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    UCA Constitution and Regulations (2025)

    TXT

    Constitution
    & Regulations
    2025
    [...]misconduct.
    APPEAL
    11. The Assembly shall make Regulations providing for any person whose membership[...]
    [...]nes this Constitution or
    Regulations of the Assembly;
    (vi)[...]
    [...]y under this Constitution
    and the Regulations (including ordination and other rights, powers an[...]and dealt with in
    accordance with the rules, regulations, by-laws and resolutions made by or under[...]
    [...]y for the Church and in that event the
    rules, regulations, by-laws and resolutions of the Assembly and Syno[...]o
    this Constitution and any relevant regulations, rules and by-laws of the
    Chu[...]
    [...]DIVISION 7
    REGULATIONS, BY-LAWS,
    RULES AND STANDING ORDERS
    62. The Assembly may make Regulations not inconsistent with this Constitution
    pres[...]s not inconsistent with this Constitution or with Regulations
    made by the Assembly prescribing all matters[...]with this Constitution or with any
    relevant Regulations and by-laws prescribing all matters which are req[...]onsibility of the
    Presbytery.

    65. Any such Regulations, by-laws or rules may delegate to any specified body power
    to make regulations, by-laws or rules for any of the purposes for which regulations,
    by- laws or rules may be made under[...]
    [...]rescribe for the giving of notice of any proposed Regulations,
    by-laws, rules and standing orders and any a[...]interpretation of this Constitution or any of the Regulations
    made by the Assembly shall be made by[...]
    The Uniting Church in Australia

    REGULATIONS




    63
    [...]E UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA

    REGULATIONS
    CONTEN[...]
    [...]3.7.5.2 Audit, Finance and Risk Committee
    3.8 Regulations that Apply to All Councils and Congregations[...]tions
    3.10.1 Exemption and Alternative Regulations
    3.10.2 Alterations to Regulations

    4. Property
    4.1 Definitions
    4.2 Synod Pro[...]
    [...]sion
    6.12 Confidentiality

    7 Alternative Regulations for Korean Congregations
    7.1 Additional Regulatio[...]By-Laws
    7.5 Decision to Follow These Alternative Regulations
    7.6 Assembly Actions




    72
    [...]onstitution shall apply to words when used in the
    Regulations and —
    Beneficiary Fund means the Beneficiary Fu[...]iting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress.
    Policies for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct means those policies
    approved by the Assembly or the Assembly Standing[...]ulation for Korean congregations. The
    alternative Regulations are found in Section 7.][...]
    [...]d such
    recognition in accordance with Regulations 1.4.1. and 1.4.2.

    1.2 BAPTISED MEMBERS[...]
    [...]dature has been approved in accordance
    with these Regulations;
    Certificated Candidate means a candidate[...]
    [...]uties
    of a Minister as prescribed in Regulations 2.2.1(a) and (b) are
    being ex[...]
    [...]E OF THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH
    WORKER
    In these Regulations Youth Worker means a person accredited by[...]
    [...]ecified lay ministry of the Church.
    (b) In Regulations 2.2.6, 2.4.8, 2.7.6, 2.9.6 and 2.9.7 unles[...]
    [...]and material as is prescribed under these Regulations or
    as may be required by the[...]emands of the course of study as set out in these Regulations.
    (c) Acceptance as a student of a theolo[...]ssion as
    a candidate, in which case Regulations 2.3.1 to 2.3.2.5 shall
    apply[...]
    [...]ider
    the application in accordance with the Regulations.

    The Presbytery or a designated comm[...]
    [...]been followed in accordance with the Regulations.
    (b) The appeal is to be made with[...]
    [...]eal with the application in terms of
    Regulations 2.3.2.3 to 2.3.2.5, with the exception of[...]
    [...]eal
    Panel to be dealt with under Part 6 of these Regulations.
    The Presbytery must be given notice of a decisi[...]e dealt with
    under Part 6 of these Regulations.
    (d) The candidate’s Regional C[...]
    [...]andidature terminated as provided for under these Regulations
    or is transferred to the pastor[...]
    [...]followed did not comply with these
    Regulations. The appeal shall be dealt with under Part 6 of these
    Regulations.

    2.5.3 ROLE OF THE ASSEMBLY IN THE ADMIS[...]
    [...]be dealt with
    under Part 6 of these Regulations. The Assembly shall give
    written not[...]material as is prescribed under
    these Regulations or as may be required by the Presbytery or by[...]the application in accordance
    with the Regulations.[...]
    [...]ith
    in accordance with Part 6 of these Regulations.
    (b) The appeal is to be made withi[...]
    [...]in an approved placement as provided in these Regulations.
    (c) A call to a placement gives e[...]
    [...]e
    exception of placements listed in Regulations 2.6.5(a).
    (f ) Assembly placement[...]
    [...]y of Pastor for the
    purposes of these Regulations when
    (i) the position desc[...]
    [...]he Code of Ethics and Part 5 of these
    Regulations.

    2.9.3 MEMBERSHIP OF A MINISTER
    A Mini[...]
    [...]Minister) subject to Part 5 of these Regulations;
    (c) in the exercise of their min[...]
    [...]with in accordance with Part 6 of these Regulations.

    2.10.2 TERMINATION OF RECOGNITION OF A[...]
    [...]Regulation 5.7.4(r)(vi), subject to the Regulations relating to
    appeal.
    Where a Pastor is appointed to an approved placement the Regulations related
    to the termination of a placement shall[...]to Regulation 5.7.4(r)(vi), subject to the Regulations
    relating to appeal.[...]
    [...]h in
    accordance with Part 6 of these Regulations, within 14 days of
    the decisi[...]
    [...]a Youth Worker shall, subject to the
    Regulations relating to appeal, be withdrawn by the Synod[...]Regulation 5.7.4(r)(vi), subject to the Regulations relating to
    appeal.

    2.11 CO[...]
    [...]nister in accordance with
    the Regulations; (See Reg. 2.6.6)
    (vi) providing fac[...](iii) making decisions in accordance with the Regulations
    concerning baptism, confirma[...]gation;
    (See Part 1 of these Regulations)
    (iv) assisting the Minister([...]
    [...]ions in accordance with the
    Regulations concerning applicants for the specified[...]erty in accordance with the
    Regulations; (See Reg. 4.4.1)
    (x) preparing[...]Ministers in accordance
    with Regulations 5.4.1 – 5.4.3
    (ii) ensuring Mini[...]Committee in
    accordance with Regulations 3.7.3(b) and 5.4.3(a)
    (b) maintain[...]
    [...]ons of the
    relevant Acts and Regulations;
    (ii) submitting Presbyter[...]
    [...]Presbyteries within the Synod in accordance with Regulations
    3.4.6 - 3.4.7;
    (c) selecti[...]the bounds, in accordance with the
    Regulations, including:
    (i) ensuring that app[...]Church is exercised in accordance with the Regulations and

    132
    [...]s. (See Part 5
    and Part 6 of these Regulations)

    Property
    (k) providing for the effectiv[...]nds, in accordance with the property
    Regulations, including:
    (i) appointing the el[...]he provisions of
    the property Regulations;
    (iii) appointing an officer to admin[...]roperty;
    (See Part 4 of these Regulations)
    (l) making Synod by-laws pursuant to the Constitution and
    Regulations;
    (m) appointing a Standing Commit[...]
    [...]approving a Codes of Ethics;
    (i) approving Policies for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct;
    (j[...]terial education and
    for establishing policies relating to standards of formation,[...]
    [...]appointed or elected in accordance with Regulations 3.3.7(a)
    (iii) – (vi).

    3.3.8[...]
    [...]financial reports shall be presented and policies, plans,
    budgets, appoin[...]
    [...]ther matters in
    accordance with Regulations;
    (vi) performing such other dut[...]
    [...]that the life of the Church expresses the faith, policies,
    standards and procedures t[...]
    [...]tion
    of the Constitution or Regulations or a decision as to

    156
    [...]conforms to the Constitution, the relevant Regulations,
    by-laws or rules;
    (iii)[...]
    [...](vii) dealing with complaints as set out in the Regulations on
    Church Discipline;[...]
    [...]d with responsibilities as
    provided in Regulations 3.7.4.3(c) in relation to Aboriginal and[...]
    [...]es established by Synods shall be subject to
    the Regulations and decisions of the Assembly in relation[...]
    [...]ons
    on financial matters and policies as the Assembly may
    require[...](1) selection and application of accounting policies;
    (2) financial budgeting, record[...]internal controls;
    (4) business policies and practices;
    (5) compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards
    and best[...]
    3.8 REGULATIONS THAT APPLY TO ALL COUNCILS
    AND CONGRE[...]
    [...]ll cease to operate
    under these Regulations and forms a Church Council[...]
    [...]D ALTERATIONS

    3.10.1 EXEMPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE REGULATIONS
    The Assembly in plenary session, or its Standin[...]compliance with all or any of the
    Regulations; and
    (b) may make alternative Regulations in respect of all or any such
    mat[...]exemption from compliance with a Regulation or
    Regulations does not have the effect of exempting any person,[...]from complying with the Constitution and other
    Regulations.

    3.10.2 ALTERATIONS TO REGULATIONS
    (a) These and any other Regulations may be amended by addition,
    d[...]
    [...]y such proposal
    involves an amendment to the Regulations.
    (b) Amendments to the Regulations shall have effect from the time
    of passing o[...]specify.
    (c) Any act or decisions made under Regulations prior to the
    amendment thereof shall not be[...]quently be varied to comply
    with the amended Regulations if so directed by the Assembly or
    other body concerned.
    (d) Anybody within the Church affected by Regulations may
    request the Assembly to amend the Regulations.[...]
    [...]ll:
    (a) advise the Synod with respect to policies relating to property
    within the bou[...]b) supervise the implementation of the Synod’s policies in regard
    to property within the bo[...]sure that each proposal is in accordance with the policies
    of the Synod with respect to[...]
    [...]rty matters as provided by these
    Regulations having regard to:
    (1) the mission of[...]Presbytery,
    (2) the policies of the Synod and Presbytery,[...]
    [...].4.1 RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROPERTY
    Subject to the Regulations, the by-laws of the Synod and the rules of[...]
    [...]roval is given
    in accordance with the Regulations.


    186
    [...]g anything elsewhere
    contained in the Regulations.

    4.6.3 PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
    (a) S[...]
    [...]e bodies as described in
    the Regulations; and
    (ii) give all affecte[...]
    [...]relating to any property or
    matter to which the Regulations apply which, if made or executed by an
    in[...]
    [...]Regulation 4.4.1 and other relevant Regulations of the
    Church will be j[...]
    [...]and faith community and any relevant policies of the Assembly
    and the Synod.[...]lt
    with under Part 6 of these Regulations
    (d) The Presbytery
    (i) m[...]ion 4.11.9(c).
    (e) A Synod may determine policies and processes to assist
    Presb[...]
    [...]ongregation
    as described in the Regulations;
    (ii) the Presbytery and the[...]
    [...]that the process was not in accordance with Regulations
    4.11.10(a),(b), (c) and (d);[...]stituted
    under Part 6 of these Regulations; and

    4.11.11 BODY CORPORATE
    The Assembly[...]
    [...]DISCIPLINE
    5.1 DEFINITIONS
    In this Part 5 of the Regulations unless the context or subject matter otherwise
    in[...]as the meaning defined at the commencement of the
    Regulations of the Church – DEFINITIONS (Part 1).
    Co[...]
    5.1.3.2 Regulations Related to Different Respondents
    The foll[...]n sexual
    misconduct or breached the Regulations, by-laws, or rules, or
    the Code of[...]regard to the operation of other policies, procedures and
    202
    [...](a) When an entity makes a decision under these Regulations, it has
    a discretion whether or[...]
    [...]the roll of a
    Congregation under these Regulations may request the Church
    Council,[...]
    [...]he complaint in accordance
    with these Regulations.
    (d) As soon as is practicable after rece[...]he complaint
    in accordance with these Regulations, regardless of whether the
    per[...]
    [...]ion to deal with the complaint under
    Regulations 5.1.5 and 5.4.2.
    (f ) Where the appointin[...]olving the complaint.
    (b) Subject to these Regulations, all parties involved in the process[...]
    [...]the complaint.
    (i) Subject to these Regulations, all parties involved in the process[...]Counselling and Discipline
    Subject to these Regulations, the Presbytery is primarily responsible
    fo[...]under Regulation 5.4.4.1(b) or any breach of the Regulations,
    by-laws, rules, or Code of C[...]
    [...]the Committee
    for Counselling in these Regulations includes references to the
    pane[...]
    [...]the purpose of deciding on action which the Regulations[...]
    [...]out in Regulation 5.7.4.

    5.6.2 DEFINITIONS
    In Regulations 5.6.1 to 5.6.18, unless the context or sub[...]
    [...]against a
    Minister, the procedures in Regulations 5.6.3 to 5.6.18 inclusive
    apply to the[...]s contained elsewhere in
    Part 5 of the Regulations.
    (b) The Chairperson should endeavour to a[...]with the complaint in accordance with
    Regulations 5.6.8–5.6.13.[...]
    [...]isconduct
    as defined in these Regulations;
    (iii) inform the person of e[...]
    [...]as soon as possible.
    (d) Nothing in these Regulations prevents a person from making
    a[...]
    [...]NTIALITY AND PRIVACY
    (a) Subject to these Regulations, all parties involved in the process[...]
    [...]or
    (ii) as permitted or required by these Regulations.
    (q) The panel may at any time:
    (i)[...]
    [...]al Panel to be dealt with
    under Part 6 of these Regulations.

    5.7.6 STAY OF PROCEEDINGS
    Where the Standing[...]on
    of any decisions made or actions taken under Regulations 5.7.4(v) or (x)
    be suspended on the cond[...]
    [...]to
    the complaint under Part 5 of the Regulations have concluded,
    if the Moderat[...]
    [...](c) On receiving a complaint referred under Regulations 5.3.3(c),
    5.4.1(c), or 5.4.4.2(e)),[...]e of the complaint.
    Subject to these Regulations, that Presbytery is responsible
    for[...]g to a complaint under
    Part 5 of the Regulations have concluded, unless the Presbytery[...]continue to be processed under these
    Regulations, despite the conclusion or termination of the[...]be determined
    in accordance with the Regulations governing those funds.
    Howeve[...]
    6 APPEALS
    (These amended Appeal Regulations; being Part 6; and Regulations 2.5.6 (a);
    2.10.4 (d); 4.11.9 (c) (ii); 4.11.10 ([...]of appeal specifically granted
    elsewhere in these Regulations where reference is made to this Part 6 or a
    Regulation within Part 6; i.e., Regulations 2.3.2.7; 2.5.2 (f ); 2.5.3 (f ); 2.5.6
    (a); 2.10.[...]ndently of specific references elsewhere
    in these Regulations.

    6.2 INTERPRETATION
    In this Regulation 6:[...]
    [...]procedures under the Constitution or Regulations;
    (b) that the Original Decision-Maker acted[...]ecision
    contrary to the Constitution, Regulations, by-laws or rules;
    (c) that the Orig[...]
    [...]are subject to any relevant Assembly
    policies.

    6.9.5 LEGAL REPRESENTATION
    A Party may[...]
    [...]rch in Australia

    ALTERNATIVE
    REGULATIONS
    FOR KOREAN
    CONGREGATIONS
    Incor[...]ee November 2014

    The purposes of the Alternative Regulations for Korean Congregations are:
    (a) consisten[...]re these vary from the Uniting
    Church Regulations;
    (b) to facilitate the recruitment of minis[...]ns to
    move towards the Uniting Church Regulations unvaried.[...]
    [...]FINITIONS)
    For the purpose of these alternative Regulations, unless the context or subject
    matter otherwise[...]ns shall be in accordance with the Uniting Church Regulations,
    with these exceptions:
    (a) Ministers[...]cordance with Part 5 of the
    Regulations; or
    (v) the Synod, on disciplin[...]in accordance with Part 5 of the Regulations.



    258
    [...]options:
    (a) following the Uniting Church Regulations, noting that Elders
    are normally ele[...]ws are not inconsistent with the Constitution and
    Regulations of the Uniting Church (as varied by any applicable exemptions
    or alternative Regulations approved under Regulation 3.10.1) and are[...]
    7.5 DECISION TO FOLLOW THESE ALTERNATIVE
    REGULATIONS

    Alternative Regulations 3.9.9

    7.5.1 DECISION BY KOREAN CONGREGATIONS CONCERNING
    THESE REGULATIONS
    (i) Korean Congregations which have chosen to follow these
    alternative Regulations shall automatically transfer to
    these alternative Regulations on the date on which these
    alternative Regulations come into effect.
    (ii) A Korean Congregation which is following these
    alternative Regulations may decide at any time, by a simple[...]longer wishes to follow these alternative Regulations. Such
    a Congregation shall then follow the Uniting Church
    Regulations unvaried by these alternative Regulations. The
    Uniting Church Regulations shall not apply retrospectively
    t[...]urrent
    edition of the Alternative Regulations. The Congregation
    shall immediate[...]EMBLY ACTIONS

    7.6.1 REVIEW OF THESE ALTERNATIVE REGULATIONS
    The Assembly shall review these alternative Regulations as and when it
    determines.




    260

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