The tasks of Deputies on Church Order and Church Law consist of:
- promoting the knowledge and proper application of church law through training materials and publication in church magazines;
- considering current church order issues that call for regulation in the church order;
- issuing canon law advice (without any rights being derived from it);
- Looking after the publication of the Church Order.
Bodies in various fields
Synod 2013 instructed deputies on church order and church law in relation to the trust commission to 'provide assistance through reference to institutions or schemes on matters such as the legal status of ministers and church workers, sick notes, continuing education, as well as on financial and legal rights and obligations. This task also includes referring to bodies to which pastors, church councils and congregations can turn when problems or conflicts seem to arise in a concrete problem situation.
Church law consultant
The Church Law Consultant has been appointed to carry out assignments given to the deputation by the General Synod. In practice, this means a lot of study, working out reports and giving advice on, for example, procedures to be followed or in the area of church unity. Churches can approach the consultant with questions in the field of church law.
Important information
Response to letter preparing convention 29 November 2025
Deputates Church Order and Church Law wrote a letter to all church councils to set out clearly what the Church Order stipulates about the existence of church affiliation, about the way churches and members have to go in case of disagreements, and about what should be considered separation.
Composition
Drs A.J. van der Toorn
president
The Hunter Houses 88
7316 NE Apeldoorn
Mr J.C. Tebrugge, LL.M.
vice-chairperson