Kanton Glarus

Nature

1 Each member of the Church is called to shape their entire life in the service of God.

2 In the celebration of divine worship, faith and community are strengthened.

Public Worship

1 Every religious service is public. The ringing of bells, in accordance with local custom, is typically symbolic of this.

Liturgical Year

1. When planning church services, the liturgical year and its festive seasons must be appropriately taken into account.

Holidays

1 The following are considered church holidays: First Advent, Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension Day, Pentecost, Reformation Sunday (first Sunday in November), Eternity Sunday (last Sunday in the church year).

2 The Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance and Prayer, and New Year's Eve are also observed as church holidays.

Song and Music

1 Due attention must be paid to the musical design of divine services.

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Collection

¹ A collection is taken at every service. The purpose for which it is intended should generally be stated.

² Attention must be paid to the collections ordered by the Synod or recommended by the cantonal Church Council.

Image and Sound Recordings

1 Photography, as well as video and audio recordings, during divine services and ecclesiastical acts are only permitted with the consent of the officiating ministers.

1.1.1.2. Parish Worship Service

Meaning

1 Divine service holds a central importance in the life of the congregation.

2 The congregation is the bearer of the divine service.

3 The content of the divine service is the proclamation of the biblical message

of the Old and New Testaments, the invocation of God in song and

in prayer, the manifestation of fellowship among one another and of the connection

with the Church throughout the world.

Jurisdiction/Responsibility

¹ The parish minister is responsible for the preparation and execution of the congregational service.

² The involvement of other congregational members in the preparation and co-design is desirable.

³ The Church Council can, in agreement with the parish minister, also transfer the execution of a service to another congregational member.

Liturgy

1 The worship service is generally structured according to the "Liturgy of the Evangelical Reformed Churches of German-speaking Switzerland".

Hymnal

¹ The church hymnal determined by the synod is in use.

² In addition, the testing and use of other old and new hymns are desired.

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Sunday and Holiday Services

1 On every Sunday (the day of the resurrection of Jesus Christ) and on the

holidays according to Article 4, a service shall take place in each parish

or pastoral community.

2 Exceptions

a. Under special circumstances, the Church Council may schedule services

for other weekdays or cancel individual services.

b. No service shall take place on Landsgemeinde Sunday.

c. Several parishes may jointly hold individual services.

d. Due attention shall be paid to the publication of service times and the provision of transport.

Weekly Services

1 Each parish is free to offer additional services – including in other forms – during the week.

Family Services

1 Due attention must be paid to the periodic holding of family services. In the choice of subject matter and form, language and songs, consideration must be given to children.

Ecumenical Services

1 The scheduling of ecumenical services is recommended, especially during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, on World Day of Prayer, and for outdoor services.

Further Worship Services

1 Worship services or reflection ceremonies are regularly held in the Cantonal Hospital Glarus as well as in the local retirement and nursing homes.

2 Additional worship services can be arranged within the framework of regional services and standing assignments.

Special Topics

1 It is further recommended to hold worship services that are focused on

special topics, such as: Bread for All, Mission, Bible Distribution, Day of the Sick,

Refugee Sunday, Human Rights Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance of the Dead.

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1.1.1.3. Youth Worship Service

Meaning

¹ The worship services and diaconal events organized for young people serve to proclaim the Gospel. They take young people seriously in their world, guide them to live their faith in everyday life and to actively participate in the life of the congregation. They enable them to gain experiences in spirituality, community, and diaconia.

### Design

¹ All means suitable for shaping the proclamation in youth services should be utilized. For example: telling biblical stories, telling stories about figures from church history and from contemporary life, using modern media.

² Means and forms that allow for the active participation of young people are to be promoted. These include, among others: diverse forms of discussion, role-playing, drawing, painting, singing, dancing, and music.

³ Care must be taken to ensure that young people learn to handle and co-design liturgical forms.

* Offer

1 The youth service is conducted in the 6th grade and in the 1st and 2nd grade

of Lower Secondary Education (Oberschule, Realschule, Sekundarschule, Gymnasium Lower Level). *

Duty of Visitation

1 The duty of visitation is regulated in a decree of the cantonal Church Council

in consultation with the Pastors' Conference and the presidencies of the church parishes.

1.1.1.4. Children's Worship Service

Meaning

¹ For children from kindergarten age onwards, a children's worship service (Sunday school) is offered, in which the Gospel is conveyed to the children in an age-appropriate manner.

Jurisdiction

1 Staff are deployed for children's church services.

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2 The pastor is responsible for their preparation. The materials of the KiK association (Kind in der Kirche - Child in the Church) serve as the basis. *

3 The staff are entitled to further training.

1.1.2. Ecclesiastical Acts

1.1.2.1. Baptism

Meaning

1 Baptism is the sign, established in the New Testament, of belonging to the

Christian community. It expresses God's grace and forgiveness. Baptism is

not a condition, but a sign of grace.

2 Baptism is a singular act. This act is deepened through a lifelong process.

3 In cases of conversion from other churches, baptism is not repeated.

Publicness

1 Baptism usually takes place during the church service.

Form

1. Baptism usually takes place according to the "Liturgy of the Evangelical Reformed Churches of German-speaking Switzerland." *

Parents and Godparents

1 With baptism, the parents commit themselves to the Christian upbringing and

instruction of the child.

2 For baptism, godparents are usually appointed by the parents.

They must have completed their 16th year of age and should belong to a Christian

church. *

Timing

1 Baptism can be administered at any time. In addition to infant baptism,

child and adult baptism are also possible.

2 If baptism has not occurred in early childhood, it can be carried out later,

provided there has been appropriate religious instruction.

Registration

1 The baptism should be registered as early as possible. The pastor will conduct a baptismal meeting with the child's parents.

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Scheduling

1 The Church Council may, in consultation with the parish pastor, determine special baptism Sundays. *

Register of Baptisms

1 The baptism shall be entered into the register of baptisms of the parish in which it was performed. Baptisms performed elsewhere must be reported to the pastor at the local church.

2 Extracts from the register of baptisms may be requested from the parish office.

3 Parents shall be issued a certificate of baptism.

4 In the event of a subsequent change of godparents, the register of baptisms shall not be altered.

Blessing

1 If parents refuse infant baptism because they want to leave the decision

to be baptized to the child themselves, then a blessing is possible for the

infant. In this ceremony, thanks are given and prayers offered for the child

in the congregational service, and the parents commit themselves to Christian

upbringing and instruction.

1.1.2.2. Holy Communion

Meaning

1 The Lord's Supper is a sign instituted by Jesus Christ, which

sensibly brings near to us his death on the cross, his presence, and the community established by him.

Participation

1 All those who attend the service are invited to partake in Holy Communion.

Form

1 The form and procedure of Holy Communion usually follow the "Liturgy of

the Evangelical Reformed Churches of German-speaking Switzerland." *

2 The Church Council, in consultation with the minister, regulates the details, such as

the type of communion elements and vessels, the process of distribution, and

the frequency of the sacrament. *

3 Upon request, the parish may decide on these matters.

Implementation

1. The parish minister is usually responsible for the implementation of the Holy Communion celebration.

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2. The members of the Church Council participate in the distribution. Additional persons may be called upon as needed.

Number and Timing

1 According to its sense and meaning, a frequent celebration of Holy Communion is recommended.

2 Holy Communion shall in any case be celebrated on Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost, and Reformation Sunday.

3 Congregations are recommended to offer Holy Communion at least twelve times a year.

Other Settings

1 Communion celebrations are also possible outside of the congregational

service, for example at a conference, in the home, with the sick

or people with disabilities, and within an Agape, that

is, a communal meal.

2 Decisive for the character of Holy Communion is the recitation of the New

Testament institution narrative with the corresponding words of institution.

1.1.2.3. Wedding

Meaning

¹ In the church wedding, the marital community is placed under God's blessing.

Publicity

1 Every church wedding is a public service, for which the bells are rung in and out.

Place and Collection of Fees

1 As a rule, the marriage ceremony shall take place within the church build-

ings. These shall be made available whenever possible.

2

Obligations of the Parish Clergy

1 The parish clergy is obliged, where possible, to conduct weddings for their

parish members even outside their own parish.

2 If neither the bridal couple nor their parents reside within the parish of the

clergy, then it is at the clergy’s discretion whether to undertake the wedding.

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3 The freedom of conscience to decide for or against undertaking a wedding

remains preserved for office holders in every case.

Confession

1 For an evangelical wedding, at least one party of the bridal couple must belong to an evangelical church as a member.

Ecumenical Marriages

1 Ecumenical marriages are to be designed in accordance with the theological

and liturgical guidelines jointly issued by the regional churches. *

2 The participation of Protestant clergy in denominationally mixed marriages

without a dispensation from form from the Catholic side is not advisable.

Requirement

1 Prerequisites for a church wedding are

a. a conversation between the pastor and the wedding couple;

b. the submission of a marriage certificate.

Form

1 The marriage ceremony usually takes place according to the "Liturgy of the Evangelical-Reformed Churches of German-speaking Switzerland."

2 At the marriage ceremony, a Bible with a personal inscription is presented.

Special Cases

1. A church wedding is only legally permitted after a civil marriage has taken place. For couples who have not been civilly married, a blessing can be performed privately upon request. *

Marriage Register

1 All marriages are to be entered into the marriage register of the parish in which they were solemnized.

1.1.2.4. Funeral Service

### Meaning

1 The church funeral service is a public worship service held on the occasion of the death of a member of the church congregation.

2 Its central focus is the message of the Bible.

3 From this perspective, the personal circumstances of the deceased are to be illuminated.

4 Upon request, a eulogy (or life history) can be read.

Claim

1 All members of the church community have a claim to a church burial.

2*

Competence/Responsibility

1 The parish minister is responsible for the design of the funeral service.

2 Speeches or musical performances must be discussed with the parish office.

Form

1 The church burial in the cemetery and the memorial service in the church are determined by local custom.

2 Changes to these are the responsibility of the Church Council in consultation with the Parish Office. Upon request, the Church Congregation decides.

3 The changes must not contradict the cemetery regulations.

Registration

1 The time of the funeral must be arranged with the parish office in conjunction with the competent office of the political municipality. *

Special Cases

1 The Church Council is free to make the church available

a. for funeral services without a pastor,

b. for funeral services of persons who were not members of the Cantonal Church.

2*

Location

1 In principle, the funeral service for earth burials and cremations takes place at the last legal domicile of the deceased.

2 A deviation from this rule can be made in agreement with the competent office of the political municipality and the parish office. *

3 A pastor can be called upon for the interment of the urn outside of the funeral service date.

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Silent Burial

1 The relatives are free to request a silent burial or a burial with subsequent announcement.

2 ... *

Pastoral Care

1 The pastor assists the bereaved before and after the funeral service.

Burial Register

¹ The announcement and entry into the church burial register take place in the parish where the funeral service was held.

² Funeral services held at a crematorium are registered in the residential parish of the deceased.

1.1.2.5. Other Ecclesiastical Acts

Note

1 The ecclesiastical act of Confirmation will be discussed in connection with the religious instruction, while that of Ordination and Installation will be dealt with in the explanations regarding the corresponding office holders (male and female).

New Forms

1 Our Church, in accordance with the principles of the Reformation, is open to newly

designed or rediscovered forms of religious acts such as, for

example, blessing, laying on of hands, and anointing of the sick.

2 Such acts, before they are publicly performed, are to be discussed and agreed upon between

the pastor and the Church Council.

1.2. Mandate of Instruction

1.2.1. General Provisions

Meaning

1 The efforts to provide instruction in biblical history and evangelical faith are tasks of the congregation.

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1 The foundation of all instruction is found in the biblical, often attested, duty of parents to bear witness to their children of the root and essence of their faith. In the mandate of the parental home, this instruction familiarizes children and young people with the faith and life of the Christian community.

Parental Responsibility

1 Parents are responsible for guiding their children towards the Christian faith. This includes ensuring that children and young people are encouraged to attend regular instruction and church services.

Parental Contact

1 Parish ministers and other educators promote dialogue with parents through parent evenings and home visits.

Change of Residence

1 Children subject to compulsory education have, upon changing their place of education, a right to a confirmation of their attendance at the previous educational institution.

Disciplinary Difficulties

1. Teachers discuss disciplinary difficulties with the child and their parents. If this does not lead to sustainable success, the Church Council may, upon application by the teachers, take appropriate measures. *

* Visitation

1 For the regular visitation of religious education in the parishes,

the local Church Councils are responsible. The Cantonal Church Council issues

a regulation to that effect. *

1.2.2. Religious Education

Scope

1 Instruction uniformly begins with the 1st school year and continues up to

and including the 1st year of lower secondary education (Sekundarstufe I), specifically as follows: 1st to 4th grade: 40 lessons per year each; 5th and 6th grade: 20 lessons per year each; 1st year of lower secondary education (Sekundarstufe I): 40 lessons per year. *

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Task

1 Religious instruction shall familiarize the child with church life and biblical stories, imparting knowledge from the Bible, church history, and the history of religions. It shall address questions of life. The content must be presented in a manner that takes into account the age-specific needs of the children.

Organisation

1 *

2 Instruction is provided by a pastor or another specially trained person. *

3 The curriculum is defined in a syllabus.

4 Instruction may be delivered in single or double lessons, as well as within the framework of projects and camps. *

5 If instruction cannot be attended, particularly in the case of project work, it must be compensated for in an appropriate manner, possibly in another parish. *

Professional Support

1 The cantonal church council advises and supports the church parishes regarding organizational and structural forms, as well as questions of coordination.

1.2.3. Confirmation Class and Confirmation

1.2.3.1 Confirmation Class

Task

1. Confirmation instruction leads to a deeper understanding of lived faith. It fosters a sense of community, encourages faith and prayer, and provides opportunities for helpful action.

* Duration and Scope

1. Confirmation classes are given in the 9th school year. They can already begin after the spring holidays of the 8th school year. In justified individual cases, instruction can also be given to older confirmands. The scope of the confirmation classes is regulated in a bylaw of the cantonal Church Council in consultation with the Parish Synod and the presidencies of the church communities.

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Teacher

1 Confirmation classes are taught by the parish minister, or, in their absence, by another suitably trained person. Additional individuals may be involved in shaping the instruction.

Place of Instruction

1 The place of instruction is generally the parish in which the confirmation candidates reside.

Participation in Parish Life

1 Confirmands attend divine service and other events of the parish. Where possible, these events should be related to the instruction.

1.2.3.2. Confirmation

Meaning

1. Confirmation is an invitation to responsible collaboration in the congregation and society, an invitation to follow Christ and to personal faith, and an expression of entering into full church membership.

2. It confers the right to serve as a godparent.

Time

1 Confirmation usually takes place on Palm Sunday.

Certificate and Confirmation Register

1 Confirmands receive a certificate of confirmation.

2 The confirmation is entered into the confirmation register at the place of its performance.

Prerequisites

1. Prerequisites for confirmation are

a. normally, baptism;

b. attendance at religious instruction classes or an equivalent form of church instruction;

c. attendance at youth services;

d. attendance at confirmation classes;

e. attendance at divine services and other church events during the confirmation year.

2. The obligatory scope of attendance at events according to letters c-e shall be determined by a regulation of the cantonal Church Council in consultation with the Parish Synod and the presidencies of the Church Councils.

Missing Baptism

1 Young people who have not yet been baptized receive an invitation to baptism at confirmation.

1.2.4. Extracurricular Children's and Youth Work

Purpose and Mission

1. The church parish creates opportunities for children and young people for experiential, social learning, also outside of the worship and school framework. In doing so, opportunities for shared experiences are offered and social skills are promoted.

Forms

1 Forms of practical, social learning can be realized in camps, children's

and youth groups, social projects, environmental projects, etc.

2 Municipalities can join forces to fulfill this task.

1.2.5. Adult Education

Sense

1 The parish is called upon to promote familiarity with faith and life within the Christian community among adults, even beyond the framework of worship.

Mandate

1 Church adult education supports independent opinion formation and responsible action in personal life, in the Church and in society. In doing so, it particularly creates space

a. for deepening personal faith;

b. for coping with special life situations;

c. for engaging with current contemporary issues at the intersection of life and faith.

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Forms

1 This mandate can be fulfilled through events on questions of theology and faith, courses on specific life issues, offerings for groups facing shared life circumstances, projects in areas of current challenges, etc.

2 Congregations can join together to fulfill this task.

3 ... *

1.3. Mandate for Serving Action

1.3.1. Pastoral Care and Diakonia

Practical Action

1 The church parish is called upon to proclaim the Christian message of God's

love through practical action as well.

2 Every member of the congregation shares the responsibility that arises from this.

Pastoral Care and Diaconia

1 Ecclesiastical pastoral care and diaconia for people in emotional, material, or social distress are among the tasks of the Christian community.

Social Networks

1 The responsibilities of the church parish include both contributing to the preservation of existing social networks (e.g., neighborhood relationships in the village) and taking initiatives to build new types of social networks for isolated individuals (e.g., the elderly, single parents).

Bearers

1. Every individual member of the congregation shares responsibility for the maintenance and development of social networks for mutual aid.

2. For pastoral care and diaconia, the congregation appoints particularly suitable members of the congregation. *

3. It enables them to pursue further education. *

Initiative and Cooperation

1 Where psychological, material, or social problems exceed the human or professional assistance capabilities of the parish, it participates in projects for the development of regional or cantonal aid services, or it collaborates with other institutions that already offer assistance.

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Training and Continuing Education

1 The church parish enables individuals active in pastoral care and diaconia to pursue suitable training and continuing education.

Confidentiality

1 Persons active in pastoral care and diaconia on behalf of the Parish are obliged to maintain confidentiality.

1.3.2. Community Promotion

Internal Church Groups

1 The church congregation promotes the sense of belonging among its

members.

2 This can be achieved through the formation and support of new or existing

groups such as youth and senior groups, women's and men's groups, groups

for new biblical understanding, house groups, staff circles, mission groups,

church choirs, and groups for refugee support.

Youth Work

1 The church community places particular emphasis on youth work. This aims to offer community and life support.

Contact with Other Churches

1. To the extent possible, the parish shall promote cooperation with other churches and religious communities, while the independence of the Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton shall be preserved.

Contacts with External Parties

1 The Parish promotes contact with groups and institutions that are culturally, ecologically, or socially engaged, such as the Blue Cross, Pro Infirmis, Pro Senectute, self-help groups, groups of single parents, culturally active groups within the municipality, environmental protection groups of the municipality, and organizations for refugee support.

1.3.3. Global Responsibility

Development Cooperation and Mission

1 The parish participates in projects in the areas of ecumenism, mission,

and development cooperation, as well as in interreligious dialogue. *

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2 It provides financial resources to development organizations, which can be

covered by collections and tax revenues.

3 *

Involvement for Justice and Righteousness

1 The parish also engages with social and political issues.

2 It advocates where justice and righteousness are endangered or disregarded.

3 It supports and promotes the formation of institutions that care for disadvantaged people.

Ecumenism

¹ The parish and its members strive for the unity of Christians of various denominations in faith and action.

² It promotes relationships with churches in other countries.

1.4. Organization

1.4.1. Existence and Scope of Parishes

Composition

1 The territory of the Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton of Glarus is divided into the following parishes

a. Bilten, comprising the village of Bilten and the municipality of Schänis SG;

b. * Niederurnen, comprising the villages of Niederurnen and Oberurnen;

c. * Kerenzen, comprising the villages of Mühlehorn, Obstalden and Filzbach;

d. * Mollis-Näfels, comprising the villages of Mollis and Näfels;

e. * Netstal;

f. * Glarus-Riedern, comprising the villages of Glarus and Riedern;

g. * Ennenda;

h. * Mitlödi;

i. * Schwanden, comprising the villages of Schwanden, Sool, Schwändi, Haslen, Nidfurn and partly Leuggelbach;

k. * Grosstal, comprising the villages of Leuggelbach (partly), Luchsingen, Betschwanden, Rüti, Braunwald and Linthal;

l. * Matt-Engi, comprising the villages of Matt and Engi;

m. * Elm.

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Changes in Composition and Name

1. Changes in the composition and scope of the parish congregations require the approval of the respective parish assemblies and the sanction by the Synod.

2. Changes of name are decided by the parish assembly. They must be approved by the Synod.

Annexation to an Adjacent Municipality

1. The participating church municipalities shall decide on the annexation of a municipal part to an adjacent municipality.

2. This decision requires the approval of the Synod.

3. If the church municipalities cannot reach an agreement, the Synod shall decide.

Evangelical Protestants in Border Parishes

1. For the affiliation of Reformed Protestants in border parishes on both sides of the cantonal border to a parish of the respective other canton, the existing contracts or customary law shall apply.

2. New contracts may be concluded by the Church Council, subject to approval by the Synod.

3. Subject to contracts to the contrary, the members shall be equal in rights and obligations to the other members of the parish.

**1.4.2. Creation of New and Merger of Existing Parishes**

Requirements

1 The establishment of a new parish is only possible if it comprises at least 800 Protestant-Reformed inhabitants.

### Procedure

1. If the Evangelical-Reformed residents of an area seek to form their own parish, the relevant church councils shall undertake the necessary preliminary investigations.

2. If the majority of eligible voters in this area have expressed their support for the formation of a new parish by signing their names, the church councils concerned shall forward the matter with their recommendations to the affected parishes for decision-making.

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3. If the formation of a new parish is approved, this decision requires the approval of the Synod.

4. If the existing parishes cannot agree, the Synod shall decide as the final authority.

Amalgamation of Parishes

1 If two or more parishes intend to amalgamate, the respective church councils shall undertake the necessary clarifications.

2 The decision regarding the amalgamation shall be made by the involved parishes.

3 If the amalgamation is approved, this decision requires the approval of the Synod.

Elections

1 If the Synod has approved the creation of new or the merger of existing parishes, the relevant church councils shall convene a parish assembly to conduct the constitution.

1.4.3. Cooperation of Parishes

1. Die Zusammenarbeit von Kirchgemeinden zur Erfüllung gemeinsamer Aufgaben gemäss Artikel 12 der Kirchenverfassung[[1]](#paragraphtext_content_fn_851772_2_1_c) erfolgt in der Regel auf der Grundlage von Vereinbarungen, ausnahmsweise in der Form von Zweckverbänden.

2. Vereinbarungen bedürfen der Zustimmung der betreffenden Kirchgemeindeversammlungen.

### Purpose Association Concept

1 A purpose association, which is created by church parishes for the fulfillment of common church tasks, is a public law corporation with its own legal personality.

Foundation

1 A special-purpose association is founded upon approval of the agreement

by the parish assemblies of the participating parishes.

2 It requires the consent of the Synod.

Accession to an Existing Special Purpose Association

1 A parish can join an already existing special purpose association with

its consent.

1) GS IV A/1/4

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2 The accession requires the accepting parish to adopt the special purpose association's

agreement.

3 This becomes legally valid upon the Synod's approval of the correspondingly amended

agreement.

Withdrawal from the Special Purpose Association

1 The withdrawal of a parish from a special purpose association can only occur

in accordance with the agreement.

2 In the absence of corresponding provisions, the regulations of

state law are applicable.

1.4.4. Membership in the Parish

New Membership and Re-entry

1 Anyone who is not a member of the Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church and wishes to join it should contact the parish office of their municipality of residence for a preparatory discussion.

2 The same applies to those re-entering.

3 The Church Council decides on admission.

4 Admission can take place during a worship service.

5 Young people without membership who have been confirmed become members of the Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Glarus at the age of 16, after attaining their religious majority. *

Withdrawal

1 Whoever wishes to withdraw from the Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church must submit a written declaration to the Church Council responsible for their municipality of residence.

2 The pastor or a member of the Church Council shall seek consultation with those withdrawing.

3 Those withdrawing must pay church taxes in accordance with the tax legislation of the Canton of Glarus.

Meldewesen

1 The Church Council reports entries and exits to the competent office of the political municipality.

2 It maintains a register of entries and exits.

* Membership Register

1 The Cantonal Church Council may establish and operate a joint membership register for the Cantonal Church and the parish, or participate in such a register.

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Data Processing

1 For the purpose of maintaining the membership register and generally fulfilling the administrative tasks in accordance with Article 217 paragraph 2 and Article 237 of the Church Order, as well as Article 7 and Article 23 of the Constitution of the Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Glarus²), the membership register may be linked with the cantonal data platform of the resident registers by means of an automated reconciliation procedure.

2 The automated access and reconciliation concern personal data from characteristic groups 1 – 7, in accordance with Annex 1 of the Ordinance on the Operation of a Cantonal Data Platform based on the Introductory Law to the Register Harmonisation Act (EG RHG)³).

3 Data processing shall be carried out by persons authorised by the Regional Church or the parish churches.

4 The Cantonal Church Council shall regulate the implementation.

* Data Protection and Data Security

1 Both the Regional Church and the parishes are subject to the data protection and data security provisions of the Canton of Glarus, specifically the Act on Public Information, Data Protection and Archives (IDAG)4) as well as the Ordinance to the Act on Public Information, Data Protection and Archives (VIDAG)5).

Handlungsfähigkeit für Ein- und Austrittserklärungen

**Capacity to Act for Declarations of Entry and Withdrawal**

1 Eintritts- und Austrittserklärungen setzen die Vollendung des 16. Altersjah-

res voraus.

1 **Declarations of entry and withdrawal require the completion of the 16th year of age.**

2 Für Kinder unter 16 Jahren können sie von den Eltern abgegeben werden.

2 **For children under 16 years of age, such declarations may be submitted by their parents.**

3 Sind die Eltern gestorben oder ist ihnen die elterliche Gewalt entzogen

worden, entscheidet die zuständige Kindes- und Erwachsenenschutzbe-

hörde.

3 **If the parents have died or have been deprived of parental authority, the competent Child and Adult Protection Authority shall decide.**

4 Urteilsfähige, unter umfassender Beistandschaft stehende Personen im Al-

ter von mehr als 16 Jahren können ebenfalls in die Evangelisch-Reformierte

Landeskirche eintreten oder aus ihr austreten.

4 **Persons over 16 years of age who are capable of judgment and subject to a comprehensive guardianship may also join or withdraw from the Evangelical Reformed State Church.**

2) GS IV A/1/4

3)

GS I C/21/2

4)

GS I F/1

5)

GS I F/2

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1.5. Kirchengut

1.5.1. Erhebung und Verwaltung der Steuern

IV A/21/1

**1.5. Church Property**

**1.5.1. Collection and Administration of Taxes**

Tax Collection

1 To cover their financial needs, the church parishes levy taxes in accordance with the tax legislation of the Canton of Glarus.

Tax Liability

1 All members of the church parish who are also recorded in accordance with the tax legislation of the Canton of Glarus are liable to taxation. *

2 If only one spouse of a married couple belongs to the Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church, the tax is levied at half the rate.

Tax Rate

1 The church parish determines the tax rate annually upon application by the church council.

Complaints

1 The appellate body for tax matters is the Administrative Court of the Canton of Glarus.

Financial Competence

1 The Church Assembly decides on the amount of the Financial Competence of the Church Council.

Annual Accounts and Budget

1 The Church Council shall annually submit the annual accounts and budget

to the Church Assembly for approval. These shall conform to the uniform

chart of accounts of the National Church in accordance with Article 217, Paragraph 3,

Letter e1. *

2 The church communities are obliged to make tax contributions available for

works of diakonia, mission, and for development cooperation. *

6) GS VI C

22

1.5.2. Construction and Maintenance of Church-Owned Buildings

Buildings

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1 The church parish shall construct and maintain or rent the necessary buildings

and properties such as churches, parsonages, and church community centers.

2 It may also fulfill this task jointly with other entities.

Responsibility

1 The Church Council is responsible for the condition of all buildings and properties of the church parish.

Maintenance

1 The maintenance of church-owned buildings is financed from the current account. This must be appropriately considered when setting the tax rate.

Building Fund

1. For new constructions and major building projects, each parish is entitled to make use of the Building Fund of the Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church, provided it meets the conditions of the corresponding ordinance.

Monument Preservation

1 When renovating ecclesiastical buildings, the concerns of monument preservation are to be taken into account as far as possible, while safeguarding the needs of the community.

Lease Agreement

1. The Church Council shall regulate in a contract the rent and utility costs for the church-owned buildings used by ecclesiastical employees.

Use

1 The Church Council decides on the use of church buildings for other purposes.

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1.5.3. Collection and Administration of Offerings and Collections

Collections, Designated Purpose

¹ Collections are taken in every church service and at events resembling church services.

² Wherever possible, collections should be for a specific purpose.

³ The Church Council decides on the use of the collections.

⁴ Collections taken without a specific purpose are to be allocated to the donation fund of the parish.

⁵ The donation fund may not be used for expenses that are to be covered by taxes.

Cantonal Collections *

1 The Cantonal Church Council shall annually prepare a list of dates for mandatory and recommended collections.

Responsible Persons

¹ For collections in favour of mission and development cooperation projects, the Church Council in each parish designates a responsible person who informs the congregation, leads the collections, and carries out collection-related activities.

Swiss Collections

1 Where possible, the Cantonal Church should also carry out its own actions in nationwide collections.

Administration

1 The Church Council regulates the proper administration of received

donations.

2 The received amounts shall be allocated to their intended purpose as soon

as possible.

3 It forwards the approved annual statement of accounts for collections and

fundraisings to the cantonal Church Council. *

1.5.4. ... *

* Collection of Contributions *

1 The Parish collects contributions for ecclesiastical acts and ecclesiastical services rendered for members who do not reside in the respective Parish, as well as for non-members. The Synod issues an ordinance.

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1.6. Organs of the Parish

1.6.1. Overview

Organs *

1 The organs of the parish are

a. the Parish Assembly;

b. the Church Council;

c. the Auditors of Accounts.

1.6.2. Parish Assembly

Position and Composition

1 The Parish Assembly is the supreme body of the parish.

2 The right to vote and to be elected is governed by Article 14 of the Church Constitution.

3 Parish members who are not entitled to vote are authorized to attend the deliberations with an advisory vote.

Duties

1. In addition to the matters listed in Article 16 of the Church Constitution,

the Parish Assembly is responsible for

a. determining the forms of worship, insofar as these are neither reg-

ulated church-wide nor delegated to the Church Council;

b. the potential enactment of a local church order;

c. deciding on the initiation of the optional referendum in accordance with

Article 35 of the Church Constitution;

d. deciding on the initiation of an initiative request in accordance with

Article 36 of the Church Constitution;

e. authorizing the Church Council to conduct litigation on behalf of

the Parish;

f. determining the financial competence limit of the Church Council;

g. * confirming a clergy person employed by the Church Council as a probationary pastor (Pfarrprovisor) or female probationary pastor (Pfarrprovisorin).

Right to Propose Motions

1 Every voting member of the congregation has the right to speak at the

congregational meeting on the agenda items and to propose motions.

2 Motions to the congregational meeting can be submitted in writing to the

church council at any time or declared for the record at congregational

meetings. Such motions must be submitted to the next but one ordinary

congregational meeting at the latest.

Minutes

1 Minutes shall be kept of the deliberations and decisions of the parish assembly meetings.

2 These minutes shall be approved by the Church Council within eight weeks and subsequently made available for inspection for 14 days.

3 Any objections and requests for correction shall be submitted in writing to the Church Council during this period.

1. Soweit weder die Kirchenverfassung noch die Kirchenordnung Bestimmungen über die Durchführung der Kirchgemeindeversammlung enthalten, gelten die entsprechenden Bestimmungen des Gemeindegesetzes[[7]](#paragraphtext_content_fn_851834_2_7_c) und des Gesetzes über die Wahlen und Abstimmungen. Anwendbar sind insbesondere dessen Vorschriften über die Einberufung, das Abstimmungsverfahren und den Ausstand.

Position

1 The Church Council is the leading, executive, and administrative authority of the parish.

2 The Church Council supports the proclamation of the Gospel and, together with the ordained ministers, is responsible for life within the parish.

Continuing Education for Authorities

1 Members of church authorities continuously acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for fulfilling their duties and further educate themselves in accordance with their role within the authority.

2 The Cantonal Church Council supports and promotes the continuing education of authority members.

Duties

1 The Church Council shall manage all affairs not assigned to another body.

7) GS II E/2

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² The Church Council is, in particular, responsible for

a. ensuring the dignified conduct of divine services and their timely scheduling;

b. assisting in Holy Communion;

c. promoting community building, pastoral care, and diakonia;

d. promoting mission, development cooperation, and ecumenism;

e. preparing the agenda items for the Church Assembly;

f. implementing the resolutions of the Church Assembly and the cantonal church bodies;

g. * supporting the pastors, other office holders (male and female), and employees of the parish in the performance of their duties and supervising their conduct of office. In case of suspicion of infringements against the “Principles of Conduct for the Protection of Personal Integrity in Ecclesiastical Activity” or suspicion of criminal behaviour, as well as significant tensions and conflicts, the Presidium of the Cantonal Church Council must be informed immediately;

h. * employing a temporary pastor (male or female), subject to confirmation by the Church Assembly;

i. supervising religious instruction and promoting ecclesiastical children and youth work as well as adult education;

k. promoting cooperation between neighbouring parishes;

l. ensuring the maintenance of the parish's own buildings and properties;

m. ensuring appropriate public information about ecclesiastical life;

n. * employing specialist teachers for religious instruction, a secretary (male or female), cleaning staff, and other hourly employees;

o. * managing the parish archive and carrying out the official transfers of Church Council members, pastors, and employees. The Cantonal Church Council shall issue regulations in this regard;

p. * organising and conducting Church Council meetings to discuss Synodal matters in consultation with the other parishes.

Election Regulations and Constitution

¹ For the election of the church councillors (male and female), the provisions of the Parish Law and the Law on Elections and Referendums apply. *

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2 The President (male or female) and the Administrator (male or female) are directly elected to their offices.

3 Furthermore, the Church Council constitutes itself, whereby the Administrator (male or female) cannot simultaneously be appointed as Vice-President (male or female).

4 The Church Council may appoint a non-member for minute-taking. This person has no voting rights. *

Minutes

1 Minutes shall be kept of all deliberations and decisions of the Church Council.

2 These minutes are not public.

Supplementary Provisions

1 Insofar as neither the Church Constitution nor the Church Order contain

provisions regarding the Church Council, the corresponding provisions

of state law concerning municipal executive boards apply.

1.6.4. Representatives for Account Auditing

Mandate

1. The commissioners for the audit of accounts shall examine the entire accounting system and report annually to the Church Assembly.

Inspections

¹ The authorized representatives are entitled to carry out inspections of the accounting system at any time.

Independence

1 The Delegates are independent of the Church Council and are accountable only to the Parish Assembly.

1.7. Employees and Delegates of the Parish

1.7.1. General Provisions

Employees

1 Employees of the parish are, in particular

a. Clergy;

b. Curates and female curates;

c. Social deacons and female social deacons;

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d. Specialist teachers for church-based religious education;

e. Social workers;

f. Church musicians;

g. Sacristans;

h. Others, e.g., youth workers.

Job Sharing

1. Employment within the parish can also be structured such that two persons share the work of the position concerned.

### Term of Office and Re-election

1. The term of office for employees who are elected by the Parish Assembly

is four years.

2. If a Church Council intends not to propose an employee for re-election,

it must inform the employee of this at least three months before the

election date, following a prior discussion. In the case of a pastor, this

period is six months.

Notice Period

1. Parish clergy may tender their resignation effective at the end of a month, subject to observing a notice period of six months.

2. Other employees who have been elected by the parish assembly may tender their resignation effective at the end of a month, subject to observing a notice period of three months.

3. For persons hired by the Church Council, the employment relationship may be terminated by either party during a three-month probationary period, effective at the end of the week following the notice of termination. After the expiration of the probationary period, the employment relationship may be terminated by either party effective at the end of the third month following the notice of termination. The shortening of the notice period by mutual agreement remains reserved.

* Violation of Official and Professional Duties

1 Employees of the church parish who intentionally or negligently neglect or violate their official and professional duties, or who contravene the principles of conduct for the protection of personal integrity in the area of church activity, shall be subject to disciplinary punishment.

Disciplinary Measures

1 The following may be considered as disciplinary measures

a. oral or written reprimand;

b. refusal of a salary increase;

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c. temporary suspension from office for up to three months;

d. summary dismissal.

2 The disciplinary measure to be taken shall depend on the severity of

the breach of official and professional duties, on the impairment of the

Church's reputation caused thereby, on the past conduct of the

employed person, and on the severity of their culpability.

3 Summary dismissal may only occur if the breach of official and

professional duties is so severe that remaining in office until the end of the

term appears incompatible with the reputation of the Church.

4 Individual disciplinary measures may be combined.

* Disciplinary Authority

1 The Disciplinary Authority is the Church Council, or the body designated

according to the statutes for associations of communes pursuant to Article 12 of the

Church Constitution. *

2 The Disciplinary Authority must inform the Presidency of the Cantonal

Church Council without delay

1. in the event of significant tensions and conflicts,

2. in the event of suspected criminal conduct,

3. in the event of suspected violation of the principles of conduct for

the protection of personal integrity.

The Presidency of the Cantonal Church Council decides whether the Disciplinary

Authority must engage experts for the investigation. In all other respects, the

competencies of the Disciplinary Authority remain unaffected.

3 Until the decision of the Disciplinary Authority, the salary of the employed

person shall continue to be paid.

* Appeal

1 Appeals against resolutions and decisions of the disciplinary authority can be filed with the Cantonal Church Council in accordance with Article 20 of the Church Constitution. The presidency must recuse itself if it was involved in the proceedings based on Article 157, Paragraph 2 of the Church Ordinance.

Vacation Entitlement

1 Employees of the Parish have an entitlement to five weeks of vacation until the completed 60th year of age, and from the 61st year of age onwards, to six weeks of vacation per year. Vacation is generally to be taken during school holidays. *

Compensation in Case of Illness or Accident

1 If employees are unable to carry out their duties due to illness or accident,

they are entitled to their full salary for the duration of one year.

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2 Any benefits from insurance claims, the premiums for which the

employees have not paid themselves, accrue to the church community.

Occupational Benefits

1 Occupational benefits in accordance with the Federal Act on Occupational Retirement, Survivors' and Disability Pension Plans (BVG) for employees of the parish councils and the regional church shall be regulated by the Synod through ordinances.

1.7.2. Pastors

Establishment of the Parish Office

1. In every parish (Kirchgemeinde) or pastoral community (Pastorationsgemeinschaft), there shall be a parish office (Pfarramt). It may contain several pastoral positions (Pfarrstellen). The Synod shall issue an ordinance concerning the allocation of minimum pastoral position percentages.

2. Small parishes may decide on a personal union with a neighboring parish.

3. *

4. Other service positions may be created for special parish tasks or to relieve ordained ministers (Pfarrpersonen).

Responsibility within the Congregation

1 Pastors are responsible for the following areas of duty: *

a.

Worship Services and Ecclesiastical Acts: In addition to their own

preaching activities, other congregational members should also be

invited and guided to participate in the design of worship services.

The design of youth worship services and the preparation of Sunday

school are also part of this area of duty.

b.

Pastoral Care and Diakonia: These are the responsibility of the

entire congregation. Pastors are encouraged, beyond their own

activities, to introduce congregational members and groups to these

ministries and to support them in their work.

c.

Congregational Development: Through engagement in youth work

and adult education. By supervising staff and animating groups and projects,

the pastor contributes to the development of a mature church

congregation.

d.

Instruction: Confirmation instruction is usually provided by the pastor.

Other persons may be consulted for the design of this instruction

as well as for further ecclesiastical instruction.

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2 The administrative duties of the pastor include, in particular, the

management of the church registers and the parish archive. The cantonal

church council shall issue a regulation concerning this. *

Responsibility within the Regional Church

1. Pastors are jointly responsible for the services of the Regional Church. With the consent of the Church Council, they can undertake tasks assigned to them. *

2. … *

### Ancillary Posts

1. Clergy are obliged to conscientiously dedicate their time and energy to their office and to refrain from all ancillary activities insofar as these impair them in the fulfillment of their main duties. However, it is part of their mandate to concern themselves, beyond their ecclesiastical duties, with the tasks of welfare and schooling, as well as with cultural and charitable endeavors.

2. Before taking on offices or time-consuming tasks, as well as for remunerated ancillary activities, clergy must obtain the approval of their Church Council.

Fulfillment of Duties, Free Sundays, Pulpit Exchange

1. Parish ministers, in collaboration with the Church Council, promote the active and independent participation of church members. *

2. They can be relieved in their duties by specially qualified church members.

3. In addition to their vacation weeks, they are entitled to four free Sundays per year, with the compensation for the substitute being borne by the church congregation.

4. … *

Competence

1. Parish ministers are competent and responsible for divine services and official acts within their parish and for members of their parish.

2. In another parish, parish ministers may only undertake official acts with the consent of the competent parish minister or the respective church council.

3. If a member of another parish approaches them, any official act performed in their own parish must be communicated to the pastoral office of that other parish.

4. Parish ministers may not admit children and young people who do not reside in their parish to religious instruction or confirm them without the consent of the competent church councils.

32

Right to Refuse

1. In exceptional cases, parish ministers have the right to refuse to perform an official act that they cannot reconcile with their conscience, after consulting with the deanery and informing the president of the church council.

Confidentiality

1 Parish clergy and their assistants are bound to maintain professional secrecy in accordance with Article 321 of the Criminal Code. *

2 The Cantonal Church Council may, upon their request, release persons obliged to maintain professional secrecy under this Article from their duty of confidentiality, if a higher interest so requires.

Mediation in Conflicts

1 The Church Council shall attempt to resolve tensions between parish ministers and the church congregation through open discussion. If no understanding is reached in this manner, the Deanery is to be called upon for mediation. If reconciliation is not achieved, the Church Council shall submit the matter to the Cantonal Church Council. *

2 The Cantonal Church Council may commission an independent person or a commission to clarify disputes and resolve conflicts.

Ordination

1 Ordination is the singular ecclesiastical commissioning for the proclamation

of the Gospel. It is a prerequisite for independently leading a

parish office.

2 It is ordered by the cantonal Church Council and performed by one of its

ordained members in a public church service.

Election and Pastoral Installation

1 Candidates may be proposed for election to a parish if the cantonal church council has determined their eligibility for election and granted their right to be elected. *

2 Candidates with a foreign degree are to be provisionally employed for two years after their eligibility for election has been clarified by the cantonal church council. Their right to be elected will only be assessed by the cantonal church council after they have passed a colloquium. The cantonal church council shall issue implementing provisions. *

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3 Every pastoral election must be reported to the cantonal church council. The church council, in agreement with the cantonal church council and the deanery, shall determine the pastoral installation for induction into office. On this occasion, those elected must take an oath of faithful service, unless they have already been serving the Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton of Glarus. *

Apprenticeship Vicariate

1 The training locations for apprenticeship vicars (Lernvikare) are subject to approval by the Cantonal Church Council. Regarding training and training contributions, the regulations of the Concordat Conference are authoritative. *

* Salary, Social Security, Expenses, Employment Contract *

1 The Synod regulates the salary and social security of clergy by ordinance.

2 The Cantonal Church Council regulates

a. * …

b. the reimbursement of expenses, and

c. * the employment conditions of clergy. The Cantonal Church Council shall prepare a model employment contract and a job description, which shall be binding on the parish communities, subject to differing contractual provisions. The draft employment contract must be submitted to the Cantonal Church Council for comment.

3–4 … *

* **Residency Requirement**

1. Clergy are obliged to take up residence within the area of a Glarus parish.

2. The local church council may contractually oblige a clergy member to take up residence in the parish. This can refer to an official residence provided for this purpose or to a freely chosen residence.

3. A reduced rent is only granted for an official residence designated by the parish.

4. The cantonal church council regulates the rent for the official residence.

Resignation / Retirement

1 Ordinary retirement takes place at the end of the month in which

the ordinary retirement age according to the pension regulations of the pension fund

is reached. *

2 In case of a shortage of pastors or for substitute duties, they can be commissioned as a probationary pastor (Pfarrprovisor) or female probationary pastor (Pfarrprovisorin).

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3 In the event of the death of a pastor in office, the cash salary

will continue to be paid for the current month and the following three months. The

surviving family is entitled to continue using the official residence for up to half

a year.

* Continuing Education

1 Clergy are obliged to undertake regular continuing education. They must annually report to the cantonal church council on their completed continuing education. *

2-3

*

Short Further Training

1. Clergy are entitled to short further training of five full days or ten half-days per year.

2. During the first five years in office, new entrants to the ministry are obliged to undertake further training in accordance with the “Regulation of the Concordat for Further Training in the First Five Years in Office” (WEA). During this period, there is no entitlement to additional short further training.

3. The cantonal Church Council regulates the details in a regulation.

* **In-depth Continuing Education**

1 From the beginning of the tenth year in the pastoral office, five of which must have been spent in the Glarus Church, pastors are entitled to in-depth continuing education. *

2 This has a maximum scope of a total of 17 weeks of effective training time. If it consists of several units, the first and last units must not be more than three years apart. The cantonal Church Council may, in justified exceptional cases, approve an earlier start, a longer effective training period, or an extended span between the beginning and end. *

3 The prospective completion of in-depth continuing education must occur before the age of 60. *

4 As long as in-depth continuing education is being pursued, there is no entitlement to additional short-term continuing education. *

5 Further in-depth continuing education is possible no earlier than ten years after the completion of an in-depth continuing education course. *

6 The details shall be regulated by the cantonal Church Council in a regulation. *

7-8

*

1.7.3. ... *

Art. 177-181 *

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1.7.4. Social deacons and deaconesses, social workers, specialist teachers for religious education, youth workers *

Full-time or Part-time Employees

1 Where the tasks within the parish require it, the parish churches shall employ full-time or part-time staff, specifically, depending on the area of responsibility and availability, social deacons (male and female), social workers (male and female), specialist teachers for ecclesiastical religious instruction, and youth workers (male and female).

*Training in Social Work, Examination of Training*

1 The training of male and female social deacons must comply with the "Agreement on Social Diaconal Services" of the "Diaconate Conference of the Evangelical-Reformed Churches of German-speaking Switzerland."

2 Applicants may be employed as male or female social deacons if the cantonal church council has reviewed their training qualifications and granted approval for employment.

Training for Religious Education, Examination of Training

1 The teaching of church-based religious instruction requires appropriate training.

2 Individuals applying can be employed as religious education subject teachers if the teaching commission has reviewed their training and the cantonal church council has granted permission for employment.

Installation

1 It is recommended that these employees be installed into their ministry during worship services.

Oversight, Collaboration *

1 These employees are subject to the oversight of the Church Council. In case of

need, it provides for their in-service training and regulates any

repayment obligation. *

2

*

3 They carry out their activities in close collaboration with the parish office.

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Continuing Education

1. Social deacons and deaconesses, as well as specialist teachers for religious education in the church, are obligated to undertake regular continuing education. They are entitled to a short continuing education program in accordance with Article 175a.

2. Upon request, the employer and the cantonal Church Council may decide on attendance at more in-depth continuing education programs.

3. The cantonal Church Council shall regulate the details in a bylaw.

Salaries

1 The cantonal church council shall regulate salary matters in a special set

of regulations.

2

*

Nebenbeschäftigung

1 In Bezug auf die Nebenbeschäftigungen gilt Artikel 164 dieser Kirchenord-

nung sinngemäss.

1.7.5. Organistendienst

English Translation

**Ancillary Employment**

1 Article 164 of these Church Regulations shall apply mutatis mutandis to ancillary employment.

1.7.5. Organist Service

Church Music *

¹ Every church parish shall employ a qualified person for church music. The employment may also be divided. *

Mandate

1 The church musician is jointly responsible for the music, congregational singing, and liturgical arrangement of the divine service. In cooperation with the pastor's office and the church council, musical events in the parish are promoted. *

Job Description, Remuneration, and Occupational Pensions

*

1 The Parish Church Council shall prepare a detailed job description for the services desired by the church musician. The employment percentage and remuneration shall be derived from this. *

2 The Synod shall regulate remuneration matters in a separate ordinance. *

3 *

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* **Continuing Education**

1 Church musicians are encouraged to regularly pursue continuing education. They are entitled to so-called short continuing education. For a 100-percent workload, this amounts to one week, or five full or ten half days per year. Morning or afternoon courses count as half days. *

2 Details are regulated by the Church Council in the employment contract. *

1.7.6. Sexton Service

Duties

1 The sexton ensures the provision, cleaning/maintenance of the church community's public spaces and maintains the surrounding grounds and facilities. Defects that they cannot remedy themselves must be reported to the Church Council.

2 Upon instruction from the pastor's office, they make the necessary preparations for church services and other community events, as well as for religious instruction.

Requirements Specification, Salary, and Occupational Pension *

1 The duties as well as the salary are regulated by the Church Council in an employment contract. *

* Further Training

1 Sacristans are recommended to regularly undertake further training. They are entitled to so-called short further training. For a 100% workload, this amounts to one week or five full or ten half days per year. Morning or afternoon courses are considered half days.

2 The Church Council regulates the details in the employment contract. *

1.7.7. Other Services

Other Employees

1 Where the fulfillment of its mission requires it, the parish may also employ other male and female staff. It independently regulates their employment, drawing upon the regulations of the cantonal church council.

38

Voluntary Staff

**IV A/21/1**

1 In addition to its salaried employees, every parish relies on voluntary staff. The Church Council, together with the parish office, is responsible for fostering these representatives and for providing them with initial and ongoing training for their services.

* **Continuing Education**

1. Other persons working in church service are recommended to regularly

participate in continuing education. They are entitled to so-called short continuing

education. For a 100-percent workload, this amounts to one week, or five

full or ten half days per year. Morning or afternoon courses count

as half days.

2. The Church Council regulates the details in the employment contract.

**2. Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton**

**2.1. Responsibility**

**2.1.1. Responsibility towards the ethical, social, and cultural**

**questions of the present**

Principle

¹ The Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich attests to the sovereignty of God over all spheres of life.

² It is committed to the preservation of creation.

³ Based on the principle of freedom and equality of all people, it advocates for justice, which must prove itself especially towards the weaker.

⁴ It is committed to the preservation and promotion of peace and to the reduction of violence.

Wahrnehmung der Verantwortung

1 The Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton can and should, within the

framework of its mandate, take a position on important contemporary issues.

2 It promotes cultural, charitable, and ecological endeavors that extend

beyond individual parishes. It strives for continuous contact with schools and

other bodies. *

3 It makes concrete contributions to the alleviation of social problems, in

particular through

1. its regional services;

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2. * involvement in the Sonnehügel Counseling and Therapy Center Foundation

(BTS);

3.-4. *

5. * membership in the associations "ALOJOB" and "Schuldenberatung

Glarnerland" (Debt Counseling Glarnerland).

4 It participates in solving newly emerging social and ecological problems.

2.1.2. Responsibility for Ecumenism

Principle

1 The Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich is committed to the growth

and intensification of ecumenical relations and dialogue with

other religious communities.

1. Die Evangelisch-Reformierte Landeskirche ermuntert die Gemeinden zu ökumenischen Veranstaltungen am Ort.

2. Sie pflegt die Kontakte mit den kantonalen Instanzen der Römisch-Katholischen Kirche.

3. Sie unterstützt die ökumenischen Bestrebungen auf schweizerischer Ebene.

4. Sie bemüht sich um aktive Beziehungen zur evangelischen Allianz.

5. Sie bemüht sich um den Dialog mit Menschen, die dem traditionellen Angebot der Kirche kritisch gegenüberstehen und mit heutigen Glaubensaussagen und Frömmigkeitsformen Mühe bekunden.

6. Sie erwartet von allen Verantwortlichen der Kirche eine offene und tolerante Haltung in Glaubensfragen.

Principle

1 The Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church is committed, through membership, collaboration, and co-determination, to those works and organizations which the Church requires to carry out its mission. It strives, on the one hand, to make the tasks and concerns of these works and organizations known to the parishes in an appropriate form, and on the other hand, to represent the stance of the parishes and church members in these works and organizations wherever possible.

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Perception of Responsibility

1 The Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton is notably a member of

1. the Evangelical-Reformed Church in Switzerland and the works affiliated with or subordinate to it;

2. * the German-Swiss Church Conference KIKO;

3. * the Reformed Media;

4. *

5. * the Liturgy and Hymn Book Conference;

6. *

...

7. * the Concordat for the Training of Reformed Pastors and their Admission to Church Service.

2 The Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton primarily supports the work of

1. * ...

2. * Protestant Solidarity Switzerland and the Reformation Foundation;

3. * the Association Child and Church.

3 *

2.1.4. Responsibility towards the Parishes

Principle

1 The Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church fulfils those tasks that extend beyond the scope and capabilities of the individual parish churches.

2 It performs tasks that are in the interest of the entirety of the parish churches.

Cash Desk / Treasury

1 This task is served, among other things, by the cash desk/treasury of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church. It is administered by the bursar's office of the cantonal Church Council.

Purpose of the Fund

1 The fund of the Evangelical-Reformed State Church serves the following

purposes

a. * Ensuring the tasks of the entire church, regional

services, and standing mandates;

b. * Supporting the tasks of the parishes through financial

equalization among the parishes;

c. * ...

c1. * Administration of the Reformed State Church of the Canton of Glarus;

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d. Supporting the continuing education of church employees;

e. * Payment of mandatory contributions according to the resolutions of the Synod;

f. * Payment of contributions according to the resolutions of the Cantonal

Church Council;

g. Financing of other one-time or recurring expenditures decided

by the Synod or the Cantonal Church Council.

Income

¹ The income of the treasury of the Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church con-

sists of

a. * contributions resolved by the Synod;

b. tax contributions of the church parishes resolved by the Synod;

c. interest from the assets of the Evangelical-Reformed Regional

Church;

d. gifts and bequests.

Payment of Parish Contributions

1 The tax contributions of the parish churches in accordance with Article 204 letter b shall be determined by the Synod, in percentages of the simple tax, in accordance with the tax legislation of the Canton of Glarus. *

2 These contributions shall be transferred to the treasury of the Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church no later than the end of March. *

Special Account Financial Equalization

¹ The Evangelical Reformed Church maintains a Special Account Financial Equalization for the following purposes

a. Compensation for differing tax capacities among the parishes;

b. Contributions to parish reorganizations;

c. Contributions for special burdens of the parishes.

² This Special Account Financial Equalization is funded by tax contributions from the parishes in accordance with Article 204 letter b.

³ The conditions for a claim from the Special Account Financial Equalization are laid down in an ordinance of the Synod.

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Building Fund

1 The Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church maintains a fund for the purpose of co-financing building projects of the church parishes. *

2 This fund is financed by tax contributions from the church parishes in accordance with Article 204 Letter b. *

3 The Synod regulates the conditions for disbursements from the fund and the application procedure in an ordinance. *

**2.2. Organs of the Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church**

**2.2.1. Active Citizenship**

Note

1. The composition and rights of active members are laid down in Articles 33-39 of the Church Constitution.

2.2.2. Synod

Note

1 The composition and duties of the Synod are set forth in Articles 40-47

of the Church Constitution.

2 The Synod issues the ordinances listed in these Church Regulations.

1. Distribution of Municipal Representatives

1 The distribution of the 50 representatives of the parish communities is

determined according to the following procedure

a. First distribution: The number of the evangelical resident population

of the Canton is divided by 50. The result, rounded up to the next whole number,

is decisive for the first distribution.

Each parish community whose members do not reach this number

receives one seat but is excluded from further distribution.

b. Second distribution: The number of the evangelical resident population

of the remaining parish communities is divided by the number of seats

not yet allocated. The result, rounded up to the next whole number,

is decisive for the second distribution. Each parish community now

receives as many seats as the new distribution number is contained in its

membership count.

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c. Residual distribution: The remaining seats are distributed among the parish

communities with the largest residual numbers. If two or

more parish communities achieve the same residual number, the last

seat is allocated to the parish community which, after dividing its

membership count by the number decisive for the first distribution,

had the largest remainder.

2 The official result of the last census is decisive for the distribution. The cantonal

church council determines the distribution of seats after each census.

Standing Orders

¹ For the convocation of the Synod, its constitution, its elections, and its deliberations, the Synod shall adopt standing orders.

Expenditure Competence

1. Synodal resolutions regarding one-off expenditures, to the extent that they exceed 10 percent of the total income of the last financial year, are subject to an optional referendum.

2.2.3. Cantonal Church Council

Note

¹ Articles 48 and 49 of the Church Constitution are decisive for the composition and constitution of the Cantonal Church Council.

1. Aufgrund der in Artikel 50 der Kirchenverfassung genannten Aufgaben ist der kantonale Kirchenrat insbesondere für folgende Wahlen zuständig

| | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | a. **\*** | Wahl der Inhaber und Inhaberinnen der regionalen Dienste und der hauptamtlichen Sekretariatsleitung; | | |

| | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | b. **\*** | Wahl der Mitglieder in Kommissionen; | | |

| | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | c.-f. **\*** | ... | | | | |

| | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | g. | Wahl der Angestellten auf dem Sekretariat; | | |

| | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | h. **\*** | Wahl von Vertrauenspersonen für den Bereich zum Schutz der persönlichen Integrität. | | |

Election of holders of regional services and the full-time secretariat management;

**Election of members to commissions;**

**Election of employees in the secretariat;**

**Election of trusted persons for the area of protection of personal integrity.**

**Duties and Powers**

1 The cantonal church council is the leading and executive authority of the Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton.

2 It manages the administration of the Cantonal Church. Its tasks include planning and coordinating church activities, taking initiatives, and representing the Cantonal Church internally and externally.

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3 The cantonal church council is responsible in particular for

a. Preparation of the Synodal agenda and execution of its decisions;

b. Asset and property management;

c. Drafting of employment contracts, job descriptions, and terms of reference for the office holders it has elected;

d. Ordering and recommending collections;

e. *

e1. * Enactment of a uniform chart of accounts for the parishes and the Cantonal Church with corresponding implementing provisions;

f. * Periodic visits to parishes;

g. *

h. * Commissioning of pastors as mentors for the training period of students in accordance with the guidelines of the Concordat;

i. * Recommendation for the practical vicariate and the practical examination of the Concordat, allocation of the training location for the practical vicariate;

k. * Examination of the eligibility certificates of pastors proposed for election to church service, granting of eligibility;

l. Execution of ordinations;

m. * Examination and approval of applications for further training;

n. * Examination of the educational qualifications of social deacons and deaconesses intended for church service; granting of admission for employment;

o. Handling of complaints in accordance with Articles 17 and 20 of the Church Constitution.

Expenditure Authority

1 The expenditure authority of the cantonal church council amounts to 5 percent of 1 percent of tax revenues according to the tax legislation of the Canton of Glarus for one-time, non-budgeted expenditures, and 1 percent for recurring, non-budgeted expenditures.

* Regulation of Continuing Education

1 The Cantonal Ecclesiastical Council shall issue a regulation containing further provisions on continuing education, in particular concerning

a. the goals and content that continuing education programs must meet;

b. reporting after the completion of continuing education;

c. the obligation to reimburse in the event of premature departure from the position;

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d. the regulation of representation during continuing education events, as well as the requirements for substitute representatives;

e. the regulation of cost sharing between the parish and the regional church, as well as the cost participation of those entitled to continuing education;

f. supervision and coaching;

g. continuing education for part-time employment.

Protection of Personal Integrity

1 The Cantonal Church Council issues "Principles of Conduct for the Protection of Personal Integrity in the Sphere of Ecclesiastical Activity."

2 All parish clergy and employees of the parish congregations and the Cantonal Church shall, at the beginning of each term of office, submit to the appointing authority a private extract and, if they regularly work with minors or other particularly vulnerable persons, a special private extract from the criminal register.

3 For new hires, obtaining a private extract and, if working regularly with minors or other particularly vulnerable persons, a special private extract is mandatory.

4 The appointing authority may, in justified cases, require parish clergy and employees at any time to submit a current private and special private extract.

5 The costs of the private and special private extracts shall be borne by the respective appointing authority.

* **Foundation Supervision**

1 The Cantonal Church Council is the supervisory authority for ecclesiastical foundations. It ensures that these foundations comply with legal provisions and that their foundation assets are used in accordance with their purposes. The Cantonal Church Council is the competent authority regarding ecclesiastical foundations within the meaning of Articles 85, 86 and 86a of the Swiss Civil Code (ZGB).

2 For existing ecclesiastical foundations, the Cantonal Church Council assumes supervision upon the entry into force of these provisions. For newly established foundations, supervision is assumed by decree of the supervisory authority after the newly established ecclesiastical foundation has been entered in the competent commercial register.

3 The Cantonal Church Council issues the necessary implementing provisions, including a schedule of fees, in a regulation. In the regulation, it regulates in particular

a. Review of the annual reporting of ecclesiastical foundations;

b. Review and approval of changes to purpose and founding documents;

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c. Applications for the dissolution of an ecclesiastical foundation;

d. Supervisory instruments;

e. Register of ecclesiastical foundations;

f. Fees.

2.2.4. Deanery

Note

¹ Articles 27 and 28 of the Church Constitution apply to the election to the Deanery and to its scope of duties.

2.2.5. Pastoral Conference

Note

¹ Membership in the Parish Council and its areas of responsibility are governed by Article 26 of the Church Constitution. Ordained theologians and female theologians serving in a different capacity within the Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church than in the parish ministry are also voting members of the Parish Council.

Additional Provisions

¹ The pastoral convention shall convene at least four times a year.

² Attendance at the pastoral convention is obligatory for pastors and their representatives.

³ ... *

⁴ The pastoral convention shall appoint a deputy in addition to the dean. *

2.2.6. Foundation Board Members

Foundations

¹ Existing and new foundations which meet the criteria of an ecclesiastical foundation shall be registered accordingly in the Commercial Register and shall be subject to the supervision of the cantonal Church Council. *

² Foundation board members shall be elected by the cantonal Church Council if this was provided for by the founder at the time of the foundation's establishment. *

Note

1 The election and activities of the Financial Audit Commission (GPK) take place in accordance with Articles 54 and 55 of the Church Constitution. The Executive must grant the GPK every facility, especially early access to the documents to be examined.

2.3. Agents of the Regional Church

2.3.1. General Provision

Principle

1 To effectively and competently fulfill ecclesiastical tasks, certain services

are offered and organized beyond individual congregations. The Evangelical-

Reformed Regional Church seeks to meet these demands through

regional services or standing mandates.

2.3.2. Regional Services

Prerequisite

1 Due to a special training, pastors or other male and female employees can be elected to regional services. *

Scope

1 Regional services are usually branch offices. They can be exercised as such or combined with a municipal parish office or with another regional service.

Electoral Body

1 The Cantonal Ecclesiastical Council is responsible for the election and re-election to regional services and for dismissal.

* **Description**

1 The scope of duties, the extent, and the financing of the regional services are determined by the Synod. The organizational and legal questions are regulated in an ordinance.

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2.3.3. Standing Orders

Principle

1 Necessary services that are not regulated within the framework of a regional service are rendered in the form of a standing order.

* Description

1. The Synod issues an ordinance concerning the scope and financing of permanent commissions.

2.3.4. Publication and editing of a church magazine

* Membership

1 The Cantonal Church Council publishes an ecclesiastical journal. Membership in a supporting organization must be approved by the Synod.

Subscriptions

1 All members of the canton's communities are entitled to receive this church magazine.

2 Any deficit, despite the setting of a recommended price, shall be borne by the Cantonal Church.

* **Assignments**

1. The journalistic and editorial work on the church magazine is overseen by the Media Commission. It carries out its task in close cooperation with the Media Officer. Portions of the journalistic and editorial work on the magazine may be assigned to him or her.

2.3.5. Secretariat

* Seat

1 The Regional Church maintains a secretariat.

Competence

1 The Secretariat is responsible for the preparation and follow-up of all events of the Cantonal Church and the Cantonal Church Council, as well as for the dissemination of communications and suggestions received by the Cantonal Church. It is also responsible for advising the parishes on matters concerning the Regional Church.

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Electoral Competence

1. The appointment of the secretariat falls within the competence of the cantonal Church Council, to the extent determined by the Synod.

2. The election of the Head of the Secretariat (full-time) is carried out by the cantonal Church Council. *

3. Final Provision

Entry into force

1 This updated Church Order comes into force upon approval by the Synod

and after the unutilized expiry of the referendum period, or upon approval

by the active citizenry. It replaces the Church Order of January 1991. With

its entry into force, all ecclesiastical decrees conflicting with it are repealed. *

Transitional provision concerning the teaching concept adopted at the Autumn Synod

2011: Introduction School Year 2012/2013; valid for those entering the 1st grade;

start of teaching at the basic level in the 3rd year.

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