssemblycommissionfor the hearing of each case (see paragraph C.2). They must also appointoneofthosetobetheconvenoroftheAssemblycommissionfor thatcase(seeparagraphC.6).Thatpersonwilltakethechairatthehearingandcould beconsultedfromtimetotime bythesecretaryof theAssemblycommissiononproceduralissues.

1.6.2 HavingcompletedtheappointmentstotheAssemblycommission,theconvenor and deputy convenor of the commissionpanel have as such nofurther part to play, although either or both of themmay, asmembers ofthe commissionpanel, serve as members of the Assemblycommissionforthatcase.

1.7 Youhavetwodistinctrolestoplayduringthecommissionstage. The firstofthese occursduringtheperiodpriortothehearing inwhichthe mandatedgroupwillbecarryingoutamoredetailedinvestigationthan waspossibleattheinitialenquirystageandtheywillalsobepreparing for the hearing. Your role asmembers of the Assembly commissionduring this part of the commissionstage is explained in section3of these guidelines. The second part of the commissionstage is the formal hearing and thisis dealt withat sections 4and 5of these g uidelines.

2. Naturaljustice2.1 Theneedtoobservetherulesofnaturaljusticerunsrightthroughthe disciplinary process from its inceptionwith the calling in of the mandatedgroup to the reaching of the final decision (whether ornot onappeal).Someyearsagoalearned judgeexpressedtheconceptof naturaljusticeinthefollowingterms,whichstillhold goodtoday:

“Whatthenaretherequirementsofnaturaljusticeinacaseofthis kind?First,Ithinkthatthepersonaccusedshouldknowthe natureoftheaccusationmade:secondlythatheshouldbegiven an opportunity to state his case: and thirdly, ofcourse, that the tribunalshouldactingoodfaith”.

2.2 The right to know ' thenatureof theaccusationmade' extends to the righttochallengetheevidencebroughttosupporttheaccusation. These safeguards are builtinto the process, but you must be constantlyonyourguardtoensurethattheyarefullyapplied.

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2.3 Natural justice requires a fair and impartial hearing.Because of this andtheriskofconflictof interesttheconvenoranddeputyconvenorof the commissionpanelmustnotappointasamemberofanAssemblycommissionanyonewhoisamemberofanylocalchurchor synodconnectedwiththecaseorwhohasanyotherinvolvement(see paragraphC.3.1).

2.4 Theministerandallotherpersonsinvolvedinthedisciplinaryprocess mustatalltimesbetreatedfairlyandwithallduecourtesyand consideration and theproceedings, although formal in nature, should notbeintimidating.

3. Beforethehearingdate3.1 Muchof the work during this period will fall upon the secretary and convenor ofthe Assemblycommission.TheSecretaryoftheAssembly commissionmust ensure that all the procedural stepsaretakenat theright times (seeinparticular sectionE), dealing with all enquiries andconsulting the convenoroftheAssembly commissiononmatters requiring procedural decisions.Sometimes theymayalso consultyouall.Theextentof theseconsultationsmustbeamatterof judgmentforthem.3.2 Intheinterestsofnaturaljustice,thefulldetailsofeachparty’scasemustbe

disclosedtotheotherparty,includingthenamesofwitnessesandthe evidencewhich theywill be giving (seeparagraphE.3).This is bound to takesometimeandinvolvesomepaperwork.Yetatthesametimethe processmustbekeptmoving.Thesecretaryandconvenormustconstantlykeepthebalancebetweenthesetwoimportantprinciples.

3.3 Afterthepartieshavelodgedtheiroriginalstatementstheymaywishtointroduce newevidence,whichmayarisefromtheevidenceintroduced bytheotherpartyor asaresultofnewinformationwhichcomestolight(seeparagraphsE.5.1andE.16.3). Provided that theotherpartyismadeawareofitanditisrelevanttothe case, thenewevidenceshouldnormallybeadmitted.Thismaysometimes involvea postponementofthehearingtogivetheotherpartythechancetoconsiderit. You,astheAssemblycommission,havediscretioninthesematters (seeparagraph E.6). In theexerciseof thatdiscretion, therearetwoimportantfactorstobearin mind.Ontheonehand,inthe interestsof fairnessand justice,sufficienttimemust beallowedforall theavailableevidencetobethoroughlyinvestigated.Havingsaid that, however,youmustkeepatightcontrolonanypostponementandnot permit unduedelay,sinceit isineveryone’sinterestthatthecase proceedsasexpeditiously aspossible(seeparagraphA.2.1).

3.4 Itisaprincipleofnaturaljusticethat,ifapartywishestobringevidence tosupport thatparty’scase,theotherpartyshouldbegiventherightto challengethatevidence

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bycross-examination.Therefore,unlessa witness’sevidence isundisputedand agreedbeforehand, s/heshould attendthehearingtogiveevidenceinperson.

3.4 However,youdohaveadiscretiontodispensewiththepersonal attendanceof a witness and theremaybeexceptional circumstances where it would be right to exercise that discretion, but only sparingly (see paragraph E.5.1.2). Properexamples of the occasional exercise of that discretion might be where the witness is (i) old or infirm and unabletotraveltothehearingor(ii)abroador(iii)unwillingforstrong personalreasonstoattendor(iv)achildoryoungperson.Youwould haveto consideranysuchrequestverycarefully.

3.6 You can also direct that statements, videos, otherrecordingsortranscriptsofthatevidence should be produced at thehearing (seeparagraphE.5.1.2). However inthose circumstances youwouldhavetoexercise very great care indecidinghowmuchweighttoattach tothatevidence,bearinginmind thattheotherpartywillhave been unabletochallengeitbydirectcross-examinationatthehearing.

3.7 On reviewing all the pre-hearing papers youmay invite the parties to agreeanyevidencewhich isnotcontroversial soas to save timeand witnessattendanceatthehearing(SeeparagraphE.5.1).

3.8 Youmustnotgatherfactualevidenceinthecase,exceptthatyoumay call personswith expert specialist knowledge to give evidence at the hearing under paragraphE.5.2.1. Examples might be in the fields of medicineorpsychology,oraccountingalthoughitisenvisagedthatthis procedure would only be invoked occasionally. Theparties must be notifiedifyouwishanysuchpersonstoattendthehearing,andwrittenreportsreceivedbeforehandfromsuchpersonsshould,withtheirpermission,besuppliedtothepartiespriortothehearing.3.9.1 Youmayoccasionally be asked to hear a casewhere theminister is subject

tocriminalinvestigation,andindeedcriminalchargesmayhave already been brought against him/her.Whereany ofthematterssetoutinparagraph E.7.2 are involved,it wouldbewrongforyoutoconductad isciplinary hearingandattempttoreachadecisionbasedonevidencestillsub judiceinacriminal court.Accordingly youmustadjourn thedisciplinary proceedingsunder paragraphE.7and awaittheoutcomeofthe criminal process. TheSecretaryof theAssembly commissionwillnotifytheminister ofthecompulsoryadjournment,andwillinform themandatedgroupalso, sothat it canadjourn its investigationforthesameperiod.(Seeparagraphs D.4and E.7.1).Thepurposeoftheadjournmentistoallowthecriminal prosecution(ifitproceeds)totakeitscourse. 3.9.2 Nowaword of explanation about paragraph E.7.5. In criminal cases, the courts have the powerto subpoenawitnesses to attend courtinperson togiveevidence.

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Furthermore,incasesinvolvingphysicalabuseorviolence,thepolicewill mostlikelyhavecarriedoutadetailedinvestigation, possibly involving medicalexaminations of witnesses.Itmustalsoberememberedthatthe standardofproof incriminalcasesis ‘ beyondreasonable doubt' rather than simply‘on thebalanceofprobabilities'whichisthecivilstandard adoptedbytheChurchforthe disciplinaryprocess(seeparagraph E.16.1.2). Thereforeunderparagraph E.7.5 ifa guilty verdict is reached againsta ministerinacriminalcase, the conduct which constitutedtheoffence thatguiltyverdictis,forthepurposesofthedisciplinaryprocess,takenas havingbeencommittedwithoutthemandatedgrouphavingto present before you as theAssembly commission the evidencewhichledtothe criminalverdict.Thisissoeveniftheministershouldattemptat the disciplinaryprocesshearing toasserthis/herinnocenceof thecriminal charges. 3.9.3 Having said that, however – and this is extremelyimportant – the Church’sdisciplinary code isquitedistinct from the criminal proceedings. Therefore,eventhoughaministermaybefoundguiltyona criminal charge (so that certain conductwouldbeassumed tohave beencommitted),this shouldnotof itselfautomaticallyleadtoadecision to delete his/her name from theroll underthedisciplinaryprocess.Conversely, if theminister is acquittedona criminal charge, this does not necessarily mean the end of the case against him/her underthedisciplinaryprocess.Thereasonforthis isthatthecriminal law is not founded primarily on a codeof Christian ethics, but on theneedtoprotectlaw-abidingmembersofsocietyandto providea sanctionagainstthosewhobreakthelaw.Ontheotherhand the Church’s disciplinaryprocess is directly basedon theminister’s promisesat ordinationtoleadaholylifeandtoactinsuchawayasto preservetheunity andpeaceoftheChurch(seeparagraphA.1.4and also paragraph2 of schedule E to the Basis of Union in the caseofministersandpartII, paragraph2ofscheduleFtotheBasisofUnion inthecaseofCRCWs). Inmanysituations,ofcourse,thesameresultwillbeachievedwhichever criterion isapplied,butneitherthe mandatedgroupnortheministernor youastheAssemblycommissionmustassumethatthiswillalwaysbethe case.Therefore,onceacriminalcasehasbeenresolved,eitherbybeing withdrawnor by adecisiononeway ortheother,theChurch’sdisciplinary proceedingsmustberesumed,theinvestigationcontinuedbythe mandated group and the case brought to ahearing before you(see paragraphE.7.4). 3.9.4 The question has been asked as to whether you should attend the criminaltrialrelevanttothatcase.No–youmustnotdothis.Youare not investigators and the gathering of evidence is not your business.Youare

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sitting as an independent commission andmust reach yourdecisiononly upontheevidencewhichthepartiesplacebeforeyou. 3.9.5 During theperiodofpostponementwhile thecriminalcaseisbeing dealt with,itistheresponsibilityofthemandatedgrouptomonitorthe progressof thecriminal investigationagainsttheminister(see paragraphD.4). 3.9.6 Whenthecriminalcase is finally resolved, it is themandatedgroup’s responsibilitytoobtainadulycertifiedcourtrecordormemorandumof the decisionandpassittothesecretaryoftheAssemblycommission(see paragraph E.7.4). However, the secretary of the Assemblycommission shouldalsocheckthepositionfromtimetotime,because, assoon as the criminalcase (orcriminalinvestigationifthematter doesnotproceedtotrial) hasbeenresolved,theChurch’sprocedures underthedisciplinaryprocess mustimmediatelyberesumed.

3.10 Onceacasehaspassedintothecommissionstageitmustproceedtoaformalhearing,subjectonly to theparagraphE.9.2exceptionmentionedinthenextparagraph.

3.11 Sometimestheremayseematfirstsighttobeasufficientlystrongcase against theminister, butwhen themandatedgroup investigatesfurther, itmaybecomeapparent that theevidence isunreliableornot assubstantialasatfirstappeared.Inthisevent,itwouldbeopentothemandatedgrouptonotifythesecretaryoftheAssemblycommission, preferablyinadvanceofthehearing,thatasaresultofitsinvestigationitno longerconsidered there tobeacase fordeletionand to requestthat the minister’s name be retainedon theroll. If sucharequestis receivedyou,astheAssemblycommission,may,entirelyatyourowndiscretion,invokethespecialproceduresetoutinparagraphE.9.2and bringthecasetoaconclusionwithoutaformalhearing.

3.12 Afurtherpossibilityisthat,althoughsatisfiedfromitsinvestigationthata breach of ministerial discipline has occurred, the mandatedgroup maynotthinkthebreachsufficientlyserioustojustifydeletionfromthe roll. Also mitigating factors mayexistand themandatedgroup may consider thatin the circumstances a written warningwould besufficient. If so itmay, preferably in advanceof thehearing, ask you,should youfindthecaseproved,toissuea formal warning to the minister underparagraph F.2.2, rather than to delete the minister’s namefromtheroll.

3.13 However,whilstyouwilldoubtlessconsideranysuchrequestfromthe mandatedgroupunderparagraph3.11orparagraph3.12above,this canhavepersuasiveforceonlyandyoudonothavetocomplywith it as thefinaldecisionrestsentirelywithyou. Ifyoudonotagree tothe requestaformalhearingmusttakeplace.

3.14 At any point in the commissionstage,whether or not a hearing has taken place,you may receiveawrittenrequestfromthe mandatedgroup asking that youconsiderwhether itmight bemore appropriate for the case to be dealt with

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undertheincapacityprocedure.Ifthis occurs,youmuststudytheincapacitycriteriasetoutinparagraphLP.1 ofthatprocedureandcometo aviewastowhetheritwouldbe appropriateforthecaseof theparticularministertobehandledwithin thatprocedure, ratherthan through the disciplinaryprocess. Evenif youhave notreceived such a request you might, asacommission, decidethattheincapacityprocedurewouldbeappropriate.Shouldyousodecide,yourcourseofactionwouldbetoreferthecasebacktothe personwhoinitiatedthedisciplinaryprocesswiththerecommendation thats/heconsiderwhetherornotthecaseshouldbedealtwithunder thatprocedure (seeparagraphsE.5.3.1 toE.5.3.21).Thedisciplinaryprocesscasewillstandadjournedpendingtheoutcomeofthatreferral.

4. ThehearingItself–(i)Thepartiespresenttheircases4.1 The responsibility for the detailed practical arrangements for the hearing itselfand formakingsurethatthingsgetunderwaysmoothlywill fall upon the secretaryand the convenor. Youwill need to listen carefullytotheinformationandinstructions whicharegivensothatyou understand fully the nature of the proceedings in which you have an importantparttoplay.4.2 Thecaseproceedsinasetorder.Afterintroducinghim/herselfandyou astheother membersoftheAssemblycommissionandexplainingthe rolesofthesecretaryand thelegaladviser,theconvenorwillinvitethe spokespersonforthemandatedgroup tomaketheopeningstatement and the hearing will continue as laid down in paragraph E.13. The convenorwill decide atwhat point any person attending the hearing underparagraphE.5.2.1shallgiveevidence.

4.3 During the hearing each of you is entitled to ask questions of the witnesses, but, toavoid constant interruptions, you should,before the hearingopens,agreea procedureforthis–possiblydirectingall questionsthroughtheconvenor.

4.4 Asthecaseproceeds,youshouldbepayingkeenattentionbothtothe importance andrelevanceoftheevidenceitselfandalsotothegeneral demeanor of the witnesses giving that evidence, so as to gain some impression of their reliability. Both these factors will be crucial to the decisiontobetakenlaterinwhicheachone ofyouasamemberofthe Assemblycommissionmustplayyourpart. 4.5.1 The three paragraphsunder this 4.5 are intended to assist you if the case whichyouareconsideringhaspassedthroughthecautionstage (as towhich seesectionAAof thedisciplinaryprocess). Thiswas introduced into the disciplinaryprocess to provide a way of dealing with those cases falling short of Gross Misconduct, where the disciplinary issues consist of such matters as lack of pastoral care, laziness,slipshodorsuperficialpreparation forworship,failureto participateinthelifeoftheChurch,stubbornnessand intransigencein thefaceofattemptstoguideandcounsel,etc.etc.thelist

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goeson. 4.5.2 Suchbehaviour,whilst not amounting to gross misconduct,may neverthelessdamagetheChurch’sunity,purity,peaceandwell-being. If, despitethebesteffortsofthosewithministerialoversight, the problems persistandcanbeattributedtoablatantdisregardorrefusalorunwillingness tochange,thiscouldamounttoabreachofministerial discipline,albeitone whichwouldhaveoccurredoveraperiodoftime and,quite likely, bebased onanumberof related factorsbuildingup cumulatively. 4.5.3 In a case which has proceeded through the cautionstage, attempts will havebeenmadetoworkwiththeministertofindwaysofresolving the perceivedproblemsanddifficulties affectinghis/herministry. It is likely thatthemandatedgroupwilladdressyouonthesemattersand you should, in particular, pay great attention to the wording of any cautionswhich havebeenissued.

4.6 Herearesomeproceduralissueswhichmightarise.Thesecretaryand theconvenor willinthemainberesponsibleforhandlingthem,butyou tooneedtobeaware ofthem: 4.6.1 Theministermaydeclinetogiveevidence.Ifso,s/heorhis/her spokesperson may address you by way of argument and may commenton themandatedgroup’sevidence.Howevers/helosesthe rightto‘prove’any mattersonwhichs/hewishestorely.Thereasonfor thisis thats/hecan bring factstosupporthis/herdefenceonly if prepared to give evidence and thus to submit to questioning by the spokespersonforthemandatedgroup. 4.6.2 If the minister refuses to give evidence and tries to assert facts the convenor must intervene to exclude those assertions and to explain why. If the minister should then decide to give evidence s/he may assert thosefactsandthenbeopentoquestioningaboutthem. 4.6.3 What happens if the minister maintains his/her refusal to give evidence? S/he cannot be compelled todo so.However if s/he continues to assert facts after intervention by the convenor, not only will the convenor rule these out of order but may, after consultation withyouastheother membersofthecommission,refertheministerto paragraphE.8.3andwarn him/herthatthecontinuedassertionoffacts coupledwiththerefusaltogive evidencewillamounttoanobstruction of the procedure, a factor which you can take into account in consideringyourdecisionlater. 4.6.4 Evenwhentheministerchoosesnottogiveevidencehim/herselfs/he may stillcallwitnessestochallengethemandatedgroup’scase. Those witnesses

would of course be subject to questioning by the spokespersonforthe mandatedgroup. 4.6.5 Iftheministerfailstoattendthehearingwithoutofferingasatisfactory

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explanation, you may proceed with the hearing. The minister’s non- attendance is a factor which you can take into account when considering your decision (see paragraph E.8.2). If the hearing proceeds without the minister you should weigh the allegations carefully againstanydocumentary evidencesubmittedbyhim/her,bearing in mind of course that the mandated group were unable to questiontheministeraboutit. 4.6.6 Written statements, videos, transcriptsetc can in exceptional circumstances beadmittedasevidenceat yourdiscretion,butalways withthe important provisothatyouwouldneedtoconsiderhowmuchweight to attach to them if the person providing that evidence is not present to be questioned directly. Evidence presented in any such way shouldhave beenmadeavailabletotheotherpartypriortothehearing. 4.6.7 As well as oral evidence from individual witnesses the parties may producedocumentaryevidencesuchascertifiedcopyminutes of meetings, letters, receipts, etc. Theseare acceptable so longas they havebeen disclosedtoyouandtotheotherpartybeforehand. 4.6.8 Sometimesnewissuesmaybeintroducedduringthehearing.Ifthese are irrelevant to the subject matter of the case the convenor should rulethat theybedisregarded,unlesstheytendtorevealanunderlying serious situationpreviouslyundisclosed,suchassomeindicationthata criminal offencemighthavebeencommitted.Inthatcasetheconvenor will immediately adjourn the hearing and seek advice from the secretary andthelegaladviser. 4.6.9 Ifthenewissuesdohaveabearingonthecase,theconvenorshould adjourn thehearing to give theother party the chanceof considering them. S/he should consult you about this, so that you can decide whether the case can continue after a short break or whether, exceptionally,thehearing shouldbeadjournedtoalaterdate. 4.6.10 You shouldnot lightly interfere in thequestioningof theministerorof any ofthewitnesses.Howevertheconvenormaysometimesdisallow questions which areput to theministeror anyof thewitnesses. S/he shoulddoso wherethequestionsareirrelevanttothemattersinissue oroffensiveinthe waytheyareframedorunnecessarilyrepetitive. 4.6.11 Thereisoftenatemptationfortheministerorhis/herspokespersonor the spokespersonforthemandatedgroupto‘lead’witnesseswhoare there to give evidence in support of their case. This arises when a questionis framedinsuchawayastogiveabroadhinttotheperson being questioned as to the reply which the questioner is anticipating andhopingtoreceive. Theconvenorshould immediatelydisallowthe question and insist that the questioner rephrases the question in a neutralwaysoasnottogiveany indicationoftheanswerwhichs/heis hopingtoreceive.Youmustallbealert

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tothisandbepreparedtocall theconvenor’sattentiontoanyquestion whichyoubelievefallsfoulof thisortheprecedingparagraph. 4.6.12 Youmust disregard any information basedon allegations against the minister which were considered at an earlier Assembly commissionunless atthehearingofthepreviouscaseawrittenwarningwasissuedrelating to those issues (see paragraph E.16.2). Otherwise the convenor should rule out of order any attempt to introduce any such matteratanystageof theproceedings.

4.7 It is understandable that thepartieswillwish to knowthedecisionas quicklyas possiblebutitisevenmoreimportantthatyouasthemembersof theAssembly commissionshouldhaveasmuch timeas youneedtoweightheevidencefullyand meticulouslyandreachyour decision.Toomuchisatstakeforyoutobehurried! So,immediately following the closing speeches, the convenor of the Assembly commissionwill announce to the parties that the decisionwill not be given that samedaybut thatwrittennotificationwillbe issued toboth parties within 10 days of the decision being reached. (51)S/he will then ask the parties to leave. You, as themembers of the Assembly commission,willthendeliberateinprivateinorderto reachyour decision.

4.8 The secretary and the legal adviser will also leave the room at this pointto enableyoutoconsideryourdecisionincompleteprivacy.They will however remain on hand in the building to assist with any explanations as to procedure or as to the wording of the disciplinaryprocess. However their function, if they are consulted in this way, is purely advisory and they do not play any part in the reaching of the decision.

5. ThehearingItself(continued)–(ii)Reachingyourdecision5.1 Inapproachingyourtask,youmustrememberthattheburdenof proving the case against theminister falls upon the mandatedgroup (seeparagraphE.16.1.1)and thatthestandardofproofrequiredisthe standard set for civil casesof ‘balanceof probability’, not the criminal standardof‘beyondreasonabledoubt’(seeparagraph E.16.1.2).5.2 Thefirststageofthedecision-makingprocessmustbeadetailedand painstaking assessmentoftheevidenceandthewitnesses.Eachpiece ofevidenceshouldbeput underthemicroscope.Canitbereliedonas partofthebodyoffactsonwhichyou havetobaseyourdecision?Do thepartiesagreeaboutit?If theydisagree,what havetheirwitnesses saidabout it?Whatdoes thedocumentaryevidencesuggest? Onthe balanceofprobability,whichversionisthemorelikely?Ifyoufeelvery undecidedtheministerisentitledtothebenefitofthedoubt.

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5.3 How reliable are the witnesses? Here are some factors which might affecta witness’scredibility–his/heremotionalstate,somedegreeof personalanimosity, inconsistencies intheinformationgiven,awitness saying, quite simply that, whilst believing that such and such happened,s/hecannotbeabsolutelysure.

5.4 Having carefully sifted all the information before you, you must next discard any which you consider to be unreliable, irrelevant or trivial. Youarethenleftwiththe reliable,relevantandsignificantevidenceand itisuponthisthatyoumustreach yourdecision.

5.5 Now–thedecisionitself.Atthisstagetaketimetoremindyourselvesparticularlyof theBasisofUnion,scheduleC(affirmationsmadebyministeratOrdinationand Induction),scheduleD(Statementconcerningthenature,faithandorderofthe UnitedReformedChurch),scheduleE,paragraph2(ministers’dutiesinrelationto schedulesCandD),scheduleF,partI(affirmationsmadebyCRCWsattheir commissioningandinduction),scheduleF,partII,paragraph2(CRCWs'dutiesin relationtoscheduleDandscheduleF,partI)andofthedisciplinaryprocess, paragraphA.1.4(referencetoBasisofUnion),thedisciplinaryprocess,paragraphs F.2.1(yourdecision),F.3(recordingyourdecision),E.16.1.1(burdenofproof), E.16.1.2(standardofproof)andF.1./F.3(alsorelatestothereachingandrecording ofyourdecision).

5.6 As stated in the last paragraph, the conduct of the minister is to be judged in the light of the promises made at ordination. What if the conductcomplainedof occurredpriortoordination?Inthatsituationthe issue is whether that conduct was disclosed to those responsible for assessinghim/herasacandidateforministry(see paragraphA.1.5).

5.7 In coming to yourdecision, the fundamentalquestionwhichyoumust ask is this – taking account of both the burden and the standard of proof referred to in the lastparagraph,does the reliable, relevantand significantevidenceagainstthe ministerleadyoutotheconclusionthat s/he has broken either or both of the promises given at ordination to leadaholylifeand/ortopreservetheunityand peaceoftheChurch?If the answer to that question is ‘no’, then – end of story – the decision mustbetoretainthenameoftheministerontheroll.

5.8 If,however,theansweris‘yes’youaresayingthatabreachofdisciplinehas occurred.Thereforeyoucannotsimplydismissthecase anddecidetoretainthe minister’snameontheroll–andnothingmore (seeparagraphF.2.2).Youthenhave afurtherquestiontoconsider– do you believe that the breach of discipline is so serious that theminister’snamemustbedeletedfromtherollorwoulda writtenwarningbesufficient?

5.9 Togodownthe ‘writtenwarning’ routeyouhave tobesatisfiedeither thatthe breach,althoughproven,isnotsufficientlyseriousastojustify removalfromthe

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rollorthatmitigatingfactorsexistwhichwouldjustify givingtheministera secondchance.Examplesaregiveninparagraph F.1.2,but youneed tobe extremelywaryof placing toomuchweight onmitigating factors in cases where violence or abuse or both have beenprovedbecauseoftheoverridingneedto protectvulnerable peopleinthefuture.

5.10 Thustherearethreepossibledecisionsopentoyou:a) to retain theminister’s name on the roll – full stop (see paragraph F.2.1) -

but only if you find thatnobreachofdisciplineatallhasoccurredorb) to retain the minister’s name on the roll, but as part ofthe decision to

issue a written warning (see paragraph F.2.2 and paragraph5.9above)orc) todeletetheminister’snamefromtheroll(seeparagraph F.2.1).

5.11Shouldyoudecidetodeletethenameoftheministerfromtheroll,you are

particularlyaskedto includeguidanceastoanyrestrictionswhich ought to be placedon theminister becoming involvedwith any activities after deletion (see paragraph F.2.3). N.B. This guidance, important though it is, is not part of the decision itself; it is guidance only.5.12Paragraph F.3 explains how you should record your decision. The recordmust

beclearlyworded, itmustsatisfytherequirements inthat paragraphanditmust notcontainextraneousmaterial.Inyourwritten statement you must expressly state your wish as to which items of guidance(ifany)shouldbepassedonto anyparticularoutside o rganisationwithwhichtheministermaybeinvolved.Thesecretaryof thecommissionwillneedthisinformationsothats/hecancomplywith paragraphF.6.4.5.13Should you decide to retain the name of the minister on theroll, whetheror

notyoudecidetoissueawrittenwarning,youhavenobrief whatsoever tomake recommendations, suggestions or comments abouttheminister’sfutureministry. Norindeedisthedecisionrecordthe proper placeto makeany suggestions orcommentsaboutany other aspectof the Church’s life even though you think they haveabearingonthepresentcase.Ifanyofyoushouldfeelstronglyenough that youwould liketomake knownany suchconcerns,the propercourse is to wait until thecasehasbeenconcluded (whichwouldinclude the hearing of any appeal) and then tocommunicatethose concerns to the convenor or secretary of the Assembly commissionwhowillpassthemonforconsiderationeithertotheAdvisoryGroupor exceptionally to the General Secretary. The minister and othersinvolvedinthecaseareentitledtoconfidentiality(seeparagraphA.4). Youmust therefore expressyour concerns without naming

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anyone involved.5.14Althoughthesecretaryandthelegaladviserarenotpresentwhenthe actual

decision is reached, youmaywhilst you are still all together in session consult them as to the actual wording of the record of thedecision.Note the importantdistinctionhere.Theymustnot influence you in the actual decision but, once you have reached that decision, youmayconsultthemastothephraseologytobeusedinthewording of the record of the decision. In the interests of all concerned it is imperativethattherecordisproperlyworded andthat itfullycomplies withparagraphsF.1toF.3–thiscannotbeoverstressed!5.15Themaking andrecordingofthedecisionaspreviously explained conclude your involvement subject only to any issues regarding ISA compliance–seeparagraph5.16.15.16.1 The SafeguardingVulnerableGroups Act 2006 (SVGA2006) provides thatwhere an individual(s) behaves in an inappropriatewaywith childrenorvulnerableadults, suchbehaviour shouldbe referred to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) (or its intended successor body) for review with the possible outcome being that the person(s) concernedmightbeplaceduponabarredlist,thepurposeofwhichisto prevent them having further contactwith children or vulnerable adults. Thedecisionastowhetheranindividualisplacedonabarredlistisone thattheISAmakesalone.15.16.2Any information provided by the Church to the ISA is in confidence.AfterreferraltheISAliaiseswiththeMinister/CRCWorothersasrequired.15.16.3 TheSVGA2006providesthatareferraltotheISAmustbemadeina situationwhereasaresultof theChurch'sdisciplinaryprocedureit is decided that a minister/CRCW has behaved in an inappropriate way towardsachildorvulnerableadultandthatasanctionhasbeen applied. Alternatively, if the disciplinaryprocess has not established onthe evidenceavailablethattheallegedinappropriatebehaviourhas occurred butnonetheless the Assembly commissionor the appealscommission haveconcernsaboutthebehaviouroftheminister/CRCW towardsa child/vulnerableadult,avoluntaryreferralcanbemade.15.16.4Inappropriatebehaviourisanythingofanemotional,psychological, physicalorsexualnatureand(inthecaseofachild)alsoneglectand (in thecaseofavulnerableadult)financialorverbalinnaturewhichis considered to be harmful orwhether theMinister/CRCW has caused, attemptedtocauseorhasincitedharmtoachildorvulnerableadult.15.16.5See paragraph A.14 of thedisciplinaryprocessand Appendix I of these Guidelines for furtherdetailsregarding the ISA. Ifadditional

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information is requiredrefer to the ISA'sReferralGuidancewhichcan be accessedontheISA'swebsite. AppendixI-seeparagraph5.16.5oftheseguidelines

ISAreferralguidance-ReferralPolicy

Typeofharmtochildren Meaning ExamplesEmotional/Psychological Actionorinactionbyothers

thatcausesmentalanguishEmotionalharmistheemotionalill-treatmentofachildsuchas tocausesevereandpersistentadverseeffectsonthechild’semotionaldevelopment.Itmayinvolveconveyingtochildrenthat theyareworthlessorunloved,inadequate,orvaluedonlyinsofarastheymeettheneedsofanotherperson.Itmayfeatureageordevelopmentallyinappropriateexpectationsbeingimposedon children.Itmayinvolvecausingchildrenfrequentlytofeel frightenedorindanger,ortheexploitationorcorruptionofchildren.Itmayinvolvechildrenwitnessingaggressive,violentor harmfulbehavioursuchasdomesticviolence.Somelevelofemotionalharmisinvolvedinalltypesofill-treatmentofachild, thoughitmayoccuralone.Grooming.Harassment.Inappropriateemotionalinvolvement.

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Physical Anyintentionalphysicalcontactthatresultsindiscomfort,painorinjury

Physicalharmmayinvolveassaultsincludinghitting,shaking, throwing,poisoning,burningorscalding,drowning,suffocating, orotherwisecausingphysicalharmtoachild.Physicalharmmayalsobecausedwhenaparentorcarerfeignsthesymptoms of,ordeliberatelycausesillhealthtoachildwhomtheyare lookingafter.Thissituationiscommonlydescribedusingterms suchasfactitiousillnessbyproxyorMunchausensyndromeby proxy.Supplydrugstochildren.Inappropriate/unauthorisedmethodsofrestraint.

Sexual Anyformofsexualactivity

withachildunder theageofconsent

Sexualharminvolvesforcingorenticingachildoryoungperson totakepartinsexualactivities,whetherornotthechildisaware ofwhatishappening.Theactivitiesmayinvolvephysical contact,includingpenetrative(e.g.rapeorbuggery)ornon-penetrativeacts.Theymayincludenon-contactactivities,such asinvolvingchildreninlookingat,orintheproductionof, pornographicmaterialorwatchingsexualactivities,or encouragingchildrentobehaveinsexuallyinappropriateways. Downloadingchild

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pornography.Takingindecentphotographsofchildren.Sexualisedtexting.

Neglect Failuretoidentify and/or

meetcareneedsNeglectisthefailuretomeetachild’sbasicphysicaland/orpsychologicalneeds,likelytoresultintheseriousimpairmentof thechild’shealthordevelopment.Itmayinvolveaparentorcarerfailingtoprovideadequatefood,shelterandclothing,failingtoprotectachildfromphysicalharmordanger,orthe failuretoensureaccesstoappropriatemedicalcareor treatment.Itmayalsoincludeneglectof,orunresponsiveness to,achild’sbasicemotionalneeds.

ISAReferralGuidance-ReferralPolicy

Typeofharmtovulnerableadults

Meaning Examples

Emotional/Psychological Actionorinactionbyothersthatcausesmentalanguish

Inflexibleregimesandlackofchoice.Mocking,coercing,denying privacy,threateningbehaviour,bullying,intimidation, harassment,deliberateisolation,deprivation.

Financial Usuallyassociatedwiththe Unauthorisedwithdrawals

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misuseofmoney,valuablesorproperty

fromvulnerableadult’saccount,theft, fraud,exploitation,pressureinconnectionwithwillsorinheritance.

Physical Anyphysicalactionorinactionthat resultsindiscomfort,painor injury

Hitting,slapping,pushing,shaking,bruising,failingtotreatsores orwounds,underoroveruseofmedication,un-prescribedorinappropriatemedication,useofrestraintorinappropriaterestraint,inappropriatesanctions.

Sexual Coercionorforceto takepartinsexual acts

Inappropriatetouching.Causingbruisingorinjurytotheanal,genitalorabdominalarea.TransmissionofSTD.

Neglect Failuretoidentify and/ormeetcareneeds

Untreatedweightloss,failingtoadministerreasonablecare resultinginpressuresoresoruncharacteristicproblemswithcontinence.Poorhygiene,soiledclothesnotchanged, insufficientfoodordrink,ignoringresident’srequests,unmetsocialorcareneeds.

Verbal Anyremarkorcommentbyothers thatcausesdistress

Demeaning,disrespectful,humiliating,racist,sexistorsarcastic comments.Excessiveorunwantedfamiliarity,shouting,swearing,namecalling.

Theaboveguidanceisnosubstituteforacarefulstudy oftheBasisofUnion,schedulesC,DandE (paragraph2),F(partIIparagraph2)

andthedisciplinaryprocess.

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EffectivefromNovember2013