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    UCA Constitution and Regulations - with examples in Part 5 (2025)

    TXT

    [...]misconduct.

    APPEAL
    11. The Assembly shall make Regulations providing for any person whose
    member[...]
    [...]ch contravenes this
    Constitution or Regulations of the Assembly;

    (vi) subject to[...]
    [...]ytery
    under this Constitution and the Regulations (including ordination
    and othe[...]
    [...]nd
    dealt with in accordance with the rules, regulations, by-laws and
    resolutions made by or under t[...]for
    the Church and in that event the rules, regulations, by-laws and
    resolutions of the Asse[...]
    [...]to this Constitution and any
    relevant regulations, rules and by-laws of the Church.

    ([...]
    [...]DIVISION 7
    REGULATIONS, BY-LAWS,
    RULES AND STANDING ORDERS
    62. The Assembly may make Regulations not inconsistent with this
    Constitution pre[...]with this Constitution or
    with any relevant Regulations and by-laws prescribing all matters which[...]
    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 this
    C[...]be for the giving of notice of any proposed
    Regulations, by-laws, rules and standing orders and an[...]
    [...]pretation of this Constitution or any of the
    Regulations made by the Assembly shall be made by the[...]
    THE UNITING CHURCH IN
    AUSTRALIA
    REGULATIONS
    [...]Finance and Risk Committee 157

    3.8 REGULATIONS THAT APPLY TO ALL COUNCILS AND
    CONGREGATIONS[...]168
    3.10.1 EXEMPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE REGULATIONS 168
    3.10.2 ALTERATIONS TO REGULATIONS 168


    4 PROPERTY[...]
    [...]Complaints 200
    5.1.3.2 Regulations Related to Different Respondents 200[...]
    [...]282

    7 ALTERNATIVE REGULATIONS FOR KOREAN
    CONGREGATIONS[...]DECISION TO FOLLOW THESE ALTERNATIVE
    REGULATIONS 286[...]
    [...]BY KOREAN CONGREGATIONS CONCERNING THESE
    REGULATIONS 286

    7.6[...]287
    7.6.1 REVIEW OF THESE ALTERNATIVE REGULATIONS 287[...]
    [...]onstitution shall apply to words when used in the
    Regulations and —

    Beneficiary Fund means the Beneficiary F[...]ting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress.

    Policies for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct means those policies
    approved by the Assembly or the Assembly S[...]
    [...]ulation for Korean
    congregations. The alternative Regulations are found in Section 7.][...]
    [...]granted such
    recognition in accordance with Regulations 1.4.1. and 1.4.2.

    1.2 BAPTISED MEMBERS

    1[...]
    [...]dature has been approved
    in accordance with these Regulations;

    Certificated Candidate means a candidate[...]
    [...]h the duties of a
    Minister as prescribed in Regulations 2.2.1(a) and (b) are being
    exercised[...]
    [...]E OF THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH
    WORKER

    In these Regulations Youth Worker means a person accredited by[...]
    (b) In Regulations 2.2.6, 2.4.8, 2.7.6, 2.9.6 and 2.9.7 unles[...]
    [...]material as is prescribed under these Regulations or as may
    be required by the P[...]
    [...]of the course of study as set out in these Regulations.

    (c) Acceptance as a student of a theological[...]r readmission as a
    candidate, in which case Regulations 2.3.1 to 2.3.2.5 shall apply.

    2.3.2.3 Presbytery[...]ider the application in
    accordance with the Regulations.

    The Presbytery or a designated com[...]
    [...]ve not been followed in
    accordance with the Regulations.

    (b) The appeal is to be made within 14[...]
    [...]shall deal with the application in terms of
    Regulations 2.3.2.3 to 2.3.2.5, with the exception of[...]
    [...]peal Panel to be dealt with under Part 6 of these
    Regulations.

    The Presbytery must be given notice of a[...]
    [...]anel to be dealt with
    under Part 6 of these Regulations.

    (d) The candidate’s Regional Committ[...]
    [...]andidature terminated as provided for under these Regulations
    or is transferred to the pastoral ca[...]
    [...]at the process followed did not comply with these Regulations.
    The appeal shall be dealt with under Part 6 of these Regulations.[...]
    [...]l shall be dealt with
    under Part 6 of these Regulations. The Assembly shall give
    written not[...]
    [...]n and material as is prescribed under these
    Regulations or as may be required by the Presbytery or by the[...]ider the application in accordance
    with the Regulations.

    (e) The Presbytery or a designated com[...]
    [...]alt with in
    accordance with Part 6 of these Regulations.

    (b) The appeal is to be made within 14[...]
    [...]an approved placement as provided in these Regulations.

    (c) A call to a placement gives effect[...]
    [...]with the
    exception of placements listed in Regulations 2.6.5(a).

    (f) Assembly placements shall[...]
    [...]inistry of Pastor for the
    purposes of these Regulations when

    (i) the position descriptio[...]
    [...]t to the Code of Ethics and Part 5 of these
    Regulations.

    2.9.3 MEMBERSHIP OF A MINISTER

    A Minist[...]
    [...]munity
    Minister) subject to Part 5 of these Regulations;

    (c) in the exercise of their ministry,[...]
    [...]alt
    with in accordance with Part 6 of these Regulations.

    2.10.2 TERMINATION OF RECOGNITION OF A PASTOR[...]to
    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[...]
    [...]Regulation 5.7.4(r)(vi), subject to the Regulations relating to
    appeal.

    (b) Th[...]
    [...]alt with in
    accordance with Part 6 of these Regulations, within 14 days of the
    decision bein[...]
    [...]ion of a Youth Worker shall, subject to the
    Regulations relating to appeal, be withdrawn by the Sy[...]
    [...]to
    Regulation 5.7.4(r)(vi), subject to the Regulations relating to
    appeal.

    2.11 COLLEGIATE[...]
    [...]call a Minister in accordance with
    the Regulations; (See Reg. 2.6.6)

    (vi) providing fa[...]
    [...](iii) making decisions in accordance with the Regulations
    concerning baptism, confirmation and[...]e Congregation; (See
    Part 1 of these Regulations)

    (iv) assisting the Minister(s) in the co[...]carrying out its functions in accordance with the Regulations
    concerning applicants for the[...]
    [...]lling property in accordance with the
    Regulations; (See Reg. 4.4.1)

    (x) preparing an[...]
    [...]ning of Ministers in accordance with
    Regulations 5.4.1 – 5.4.3

    (ii) ensuring Ministers r[...]elations Committee in
    accordance with Regulations 3.7.3(b) and 5.4.3(a)

    (b) maintaining a[...]
    [...]e provisions of the
    relevant Acts and Regulations;[...]
    [...]Presbyteries within the Synod in accordance with Regulations
    3.4.6 - 3.4.7;[...]
    [...]n within the bounds, in accordance with the
    Regulations, including:

    (i) ensuring that app[...]
    [...]Church is exercised in accordance with the Regulations and
    where necessary providing for the hearing of appeals. (See Part 5
    and Part 6 of these Regulations)

    Property


    (k) providing for the effective su[...]the bounds, in accordance with the property Regulations,
    including:

    (i) appointing the ele[...]d under the provisions of the
    property Regulations;

    (iii) appointing an officer to adm[...]
    [...]ing to property;
    (See Part 4 of these Regulations)

    (l) making Synod by-laws pursuant to the Constitution and
    Regulations;

    (m) appointing a Standing Committee an[...]
    [...]) approving a Codes of Ethics;

    (i) approving Policies for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct;

    (j) f[...]ministerial education and for
    establishing policies relating to standards of formation, educat[...]
    [...]those appointed or elected in accordance with Regulations
    3.3.7(a)(iii) – (vi).

    3.3.8 MEMBE[...]
    [...]financial reports shall be presented and policies, plans,
    budgets, appointments an[...]
    [...]y and other matters in
    accordance with Regulations;

    (vi) performing such other duties[...]
    [...]that the life of the Church expresses the faith, policies,
    standards and procedures to which it[...]
    [...]interpretation of
    the Constitution or Regulations or a decision as to whether
    the action[...]orms to the
    Constitution, the relevant Regulations, by-laws or rules;

    (iii) that the P[...]
    [...](vii) dealing with complaints as set out in the Regulations on
    Church Discipline;

    ([...]
    provided in Regulations 3.7.4.3(c) in relation to Aboriginal and[...]
    [...]ges established by Synods shall be subject to the
    Regulations and decisions of the Assembly in relation[...]
    [...]ommendations
    on financial matters and policies as the Assembly may
    require or the Au[...](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 pr[...]
    [...]anted by an audit finding or risk situation.

    3.8 REGULATIONS THAT APPLY TO ALL COUNCILS

    AND CONGR[...]
    [...]it will cease to operate under
    these Regulations and forms a Church Council under[...]
    [...]ALTERATIONS

    3.10.1 EXEMPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE REGULATIONS

    The Assembly in plenary session, or its Standing[...]tion from compliance with all or any of the
    Regulations; and

    (b) may make alternative Regulations in respect of all or any such
    matters

    in e[...]an exemption from compliance with a Regulation or
    Regulations does not have the effect of exempting any person,[...]dy 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,
    deletion[...]
    [...]such proposal involves an
    amendment to the Regulations.

    (b) Amendments to the Regulations shall have effect from the time of
    passing[...]specify.

    (c) Any act or decisions made under Regulations prior to the
    amendment thereof shall not be[...]uently 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.[...]
    [...]ch shall:

    (a) advise the Synod with respect to policies relating to property
    within the bounds of t[...]) supervise the implementation of the Synod’s policies in regard to
    property within the bounds of[...]sure that each proposal is in accordance with the policies of
    the Synod with respect to propert[...]
    [...]property matters as provided by these
    Regulations having regard to:

    (1) the mission[...]Presbytery,

    (2) the policies of the Synod and Presbytery,[...]
    [...]4.4.1 RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROPERTY

    Subject to the Regulations, the by-laws of the Synod and the rules of[...]
    [...]re approval is given
    in accordance with the Regulations.[...]
    [...]tanding anything elsewhere
    contained in the Regulations.

    4.6.3 PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

    (a) Subje[...]
    [...]of those bodies as described in
    the Regulations; and

    (ii) give all affected Church[...]
    [...]t relating to any property or
    matter to which the Regulations apply which, if made or executed by an
    ind[...]
    [...]n
    Regulation 4.4.1 and other relevant Regulations of the
    Church will be jointly underta[...]gation and faith
    community and any relevant policies of the Assembly and the
    Synod.

    (c) Where[...]ll be dealt with under Part 6 of
    these Regulations

    (d) The Presbytery

    (i) may dis[...]
    [...]egulation 4.11.9(c).

    (e) A Synod may determine policies and processes to assist
    Presbyteries[...]
    [...]the Congregation as
    described in the Regulations;

    (ii) the Presbytery and the Congre[...]
    [...]e process
    was not in accordance with Regulations 4.11.10(a),(b), (c) and
    (d);[...]nel constituted
    under Part 6 of these Regulations; and

    4.11.11 BODY CORPORATE

    The Assembly[...]
    [...]poses only.
    They do not affect the meaning of the Regulations. If there is an
    inconsistency between a Regulatio[...]prevails.

    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).

    C[...]
    [...]individual Council member.

    5.1.3.2 Regulations Related to Different Respondents

    The foll[...]
    [...]ngaged in sexual
    misconduct or breached the Regulations, by-laws, or rules, or the
    Code of E[...]
    [...]ing having
    regard to the operation of other policies, procedures and
    process regulating t[...]health & safety; & privacy. It has in place policies,
    procedures and processes to deal wi[...]
    [...](a) When an entity makes a decision under these Regulations, it has
    a discretion whether or not[...]
    [...]s of
    membership or the adherent under Regulations 5.2.1.4(a)
    or 5.2.1(c) or susp[...]
    [...]from the roll of a
    Congregation under these Regulations may request the Church
    Council, Pres[...]
    [...]As Presbytery is the
    appointing body (Regulations 3.7.3(a) & 3.7.4.2(a)(iii)), the[...]
    [...]with the complaint in accordance with
    these Regulations.

    (d) As soon as is practicable after receiving[...]with the complaint in
    accordance with these Regulations, regardless of whether the
    person co[...]
    [...]alleged conduct does not
    breach the RegulationsRegulations. It would need to be addressed through[...]risdiction to deal with the complaint under
    Regulations 5.1.5 and 5.4.2.

    (f) Where the appointi[...]
    [...]ving the
    complaint.

    (b) Subject to these Regulations, all parties involved in the process of[...]
    [...]in
    the complaint.

    (i) Subject to these Regulations, all parties involved in the process
    of dea[...]ght, Counselling and Discipline

    Subject to these Regulations, the Presbytery is primarily responsible f[...]
    [...]Regulation 5.4.4.1(b) or any breach of the Regulations, by-laws,
    rules, or Code of Conduct,[...]
    [...]s to the Committee
    for Counselling in these Regulations includes references to the
    panel in[...]
    [...]in relation to
    determinations under Regulations 5.5.1.4(a)(i)-(iv), 5.5.1.4(c)[...]
    [...]the purpose of deciding on action
    which the Regulations authorise it to take. Its tools include
    con[...]t out in Regulation 5.7.4.

    5.6.2 DEFINITIONS

    In Regulations 5.6.1 to 5.6.18, unless the context or sub[...]
    [...]made against a
    Minister, the procedures in Regulations 5.6.3 to 5.6.18 inclusive
    apply to the excl[...]edures contained elsewhere in
    Part 5 of the Regulations.[...]
    [...]deal with the complaint in accordance with
    Regulations 5.6.8–5.6.13.

    (d) Where a complaint w[...]
    [...]sexual misconduct as
    defined in these Regulations;

    (iii) inform the person of entiti[...]
    [...]ttee as soon as possible.

    (d) Nothing in these Regulations prevents a person from making an
    inf[...]
    [...]NFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY

    (a) Subject to these Regulations, all parties involved in the process of[...]
    [...]or

    (ii) as permitted or required by these Regulations.[...]
    [...]peal Panel to be dealt with under Part 6 of these Regulations.

    5.7.6 STAY OF PROCEEDINGS

    Where the Standing C[...]tion of any decisions made or actions taken under Regulations
    5.7.4(v) or (x) be suspended on the condit[...]
    [...]lating to the complaint
    under Part 5 of the Regulations have concluded, if the Moderator
    considers[...]t.

    (c) On receiving a complaint referred under Regulations 5.3.3(c),
    5.4.1(c), or 5.4.4.2(e)), the Mod[...]the time of the complaint. Subject to
    these Regulations, that Presbytery is responsible for counse[...]
    [...]relating to a complaint under
    Part 5 of the Regulations have concluded, unless the Presbytery
    deter[...]nt may continue to be processed under these
    Regulations, despite the conclusion or termination of the[...]s must be determined in
    accordance with the Regulations governing those funds.
    However, any[...]
    [...]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); 2.10.1[...]ndently of specific
    references elsewhere in these Regulations.

    6.2 INTERPRETATION

    In this Regulation 6[...]
    [...]cribed
    procedures under the Constitution or Regulations;[...]
    [...]de a decision
    contrary to the Constitution, Regulations, by-laws or rules;

    (c) that the Origina[...]
    [...]nd (b) are subject to any relevant Assembly
    policies.


    6.9.5 LEGAL REPRESENTATION

    A Party may[...]
    7 ALTERNATIVE REGULATIONS FOR KOREAN
    CONGREGATIONS

    INCOR[...]NOVEMBER 2014



    The purposes of the Alternative Regulations for Korean Congregations
    are:

    (a) consistent[...]where these vary from the Uniting
    Church Regulations;

    (b) to facilitate the recruitment of minist[...]ations to
    move towards the Uniting Church Regulations unvaried.

    7.1 ADDITIONAL REGULATION 2.1.1 (DEFINITIONS)

    For the purpose of these alternative Regulations, unless the context or
    subject matter othe[...]
    [...]ns shall be in accordance with the Uniting Church
    Regulations, with these exceptions:

    (a) Ministers who have[...]ment in accordance with Part 5 of the
    Regulations; or[...]
    [...]hurch in
    accordance with Part 5 of the Regulations.

    (b) After 1 January 2015 there will be no fur[...]two
    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 not inc[...]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 majority[...]er
    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 to[...]
    [...]the current
    edition of the Alternative Regulations. The Congregation
    shall immediately no[...]SEMBLY ACTIONS

    7.6.1 REVIEW OF THESE ALTERNATIVE REGULATIONS

    The Assembly shall review these alternative Regulations as and when it
    determines.[...]

    MD

    UCA Constitution and Regulations - with examples in Part 5 (2025)
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