Church decisions should be taken carefully. This goes without saying, but it is not for nothing that the Integral Arrangement for Revision and Appellate Procedure (Annex 1.27 R.D.) nevertheless emphasises this by stating that ecclesiastical assemblies should make their decisions after proper preparation and incorporating previous decision-making (IRRA 3.1). And as a requirement for the wording of a decision of the church assembly on a revision request or an appeal, according to IRRA 9.8: 'The decision of the church assembly contains a clear conclusion with regard to the appeal (...) and is clearly reasoned'.
Clear rationale
In many church decisions, especially those requiring careful weighing of principles, categories of 'noting, considering, of judgment and decision' are used. That subdivision, if properly applied, forces a logical, clearly argued decision. Unfortunately, the condition of proper application is no empty phrase. In many church decisions, arguments are seemingly arbitrarily and emotionally classified, with the result that non-argued wishes or personal preferences can also be made to count as (decisive) arguments for the final decision, by including them under the headings 'considering' or even 'of judgment'.
Correct wording
The categories listed only help the clarity and reasoning power of the decision when used correctly. The following is therefore a short template to apply when formulating a decision to clearly show the grounds on which the decision rests.
Template church decree
The Church Assembly, meeting on [date] at [place],
has taken note of
- the relevant documents/sources:
- instruction/request from a church council
- the revision request/appellation of ... vs ...
- report of a deputation
- the report of the classicale/synodal committee
- etc.
- discussion at the meeting
notes
- factual characteristics of the case:
- what is the crux of the question/problem?
- what are direct and indirect interests to be faced?
is considering
- assumptions and principles relevant to the case:
- matters of Scripture, confession and church order
- matters of reasonableness.
is of the opinion
- observations and considerations are related here and it is expressed how the meeting weighs up what needs to be decided in the light of the principles and principles
and concludes
- Based on the judgements, conclusions are drawn on how to proceed:
- what is at the heart of the decision?
- what are the consequences of the decision?
- who should be informed of this decision?