How the World Bishops Council is Organized
A brief introduction
As a union of churches and an instrument for strengthening the ecumenical movement, the World Bishops' Council has an institutional profile... But the WBC as an institution must not be paralyzed by institutionalism, for its vocation in the service of the churches and the ecumenical movement requires that it be a living organism, responding to new challenges brought by changing times, new ecumenical partners and growing discernment of the ecumenical calling.
Structures are the means by which the Council seeks at a given moment of its life to manifest effectively its reality as a union of churches. They constitute the basic shape of the Council, the framework for particular working arrangements. Changes in this framework neither replace the insights nor deny the values of what has gone before, but rather reflect a continuing dialogue of understandings and visions.
The governing bodies of the WBC
The bodies involved in governance of and policy-setting for the WBC are the Holy Synod, the Presidents and the Executive College of Bishops with its seven standing committees: the Executive Committee, the Humanitarian Committee, the Governmental Affairs Committee, the Education Committee, the Economic Development Committee , the Ecclesiastical Endorsement and the Program Committee. Their mandates and responsibilities, their composition and the ways in which their members are selected are set out in WBC Rules .
· The Synod - to which all member churches are invited to send representatives - is the WBC's highest governing body. All other governing bodies derive their authority from the Synod. As ex officio members of the College of Bishops, the Presidents take part in governance and policy-setting. But their particular role is to "promote ecumenism and to interpret the work of the World Bishops' Council, especially in their respective regions".
· The Executive College of Bishops is composed of Synod delegates and elected by the Synod. In the period between two Assemblies it becomes the highest governing body. The College elects seven permanent sub-committees - the Executive, Humanitarian, Governmental, Education, Economic, Ecclesiastical, and Program. The Finance Committee which is established under the General Treasurer, are therefore directly responsible to it. While it alone can establish WBC policy - on the recommendation of any of these committees or of other reference committees, these sub-committees are responsible for monitoring the implementation of policy decisions.
· The Executive Committee has the general responsibility for "monitoring and overseeing the ongoing programs and activities of the Council including the task of determining the allocation of resources. It is authorized to "supervise the operation of the budget and may, if necessary, impose limitations on expenditure" .
All Committees report directly to the College and normally meet in conjunction with its meetings. But the work of all seven standing sub-committees of the College is clearly inter-related; and to facilitate coordination among them the Rules provide for overlapping membership.
· The main responsibility of the Program Committee is to make recommendations "on all matters regarding the programs and activities of the Council. If one describes the role of the Executive Committee in governance in terms of its administrative and supervisory duties, the work of the Program Committee might be summarized as having responsibility for the content dimension of the WBC's activities.
· It is the responsibility of the Finance Committee, Chaired by the General Treasurer, "to consider and make recommendations to the College of Bishops on all financial questions concerning the affairs of the WBC" budgeting, expenditures and income, investments, property. This committee oversees the Bishops' Fund.
· The Ecclesiastical Endorsement Committee has the responsibility of examining all clergy, organizations, and Churches that seek our official seal of endorsement.
· It is the responsibility of the Education Committee to make recommendations on all matters regarding educational requirements for Council members. This committee may consult in areas of education for all member churches, ministries, and organizations.
· It is the main responsibility of the Humanitarian Committee to make general recommendations on all matters of humanitarian concerns or causes.
· The Economic Development Committee has a distinct responsibility to create, recommend, and consider all matters regarding economic development projects for the Council.
· The Governmental Affairs Committee serves as the official liaison between the WBC and Governments, Heads of States and the United Nations on behalf the membership.
Advisory bodies
As the name suggests, the advisory bodies are formed to offer advice and make recommendations to the College of Bishops.
Advisory bodies form an indispensable resource for those who are responsible for the governance of the WBC. Not only do they provide expertise on a variety of ecumenical concerns, but they also make it possible for more representatives of member churches to be directly involved in the life and work of this "union of churches".
· Four of the advisory bodies are designated as commissions - those dealing with Faith and Order, Mission and Evangelism and Ecumenical Formation, and International Affairs. These four commissions will be appointed by the Executive College of Bishops. While the activities of each commission will be governed by its own by-laws (to be submitted to the Synod for approval in the annual Synod Summit, the commissions will report to the College of Bishops through the Executive Committee. They do not have authority over staff teams or over the allocation of human and financial resources.
In the area of Faith and Order the WBC has both a standing commission on Theology and a plenary commission; and the Commission on Church and Ecumenical Relations. These two wider bodies allow both broader participation by member churches and a place for representatives of churches and organizations (like the Roman Catholic Church) not institutionally linked with the WBC.
· The Commission on International Affairs is appointed by the College of Bishops and governed by its own by-laws. It has a special mandate to give direction and to respond to its particular needs in the area of management supervision.
· Besides recommending to the College of Bishops the mandate and size of the four commissions, the Executive Committee may appoint "other advisory groups for specific areas or constituencies, as required". The number and size of such advisory groups and how often they meet will depend on the needs established by the Executive Committee and the resources available. Such advisory groups, which will be smaller than the commissions, may be formed for
Communication/Public Relations
Justice, Peace and Creation
Women
Youth
Church and Ecumenical Relations
Regional Relations
Inter-Religious Relations
Science and Technology
Health
In some of these areas there may be more appropriate and effective ways to secure the necessary expertise and participation in the work of the WBC than by forming a permanent advisory group with a mandate for a seven-year period. Like the commissions, these special advisory groups will relate to the Executive Committee and will not exercise direct authority over a staff team.
· Two advisory groups are related directly to the Finance Committee - the Audit Committee and the Investment Advisory Group. Their role is to offer advice and make recommendations on the WBC's financial reporting and investment policies respectively. Because the Executive Committee has specific responsibilities in the realm of WBC finances, these two advisory groups will also work closely with the finance sub-committee of the Executive Committee.
Internal organization
· The Office of the General Secretariat consists of the General Secretary, the Deputy General Secretary and their support staff. The General Secretary, who is an ex officio member of the College of Bishops and Executive Committees, is moderator of the Staff Leadership Group; the Deputy General Secretary moderates the Staff Consultative Group.
World Bishops Council
Constitution
I. BASIS
The World Bishops' Council is a union of churches which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Savior according to the scriptures and therefore seek to fulfil together their common calling to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
II. MEMBERSHIP
Those bishops of the churches shall be eligible for membership in the World Bishops Council which express their agreement with the Basis upon which the Council is founded and satisfy such criteria as the Synod or the College of Bishops may prescribe. Election to membership shall be by a two-thirds vote of the member churches represented at the Synod, each member church having one vote. Any application for membership between meetings of the Synod may be considered by the Executive Committee; if the application is supported by a two-thirds vote of the members of the Committee present and voting, this action shall be communicated to the churches that are members of the World Bishops Council, and unless objection is received from more than one-third of the member churches within six months the applicant shall be declared elected.
III. PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS
The World Bishops Council is constituted by the bishops to serve the one ecumenical movement. It incorporates the work of the world movements for Faith and Order and Life and Work.
The primary purpose of the union of churches in the World Bishops
Council is to call one another to visible unity in one faith and in one eucharistic fellowship, expressed in worship and common life in Christ, through witness and service to the world, and to advance towards that unity in order that the world may believe.
In seeking unity in faith and life, witness and service, the churches through the Council will:
· promote the prayerful search for forgiveness and reconciliation in a spirit of mutual accountability, the development of deeper relationships through theological dialogue, and the sharing of human, spiritual and material resources with one another;
· facilitate common witness in each place and in all places, and support each other in their work for mission and evangelism;
· express their commitment to diakonia in serving human need, breaking down barriers between people, promoting one human family in justice and peace, and upholding the integrity of creation, so that all may experience the fullness of life;
· nurture the growth of an ecumenical consciousness through processes of education and a vision of life in community rooted in each particular cultural context;
· assist each other in their relationships to and with people of other faith communities;
· foster renewal and growth in unity, worship, mission and service.
In order to strengthen the one ecumenical movement, the Council will:
· nurture relations with and among churches, especially within but also beyond its membership;
· establish and maintain relations with national councils, regional conferences of churches, organizations of Christian World Communions and other ecumenical bodies;
· support ecumenical initiatives at regional, national and local levels;
· facilitate the creation of networks among ecumenical organizations;
· work towards maintaining the coherence of the one ecumenical movement in its diverse manifestations.
IV. AUTHORITY
The World Bishops Council shall offer counsel and provide opportunity for united action in matters of common interest.
It may take action on behalf of constituent churches only in such matters as one or more of them may commit to it and only on behalf of such churches.
The World Bishops Council shall not legislate for the churches; nor shall it act for them in any manner except as indicated above or as may hereafter be specified by the constituent churches.
V. ORGANIZATION
The World Bishops Council shall discharge its functions through it's Synod, a College of Bishops, an Executive Committee, and other subordinate bodies as may be established.
1. The Synod
a) The Synod shall be the supreme legislative body governing the World Bishops Council and shall ordinarily meet annually.
b) The Synod shall be composed of official representatives of the member churches, known as delegates, elected by the member churches.
c) The Synod shall have the following functions:
1) to elect the President or Presidents of the World Bishops Council;
2) to elect not more than 12 members of the Executive College of Bishops from among the delegates which the member churches have elected to the Synod;
3) to determine the overall policies of the World Bishops Council and to review programs undertaken to implement policies previously adopted;
4) to delegate to the College of Bishops specific functions, except to amend this Constitution and to allocate the membership of the College granted by this Constitution to the Synod exclusively.
2. The Executive College of Bishops
a) The Executive College of Bishops shall be responsible for implementing the policies adopted by the Synod and shall exercise the functions of the Synod itself delegated to it by the Synod between its meetings, except its power to amend this Constitution and to allocate or alter the allocation of the membership of College of Bishops.
b) The Executive College of Bishops shall be composed of the President or Presidents of the World Bishops Council and not more than 12 members.
1) Not more than 12 members shall be elected by the Synod from among the delegates of General member churches have elected to the Synod. 3 members shall be elected among the Associate member churches by the Synod giving due regard to the size of the churches and confessions represented in the Council, the number of churches of each confession which are members of the Council, reasonable geographical and cultural balance, and adequate representation of the major interests of the Council.
2) A vacancy in the membership of the Executive College of Bishops, occurring between meetings of the Synod, shall be filled by the College itself after consultation with the church of which the person previously occupying the position was a member.
c) The College shall have, in addition to the general powers set out in (a) above, the following powers:
1) to elect its Moderator and Vice-Moderator or Vice-Moderators from among the members of the College;
2) to elect the Executive Committee from among the members of the college;
3) to elect committees, commissions, and boards;
4) within the policies adopted by the Synod, and on the recommendation of the Executive Committee, to initiate and terminate programs and activities and to set priorities for the work of the Council;
5) to adopt the budget of the World Bishops Council and secure its financial support;
6) to elect the General Secretary and to elect or appoint or to make provision for the election or appointment of all members of the staff of the World Bishops Council;
7) to plan for the meetings of the Synod, making provision for the conduct of its business, for worship and study, and for common Christian commitment. The College shall determine the number of nuncios to the Synod and allocate them among the member churches giving due regard to the size of the churches and confessions represented in the Council; the number of churches of each confession which are members of the Council; reasonable geographical and cultural balance; the desired distribution among church officials, parish ministers and lay persons; among men, women and young people; and participation by persons whose special knowledge and experience will be needed;
8) to delegate specific functions to the Executive Committee or to other bodies or persons.
3. Rules
The Synod or the College of Bishops may adopt and amend Rules not inconsistent with this Constitution for the conduct of the business of the World Bishops Council.
4. By-laws
The Synod or the College of Bishops may adopt and amend By-Laws not inconsistent with this Constitution for the functioning of its committees, boards, working groups and commissions.
5. Quorum
A quorum for the conduct of any business by the Synod or the College shall be one-half of its membership.
VI. OTHER ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATIONS
1. Such world confessional bodies and such international ecumenical organizations as may be designated by the College of Bishops may be invited to send non-voting representatives to the Synod and to the College of Bishops, in such numbers as the College shall determine.
2. Such national councils and regional conferences of churches, other Christian councils and missionary councils as may be designated by the College of Bishops may be invited to send non-voting representatives to the Synod and to the College of Bishops, in such numbers as the College shall determine.
VII. AMENDMENTS
The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the delegates to the Synod present and voting, provided that the proposed amendment shall have been reviewed by the college, and notice of it sent to the members not less than six months before the meeting of the Synod. The College of Bishops itself, as well as the member churches, shall have the right to propose such amendment.
World Bishops Council Rules
I. MEMBERSHIP OF THE WORLD BISHOPS COUNCIL
Members of the World Bishops Council are those bishops (representing their church) which, having constituted the Council or having been admitted to membership, continue in membership. The term "church" or " bishops" as used in this article includes an association, convention, or federation of autonomous churches. A group of bishops within a country or region may determine to participate in the World Bishops Council of as one church. The General Secretary shall maintain the official list of member churches noting any special arrangement accepted by the Synod or College of Bishops.
The following rules shall pertain to membership:
1. Application
A bishop which wishes to become a member of the World Bishops Council apply in writing to the General Secretary.
2. Processing
The General Secretary shall submit all such applications to the College (see Art. II of the Constitution) together with such information as he or she considers necessary to enable the Synod or College of Bishops to make a decision on the application.
3. Criteria
In addition to expressing agreement with the Basis upon which the Council is founded (Art. I of the Constitution), an applicant must satisfy the following criteria to be eligible for membership:
a) A bishop must be able to take the decision to apply for membership without obtaining the permission of any other body or person.
b) A bishop must produce evidence of sustained independent life and organization.
c) A bishop must recognize the essential interdependence of the churches, particularly those of the same confession, and must practice constructive ecumenical relations with other churches within its country or region. This will normally mean that the bishop is a member of a similar body.
d) A bishop must produce evidence of Historic or Apostolic Succession.
4. Size
a) In addition to the criteria under Rule I.3 an applicant church must ordinarily have at least 200 members. The College of Bishops may decide for exceptional reasons to admit into membership a bishop that does not fulfil the criterion of size.
b) Bishops in the same country or region that do not fulfil the criterion of size may jointly apply for membership and are encouraged by the World Bishops Council to do so.
5. Associate membership
a) A bishop otherwise eligible for membership may be elected to associate membership in the same manner as member bishops are elected:
1) if the applicant would be denied membership solely under Rule I.4(a). A bishop applying for associate membership for this reason must ordinarily have at least 100 members;
2) if the applicant, for reasons which must be approved by the College of Bishops, expresses its desire to be in associate membership.
b) An associate member bishop may participate in all activities of the Council; its representatives to the Synod shall have the right to speak but not to vote. Associate member churches shall be listed separately on the official list maintained by the General Secretary.
c) Each associate member bishop shall make an annual contribution to the general budget of the Council. The amount of the contribution shall be agreed upon in consultation between the bishop and the Council and shall be regularly reviewed.
d) Each associate member bishop shall, in ways commensurate with its resources and in consultation with the Council, participate in assuming responsibility for the costs of the Council's programs and for expenses related to travel and accommodation of its representatives to Council events.
e) The implications of not fulfilling such obligations shall be such as the College of Bishops shall decide.
6. Financial participation
a) Each member bishop shall pay an annual membership fee to the general budget of the Council..
b) Each member bishop shall, in ways commensurate with its resources and in consultation with the Council, participate in assuming responsibility for the costs of the Council's programs and for expenses related to travel and accommodation of its representatives to Council events.
c) The implications of not fulfilling such obligations shall be such as the College of Bishops shall decide.
7. Consultation
Before admitting a bishop to membership or associate membership, the appropriate body or bodies shall be consulted.
8. Resignation
A bishop which desires to resign its membership in the Council can do so at any time. A bishop which has resigned but desires to rejoin the Council must again apply for membership.
II. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the World Bishops Council signifies faithfulness to the Basis of the Council, fellowship in the Council, participation in the life and work of the Council and commitment to the ecumenical movement as integral to the mission of the church. Churches which are members of the World Bishops Council are expected to:
1. appoint delegates to the Synod, the major policy-making body of the Council, and participate in council with other member churches in shaping the ecumenical vision and the ecumenical agenda;
2. inform the World Bishops Council of their primary concerns, priorities, activities and constructive criticisms as they may relate to its programs as well as any matters which they feel need expression of ecumenical solidarity or which merit the attention of the Council and/or churches around the world;
3. communicate the meaning of ecumenical commitment, to foster and encourage ecumenical relations and action at all levels of their episcopate life and to pursue ecumenical fellowship locally, nationally, regionally and internationally;
4. interpret both the broader ecumenical movement and the World Bishops Council, its nature, purpose and programs throughout their membership as a normal part of their own reporting to their constituency;
5. encourage participation in World Bishops Council programs, activities and meetings, including:
a) proposing persons who could make a particular contribution to and/or participate in the Council's various committees, meetings and consultations, programs, publications and staff;
b) establishing links between their own program offices and the appropriate World Bishops Council program offices; and
c) submitting materials for and promoting World Bishops Council communications resources: books, periodicals and other publications;
6. respond to decisions of the College of Bishops which call for study, action or other follow-up by the member churches as well as respond to requests on matters referred by the Executive Committee or the General Secretary for prayer, advice, information or opinion.
III. THE SYNOD
1. Composition of the Synod
a) Persons with the right to speak and vote
The Synod shall be composed of bishops of the member churches with the right to speak and with the sole rights to vote and to propose and second motions and amendments.
b) Persons with the right to speak but not to vote
In addition to the bishops, who alone have the right to vote, the following categories of persons may attend meetings of the Synod with the right to speak:
1. Associate member churches.
2.. Advisers: The College of Bishops may invite a small number of persons who have a special contribution to make to the deliberations of the Synod or who have participated in the activities of the World Bishops Council. Before an invitation is extended to an adviser who is a member of a member church, that bishop shall be consulted.
3. Delegated Representatives: The College of Bishops may invite persons officially designated as Delegated Representatives by organizations with which the World Bishops Council maintains relationship.
4. Delegated Observers: The College of Bishops may invite persons officially designated as Delegated Observers by non-member churches.
c) Persons without the right to speak or to vote
The College of Bishops may invite to attend the meetings of the Synod without the right to speak or to vote:
1. Observers: Persons identified with organizations with which the World Bishops Council maintains relationship which are not represented by Delegated Representatives or with non-member churches which are not represented by Delegated Observers.
2. Guests: Persons named individually.
2. Presiding officers and committees
a) At the first business session of the Synod the College shall present its proposals for the moderatorship of the Synod and make any other proposals, including the appointment of other committees, their membership and functions, for the conduct of the business of the Synod as it sees fit.
b) Election shall be by ballot unless the Assembly shall otherwise determine.
3. Agenda
The agenda of the Synod shall be proposed by the College of Bishops to the first business session of the Synod. Any bishop may move to amend the agenda by including an item or items of new business or by proposing any other change, which he or she may have previously proposed to the College of Bishops after its election. New business or any change may be proposed by a bishop under Rules
4. Nominations Committee of the Synod
a) At an early session of the Synod, the Synod shall elect a Nominations Committee, on which there shall be appropriate confessional, cultural and geographical representation of the membership of the Synod and representation of the major interests of the Council.
b) The Nominations Committee in consultation with the officers of the Council and the Executive Committee shall make nominations for the following:
1) the President or Presidents of the Council;
2) not more than 12 members of the College of Bishops from among the bishops which represent the member churches to the Synod;
c) In making nominations, the Nominations Committee shall have regard to the following principles:
1) the personal qualifications of the individual for the task for which he or she is to be nominated;
2) fair and adequate confessional representation;
3) fair and adequate geographical and cultural representation;
4) fair and adequate representation of the major interests of the Council.
The Nominations Committee shall satisfy itself as to the general acceptability of the nominations to the churches to which the nominees belong. Not more than two persons from any one member church shall be nominated as member of the College of Bishops.
d) The Nominations Committee shall present its nominations to the Synod. Additional nominations may be made by any six bishops concurring in writing, provided that each such nominee shall be proposed in opposition to a particular nominee of the Nominations Committee.
e) Election shall be by ballot unless the Synod shall otherwise determine.
5. Other committees of the Synod
a) Any other committee of the Synod shall consist of such members and shall have such powers and duties as are proposed by the College of Bishops at the first business session .
IV. PRESIDENTS
1. The Synod shall elect the President or Presidents of the World Bishops Council; the number of Presidents elected shall, however, not exceed 3; the role of the Presidents being to promote ecumenism and to interpret the work of the Council, especially in their respective regions.
2. The term of office of a President shall be four years.
3. A President who has been elected by the Synod shall be ineligible for election for a second consecutive term of office.
4. The Presidents should be persons whose ecumenical experience and standing is widely recognized among the ecumenical partners of the Council in their respective regions.
5. The Presidents shall be ex officio members of the College of Bishops.
6. Should a vacancy occur in the Presidium between Synod gatherings, the College of Bishops may elect a President to fill the unexpired term.
V. ASSOCIATE COUNCILS
1. Any national Christian council, national council of churches or national ecumenical council, established for purposes of ecumenical fellowship and activity, may be recognized by the College of Bishops as an associate council, provided:
a) the applicant council, knowing the Basis upon which the World Bishops Council is founded, expresses its desire to cooperate with the World Bishops Council towards the achievement of one or more of the functions and purposes of this Council; and
b) the member churches of the World Bishops Council in the area have been consulted prior to the action.
2. Each associate council:
a) shall be invited to send a delegated representative to the Synod;
b) may, at the discretion of the College of Bishops, be invited to send an adviser to meetings of the College of Bishops; and
c) shall be provided with copies of all general communications sent to all member churches of the World Bishops Council.
3. In addition to communicating directly with its member churches, the World Bishops Council shall inform each associate council regarding important ecumenical developments and consult it regarding proposed World Bishops Council programs in its country.
4. In consultation with the associate councils, the College of Bishops shall establish and review from time to time guidelines regarding the relationships between the World Bishops Council.
VI. CHRISTIAN WORLD COMMUNIONS
1. The World Bishops Council recognizes the role of Christian World Communions or world confessional bodies in the ecumenical movement.
2. Such Christian World Communions as may be designated by the College of Bishops and which express their desire to this effect:
a) shall be invited to send a delegated representative to the Synod Summit; and
b) shall be invited to send an adviser to meetings of the College of Bishops; and
c) shall be provided with copies of all general communications sent to all World Bishops Council member churches.
3. The College of Bishops shall establish and review as appropriate guidelines for relationships and cooperation with Christian World Communions.
VII. INTERNATIONAL ECUMENICAL ORGANIZATIONS
1. Ecumenical organizations other than those mentioned under Rules may be recognized by the College of Bishops as organizations with which the World Bishops Council of Churches has working relationships, provided:
a) the organization is international in nature (global, regional or sub-regional) and its objectives are consistent with the functions and purposes of the World Bishops Council; and
b) the organization, knowing the Basis upon which the World Bishops Council is founded, expresses its desire to relate to and cooperate with it.
2. On the basis of reciprocity, each international ecumenical organization:
a) shall be invited to send a delegated representative to the Synod (cf. Rule III.1.b.3);
b) shall be provided with copies of general communications sent to all World Bishops Council member churches.
VIII. LEGAL PROVISIONS
1. The duration of the World Bishops Council is unlimited.
2. The legal headquarters of the Council shall be at 584 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, USA. Regional offices may be organized in different parts of the world by decision of the College of Bishops.
3. The World Bishops Council is legally represented by its Executive Committee or by such persons as may be empowered by the Executive Committee to represent it.
4. The World Bishops Council shall be legally bound by the joint signatures of two of the following persons: the President and Vice-President or Vice-Presidents of the College of Bishops, the General Secretary, the Deputy General Secretary or Secretaries. Any two of the above-named persons shall have power to authorize other persons, chosen by them, to act jointly or singly on behalf of the World Bishops Council in fields circumscribed in the power of attorney.
5. The Council shall obtain the means necessary for the pursuance of its work from the contributions of its member churches and from donations or bequests.
6. The Council shall not pursue commercial functions but it shall have the right to act as an agency of interchurch aid and to publish literature in connection with its aims. It is not entitled to distribute any surplus income by way of profit or bonus among its members.
7. Members of the governing bodies of the Council or of the Synod shall have no personal liability with regard to the obligations or commitments of the Council. The commitments entered upon by the Council are guaranteed solely by its own assets.
IX. RULES OF DEBATE
1. Categories of session
The Synod shall sit either in general session (see Rule IX.4), in business session (see Rule IV.5), or in deliberative session (see Rule IX.6). The College of bishops shall determine the category of session appropriate to the matters to be considered.
2. Presiding officers
The presiding officers shall be proposed by the Synod at the first business session and by the College of Bishops after its election.
a) In general session one of the Presidents of the College shall preside.
b) In business session the Moderator or a Vice-Moderator of the College of Bishops or some other member of the College shall preside.
c) In deliberative session one of the Presidents of the College of Bishops or a delegate shall preside.
3. Formal responsibilities of the Moderator
The Moderator shall announce the opening, suspension and adjournment of the Synod, and shall announce at the beginning of every session, and at any point where the category changes, that the Synod is in general or business or deliberative session.
4. General session
The Synod shall sit in general session for ceremonial occasions, public acts of witness and formal addresses. Only matters proposed by the College of Bishops Committee after its election shall be considered.
5. Business session
The Synod shall sit in business session when any of the following types of business are to be considered: adoption of the agenda presented by the College of Bishops, any proposal for change in the agenda, nominations, elections, proposals with reference to the structure, organization, budget or program of the World Bishops Council, or any other business requiring action by the Synod, except as provided in paragraphs 4 and 6 of this Rule. The Rules of Debate applicable to a business session are:
a) Moderator
The Moderator shall seek to achieve the orderly and responsible dispatch of business. He or she shall seek so far as possible to give fair and reasonable opportunity for differing views to be expressed. He or she shall ensure good order and the observance of the appropriate Rules of Debate and shall seek to ensure relevance and prevent repetition. To those ends the Moderator may request a speaker to move to another point or cease speaking. The Moderator shall grant the right to speak and determine the order of speakers. His or her decision is final in all matters except as to his or her decision on a point of order under paragraph (u) below or his or her announcement as to the sense of the meeting on an issue, under paragraph (l) below or as to the result of voting under paragraphs (n) and (o) below.
b) Speaking
Any person desiring to speak shall do so only when granted the right by the Moderator. The speaker shall state his or her name and church and address his or her remarks to the Moderator. A delegate may speak only to propose or second a motion or amendment, to engage in the debate or to state a point of order or procedure and any other speaker only to engage in debate or to state a point of procedure. Any speaker shall normally give notice of his or her desire to speak to the Moderator, either prior to the session or by sending a note to the Moderator through one of the stewards and the Moderator shall have regard to such notice, but the Moderator remains free to grant the right to speak and determine the order of speakers under paragraph (a) of this Rule.
c) Proposing a motion
A bishop who desires to propose any motion arising from business on the agenda shall state it orally and, except in the case of a privileged motion or motion under paragraphs (j) or (k) of this Rule, shall furnish a written copy to the Moderator. A Bishop who desires to propose an item of new business shall follow the procedure set out in the Rules.
d) Seconding a motion
A motion shall not be considered by the Synod until it is seconded by a Bishop. When a motion has been seconded it may not be withdrawn except with the general consent of the delegates present and voting. If general consent is given for withdrawal any delegate may then require the motion to be put in his or her own name.
e) Debate
When a motion has been seconded, the debate upon it shall be opened by the Bishop who proposed the motion. That Bishop may speak for not more than five minutes. That speech shall be followed by a Bishop speaking in opposition to the motion who may speak for not more than five minutes. After that the speakers shall alternate as far as the nature of the business allows between those who favor and those who oppose the motion. Each may speak for not more than five minutes. When the debate is closed, the Bishop who proposed the motion may reply, but shall speak for not more than three minutes. No other speaker may speak more than once on the motion.
f) Amendment
Any Bishop may propose an amendment to a motion in the same manner as a motion. Paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) of this Rule shall apply to an amendment as they apply to a motion. The debate on an amendment shall be limited to the amendment. The proposer of the motion shall be given the opportunity to speak in the debate on an amendment. The Moderator shall rule out of order and not receive an amendment which is substantially the negative of the motion being debated.
g) Amendment to an amendment
Any Bishop may propose an amendment to an amendment in the same manner as an amendment, but the Moderator shall rule out of order and not receive an amendment to an amendment to an amendment. Paragraphs (c), (d), (e) and (f) of this Rule shall apply to an amendment to an amendment as they apply to an amendment.
h) Debate and voting on amendments
The debate and vote shall be first upon the amendment to the amendment then upon the amendment, and finally upon the motion. When an amendment to an amendment or an amendment has been voted upon, an additional amendment to the amendment or an amendment may be proposed, but the Moderator shall rule out of order and not receive an amendment to an amendment or an amendment substantially to the same effect as one already voted upon.
i) Rights of Moderator to take part in a debate
The Moderator shall not propose a motion or amendment or participate in debate without handing over his or her duties to another presiding officer and shall not, after that, preside again until that matter of business has been decided.
j) Privileged motions
Any Bishop who has not previously spoken on a motion or amendment may move at any time, but not so as to interrupt a speaker, one of the following privileged motions, which shall take precedence over pending business, and shall have priority in the order listed, the motion with the highest priority being listed first:
1) To recess
If the Synod decides to recess, the matter pending at recess shall be taken up when the Synod reconvenes, unless there is an "order of the day" at that time, in which event the matter pending at recess shall be taken up at the conclusion of the "order of the day" or at such time as the College of Bishops proposes.
2) That the question not be put
If the Synod agrees that the question shall not be put, it shall pass to the next business without taking a vote or decision.
3) To postpone to a time specified
When a matter is postponed to a time specified, it becomes the "order of the day" for that time and takes precedence over all other business.
4) To refer to a committee
When a matter is referred to a committee, the committee shall report on it during the meeting of the Synod unless the Synod itself directs otherwise.
Once a privileged motion has been seconded, a vote on it shall be taken immediately without debate.
k) Motion to close debate
Any Bishop may propose a motion to close debate at any time but not so as to interrupt another speaker. If seconded, a vote shall be taken immediately without debate on the following question: Shall debate on the pending motion (or amendment) be closed? If two-thirds of the Bishops present and voting agree, a vote shall be taken immediately without further debate on the pending motion (or amendment). After the vote on a pending amendment to an amendment, or on a pending amendment, the debate shall continue on the amendment or on the main motion as the case may be. A further motion to close debate can be made on any business then pending. If a motion to close debate is proposed and seconded on the main motion, before the vote is taken on that motion, the Synod shall be informed of the names of Bishops wishing to speak and any amendments remaining and the Moderator may ask the members of the Synod for a show of hands of any wishing to speak.
l) Sense of the meeting
The Moderator shall seek to understand the sense of the meeting on a pending matter and may announce it without taking a vote. Any Bishop may challenge the Moderator's decision on the sense of the meeting, and the Moderator may then either put the matter to the vote under paragraph (n) below or allow further discussion and again announce the sense of the meeting.
m) Moderator to put question
The Moderator shall put each matter not otherwise decided to a vote.
n) Voting -- by show of hands
At the end of a debate, the Moderator shall read the motion or amendment and shall seek to ensure that Bishops understand the matter upon which the vote is to be taken. Voting shall ordinarily be by show of hands. The Moderator shall first ask those in favor to vote; then those opposing; then those who abstain from voting. The Moderator shall then announce the result.
o) Voting -- by count or secret written ballot
If the Moderator is in doubt, or for any other reason decides to do so, or if any Bishop demands it, a vote on the matter shall be taken immediately by count on a show of hands or by standing. The Moderator may appoint tellers to count those voting and abstaining. Any Bishop may propose that the Synod vote on any matter by secret written ballot, and if seconded and a majority of the Bishops present and voting agree, a secret written ballot shall be taken. The Moderator shall announce the result of any count or secret written ballot.
p) Results of voting
A majority of the Bishops present and voting shall determine any matter unless a higher proportion is required by the Constitution or these Rules. If the vote results in a tie, the matter shall be regarded as defeated. The number of those abstaining from voting however numerous shall have no effect on the result of the vote.
q) Voting by Moderator
Any Moderator entitled to vote may vote in a secret written ballot, or any vote by show of hands or standing, or may vote if the vote results in a tie, but in no case shall he or she vote more than once.
r) Reconsideration
Any two Bishops who previously voted with the majority on any matter which has been voted upon may request the College of Bishops to propose to the Synod that that matter be reconsidered. The College may agree with or refuse that request, but if they refuse, those Bishops may follow the procedure set out in the Rule, except that a matter shall not be reconsidered unless two-thirds of the Bishops present and voting concur in the reconsideration.
s) Dissent and abstention
Any Bishops voting with the minority or abstaining may have his or her name recorded.
t) Point of order or procedure
Any Bishop may raise a point of order or procedure and may, if necessary, interrupt another delegate to do so. As a point of order, a Bishop may only assert that the procedure being followed is not in accordance with these Rules. As a point of procedure, a speaker may only ask for clarification of the pending matter.
u) Appeal against Moderator's decision
Any Bishop may appeal the decision of the Moderator concerning a point of order, as defined in paragraph (t). If such an appeal is made the Moderator shall put the following question to the Synod without further debate: Shall the Synod concur in the decision of the Moderator? A majority of the Bishops present and voting shall determine the appeal.
v) Time limits
The Moderator may, at his or her discretion, allow extra time to any speaker if the Moderator believes that injustice may be done to a member through difficulty of language or translation, or for any other reason, or because of the complexity of the matter under debate.
6. Deliberative session
The Synod shall sit in deliberative session when the matters before it are of such a theological or general policy nature that detailed amendment is impracticable. Reports of sections shall be discussed in deliberative session. Any committee or other body reporting may recommend to the College of Bishops that its report be considered in deliberative session.
The Rules of Debate applicable to a deliberative session are the same as those for a business session, except that the following additional rules shall apply:
a) Motions permitted
In addition to privileged motions or the motion to close debate, under paragraphs 5 (j) and (k), the only motion which may be proposed regarding matters to be considered in a deliberative session are:
1) to approve the substance of the report and commend it to the churches for study and appropriate action;
2) to refer to the body reporting with instructions to consider whether a new or different emphasis or emphases shall be incorporated in the report;
3) to instruct the body reporting to provide, in consultation with the College of Bishops, for an open hearing on the report before reporting again.
b) Matters concerning ecclesiological self-understanding
Where a matter being raised is considered by a member to go against the ecclesiological self-understanding of his or her church, he or she may request that it not be put to the vote. The Moderator will in such a case seek the advice of the College of Bishops or the Executive Committee in consultation with this member and other members of the same church or confession present at the session. If there is consensus that the matter does in fact go against the ecclesiological self-understanding of the member, the Moderator will announce that the matter be dealt with in deliberative session without vote. The materials and minutes of the discussion will be sent to the churches for their study and comment.
c) Speaking
Any person presenting a report may also speak in the debate for purposes of clarification or explanation if the Moderator allows him or her to do so.
7. New business or change in the agenda
Any Bishop to the Synod may propose an item of business to be included on, or any change in, the agenda. If after consideration the College of Bishops after its election has not agreed to the proposal, he or she may appeal the decision to the Moderator in writing. The Moderator shall at a convenient time inform the Synod of the proposal, and a member of the College shall explain the reasons for this refusal. The Bishop may then give the reasons for its acceptance. The Moderator shall then without further debate put the following question to the Synod: Shall the Synod accept this proposal? A majority of the Bishops present and voting shall decide. If the Synod votes to accept the proposal the College of Bishops shall bring as soon as possible recommendations for the inclusion of the item of business or for the change in the agenda.
8. Languages
The working languages in use in the World Bishops Council are English, French, Greek, Latin, German, Russian and Spanish. The General Secretary shall make reasonable effort to provide interpretation from any one of those languages into the others. A speaker may speak in another language only if he or she provides for interpretation into one of the working languages. The General Secretary shall provide all possible assistance to any speaker requiring an interpreter.
9. Suspension of rules
Any Bishop may propose that any Rule of Debate may be suspended. If seconded, the rule shall be suspended only by vote of two-thirds of the Bishops present and voting.
10. Executive College of Bishops
The College of Bishops shall sit in business session, unless it decides to sit in general or deliberative session, and shall follow the appropriate Rules of Debate for that category of session as are applied in the Assembly, except insofar as the College may decide otherwise.
X. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to these Rules may be moved at any session of the Synod or at any session of the College of Bishops by any member and may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting, except that no alteration in Rules shall come into effect until it has been confirmed by the Synod. Notice of a proposal to make any such amendment shall be given in writing at least twenty-four hours before the session of the Synod or College at which it is to be moved.
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