Principal provisions of the Basis of Union (B) or Structure (S)

Related clauses of this constitution

a)    assigns the immediate oversight of the Church to the Church Meeting and the Elders’ Meeting

S1(3), 2(1), 2(2)

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b)    provides for the membership and functions of the Church Meeting (in particular, in the Call of a Minister) and for non-voting attendance

S2(1)

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c)     provides for the membership and functions of the Elders’ Meeting

S2(1)(viii), 2(2)

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d)    provides for councils of the wider church, for the Church’s direct or indirect representation upon them and for appeals from more local councils to a council having wider responsibility

S1(2)(a), 1(3), 2(1)(vi), 2(3), 2(4), 2(6) 

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e)    provides for consultation in decision-making

S4

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f)     contains (in the Basis of Union) a statement concerning the Faith of the United Reformed Church

B10, 12-18

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g)    provides for the celebration of the Gospel sacraments

B14, 15; S2(2)(ii), 2(4)(A)(xx)

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h)    provides for the ministry of Word and Sacrament, for the ministry of other Elders, and for Ministers’ and Elders’ ordination and induction

B19, 20, 21, 23, 25; S2(1)(vii), 2(2), 2(4)(A)(vii)

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i)     provides for the ministry of Church-related Community Workers and for their commissioning and induction

B19, 22; S2(1)(vii), 2(2), 2(4)(A)(vii)

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j)      provides for the admission of baptised persons to the full privileges and responsibilities of church membership

B14; S2(1)(ix), 2(2)(vi)

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