Ordinance of the Evangelical Synod of the Canton of Thurgau on Ecumenism, Mission, Diaconia and Development Cooperation - Principle

1. Ecumenism, mission, diaconia, and development cooperation are essential to the nature of the Church of Christ and are a priority task for the Evangelical State Church of the Canton of Thurgau.

1. Mission is the proclamation of the Gospel in word and deed as well as an invitation to follow Jesus Christ. This takes place within the Church as well as beyond it. All mission is conducted with respect towards Christian partners as well as other religions and cultures.

2. Diakonia is the mandate from the Gospel to the Christian community to advocate for those who stand at the margins of society, those who continuously or temporarily need care, assistance, companionship, or comfort.

3. Development Cooperation is worldwide diaconal commitment. It particularly includes partnership-based assistance for self-help.

4. Ecumenism is the effort to promote unity among Christians and Christian churches worldwide.

1. The responsibility for the diaconal and missionary mandate of the congregation lies with the church council.

2. It may designate individual members as commissioners for mission, development cooperation, diaconia, and ecumenism.

3. The duties of the commissioners for mission, development cooperation, diaconia, and ecumenism are to be fulfilled in consultation with the pastoral office, the diaconate, and the church council.

1. The Church Council establishes permanent or project-based expert commissions at the regional church level to fulfill the responsibilities in the areas of mission, development cooperation, diaconia, and ecumenism.

2. The permanent expert commissions at the time this regulation takes effect include

1. Expert Commission on Mission

2. Expert Commission on Development Cooperation

3. Expert Commission on Diaconia

3. The Church Council may establish additional permanent or project-based expert commissions, specifically on the following topics

1. Missionary Projects within the Country

2. Questions of Ecumenism

3. Questions of Interreligious Coexistence

4. Solidarity with Persecuted Churches

4. The Church Council ensures coordination.

1. For the fulfillment of duties in the area of Diakonia, the Synod establishes the necessary positions.

2. For the other areas, the Synod annually determines a credit framework with the budget for projects that the Church Council approves upon the recommendation of the specialist commissions or by its own authority.

1. The synod determines the annual contributions of the regional church to aid organizations and missionary organizations through the budget.

1. Under the designation "Relief Fund of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Thurgau," the Evangelical Reformed Church maintains a separate account, which is funded through collections, donations, and contributions from the church. The Church Council may disburse funds for immediate emergency aid and long-term project work both domestically and abroad in accordance with this regulation. It reports to the Synod on the use of the funds.

1. This regulation shall enter into force on August 1, 2009.