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181.10 CH-ZH

Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich

263 Articles / Provisions · Switzerland · Canton of Zurich
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Table of Provisions (263)

Art. 1 Art. 2 Art. 3 Art. 4 Art. 5 Art. 6 Art. 8 Art. 9 Art. 10 Art. 11 Art. 12 Art. 14 Art. 15 Art. 16 Art. 17 Art. 18 Art. 19 Art. 20 Art. 21 Art. 22 Art. 23 Art. 24 Art. 25 Art. 26 Art. 28 Art. 28a Art. 29 Art. 31 Art. 32 Art. 33 Art. 34 Art. 35 Art. 36 Art. 37 Art. 38 Art. 39 Art. 40 Art. 41 Art. 42 Art. 43 Art. 44 Art. 45 Art. 47 Art. 48 Art. 49 Art. 50 Art. 51 Art. 52 Art. 53 Art. 54 Art. 55 Art. 56 Art. 57 Art. 58 Art. 59 Art. 60 Art. 61 Art. 62 Art. 63 Art. 64 Art. 65 Art. 66 Art. 68 Art. 70 Art. 71 Art. 72 Art. 73 Art. 74 Art. 75 Art. 76 Art. 77 Art. 78 Art. 79 Art. 80 Art. 81 Art. 82 Art. 83 Art. 85 Art. 86 Art. 87 Art. 88 Art. 89 Art. 90 Art. 91 Art. 92 Art. 93 Art. 94 Art. 95 Art. 96 Art. 97 Art. 98 Art. 99 Art. 100 Art. 101 Art. 102 Art. 103 Art. 104 Art. 105 Art. 106 Art. 107 Art. 108 Art. 109 Art. 110 Art. 111 Art. 112 Art. 113 Art. 114 Art. 119 Art. 121 Art. 123 Art. 124 Art. 130 Art. 131 Art. 135 Art. 136 Art. 137 Art. 138 Art. 139 Art. 140 Art. 141 Art. 143 Art. 144: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 145 Art. 146 Art. 147 Art. 148 Art. 150 Art. 151 Art. 152 Art. 154 Art. 155 Art. 156 Art. 157 Art. 158 Art. 159 Art. 161 Art. 164 Art. 165 Art. 166 Art. 168 Art. 173 Art. 174 Art. 175 Art. 176 Art. 177 Art. 178 Art. 179 Art. 181 Art. 182 Art. 185 Art. 186 Art. 187 Art. 189 Art. 191 Art. 192 Art. 194 Art. 198 Art. 199 Art. 200 Art. 201 Art. 202 Art. 203 Art. 204 Art. 206 Art. 207 Art. 208 Art. 209 Art. 211 Art. 212 Art. 213 Art. 214 Art. 216 Art. 218 Art. 219 Art. 220 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 222 Art. 223 Art. 224 Art. 225 Art. 226 Art. 227 Art. 229 Art. 231 Art. 233 Art. 234 Art. 235 Art. 236 Art. 237 Art. 238 Art. 239 Art. 240 Art. 241 Art. 242 Art. 244 Art. 245 Art. 246 Art. 248 Art. 249 Art. 250 Art. 251 Art. 252 Art. 253 Art. 254 Art. 2026 Art. 2326 Art. 2726 Art. 3026: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 4626 Art. 6734 Art. 6926 Art. 8426 Art. 11426 Art. 11526 Art. 11626: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 11726 Art. 11827 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 12026 Art. 12226 Art. 12526 Art. 12626 Art. 12726 Art. 12826 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 12926 Art. 13126: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 13226 Art. 13326 Art. 13426 Art. 14226 Art. 14926 Art. 15326 Art. 15526 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 15726 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 16026 Art. 16226 Art. 16326 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 16726 Art. 16926 Art. 17026 Art. 17126 Art. 17226 Art. 17734 Art. 17834 Art. 18034 Art. 18126 Art. 18326 Art. 18426 Art. 18834 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 19026 Art. 19334 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 19534 Art. 19626: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 19726: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 20034 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 20526 Art. 21026 Art. 21526 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 21726 Art. 22126 Art. 22826 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 23034 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 23234: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 24326 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Art. 24726: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich

Statutory Text (263 Articles)

Art. 1: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. The Church is everywhere where God's Word, based on the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is proclaimed and heard.

2. The Church is everywhere where people acknowledge God as the Creator, where they confess Jesus Christ as the head of the congregation and as the Lord and reconciler of the world, and where people are called to faith by the Holy Spirit and thus united into a living community.

3. The Church is everywhere where people bear witness to the Kingdom of God in word and deed through faith, hope, and love.

Art. 2: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Origin

Zurich exists based on the Word of God, which has found form in the Gospel of

Jesus Christ.

2 It continues the Reformation begun by Huldrych Zwingli and Heinrich Bullinger.

1. 1. 24-123

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181.10

Evangelical Reformed Church – Church Order

Interconnectedness

and Confession

Art. 3: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Regional Church, together with its members, is solely committed

to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Its faith, doctrine, and actions are oriented

towards it.

2 The Regional Church confesses the Gospel with the Christian

Church of all ages. In the sense of the ancient Christian creeds, it is part

of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Within this ecumenical

horizon, it is an Evangelical Church.

3 The Regional Church belongs to the Reformed Church community.

It testifies to this through its connection with the ancient Christian and

Reformation confessions, as well as through its reference to newer

Reformed and ecumenical confessional writings.

4 The Regional Church continually examines and renews its doctrine

and actions according to the Word of God as attested in Holy Scripture.

Affirmation and

Responsibility

Art. 4 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church lives from the liberating promise of God.

From this, it derives its responsibility in society.

2 The Regional Church exercises the prophetic watchman's office. In

aligning all spheres of life with the Gospel, it advocates for

human dignity, reverence for life, and the preservation of creation.

Mandate

Art. 5: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Regional Church is close to people and addresses them in their diversity.

2 As a people's church, it renders its service in openness towards the whole society through

a. the proclamation of the Word of God in liturgy, preaching, baptism, and Holy Communion,

b. the dedication based on the Word of God in diakonia and pastoral care,

c. the engagement with the Word of God in the education of children, young people, and adults,

d. the orientation to the Word of God in building up the congregation.

Family

Art. 6: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Regional Church advocates for the family, for a child-friendly society, and for the coexistence of generations.

Sunday

Art. 8: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Regional Church is committed to the translation of the Bible based on its Reformation Zurich Bible heritage.

2 The Zurich Bible is considered the translation introduced in the Regional Church.

Section 2: Relationships and Partnerships

Art. 9: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Landeskirche participates in the Reformed witness in

the world.

2 It maintains relationships with other Reformed churches.

3 It advocates for the cohesion of Swiss Protestantism.

Reformed

Community

a. Principle

Art. 10: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Regional Church is a member of the Evangelical Reformed Church Switzerland EKS34.

b. Evangelical Reformed

Church Switzerland

EKS34

Art. 11: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Regional Church is connected through the Evangelical-Reformed c. In Europe

Church Switzerland EKS34 with the Community of Protestant and worldwide

Churches in Europe CPCE, the Conference of European Churches CEC,

the World Communion of Reformed Churches WCRC and the World Council of

Churches WCC.

Art. 12: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. The Confession to Jesus Christ Obliges to Ecumenism.

2. Due to the common roots of Judaism and Christianity, the Reformed Church is committed to Christian-Jewish dialogue. It particularly cultivates the relationship with the Jewish faith communities in the Canton of Zurich.

3. The Reformed Church conducts dialogue with other religions and advocates for religious peace.

Interreligious Dialogue

Art. 14: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Regional Church maintains relationships with Protestant organizations, communities, and migrant churches that are based on the Reformation understanding of faith and scripture.

Art. 15: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The National Church collaborates with the Theological Faculty

of the University of Zurich, particularly in the training and

continuing education of theologians and for the processing

of scientific-theological questions.

2 The Church Council takes a position on appointment proposals of the Theological

Faculty.

3 The Theological Faculty is invited to delegate a representative to the

Church Synod.

Legal

Personality,

Autonomy

Section 3: Organizational Foundations

Art. 16: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich is an independent public law corporation.

2 It organises itself autonomously within the framework of cantonal law.

Cooperation

with the

Canton

Art. 17: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Landeskirche stands, through history, through the

understanding of its mission, and based on the Cantonal Constitution, in

a special relationship with the Canton of Zurich.

2 It collaborates with the competent bodies of the Canton in a partner-

like manner.

Democracy

and Rule of Law

Right of Petition

Right to Vote and

Elect

Art. 18 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Regional Church upholds democratic and rule-of-law principles in its organization and actions at all levels. It observes the equality of women and men.

Art. 19 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. The right to petition ecclesiastical authorities and organs is guaranteed.

2. These are obliged to examine petitions and to take a position on them within six months.

Art. 20: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

a25 The electoral authority is

Electoral Authority

a. the Church Council for elections and referendums in the parish,

b. the board of a parish association for elections and referendums in its area,

c. the Church Council for cantonal elections and referendums, and for elections in the ecclesiastical district.

Art. 21: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The term of office for authorities and bodies, elected pastors, and the boards of the parish chapters and diaconate chapters is four years.

2 Elections and supplementary elections within the term of office are valid for the remainder thereof.

3 Authorities and bodies are subject to complete renewal. The Church Council determines the timing.

Art. 22: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Members of authorities, bodies, commissions and working groups, as well as pastors, employees and volunteers, are obligated to maintain confidentiality regarding matters they have perceived in their official or service capacity, if there is a predominant ecclesiastical, public or private interest in secrecy in accordance with § 23 of the Act on Information and Data Protection, or if a specific provision so stipulates.26

2 This obligation remains in effect after the termination of the official and service relationship, as well as the voluntary cooperation.

1. 1. 24-123

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181.10 Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton – Church Order

3 The Church Council is responsible in all cases for releasing individuals from official secrecy.

Data Protection

Art. 23: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

a25 Liability for acts of ecclesiastical authorities,

organs, commissions, working groups and their members,

as well as of pastors, employees, and volunteers

is governed by cantonal law.

Principle

Section 4: Membership

Art. 24 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. A member of the cantonal church is every person resident

in the Canton of Zurich who

a. has not yet completed their 16th year of age and whose parents belong to the

cantonal church,

b. has not yet completed their 16th year of age and whose parents so

determine, without themselves belonging to the cantonal church,

c. as a member of the cantonal church, after completing their 16th year of age,

has not explicitly declared their withdrawal or non-membership.

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Evangelical-Reformed Cantonal Church – Church Order

181.10

2. Every person becomes a member of the cantonal church who

a. as a member of a church based on Reformed faith and

understanding of scripture, establishes residency in the Canton of Zurich,

b. is not a member of the cantonal church and is confirmed by a female pastor or

a male pastor of the cantonal church,

c. after completing their 16th year of age, is admitted into the cantonal church based on their declaration.

3. Whoever is a member of the cantonal church is simultaneously a member of the parish at their place of residence.

Art. 25: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Admission

Anyone wishing to be admitted to the Cantonal Church contacts a minister of the Cantonal Church or the bodies designated by the Church Council. These conduct an admission interview with the person wishing to join. Based on a written declaration from the person wishing to join, they effect the admission and immediately notify the Church Treasurer, the Church Council, and the political municipality.26

2. Persons belonging to another cantonal ecclesiastical corporation must declare their resignation from that body prior to admission.

3. Admitted persons who are not yet baptised usually receive baptism as a sign of their affiliation with the community of Jesus Christ.

Art. 26: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Withdrawal from the Regional Church or Non-Membership Therein

A declaration of withdrawal from, or non-membership in, the Regional Church must be submitted in writing to the Ecclesiastical Council at the place of residence. Collective declarations of withdrawal or non-membership are invalid.

**2 Discussion with the Withdrawing Person**

The pastor (female or male) or a member of the Ecclesiastical Council shall seek discussion with the person withdrawing.

**3 Confirmation of Withdrawal or Non-Membership**

The Ecclesiastical Council shall confirm the withdrawal or non-membership to the person concerned.

Art. 28: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Church Council promotes endeavors to recruit

members of the Regional Church.

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181.10 Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

Membership Register

Art. 28a: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Abs. 2,

c. the Personnel Ordinance12 in accordance with Art. 99 para. 2,

d. the Finance Ordinance11 in accordance with Art. 233 para. 1,

e. resolutions of the Church Synod regarding the division of parishes

in accordance with Art. 151 c,

f. the Concordat concerning the joint training of evangelical-

reformed pastors and their admission to

church service13 in accordance with Art. 102,

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Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

181.10

g. resolutions of the Church Synod concerning new one-time expenditures

of more than 4 million Swiss francs and new annually recurring

expenditures of more than 400,000 Swiss francs, excluding resolutions

in accordance with Art. 215 lit. b.

a.

2 The referendum may be initiated by

one third of the members of the Church Synod,

b. twelve parishes by resolution of the Church Council,

c. 1000 eligible voters.

3 The Church Synod may, on its own initiative, subject its resolutions to the facultative

referendum or a popular vote.

Art. 29: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Regional Church fulfills its mission through the proclamation of the Gospel in word and deed within the four fields of action: Proclamation and Worship, Diakonia and Pastoral Care, Education and Spirituality, as well as Church Development and Leadership.

2 It does so in the parishes, in regional tasks and projects, in the church districts, and at the regional church level.

3 In doing so, it is committed to social, ecological, and economic sustainability.

Art. 31: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The proclamation of the Gospel occurs in word

and deed. It touches the whole of life.

2 Divine service is the center of the proclamation. It is the source

of the church's life and a testimony in the world.

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Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

181.10

3 In speaking and in silence, the church listens to God's Word. It

praises and thanks, sings and prays, confesses and laments. It celebrates God's

presence in the Holy Spirit and is thereby strengthened in its life and

work.

4 Divine service can be celebrated anywhere where the ecclesiastical

mission is fulfilled.

Art. 32: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Liturgy makes visible the path of the congregation gathered in the name Liturgy

of the triune God through the worship service.

2 Gathering, adoration, proclamation, intercession, and sending are the

five steps of the Zurich Liturgy. Together, they form a living whole.

3 The sacraments of baptism and communion are part of the worship

service.

Art. 33: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1. The Proclamation of the Word comprises the reading from the Bible and the sermon.

2. The sermon is an exposition of Holy Scripture. Pastors are free in their choice of the biblical text.

3. The sermon is delivered by a pastor. The Church Council (Kirchenpflege) decides on exceptions for individual services, in agreement with the pastoral office. More far-reaching exceptions require the approval of the Church Board (Kirchenrat).

Art. 34: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Church music is an essential part of divine service

and participates in the proclamation of the Gospel.

2 Attention is to be given to congregational singing, choral singing, organ playing,

and further instrumental music.

3 The diversity of various musical styles is cultivated.

a. In divine

service

Art. 35: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Church music, in its various forms, participates in the building up of the congregation.

2. It fulfills a cultural mission. This includes the performance of sacred works.

Art. 36: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The worship service is led by a female pastor or a male pastor. Exceptions require the approval of the church council and the pastor's office.

2 Pastors consult with church musicians regarding the liturgical-musical arrangement of the worship service.

3 Where possible, they involve church members in the arrangement of worship services.

4 Pastors generally wear a gown.

1. 1. 24-123

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Leadership

Participation of

church members

Bible and

hymnal

Announcements

Collection

Location

Time

Public nature,

Bell ringing

policy

Image and sound

recordings

181.10

Evangelical-Reformed State Church – Church Order

Art. 37: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 In worship services, the Zurich Bible and the Hymnal of the Evangelical Reformed Churches of German-speaking Switzerland are generally used.

2 The church communities use Bible translations, hymnals, and liturgies according to their tradition.

Art. 38: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

The ecclesiastical acts are communicated to the congregation

in the Sunday service.

Art. 39: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

In every church service, a collection is taken. It is an expression of the diaconal mission and the solidarity with the worldwide church.

Art. 40: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The congregational worship service takes place in the church.

Exceptions are decided by the Church Board in agreement

with the Parish Office.

2 When choosing another location, the significance and

dignity of the worship service must be taken into account.

Art. 41: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council determines the time of the worship service on Sunday morning based on local circumstances.

**2 It may move the Sunday service once a month to the evening before or to Sunday evening.**

Art. 42: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Public Worship and Bell-Ringing

Worship services are public. The ringing of bells is a sign thereof.

2. Bell-Ringing Regulations

The Church Council issues regulations for bell-ringing.

Art. 43: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Private photographic and audio recordings during the church service are not permitted. The pastor decides on exceptions.

2 Public photographic and audio recordings require the consent of the church council.

3 Photographic and audio recordings must not disturb the congregation's worship.

Baptism and

Holy Communion

B. Sacraments

Art. 44: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

Baptism and Holy Communion are the sacraments of the Reformed

Church. They are signs of God's covenant with humanity

in Jesus Christ and a confession of faith.

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Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

a. Baptism

181.10

Art. 45: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 In baptism, God’s affirmation of the individual person is

attested to. It is an expression of their belonging to the community of Jesus and the form

of Christ.

2 The baptism of children or adults is performed according to the

testimony of the New Testament, in the name of God the Father, the

Son, and the Holy Spirit.

3 Baptism is performed only once. Baptism received in another church

is recognized.

4 Baptism is performed by a female or male pastor.

Art. 47: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Parents promise to raise their child in the Evangelical faith.

2 Godparents are persons of trust for the child. They accompany parents

and child in matters of the Evangelical faith.

3 At least one parent belongs to an Evangelical church. At least one

godmother or godfather is a mature member of a Christian church. If

one of these prerequisites is missing, the baptism can nevertheless be

performed in exceptional cases based on pastoral grounds.

Parents and Godparents

Art. 48: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Parents who do not wish to have their child baptized can bring them to the congregational service for a blessing, as a request for God's blessing.

b. Holy Communion

Art. 49: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Lord's Supper actualizes the covenant that God has made in Significance

Jesus Christ with His congregation. It is a confession

of faith and is celebrated according to the testimony of the New Testament.

2 The entire Christian community is invited to the Lord's Supper.

In the Lord's Supper, it celebrates communion with Jesus Christ and

experiences the power of reconciliation with God and among one another.

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181.10 Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

Timing

Form

Church Year

and Ecclesiastical

Holidays

Sunday and Holiday

Services

Further

Services

Art. 50: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Lord's Supper is generally celebrated twelve times a year, namely at Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost, on the Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer, as well as on Reformation Sunday.

Art. 51: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The pastor presides over Holy Communion.

2 The members of the church board, the sacristan, and other church members

called upon for this service participate in the distribution of Holy Communion.

3 The biblical Words of Institution form the central point of the Communion liturgy.

4 The church board decides on the form of Holy Communion in agreement with the pastor's office.

5 Holy Communion can also be celebrated outside the regular congregational service within the framework of pastoral care and church events.

C. Worship in the Church Year

Art. 52 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The organization of divine services follows the ecclesiastical year and church holidays.

**2 Church holidays are Christmas Day and Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Pentecost Sunday and Whit Monday, Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance and Prayer (third Sunday in September), Reformation Sunday (first Sunday in November), Eternity Sunday (last Sunday of the ecclesiastical year).**

**3 Throughout the ecclesiastical year, particularly during the ecumenical Season of Creation, creation-theological themes are given due consideration.**

Art. 53: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 On Sunday, the day of the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

and on church holidays, a divine service takes place in every parish.

2 On Christmas Day, Good Friday, and Ascension Day, divine service is

to be held. Furthermore, on church holidays that do not

fall on a Sunday, divine service is to be held, unless a divine service takes place

on the day before or after.

Art. 54: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Board may, in agreement with the Parish Office,

schedule additional worship services regularly or on special occasions.

Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order 181.10

2 The Church Council may schedule extraordinary worship services for the entire Cantonal Church.

Art. 55: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. **Multiple parishes can jointly conduct – Joint**

a. the additional services determined by the Church Council,

b. individual services, especially during holiday periods.

2. The Church Councils of the participating parishes shall decide on joint services after consulting the pastorates. They shall communicate their decision to the District Church Council.

D. Service in the Course of Life

a. Confirmation

Art. 56: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The confirmation ceremony is a community worship service. Meaning

2 Confirmation affirms God's "yes" as expressed in baptism. In confirmation, the congregation prays for the confirmands for God's blessing. Confirmation invites to responsible Christian living and participation in the life of the church.

b. Church wedding

Art. 57: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The church wedding is a divine service.

2 In this service, the married couple affirms their "yes" to each other before God and the congregation and asks for God's blessing.

Meaning

3 The church wedding is preceded by the civil marriage.

Art. 58: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Members of the Regional Church are entitled, by right, to be married by a pastor of the Regional Church.

2 Pastors of a parish are obliged to perform a marriage ceremony if one party of the couple is a member of that parish and the church service takes place there or in the immediate vicinity. In all other cases, they undertake marriage ceremonies within the scope of their possibilities or assist in finding a substitute.34

3 Pastors who undertake a marriage ceremony elsewhere shall communicate in advance with the parish office at the location of the wedding.

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181.10 Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

Location

Meaning

Entitlement

Location

Meaning

Art. 59: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The wedding takes place in a church. The pastor, male or female, can perform the wedding in another location upon request of the couple.34

2 When choosing another location, the significance and dignity of the service must be taken into account.

c. Church Funeral Service

Art. 60: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The church funeral service is an act of worship.

2 In this, life and death are considered in the light of the Gospel.

Art. 61: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Members of the Regional Church are entitled to a funeral service.

2 Pastors of a parish are obliged to conduct a funeral service if the deceased person was a member of that parish. Furthermore, they conduct funeral services as far as their capacity allows.

3 If the deceased person was not a member of the Regional Church, a funeral service may nonetheless be held for pastoral reasons.

4 Pastors who conduct a funeral service elsewhere shall notify the pastorate at the last place of residence of the deceased person and communicate in advance with the pastorate at the place of the funeral service.

Art. 62: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The funeral service takes place in a church or a funeral chapel. The pastor may, at the request of the deceased or the relatives, conduct the funeral service in another location.26

2 When choosing another location, the significance and dignity of the service must be taken into account.

d. Worship service in special life situations

Art. 63: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 For people in special life situations, a church service can be held for pastoral care reasons.

**2 Intercession and the request for God's blessing are of particular significance in this regard.**

**14**

**Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order**

**181.10**

Art. 64 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 Pastors decide on the design and implementation of services in special life situations.

2 In discussion with those involved, they clarify the theologically and liturgically responsible design of such services.

Section 2: Diakonia and Pastoral Care

A. Fundamentals

Art. 65: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Diakonia and pastoral care are based on the Gospel. The diaconal and pastoral actions of the Church are directed towards all people.

2. Diakonia occurs as active neighborly love and is an expression of lived faith.

3. Pastoral care takes place in encounter and conversation, trusting in God's love and presence.

4. The Regional Church exercises its prophetic guardian role also in its diaconal and pastoral actions. It identifies causes of injustice and suffering. It participates in the search for solutions and offers its services for mediation.

B. Diakonia

Art. 66: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Regional Church, through its diaconal mission, contributes to

preventing, alleviating, or remedying personal and social hardship. It

supports people in shaping their lives independently and creates opportunities

for encounter and community.

2 Diaconal work takes place in all areas of life, specifically in the fields

of youth, family, old age, health, work, migration and integration, as

well as in ecology.

3 Diaconal activities are professionally led by social deacons and are

carried out in cooperation with pastors.

4 The Church Council advocates for the access of parish communities

to professional diaconal services.

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Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

Places

Art. 68: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Regional Church perceives people in the reality of their lives

in its pastoral actions and values this reality within the horizon of the Gospel.

It respects the fragmented nature of human life.

2 Pastoral care shares in joy and happiness and carries with others

in sorrow and burdens. Through conversation, as well as in stillness and prayer, it

provides people with space to process experiences. Pastoral care opens up new

perspectives and life possibilities.

Art. 70: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Education and Spirituality Accompany People in the Search for Meaning and Orientation, and in the Endeavor to Relate the Experienced Reality of Life to the Believed Reality of God.

2. Education leads children, adolescents, and adults towards the evangelical faith. Through the transmission of the biblical message and Christian tradition, it seeks to awaken and deepen faith.

3. Spirituality is the shaping of life out of faith.

4. Parishes, the Regional Church, and evangelical educational institutions bear responsibility for church action in education and spirituality.

B. Child, Youth, and Family

a. Parents

Art. 71: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Church celebrates Sunday in biblical tradition as

the Day of Resurrection of Jesus Christ and as a day of rest.

2 It structures Sunday as a time for hearing and reflection,

as well as for community and hospitality.

3 The Regional Church advocates for the respect of Sunday in society.

2

Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

181.10

Art. 72: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1. The Regional Church advocates for the right of children and young people to encounter the biblical heritage and Christian tradition in schools to be preserved.

2. It promotes dialogue between denominations and religious communities within the framework of the school and school-based religious instruction.

Art. 73: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Parish churches and the cantonal church promote cooperation between church and school.

2 They advocate for religious education in schools.

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181.10 Evangelical-Reformed Cantonal Church – Church Order

c. Ecclesiastical Religious Education

Aims

Offerings

Children

Youth

Confirmation

Art. 74: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Regional Church introduces children, young people, young adults, and families to the life of the Christian community.

**2 Children and young people are familiarized with the Protestant faith.** This occurs through shared learning and active participation, particularly through experiences of worship celebrations and communal sharing.

Art. 75: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The parish churches conduct compulsory and voluntary

religious education modules. These also include children's and youth-

appropriate church services.

2 The Church Council determines the themes of the compulsory religious education

modules in accordance with the decisions of the Church Synod.

3 The Church Council regulates the details in an ordinance.

Art. 76: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Children up to eight years of age are introduced to the basic forms of faith and the liturgical year.

2. Children aged eight to twelve years are provided with deepened fundamental knowledge about faith. They are guided to find language and expression for their faith.

3. The mandatory religious education modules for children aged eight to twelve years comprise at least 120 hours, divided into at least 30 hours each in the second, third, and fourth grades, and 30 hours from the fifth to seventh grades.

Art. 77: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 Young people from twelve years of age until confirmation are accompanied in their search for a mature faith and a life in Christian responsibility.

2 The mandatory religious education modules for young people from twelve years of age until confirmation comprise at least 72 hours.

Art. 78: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Prerequisite for confirmation is attendance

of the mandatory religious education modules for children and

young people, as well as school-based religious instruction.

2 It is the rule that confirmands

are baptized.

3 Confirmation generally takes place at the end of compulsory

schooling.

18

Evangelical-Reformed National Church – Church Order

181.10

Art. 79 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Congregations and the National Church encourage young adults to take responsibility. They give them the opportunity to participate in the spiritual and communal life of the Church and to shape their own projects.

Art. 80: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The open youth work of the church communities promotes the relational capacity of young people, offers opportunities for participation, and strengthens self-responsible action.

C. Adults

Art. 81: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Parish Congregations, Regional Church, and Evangelical Educational Institutions – Principle

Parish congregations, the Regional Church, and evangelical educational institutions promote educational work with adults.

**2** Parish congregations utilize consultation, basic and continuing education, foundational work, and course models provided by the General Church Services.

Art. 82 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The aim of educational work with adults is to accompany people in the various phases of life in their search for orientation and a Christian way of life and to strengthen their spiritual, social, and cultural judgment. It seeks to awaken and deepen faith.

2 Educational work with adults comprises, in particular, the thematic areas of Bible, faith, Reformed identity, ethics, the Church, and religions.

D. Evangelical Educational Venues

Art. 83: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Regional Church assumes conceptual and financial co-educational and training responsibility for state-recognized evangelical educational and training institutions by supporting their establishment and operation.

Art. 85: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Regional Church promotes the publication and distribution of the Zurich Bible and of publications, particularly from the fields of theology, church history, religious education, spirituality, and life design.

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Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

2 For this purpose, it participates in the Theologischer Verlag Zürich (TVZ).

Congregational

Development

Leadership

a. Significance

b. Exercise

4. Section: Congregational Development and Leadership

A. Foundations

Art. 86: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church is built by God's Spirit, where people are strengthened in faith, find new vitality, orientation, and hope, and can live their faith in community.

2 Church building creates space for fellowship in celebrating, in listening to God, in praying and serving, and in the participation of members according to their gifts.

3 Church building means that people are won for the discipleship of Christ and His Church, that the Church bears witness to the Gospel, and performs the service of mediation and reconciliation in society.

4 The Church is built as a local church within the parish and as a church on the way in supra-parochial, regional, and overall church tasks, projects, and works.

Art. 87: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church requires leadership.

2 Ecclesiastical leadership is a service to the community. It is exercised

at all levels transparently and with theological accountability.

3 Ecclesiastical leadership enables, supports, and reviews the goal-

oriented and coordinated fulfillment of tasks. It plans, sets priorities,

and ensures their implementation.

Art. 88: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Ecclesiastical leadership is exercised by authorities and bodies

as well as offices and services.

2 These fulfil their leadership responsibilities within their remit

according to the Church Order, particularly in strategic,

operational or supervisory respects.

3 Ecclesiastical leadership ensures quality in ecclesiastical work

and is responsible for cooperation in mutual respect

and in open communication.

20

Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

B. Public Relations

181.10

Art. 89: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Parishes and the National Church ensure the presence of the National Church in the public sphere.

**2 They utilize the opportunities of contemporary means of communication.**

**3 They designate their official organs of publication.**

Art. 90: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Regional Church and its parishes cultivate relationships,

within the scope of their responsibility, contacts with other churches and religious communities, church organizations, social and cultural institutions, authorities and political parties, as well as businesses and media.

2 They coordinate their public relations efforts among themselves and with other church organizations.

Art. 91: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. The Church Synod and Church Council participate in the Träger- Information

verein reformiert.zürich.

2. The periodical published by the sponsoring association reformiert.zürich

is the magazine for the members of the regional church. The

parishes arrange for it to be sent to their members free of charge.25

3. The Church Council ensures the provision of information to members of

ecclesiastical authorities, pastors, and employees of the

regional church.

Art. 93: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council issues guidelines for the public image of the Regional Church.

2 It provides a special public image for ecumenical concerns.

Art. 94 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Parish churches and the Regional Church promote cultural projects within the scope of their mission.

C. Archives and Ecclesiastical Registers

Art. 95: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Landeskirche documents its work.

2 The church authorities and bodies as well as the parish offices maintain archives. The Church Synod and its commissions, as well as the Appeals Commission, hand over their files to the Church Council for archiving.

Principle

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181.10 Evangelical Reformed Landeskirche – Church Order

3 The Church Council regulates the maintenance of archives and church registers in an ordinance.

Parish Archive

Art. 96: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 In every parish, a pastoral archive shall be maintained.

**2 The components of the pastoral archive shall include, in particular:**

a. Baptismal registers, confirmation registers, marriage registers, and funeral registers,

b. Personnel and family registers or card indexes, as well as important correspondence and files concerning pastoral matters.

**Register Entry and Confirmation**

Art. 97: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Baptisms, confirmations, and weddings are to be entered into the church registers at the place of their performance; funeral services at the last domicile of the deceased person.

2 Baptism is to be confirmed with a baptismal certificate, marriage with a marriage certificate.

3rd Part: Parish Office and Services of the Church

1st Section: Foundations

A. Vocation and Professions

Vocation

Art. 98: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church calls women and men into its service.

2 Ordination and installation designate service of the Word,

commissioning and induction designate other services.

3 The installation of ordained theologians

leads to service in the pastorate, the induction of commissioned persons to

service in a church parish or institution.26

Personnel Law

Art. 99 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Parish churches and the Regional Church ensure a work environment characterized by appreciation, trust, and mutual respect.

2 The Church Synod issues Personnel Regulations for pastors and for the employees of the parish churches and the Regional Church.

3 The Personnel Regulations12 govern, in particular, the establishment, structuring, and termination of employment relationships, the rights and obligations arising therefrom, and the remuneration of pastors and employees according to uniform principles.26

4 The Church Council issues the necessary provisions for the implementation of the Personnel Regulations.

Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

181.10

Art. 100: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Salaries

1. The parish churches determine the salaries of their employees.

2. The Church Council determines the salaries of pastors and the employees of the Inter-Parish Services.

3. The Regional Church pays the salaries of pastors. It invoices the parish churches for the salaries of pastors in parish-owned positions.

Art. 101: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Pastors, Social Deacons and other persons in ecclesiastical professions shall preserve secrets entrusted to them by reason of their profession or which they perceive in the exercise thereof. If they are supported by other persons, these persons shall be subject to the same duty of confidentiality.

2. Persons obliged to preserve professional secrecy may only disclose such secrets with the permission of the Church Council. The Church Council may grant consent if overriding ecclesiastical, public or private interests so require.

B. Education and Training

Art. 102: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Landeskirche participates in the Concordat concerning the joint training of evangelical-reformed pastors and their admission to church service.

Art. 103: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

¹ The Church Council may grant applicants

without a certificate of eligibility from the Concordat concerning the joint

training of Protestant Reformed pastors and their admission to church service¹³, who demonstrate sufficient academic education as well as practical and personal suitability for the pastoral office, admission to the pastoral office

in the cantonal church. These applicants must pass a colloquium. 26

2 The Church Council regulates the details.

a. Training Concordat

b. Extraordinary Admission

Art. 104: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Church Council provides for the continuing education of the pastors. It regulates the details.

Art. 105: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

¹ The Church Council ensures training and continuing education

opportunities for employees of the church parishes and the State Church.

² It promotes collaboration with private and state educational institutions for the training and continuing education of church employees.

³ The State Church supports recognized training programs for ecclesiastical professions.

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Evangelical-Reformed State Church – Church Order

Art. 106: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Regional Church promotes the further training of volunteers.

Volunteers

Pastors (male and female)

Section 2: Parish Office

A. Fundamentals

Art. 107 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Pastors are theologically trained

for the proclamation of the Gospel in sermon, baptism and Holy

Communion, for pastoral care, for diakonia, for teaching and

educational work with adults, and for building up the congregation.

2 They are free in their proclamation of the Word, in obedience to Jesus Christ and bound by

the ordination vow.

3 Pastors render their service in a parish,

in institutions, in regional and church-wide tasks

and projects, as well as in the Church-wide Services.

Ordination

B. Ordination and Installation

Art. 108: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The ordination is the admission of members of the Church who have

received theological training into service of the divine Word. It requires the certificate of eligibility

pursuant to the Concordat concerning the joint training of evangelical-reformed

pastors and their admission to church service13 or the extraordinary admission

to the pastoral office of the regional church.26

2 The ordination is performed by an ordained member of the Church

Council during a divine service after the ordination vow has been taken.

3 Ordinands promise to fulfill their service as a pastor or in another

professional capacity with theological responsibility and to undertake the

personal obligations associated with this task. They take the ordination vow

with the words

24

“I vow before God to fulfill the service of His Word based on the

Holy Scripture of the Old and New Testaments in theological

responsibility and in the spirit of the Reformation.

I vow, in obedience to Jesus Christ, to bear witness to this service

through my life, wherever I am called.”

Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

181.10

4 With the ordination, the regional church commits itself to support the

ordained theologians in their church service.

Art. 109: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The list of ministers existing since the Reformation comprises

a. all theologians, male and female, ordained by the Regional Church;

b. theologians, male and female, ordained by another Protestant church, who hold a pastoral office in the service of the Regional Church or are employed by an institution affiliated with the Regional Church and have been admitted to the ministry by the Church Council upon request.

Art. 110: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Dean conducts the installation of pastors on behalf and at the invitation of the Church Council.

**2 The installation takes place in a church service. The Dean leads the ceremony.**

**3 The pastor confirms the ordination vow and subsequently delivers the inaugural sermon.**

**4 The Church Council regulates the requirements and details of the installation.**

Art. 111: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 Ordained theologians, women and men, bear the title of Pastor

Title VDM (Verbi Divini Ministra, Verbi Divini Minister).

2 The title Pastor (female) or Pastor (male) is conferred upon the first installation.

3 The Church Council may confer the title of Pastor upon other ordained theologians, women and men, upon their request.

C. Parish Ministry

Art. 112 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Pastors lead divine services and are commissioned with pastoral care in the congregation.

2 They contribute to the development of the congregation and are responsible for its theological reflection.

Art. 113: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 Pastors specifically fulfill the following official duties

Tasks and duties

Worship, Holy Communion, Baptism and Confirmation,

a.

b.

Marriages and Funerals,

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181.10 Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

c. Pastoral care,

d. Diaconal tasks, unless these are performed by social deacons,

e. Planning and participation in religious education programs and adult education,

f.34 Representing the concerns of the Cantonal Church, the Evangelical Reformed Church in Switzerland, the Swiss Interchurch Aid HEKS, missionary societies and ecumenism,

g. Maintaining the parish archive and church registers, and officiating at baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and funerals,

h. Further training with regard to self-competence, social competence, and professional competence.

2 Pastors ensure the accessibility of the parish office. In their absence, they arrange for a substitute.

3 Pastors may refuse to perform an official act that causes them a conflict of conscience, after consulting with the Dean. The Dean will arrange for a substitute.34

Art. 114: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Abs. 3 lit. b. as well as additional pastors upon invitation of the Church Council,

c. the head of the Parish Convent,

d. the parish clerk, to the extent that the parish has such a position.

3 If a pastor leads the Parish Convent, another member of the Parish Convent may attend the meetings of the Church Council with an advisory vote and the right to make proposals.

4 The Church Council may invite other persons with an advisory vote to the meetings for specific matters.

5 The Church Council shall adopt rules of procedure.

Art. 119: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 Parish councils may, with the approval of the Church Council, establish their own parish pastorates, either alone or jointly with other parish councils.

2 Approval will be granted if the parish council does not receive contributions from financial equalization and assumes the prescribed benefits for these positions.

3 For the holders of parish-owned pastorates, the provisions regarding the municipal pastorate apply.

Parish Pastorates

Art. 121: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. **Deputies shall perform pastoral duties**

a. in a vacant parish position until it is filled,

b. in case of the incumbent's absence or inability to perform duties.

2. The parish shall provide suitable official premises for deputies.

Art. 123: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 Pastors in institutions lead worship services and provide pastoral care within their framework.

2 Pastoral care in institutions encompasses pastoral attention to individuals, as well as cooperation with and pastoral support for the institution's staff.

3 The Church Synod issues an ordinance regarding pastoral care in institutions.

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Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Thurgau – Church Order

E. Election and Appointment

181.10

Art. 124: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The Election of Pastors in Parishes – Election26

**a. New Election**

1 The election of pastors in parishes is governed by the Church Law10 and the Law on Political Rights7.

2 The election takes place at the ballot box, unless the parish regulations provide for election at the parish assembly.

3 The Church Council regulates the procedure in an ordinance.

Art. 130 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Eligibility ceases with the loss of legal capacity or with the imposition of a professional ban in accordance with the provisions of the Swiss Criminal Code. 15.26

**2 If the competent church authority withdraws the eligibility of a pastor in the area of the Concordat concerning the joint training of evangelical-reformed pastors and their admission to church service, this withdrawal also applies to service in the Cantonal Church, provided it has taken place in a procedure equivalent to that of the Cantonal Church.**

Art. 131: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Provincial Church understands the proclamation of the Gospel in word and deed as a mandate in a worldwide context. Mission and Diakonia in a worldwide context

2 It collaborates with Swiss missionary organizations, notably with mission 21.

3 It particularly supports the Swiss Interchurch Aid (HEKS) as an agency of the Evangelical Reformed Church Switzerland.

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Evangelical Agencies and Communities, Migration Churches

Theological Faculty

Art. 135: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Organists, choirmasters, and other musicians perform church music duties for the parish.

Art. 136: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Social deaconesses and social deacons fulfill tasks within the framework of the diaconal mission of the Regional Church. They ensure the diaconal presence in church and society and participate in church educational work.

Art. 137: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Catechists fulfill duties within the framework of the religious education mandate of the Regional Church. They design religious education programs for the parish.

Art. 138: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Secretarial Staff

Secretarial staff undertake administrative tasks in the parish. They manage the parish administration.

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Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton of Bern – Church Order

Sexton (f), Sexton (m), Caretaker (f), Caretaker (m)

Art. 139: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Sacristans are responsible for preparing church services in accordance with the decisions of the Church Council and the instructions of the pastor.

2 Sacristans and caretakers maintain churches and other church properties, buildings, and premises. They assist in the preparation and execution of events.

Scope of employment

Art. 140: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. The Church Council issues recommendations for job full-time equivalents (FTEs) in the area of community services.

2. Church parishes that receive contributions from financial equalization may not exceed the recommended job full-time equivalents.

Volunteer Work

Section 4: Volunteers

Art. 141 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Volunteers participate in shaping community life.

2 The church parishes create an environment for volunteers characterized by appreciation, trust, and mutual respect. Those responsible ensure appropriate framework conditions. They take into account the special abilities of the volunteers and promote and support them with regard to their deployment.

3 The Church Council issues guidelines for volunteer work.

Church-wide Services

Section 5: Church-wide Services

Art. 143: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Regional Church is built upon the parishes.

2 It is structured into parishes, church districts, and the Regional

Church.

Structure

Art. 144: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Parishes, Ecclesiastical Districts, and the Cantonal Church – Subsidiarity

In fulfilling their tasks, they adhere to the principle of subsidiarity.

**2** They perform the duties assigned to them according to the Church Order and cantonal law, and they complement each other.

**3** The diaconal and pastoral presence in institutions is a task of the Cantonal Church.

Art. 145: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Suitability for Elections

In elections to an authority or an office, the suitability and personal and professional qualifications of the proposed candidates must be observed.

**2 Commitment**

By accepting the election to an authority or an office, the elected individuals implicitly acknowledge, or where provided, through taking an oath, the nature and mission of the Regional Church as well as the obligation to fulfill this mission with Christian responsibility.

Art. 146 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The training of members of church authorities Training and

and of other office holders is the responsibility of the Further Education

Regional Church.

2 Members of church authorities as well as other office holders

acquire the necessary skills for the fulfillment of their duties

and continue their education for their role.

and Responsibility

Art. 147: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Authorities and their members shall exercise their rights and perform

their duties within the scope of their competence and the statutory

provisions. Conflicts of competence shall be decided by the joint

supervisory authority, or, in cases of doubt, by the Church Council.

2 Authorities and their members are obliged to intervene if they

identify breaches of duty or grievances. If these fall outside their

competence, they shall report them to the competent body.

liability

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Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

Tensions

and Conflicts

Art. 148: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

¹ Authorities and bodies clarify tensions and conflicts through discussion.

² If a resolution cannot be achieved through discussion, they shall, within the scope of their competence, provide remedies in an appropriate manner.

Section 2: Parish

A. Fundamentals

Bodies

Art. 150: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council, the pastors, and the employees are called to build up the congregation in shared responsibility.

2 The Church Council fulfills its duties within the scope of its official responsibility in accordance with the Church Order and cantonal law.

3 The pastors and employees fulfill their duties, each in their specific service, in accordance with the Church Order, the directives of the Church Council, and the particular circumstances of the parish.

Inventory

Art. 151: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

¹ The parishes are listed in the appendix to the Church Order.

² The formation, merger, and dissolution of parishes are effected by decision of the Church Synod upon request of the affected parishes and parish federations, or after hearing them. The Church Synod decides on the assignment to a district if the parishes belonged to different districts.

Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

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³ The change of a parish name is effected by decision of the Church Synod upon request of the parish or after hearing it.

Art. 152: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The church parishes fulfill their mandate as part of the autonomous

regional church.

2 They autonomously regulate their affairs within the framework of the Church Order

and superior law.

Art. 154: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

In the appointment of commissions and working groups, as well as in the staffing of ecclesiastical offices and services, consideration must be given to the internal cohesion and the whole of the church parish.

Art. 155: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

a25 For the supervision of the church parishes and the

church parish associations, as well as for legal protection, the provisions

of the Municipal Law concerning supervision and legal protection apply

mutatis mutandis, unless the Church Order contains differing provisions.

B. Church Parish Assembly

Art. 156: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The entirety of the voters of the church parish assembles in the church parish meeting.

Art. 157 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

a25 1 Electoral procedures

**a. Nominations**

The Church Council may set a deadline for the submission of nominations before a Church Assembly meeting.

2 The Church Council shall publish the nominations.

3 Voters are not bound by the nominations.

Art. 158: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council may invite the faithful to open assemblies for discussing Church-related concerns.

2 Decisions from such assemblies shall have the effect of suggestions.

Assemblies

1. 1. 24-123

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181.10 Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

C. Parish Parliament25

Composition

Art. 159: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council advises, decides, and carries out the functions and

its assigned business of the church parish. It manages the administration of the church parish and exercises supervision.

2 The Church Council consists of at least five members, including the President.

Composition

Art. 161: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Elections to the Church Board are to be officially published,

announced to the church congregation, and, upon the entry into

legal force, communicated to the District Church Board, the Church Council,

and the District Council.

2 Newly elected members of the Church Board are welcomed

within the framework of a church service in the church congregation.

Art. 164: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council supervises

a. church life in the congregation,

b. the official duties of the pastors,

c. the fulfillment of tasks by employees and volunteers.

2 Art. 223 b concerning administrative investigations is applicable by analogy.33

b. Supervision

Art. 165: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council reports annually to the Church Assembly or c. Reporting and

the Church Parliament and the wider public on its activities and public relations

the life of the church community.26

1. 1. 24-123

41

181.10 Evangelical-Reformed State Church – Church Order

2 It provides the Church Council with all documents and information that

the latter requires for the planning and fulfillment of the State Church's tasks

and for reporting in accordance with the Church Law.10 It particularly

renders account to the Church Council regarding the use of the parish's

financial resources.

3 The Church Council ensures the information of pastors, employees,

and volunteers.

4 It informs the parish, the wider public, the district church council,

and the Church Council about significant community matters.

E.26 Audit Committee

Art. 166: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Auditing Commission is responsible for

controlling the financial budget of the church congregation.

2 It consists of five members, including the president. In church congregations with a church parliament, the church congregational ordinance may provide for more than five members.26

Art. 168: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Audit Commission constitutes itself, with the exception of the President, by itself.

Art. 173: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council elects the Convention Leadership from among its members, upon proposal by the Parish Convention, for a specific term.

2 The Convention Leadership presides over the Parish Convention and represents it before the Church Council.

Art. 174: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The parish churches utilize the substantive, personnel, and financial opportunities for inter-parish cooperation.

2 The Church Council promotes inter-parish cooperation.

Art. 175: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Parish congregations shall regulate inter-parish cooperation by concluding agreements, forming parish federations, or establishing other legal entities.

2 The competence for decisions according to para. 1 shall be determined by the parish regulations.26

3 Agreements between corporate bodies of the National Church among themselves and with other ecclesiastical corporate bodies, as well as the statutes of parish federations and other legal entities, shall be subject to the approval of the Church Council. This approval shall be granted if the agreements and statutes comply with superior law.

Art. 176: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The parish churches foster cooperation with

the political municipalities and the school municipalities.

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Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

181.10

H.26 Parish Associations

Art. 177: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

a33 ¹ An Evangelical Reformed community must, in order to be recognized as a parish,

a. have been active for at least four years within the territory of the Regional Church,

b. have at least 150 members, the predominant part of whom are members of the Regional Church and the remainder members of a member church of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Switzerland,

c. expressly recognize the theological and legal foundations of the Regional Church as set forth in its Church Order,

d. have been democratically organized for at least four years and publicly account for its activities and finances,

e. extend over the territory of several parishes of the Regional Church, and

f. have its seat within the territory of the Regional Church.

2 If an Evangelical Reformed community fulfills the requirements pursuant to para. 1, it may be granted recognition as a parish if it is significant for the Regional Church because it contributes to the linguistic or experiential diversity of the Regional Church or to the formation of ecclesial community at the level of the Regional Church.

b. Requirements

Art. 178: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

a33 The provisions concerning the parish office in a parish shall apply to the parish office of a church community.

Art. 179: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Church Council shall regulate by agreement with the church

communities, in particular

a. the assignment to an ecclesiastical district,

b. the form of cooperation with the Regional Church,

c. the financial contributions of the Regional Church,

d. the financing of the maintenance of properties of the church

communities and the powers of disposal over these properties,

e. the consequences of waiving recognition in accordance with Art. 179a.

Art. 181: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

a33 1 The deans assemble at the invitation of the Church Council in the Conference of Deans.

2 The presidents of the deaconate, church music, and catechetical chapters each assemble at the invitation of the Church Council in the conference of their presidencies.

3 The Church Council regulates the organization and tasks of the conferences.

B. District Church Board

Art. 182: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The District Church Council promotes and supervises the function and

ecclesiastical life in the district.

2 It consists of at least five members, including the

President. The Church Council determines the number of members of the District Church Councils.

Composition

1. 1. 24-123

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181.10

Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

3 Membership in the District Church Council is incompatible within the

district with26

a. membership in authorities and bodies of a parish

as well as in commissions pursuant to Art. 170 and 171 para. 1,

b. membership in authorities and bodies of a parish association

as well as in commissions pursuant to Art. 171 para. 1,

c. a pastoral office or an employment in a parish,

d. membership in the board of a chapter pursuant to Art. 181

para. 2.

Art. 185: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 For the organisation and management of the District Church Council, the provisions of the Municipal Act concerning municipal authorities shall apply by analogy.

2 The District Church Council is not bound by any instructions when deciding on a legal remedy, except in the case of a referral back by a superordinate authority.

3 The Church Council shall regulate the supervisory and visitation activities as well as the professional and administrative support for the District Church Councils in an ordinance.

4 The Canton Church shall bear the expenses of the District Church Councils.

Art. 186 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The District Church Board, subject to the jurisdiction of the District Council, shall have the following tasks in particular

a.

Maintaining relations with the church parishes, especially with the church boards, female pastors, male pastors, and employees,

48

Evangelical Reformed National Church – Church Order

181.10

b.26 Supervision of the church parishes, church communities, and church parish associations, their authorities and organs, as well as of female pastors, male pastors, and employees with regard to their official conduct and the fulfillment of their duties,

c.

d.

e.

Mediation in disputes within a church parish, between church parishes, and between their office holders, employees, and members,

Ordering supervisory measures,

Adjudication of appeals and complaints against orders and decisions of the church parishes and church parish associations, as well as their organs,

f.26 Taking a position on requests from church parishes for the allocation of pastoral positions according to Art. 117 para. 4 and for the establishment of parish-owned pastoral positions,

g.

Supporting church parishes in inter-parish cooperation,

h. Supervision of the management of archives of church parishes and church parish associations, of pastoral archives and church registers,

i.

j.

k.

l.

Representing the concerns of the National Church in the district,

Holding district assemblies and district days,

Informing the Church Council about incidents according to lit. c and d, and submitting an annual report to the Church Council on its activities and on the state of church life in the district,

Handling other matters assigned by the Church Order and the Church Council.

C. Chapter of Pastors

Art. 187 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. **Composition of the Parish Chapter**

The members of the ministry residing in the district gather in the district's parish chapter.

2. Members of the ministry residing in the district who are in the service of the Regional Church or an institution connected therewith and whose primary focus of activity is outside the district shall take a seat in the parish chapter there. The Church Council decides on exceptions.

Art. 189: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The Chapter of Pastors

1 The Chapter of Pastors convenes upon invitation by the Dean or by request of one-fifth of the voting members.

2 Members of the Chapter of Pastors who are active in a pastoral office are obligated to attend chapter meetings.

3 Members of the Chapter of Pastors who are in the service of the Regional Church or an institution affiliated with it are entitled to vote and stand for election. The other members participate in chapter meetings with a consultative vote.

**Duties**

Art. 191: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The Dean presides over the Pastoral Chapter and represents it externally.

2 Newly elected Deans are inducted into office during a service by a member of the Church Council.

Art. 192 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Deans are specifically responsible for

a. The installation of pastors and their introduction to the specific

circumstances of their parish and the Regional Church,

b. The support, advice, and promotion of the members of the Chapter

of Pastors,

50

Evangelical Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

c. Mediation in disputes, in cooperation with the District Church

Council,

d. Promotion of cooperation among the members of the Chapter of

Pastors,

e. Representation of the Church Council in the Chapter of Pastors and

in the district concerning matters of the pastoral office,

f.34 Participation in the Conference of Deans and representation of the

concerns of the Chapter of Pastors at this conference,

g. Reporting to the Church Council.

2 Within the scope of their duties, Deans are authorized to issue

instructions and to admonish members of the Chapter of Pastors.

Art. 194: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Social deacons and deaconesses who are employed by a parish, a parish association, the regional church, or an institution affiliated with the regional church are members of a Diaconate Chapter.

2 Affiliation is determined by the place of activity.

3...35

Art. 199 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Presidents are specifically responsible for

a.26 Introduction of social deacons and social deaconesses into the specific circumstances of their parish and the Regional Church,

b. Support, advice, and promotion of the members of the Diaconate Chapter,

c. In cooperation with the competent District Church Council, mediation in cases of tension,

d. Promotion of cooperation among the members of the Diaconate Chapter,

e. Participation in the conference of the Diaconate Chapter Presidencies and representation of the concerns of the Diaconate Chapter at this conference,

f. Reporting to the Church Council.

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Evangelical Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

181.10

Art. 200: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

a34 1. Church musicians and catechists who are employed by a parish,

a group of parishes, the cantonal church, or an institution affiliated with it,

are members of a Chapter of Church Musicians or a Chapter of Catechists,

respectively.

Composition

and

Obligation

to Attend

2. Members who are employed with a total workload of at least 20% by a

parish, a group of parishes, the cantonal church, or an institution affiliated with it,

are obliged to attend the Chapter meetings.

Art. 201: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Organs of the cantonal church are the entirety of those entitled to vote, the Church Synod, the Church Council, and the Appeals Commission.

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181.10 Evangelical-Reformed Cantonal Church – Church Order

A. Entirety of those Entitled to Vote

Function and

Composition

Initiative

Mandatory

Referendum

Optional

Referendum

Art. 202: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The totality of those entitled to vote elects in the

Synodal electoral districts the members of the Church Synod and decides

on the proposals to be submitted to it in accordance with the Church Order.

2 It consists of the members of the regional church entitled to vote.

Art. 203: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. An initiative may request the enactment, repeal, or amendment of provisions of the Church Order.

2. Initiatives shall be drawn up in the form of a fully drafted proposal or a general suggestion. Initiatives for a total revision of the Church Order are only admissible in the form of a general suggestion.

3. An initiative may be submitted by

a. one-third of the members of the Church Synod,

b. seven church congregations by resolution of the church congregation assembly or the church congregation parliament,

c. 1000 eligible voters.

Art. 204: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Subject to the mandatory referendum are

a. Total revisions of the Church Order,

b. Partial revisions of the Church Order which concern the powers of the

enfranchised members.

Art. 206: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Initiatives and referendums must be submitted to the Church Council. Otherwise, cantonal law shall apply by analogy.

B. Church Synod

Art. 207: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Synod exercises legislative power in cooperation with the function and the totality of those entitled to vote in the Regional Church.

2 It consists of 120 members and the representatives of the church communities.

Art. 208 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Ecclesiastical Districts and Parish Electoral Districts

The ecclesiastical districts and parishes form the electoral districts.

**2. The Church Synod may, at the request of the Church Council, divide individual districts into several electoral districts.**

Art. 209: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The distribution of seats among the electoral districts shall be proportional to the resident Protestant Reformed population, as most recently determined by the Statistical Office of the Canton of Zurich. Each parish shall be entitled to one seat, irrespective of its membership count.

2 The provisions of the Law on Political Rights concerning the allocation of seats for the election of the Cantonal Council shall apply mutatis mutandis.

3 The Church Council shall determine the distribution of seats among the electoral districts prior to each general election.

Art. 211: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The members of the Church Synod shall take the oath of office following

the confirmation of their election, with the words

"I vow before God to conscientiously fulfill my duties as a member of the Church

Synod, to serve the cantonal church in the

fulfillment of its mission, and thereby to promote the cause of Jesus Christ

to the best of my ability with God's help."

The members of the Church Synod shall affirm the oath of office

with the words "I vow it."

Constitution

Art. 212: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Church Synod constitutes itself. It adopts

rules of procedure.

Meetings

Art. 213: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Church Synod convenes quarterly upon invitation from the President. It is also convened

a. by order of the President,

b. at the request of one third of its members,

c. upon application by the Church Council.

The deliberations are public.

The members of the Church Council, the Church Council Secretary, and the representative of the Theological Faculty of the University of Zurich have an advisory vote and the right to submit motions in the Church Synod.

Tasks

a. General

Tasks

Art. 214 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Church Synod shall have, in particular, the following duties

a. Decision-making on Bible translations, liturgy, and hymn books,

b. Enactment and amendment of the Church Order and of decisions

that are binding for all parishes,

c. Enactment and approval of ordinances, to the extent that the Church

Order provides for this,

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Evangelical-Reformed State Church – Church Order

181.10

d. Taking a position on amendments to provisions of the Cantonal

Constitution affecting the State Church, and on revisions

of the Church Law10,

e. Acknowledgment of the legislative objectives of the Church Council,

f. Decision-making on church-wide tasks,

g. Handling of initiatives, motions, postulates, interpellations,

written inquiries, resolutions, and petitions,

h. Regulation of the remuneration of the members of the Church Synod,

the Church Council, the district church administrations, and the Appeals Commission,

i. Oversight of the business conduct of the Church Council and the

Appeals Commission, as well as approval of the annual reports,

j. Taking a position on questions of theological and ecclesiastical as well as ethical

and societal nature through public statements,

k. Deliberation and decision-making on other matters submitted by the Church Council.

Art. 216: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Church Synod elects

a. 34 for the term of office

1. the President of the Church Council or the President of the Church Council

and the other members of the Church Council,

2. the members of the Appeals Commission,

3. the members and substitutes for the Synod of the Evangelical-

Reformed Church Switzerland,

b. Finances

c. Elections

b.

the Synodal Preacher.

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181.10

Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton – Church Order

C. Church Council

Function and

Composition

Art. 218: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. After their election, the members of the Church Council take the oath of office before the Church Synod or its Bureau with the words

"I vow before God to conscientiously fulfill my duties as a member of the Church Council, to serve the Regional Church in the fulfillment of its mission, and thereby to promote the cause of Jesus Christ to the best of my ability with God's help."

2. The members of the Church Council confirm the oath of office with the words "I do so vow."

58

Evangelical Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

181.10

Art. 219: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council constitutes itself, with the exception of the constitution of the President.

2 The Church Council Secretary participates in the meetings of the Church Council with a consultative vote and the right to make proposals.

3 The Church Council adopts its own rules of procedure.

Art. 220 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Duties of the

Church Council

The Church Council manages the affairs of the National Church, unless another a. General

authority or body is competent. Duties

2 The Church Council is, in particular, responsible for the following duties

a. Publication of the Zurich Bible, the Zurich Liturgy, as well as church hymn-

and textbooks,

b. External representation of the National Church,

c. Submitting motions to the Church Synod, commenting on reports and

motions from commissions of the Church Synod, and executing resolutions

of the Church Synod,

d. Issuing ordinances that do not fall within the competence of the Church

Synod,

e. Developing legislative objectives for the Church Synod,

f. Fulfilling overarching church tasks,

g. Electing the Church Council Secretary for the term of office,

h. Recommendations to the parishes for the deployment of personnel and

financial resources in the church's areas of activity,

i. Right to propose the appointment of members of the Ministry of the

National Church as army chaplains,

j. Appointing delegations and representatives of the Church Council,

k. Personnel responsibility for pastors,

l. Supervision of the church districts, their authorities and bodies,

m. Overall supervision of the parishes, parish communities, and parish

associations, their authorities and bodies, as well as of the parish pastorates

and employees of the parishes,

n. Supervision of independent church foundations created under the Civil Code14

to promote the tasks of the National Church,

1. 1. 24-123

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181.10 Evangelical Reformed National Church – Church Order

o. Commenting on theological and ecclesiastical as well as ethical and social

questions through public statements,

p. Adjudicating appeals against first-instance orders of the district church

boards and against appeal decisions of the district church boards, provided

that further appeal to the Appeals Commission or the cantonal

Administrative Court is excluded.

b. Finances

Art. 222 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council reports annually to the Church Synod

on the activities of the Regional Church and submits the annual

financial statements. The annual report is made available to the public.

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Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

181.10

2 In accordance with the Church Law¹º, the Church Council handles the reporting

to the Canton, particularly regarding the use of cost contributions and

revenues from church taxes of legal entities, as well as the effectiveness of the activity programs.

3 It informs the public about essential matters of the Regional Church.

Art. 223: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Delegation of Tasks

The Church Council may, through its rules of procedure, delegate specific subject areas for independent management to its members, the Church Council Secretary, or the Church Council Clerk.

**2 Commissions, Working Groups, and Experts**

It may appoint commissions for specific subject areas and working groups for processing individual matters, or consult experts. It defines their mandates and powers.

Art. 224: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council may remove members of the organs of parish

churches and parish church associations, district church administrations,

and the boards of chapters in accordance with Art. 181 para. 2 from office

or suspend them from office for a maximum period until the end of their term

if they seriously neglect their ecclesiastical, official, or administrative

duties, otherwise disregard legal regulations, or if criminal proceedings

have been initiated against them.26

2 Under the same conditions, the Church Council may suspend female

pastors, male pastors, employees of parish churches and parish church

associations, and other persons entrusted with ecclesiastical functions

from their office or service.

3 Precautionary measures are governed by the provisions

of the Administrative Justice Act and the Personnel Ordinance.

Function and

Composition

Constitution

Judicial

D. Appeals Commission

Art. 225: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Appeals Commission deals with legal disputes that are assigned to it for decision by the Church Order.

2 It consists of six members.

3 Membership in the Appeals Commission is incompatible with any other office or employment within the Regional Church.

Art. 226: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Appeals Commission constitutes itself.

2 It handles disputes in panels of three.

3 It adopts rules of procedure and appoints its secretariat.

Art. 227: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The Appeals Commission, in its judicial capacity, is independent

and bound only by the law.

Jurisdiction

and Duties

2 Decisions of the Appeals Commission may be overturned or amended

only by a higher court in accordance with legal provisions.

a.

Art. 229 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The procedure before the Appeals Commission is governed by the

provisions of the Administrative Justice Act concerning the appeals

procedure before the Administrative Court.

2 The consultation period for an appeal is generally the same length

as the appeal period. It may be extended in justified cases.25

E. Ombudsman's Office34

Art. 231 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The ombuds office is independent.

2 The activity as ombudsperson is incompatible with any other office and

any employment within the Regional Church.

Independence

Art. 233 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Synod issues financial regulations.

2 The financial regulations specifically govern the accounting

and the financial budget of church parishes and the cantonal church, financial

equalization, and building contributions.

3 The Church Council issues the provisions necessary

for the execution of the financial regulations.

Financing

Tax Rate

Financial Equalization

Accounting

and Auditing

Collections and

Offerings

1. Section: Finances of the Church Parishes

Art. 234: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Parish communities finance themselves through

a. tax revenues,

b. contributions from financial equalization,

c. contributions from the cantonal church,

d. other means according to the financial ordinance.

Art. 235 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The parish churches shall determine their tax rate such that,

with an economical use of resources, they achieve a balanced financial budget in the medium term.

Art. 236: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Financial equalization creates the prerequisite for

the church parishes to be able to fulfill their mission according to the Church Order.

2 It ensures a balanced tax burden among the church

parishes.

3 The Financial Ordinance regulates the details.

Art. 237 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council issues directives for accounting and auditing in the parish communities.

2 It prepares the consolidated financial statements of the parish communities and the cantonal church.

Art. 238: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The churchwardens shall collect the offerings in accordance with

the Church Regulations.

2 They shall carry out the offerings and collections mandated by the Church Council.

Otherwise, they shall decide on the use of the offerings themselves.

3 Such funds may not be used for expenses that are to be covered by taxes or other means.

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Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Regulations

Section 2: Finances of the Cantonal Church

Art. 239: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Cantonal Church is financed by

a. contributions from the parish churches,

b. cost contributions from the Canton,

c. other means in accordance with the Financial Ordinance.

181.10

Financing

Art. 240: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The contributions of the parish churches to the Reformed Church

contributions are calculated based on

a. the church tax revenues,

b. the tax rate of the individual parish church,

c. the contribution rate set by the Church Synod.

2 The Financial Ordinance11 regulates the limitation of the contribution

rate.26

3 The Church Synod sets the contribution rate in such a way that, with

an economical use of resources, a medium-term balanced financial

budget for the Reformed Church is achieved.

a.

Art. 241: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Use of Funds

The Regional Church uses its funds for

a. Contributions to the parish churches,

b. The salaries of the male and female pastors,

c. Services, institutions, and tasks of the Regional Church,

d. The authorities and organs of the Regional Church and the ecclesiastical districts,

e. Contributions to the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches, the aid organisation of the Swiss Protestant Churches HEKS, and to other institutions and works.

Art. 242: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. The Regional Church has at its disposal funds for ecclesiastical purposes.

2. The Church Council administers and uses such funds in accordance with the respective regulations.

3. Section: Real Estate in the Parishes

Art. 244 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The worshiping community gathers in the church.

2 The Church Council ensures that the church is open for reflection, devotion, and prayer.

Art. 245 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Board may permit the temporary use of the church for other purposes, while preserving the special character of the church.

2 The permanent use of a church for non-ecclesiastical purposes and the sale of a church require the approval of the Church Council. The Church Council shall consult the affected church parishes and church parish associations.

Art. 246: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and St. Peter churches in Zurich are available to the Church Synod and the Church Council free of charge for divine services and ecclesiastical events.

Art. 248 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 Projects of at least one parish, which deviate from the powers of the parish as defined in the church order, require the approval of the parish assembly or the parish parliament and the authorization by the Church Council.26

2 Such projects must be time-limited. The Church Council monitors their implementation.

3 The Parish Board shall report to the Church Council upon completion of the project, and the Church Council shall in turn report to the Church Synod.

Art. 249: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Repeal of the Church Order of July 2, 1967, including all

subsequent amendments, is hereby repealed.

Enactments

2. The existing enactments, guidelines, and resolutions of the Church a. Regional Church

Synod and Church Council shall remain applicable until the provisions of

this Church Order come into force. Reservations are made for the

provisions of this Church Order, as well as any conflicting resolutions

of the Church Synod and Church Council.

Art. 250 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Parish regulations and other decrees and b. Parish

orders of the parish communities, parish associations, and parish remain

communities remain applicable, provided they do not contradict this church

order and its implementing provisions.

2 Parish communities, parish associations, and parish communities

shall adapt their parish regulations, statutes, decrees, and orders

within three years of the entry into force of this church order.

Art. 251: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Authorities and bodies remain in office until their term of office has expired under the previous law. The Church Council determines the timing of the renewal elections.

Art. 252: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The unification of the ecclesiastical districts Zurich left district and

of the Limmat and Zurich right of the Limmat according to Art. 180 of this Church Order, as well as the restructuring of the Diaconate Chapters according to Diaconate

Chapter Zurich

Art. 253: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Pastors and their Employment Relationship

1 Pastors whose term of office has ended with the entry into force of Church Law10 enter into the substitute status in accordance with Art. 121 of these Church Regulations.

2 The election of pastors for the new term of office takes place by ballot box in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Political Rights concerning confirmation elections. The Church Council determines the timing and regulates the details of the procedure.

3 The Church Council sets the beginning of the new term of office. It ends on June 30, 2016.

4 At the beginning of this term of office, pastors in institutions are employed in accordance with Art. 127 of these Church Regulations.

**Entry into Force**

Art. 254: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

This Church Order shall enter into force³ after its adoption by

the voters and after the official publication of the

Government Council’s approval resolution² on the date determined by the

Church Council.

Transitional Provision on the Amendment of May 15, 2018 (OS 73, 530)

I. The church administrations (Kirchenpflegen) shall implement Article 91 para. 2 sentence 2 within one

year of the entry into force of this amendment to the Church Order.

II. The chairperson of the pastoral conference (Pfarrkonvent) and the representation

of the pastoral conference in the church administration (Kirchenpflege) according to Article 114 para. 3

lit. b shall be determined within six months of the entry into force of this amendment

to the Church Order for the remainder of the 2016–2020 term of office

of the pastors.

III. The pastoral service regulations (Pfarrdienstordnung) according to Article 115 para. 1 and the rules

of procedure (Geschäftsordnung) according to Article 162 para. 5 shall be enacted within one year of

the entry into force of this amendment to the Church Order. Otherwise,

Article 250 shall apply to the parish regulations (Kirchgemeindeordnungen), statutes, enactments, and

ordinances of the parishes (Kirchgemeinden), parish associations (Kirchgemeindeverbände), and parish communities (Kirchgemeinschaften).

IV. Articles 116, 117, 120, 122, and 126 paras. 1 and 2 shall, subject to

section V, be applicable for the first time to the allocation of positions and for the 2020–2024 term of office

of the pastors.

V. The allocation of pastoral positions according to Articles 116 and 117 shall be effected

for the 2020–2024 term of office of the pastors as follows

a. The average cantonal church quorum (landeskirchliches Quorum) shall be 1650 members.

b. Parishes (Kirchgemeinden) with no more than 2000 members shall, notwithstanding Article 117 para. 1,

have in the pastorate

1. 80 percent of a full-time position for 901 to 1500 members,

2. 100 percent of a full-time position for 1501 to 2000 members.

c. For each number of members corresponding to half of the average cantonal church

quorum, 5 percent of a full-time position shall be granted.

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Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church – Church Order

181.10

VI. The Church Synod shall adopt resolutions for the first time for the 2024–2028

term of office of the pastors according to Article 116 para. 4 and Article 117 para. 2.

VII. The following shall be governed by the provisions of the Church Order in the version

of March 17, 2009, for the remainder of the 2016–2020 term of office

of the pastors

a. the allocation of pastoral positions (Articles 116 and 118),

b. the auxiliary service (Art. 117), unless a vacancy in the

relevant pastoral position occurs before or it is terminated before,

c. the division of pastoral positions (Articles 120, 126, and 132 para. 3),

d. the residency requirement (Article 122).

VIII. The following shall not be applicable to mergers of parishes

pending at the time of the entry into force of this amendment to the Church Order

a. Article 151a para. 2, if the merger agreement has already been resolved by

the voters,

b. Article 151a para. 3, if the parish regulations of the merged

parish have already been resolved by the voters or by the parish parliament.

IX. Article 170 para. 2 shall apply to pastoral election committees

established after the entry into force of this amendment to the Church Order.

X. The district church administrations (Bezirkskirchenpflegen) shall enact the rules of procedure

according to Article 184 para. 4 within one year of the entry into force of this amendment to the Church Order.

XI. The church music chapters (Kirchenmusikkapitel) and the catechetics chapters (Katechetikkapitel) shall constitute

themselves on January 1, 2020, for the remainder of the 2018-2022 term of office

of the church administrations.

XII. Article 210 para. 3 shall apply for the first time to the re-election of the Church Synod

for the 2019-2023 term of office.

XIII. Article 217 para. 3 lit. a–c and e shall apply for the first time to the re-election of the

Church Council for the 2019–2023 term of office.

XIV. Article 228 para. 1 lit. c as well as

paras. 3 and 4 shall not apply to proceedings pending at the time of the entry into force of this amendment to the Church Order.

1. 1. 24-123

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181.10 Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church – Church Order

Transitional Provisions on the Amendment of July 12, 2022

(OS 78, 57)

I. The parish communities (Kirchgemeinschaften) of the cantonal church existing according to Article 177 para. 1 of the Church Order in the version

of March 17, 2009, shall be deemed recognized.

II. The determination of the chapters according to Article 180 para. 2 can only take place

for the first time on July 1, 2024. Otherwise, the Church Council shall regulate the

details.

1 OS 64, 729.

2 Approved by the Government Council on November 25, 2009.

3 Entry into force: January 1, 2010.

4 ABI 2009, 1268.

5 LS 101.

6 LS 131.1.

7 LS 161.

8 LS 170.4.

9 LS 175.2.

10 LS 180.1.

11 LS 181.13.

12 LS 181.40.

13 LS 181.41.

14 SR 210.

15 SR 311.0.

16 Version according to Decision of January 5, 2010 (OS 65, 516). In force since September 1,

2010.

17 Version according to Decision of November 26, 2013 (OS 69, 598; ABI 2013-11-29). In

force since January 1, 2015.

18 Version according to Decision of March 25, 2014 (OS 69, 600; ABI 2014-03-28). In force

since January 1, 2015.

19 Version according to Decision of November 24, 2015 (OS 71, 107; ABI 2015-11-27). In

force since April 1, 2016.

20 Version according to Decision of June 13, 2017 (OS 72, 576; ABI 2017-06-16). In force

since January 1, 2018.

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Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church – Church Order

181.10

21 Version according to Decision of June 13, 2017 (OS 72, 576; ABI 2017-06-16). In force

since July 1, 2018.

22 Version according to Decision of November 28, 2017 (OS 73, 168; ABI 2017-12-01). In

force since July 1, 2018.

23 Version according to Decision of May 8, 2018 (OS 73, 327; AB1 2018-05-18). In force since

January 1, 2019.

24 Version according to Decision of January 16, 2018 (OS 73, 447; AB1 2018-01-26). In force

since January 1, 2019.

25 Inserted by Decision of May 15, 2018 (OS 73, 530; ABI 2018-06-01). In force

since January 1, 2019.

26 Version according to Decision of May 15, 2018 (OS 73, 530; ABI 2018-06-01). In force

since January 1, 2019.

27 Repealed by Decision of May 15, 2018 (OS 73, 530; AB1 2018-06-01). In force

since January 1, 2019.

28 Version according to Decision of March 26, 2019 (OS 74, 482; ABI 2019-03-29). In force

since January 1, 2020.

29 Version according to Decision of June 29, 2021 (OS 76, 464; AB1 2021-07-02). In force

since January 1, 2022.

30 Version according to Decision of September 28, 2021 (OS 76, 546; ABI 2021-11-19). In

force since January 1, 2022.

31 Version according to Decision of March 29, 2022 (OS 77, 261; ABI 2022-04-01). In force

since July 1, 2022.

32 Version according to Decision of September 27, 2022 (OS 77, 555; ABI 2022-09-30). In

force since January 1, 2023.

33 Inserted by Decision of July 12, 2022 (OS 78, 57; ABI 2022-07-15). In force since

March 1, 2023.

34 Version according to Decision of July 12, 2022 (OS 78, 57; ABI 2022-07-15). In force since

March 1, 2023.

35 Repealed by Decision of July 12, 2022 (OS 78, 57; AB1 2022-07-15). In force

since March 1, 2023.

36 Inserted by Decision of June 27, 2023 (OS 78, 417; AB1 2023-06-30). In force

since January 1, 2024.

37 Version according to Decision of June 27, 2023 (OS 78, 417; ABI 2023-06-30). In force

since January 1, 2024.

1. 1. 24-123

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181.10

Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church – Church Order

Appendix

Register of Evangelical Reformed Parishes and Parish Communities

District of Zurich24

Zurich

Zurich Hirzenbach

Zurich Witikon

District of Affoltern

Kappel a. A.

Knonau

Knonauer Amt29

Obfelden

Stallikon-Wettswil

District of Horgen 28

Horgen 20

Kilchberg

Oberrieden

Richterswil

Rüschlikon

Sihltal

Schönenberg-Hütten20

Thalwil

Wädenswil

District of Meilen

Erlenbach

Herrliberg

Küsnacht

Männedorf

Meilen

Oetwil a. S.

Stäfa-Hombrechtikon 30

Uetikon a. S.

Zollikon-Zumikon 32

District of Hinwil

Bäretswil

Bubikon

Dürnten

Fischenthal

Gossau

Grüningen

Hinwil

Rüti

Seegräben

Wald

Wetzikon

District of Uster37

Brüttiseller Kreuz36

Dübendorf-

Schwerzenbach 21

Egg

Fällanden

Greifensee

Maur

Mönchaltorf

Uster

Volketswil

72

Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church – Church Order

181.10

District of Pfäffikon

Bauma-Sternenberg14

Illnau-Effretikon31

Fehraltorf

Pfäffikon

Weisslingen

Hittnau

Russikon

Wildberg

District of Winterthur28

Dägerlen

Sitzberg

Winterthur Seen

Dättlikon-Pfungen32

Turbenthal-Wila23

Winterthur Töss

Eulachtal

Wiesendangen

Winterthur Veltheim

Hettlingen

Winterthur Stadt

Winterthur Wülflingen

Neftenbach

Winterthur Mattenbach

Zell

Seuzach-Thurtal

Oberwinterthur

District of Andelfingen28

Andelfingen

Flaachtal 15

Stammheim

Dorf

Henggart

Weinland Mitte29

Feuerthalen

Laufen

District of Bülach 28, 37

Breite 29

Kloten

Wil-Hüntwangen-Wasterkingen

Bülach

Opfikon

Eglisau

Rafz

Embrach-Oberembrach-

Rorbas-Freienstein-

Lufingen

Teufen

Glattfelden

Wallisellen

District of Dielsdorf

Dielsdorf

Otelfingen-Boppelsen-

Furttal22

Hüttikon

Niederhasli-Niederglatt

Regensberg

Oberglatt

Rümlang

Stadlerberg22

Steinmaur-Neerach

Wehntal15

Weiach

1. 1. 24-123

73

181.10

Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church – Church Order

District of Dietikon24

Birmensdorf-Aesch

Dietikon

Schlieren

Uitikon

Urdorf

Weiningen

Parish Communities

Eglise évangélique réformée zurichoise de langue française

Chiesa Evangelica di Lingua Italiana di Zurigo

Iglesia Evangélica Hispana del Cantón de Zúrich

74

Art. 2026 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 **Right to vote and stand for election in matters of the

Parish, the ecclesiastical district and the Regional Church, is granted to anyone who**

a. is a member of the Regional Church,

b. has political domicile in the relevant municipality,

c. holds Swiss citizenship or a foreign resident permit B, C or Ci, and

d. has completed their 16th year of age.

4

Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church – Church Order 181.10

2 **Eligible for election to authorities and bodies of the Parish, the

ecclesiastical district and the Regional Church, is anyone who**

a. is a member of the Regional Church,

b. has political domicile in the relevant municipality, if required,

c. holds Swiss citizenship or a foreign resident permit B, C or Ci,

d. has completed their 18th year of age, and

e. fulfills the other requirements according to the Church Order.

3 **The parishes shall have the register of persons entitled to vote and stand for election maintained by the political municipalities.**

Art. 2326: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The processing and disclosure of information, personal data, and special categories of personal data are governed by cantonal law.

2 Authorities and bodies of the parish communities, the ecclesiastical districts, and the cantonal church, as well as pastors and employees, are authorized, subject to individual blocking notices and while observing official secrecy, to process and disclose information, personal data, and special categories of personal data among themselves for the fulfillment of ecclesiastical tasks.

3 Para. 2 applies equally to cooperation with

a. the other cantonal ecclesiastical corporations as well as their parish communities and pastorates,

b. the canton, the political municipalities, and the school municipalities,

c. the member churches of the Evangelical-Reformed Church Switzerland EKS34 as well as their parish communities and pastorates.

4 The Church Council shall regulate the details in an ordinance. It may issue this jointly with the other cantonal ecclesiastical corporations.

Liability

Art. 2726: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Declarations of Non-Membership and Resignations

The Church Council is to be informed by the Church Board of declarations of non-membership and resignations, specifying the reasons for the latter. The Church Council shall regulate the details.

**2 Reporting to Political Municipality**

Declarations of non-membership and resignations must be reported to the political municipality within ten working days after their legal force comes into effect, for the purpose of updating their registers.

Art. 3026: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Church acts and services are open to all members of the Regional Church within the framework of the Church Order.

2 If church acts and services are performed by pastors and employees in the service of the Regional Church or its parishes, they are free of charge for members of the Regional Church within the usual scope.

3 In cases justified by pastoral care, church acts and services may also be provided to persons who are not members of the Regional Church.

Meaning

Section 1: Proclamation and Worship

A. Foundations

Art. 4626: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Baptism takes place in a congregational service. Location

Through its presence, the congregation testifies to its co-responsi-

bility for the lives of those baptized and includes them in its intercessions.

2 The pastor may perform baptism outside of the congregational

service in justified cases.

3 If a baptism does not take place in the parish of residence of the

baptized person, this must be communicated to the parish office of residence.

Art. 6734: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The parish churches are responsible for diaconal action

locally and in inter-parish collaboration. They orient

themselves according to local and regional needs as well as

the resolutions of the Church Synod. The Church Council supports

the parish churches in fulfilling their diaconal duties.

2 The Regional Church participates in regional and overall church tasks

and promotes corresponding projects and organizations.

3 The Regional Church and parish churches can undertake diaconal tasks

in ecumenical collaboration as well as in partnership with state

or private specialist agencies and institutions.

4 The Regional Church and parish churches advocate for tasks

and projects of worldwide diaconia, particularly in collaboration

with the Swiss Protestant Church Aid HEKS and with

mission 21.

Mandate

Locations

C. Pastoral Care

Art. 6926: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Pastoral care is adopted as a fundamental attitude, particularly in divine worship, diaconal action, and educational work.

2 Places of pastoral presence are

a. the church congregations with their pastoral offices, employees, and volunteers,

b. the pastoral offices in institutions, the pastoral offices with mixed sponsorship, as well as the pastoral offices and counseling centers of the overall Church Services,

c. other institutions and works supported by the National Church.

16

Evangelical-Reformed National Church – Church Order

Section 3: Education and Spirituality

A. Fundamentals

181.10

Art. 8426: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Regional Church operates an educational, conference, and guesthouse in Kappel Monastery, and connected with it, a hospitality and hotel business.

Educational Institutions

E. Publishing

Art. 11426: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 If a parish office has multiple vicars and priests, they form the pastoral conference.

2 The pastoral conference is responsible for the theological development of the parish. It serves as a forum for discussion, exchange, and coordination.

3 The pastoral conference elects from among its members for a specific term

a. the chairperson,

b. the other vicars and priests who attend the meetings of the Church Council alongside the chairperson.

4 If more than four vicars and priests are active in a parish office, the parish regulations may limit the number of vicars and priests according to para. 3 to four.

5 The chairperson of the pastoral conference is primarily responsible for the cooperation with the Church Council and the parish assembly.

Art. 11526: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 In parishes with a pastoral conference, this conference shall, within six months of the last election pursuant to Art. 125, elaborate a pastoral service regulation and submit it to the church council for approval.

2 The pastoral service regulation aims in particular to divide the work of the pastors among them while preserving the overall coherence of the parish.

Collaboration

a. Pastoral conference

b. Pastoral service regulation

26

Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

181.10

Assignment of positions

Art. 11626: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Every parish shall have a rectory.

2 The total number of full-time equivalents available for rectories in the a. Foundations

parishes shall be calculated based on the average cantonal church quorum.

3 The average cantonal church quorum corresponds to the number of

members of the cantonal church per 100 full-time equivalents in a rectory.

It shall be at least 1500 and at most 1800 members per 100 full-time equivalents.

4 The Church Synod shall set the average cantonal church quorum

for each term of office of the pastors.

Art. 11726: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Parishes shall have 10 percent of a position in the pastorate per 200 members, but at least 50 percent of a position.

b. Percentage of

Positions of the

Parishes

2. Parishes with more than 2000 members shall have additional percentages of positions in the pastorate. These shall be granted per number of members corresponding to half of the average quorum of the regional church. The Church Synod shall determine the level of the percentages of positions per number of members corresponding to half of the average quorum of the regional church, each time for the term of office of the pastors.

3. The percentages of positions according to paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be added together and rounded to 10%.

4. The Church Council may, within the scope of the credit approved by the Church Synod, allocate further percentages of positions in the pastorate to parishes, either for a limited period or for a term of office, particularly to promote project-oriented community building, to take into account special circumstances in pastoral activity, and to avoid hardship cases. The Church Council shall regulate the details in an ordinance.

Art. 12026 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Allocation of Pastors' Positions

Each parish shall allocate the percentage of positions assigned to it in accordance with Art. 117 in such a way that the work percentages of the pastors generally amount to at least 30% each.

1. 1. 24-123

27

181.10 Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

2 When making the allocation according to para. 1, the parishes shall particularly take into account

a. the overall context of the parish,

b. the assumption of overall responsibility for the parish by the pastoral office,

c. the fulfillment of the mission and official duties by the pastoral office in accordance with Art. 112 and 113,

d. insofar as necessary and possible, the professional, personal, and family circumstances of the pastors.

3 The Church Council shall regulate the details in an ordinance.

Art. 12226 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 At least one elected pastor (cleric) resides in the parish.

**2 The parishes may, through their parish regulations, oblige other elected pastors to reside in the parish.**

**3 Exceptions to the residency requirement pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2 are approved by the Church Council.**

**4 Pastors subject to the residency requirement pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2 shall reside in a parsonage or a clergy residence. Exceptions are approved by the Parish Council.**

**D. Pastoral Office in Institutions**

Art. 12526: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Confirmation Election of Pastors in

Confirmation Parishes

The confirmation election of pastors in confirmation parishes takes place by ballot, unless an uncontested election occurs.

2. In parish federations, the election in the parish assembly replaces the election by ballot.

3. The Church Council regulates the procedure in an ordinance.

Art. 12626: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1. In parish communities where the pastorate has less than c. full-time equivalent

60% full-time equivalent, the election of the pastor (female or male) takes place for the entire full-time equivalent that the parish community is entitled to according to Art. 117 para. 1 and 2.

2. At least one elected pastor (female or male) of the parish community holds a full-time equivalent of at least

a. 60%, if the parish community has more than 60 and a maximum of 180% full-time equivalent in the pastorate,

b. 80%, if the parish community has more than 180% full-time equivalent in the pastorate.

3. Furthermore, pastors (female and male) can only be elected if their full-time equivalent in the parish community is at least 30%.

Art. 12726 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Church Council appoints the pastors (male and female) to parish positions, institutions, and other services, as well as their deputies.

Art. 12826 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The eligibility for election to the pastoral office is held by anyone who

a. has received the certificate of eligibility for election and has been ordained, in accordance with the Concordat concerning the joint training of evangelical-reformed pastors and their admission to church service13, or

in institutions and other services,

deputizations

Eligibility

1. 1. 24-123

29

181.10 Evangelical-Reformed State Church – Church Order

Electability

a. Granting

b. Loss

c. Rehabilitation

Resignation and Dismissal

b. has been designated by the Church Council as eligible for election, either without restriction for all state church pastoral offices or restricted to specially defined pastoral offices or tasks, in accordance with Art. 113 para. 1, after successfully passing the colloquium and fulfilling the other requirements determined by the Church Council.

Art. 12926 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Eligibility is a prerequisite for election to a parish office of the Regional Church and for employment in a pastoral service of the Regional Church. It must be granted by the Church Council before every election or employment. The Church Council regulates exceptions.

2. Eligibility requires the capacity to be elected and the personal aptitude necessary for the exercise of the parish office.

3. If ordained theologians have been outside of church service for more than eight years, the Church Council shall, with a view to determining eligibility, clarify whether the professional and personal aptitude is still present. It shall issue the necessary directives for this purpose.

Art. 13126: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 If a ban on activities has been imposed on a pastor following the provisions of the Swiss Criminal Code15, eligibility cannot be restored before the expiry of its duration.

2 Before restoring eligibility, the Church Council shall make the necessary arrangements for this purpose.

F. Dismissal from Office

Art. 13226 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1. Elected pastors who wish to resign shall request the Church Council for their release from office. The Church Council decides on the effective date of the release.

30

Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

181.10

2. The Church Council shall release elected pastors at the end of the month in which they reach the age that establishes entitlement for men to an old-age pension from the old-age and survivors' insurance.

Art. 13326: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Church Council can dismiss elected pastors who have proven themselves

incapable or unworthy of continuing their office, or whose conduct

is the cause of serious grievances within the parish.

Section 3: Community Services

Art. 13426: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Appointment and Induction

Appointment signifies admission to the church music, diaconal, or catechetical ministry. It is carried out by a member of the Church Council.

**2** The Church Council regulates the requirements and form of the appointment.

**3** Induction into the service of a parish occurs during a church service, carried out by a member of the Parish Council.

**4** Other employees are introduced to the congregation during a church service.

Art. 14226: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Cantonal Church has at its disposal the General Church

Services. The Church Council regulates their tasks, organization, and responsibilities,

and appoints their leadership.

2 The General Church Services undertake tasks that are incumbent

upon the Cantonal Church as a whole.

3 Within the scope of their mandate, they provide services for the benefit

of the parishes and regional projects and tasks, particularly for ecclesiastical

authorities and departments, pastors (male and female), and employees and

volunteers. They provide consulting services and course models, offer training

and continuing education, and perform foundational work. They may undertake

further tasks for parishes against compensation.

32

Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church – Church Order 181.10

4 The Cantonal Church may participate in or establish a legal

entity for the fulfillment of tasks according to paragraph 3.

Part 4: Structure and Organization

Section 1: Foundations

Art. 14926 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

¹ The organs of the parish are

a. the body of eligible voters,

b. the parish assembly or, in its place, the parish parliament,

c. the church council,

d. the audit committee.

² Eligible voters exercise their rights in the parish assembly and at the ballot box.

³ For initiatives and referendums in parishes and parish federations, the provisions of the Law on Political Rights concerning initiatives and referendums in municipalities and special-purpose associations apply mutatis mutandis.

Principle of Assignment

Art. 15326 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The parish congregations shall regulate their organisation and the

competence of their organs within the framework of superior law in a parish

ordinance.

1. 1. 24-123

35

181.10 Evangelical Reformed Church of Canton Zurich – Church Order

2 The enactment and amendments of the parish ordinance shall be decided by

the eligible voters at the ballot box, unless

a. the parish ordinance provides for the vote to take place in the parish

assembly,

b. in parishes with a parish parliament, the parliament decides, subject to the

optional referendum.

3 The parish ordinance is subject to the approval of the Church Council. This

shall be granted if the parish ordinance complies with superior law. The

approval is a prerequisite for the entry into force of the parish ordinance.

Art. 15526 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Cantonal Church and the Parishes Promote

**Different forms of church life. They support corresponding initiatives by members as well as by works and communities connected with the Cantonal Church, and make funds available for this to an appropriate extent.**

**2 Within the framework of the Cantonal Church's mandate, they particularly consider life-world perspectives and strive to integrate these into the overall structure of parishes and the Cantonal Church.**

**3 The Church Council may issue regulations.**

Art. 15726 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Assembly is responsible, in particular, for

a. Receiving the annual report of the Church Council and discussing

the state of church life,

b. Approving the annual accounts,

c. Determining the budget and tax rate,

Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton – Church Order

181.10

d. Electing additional members and the President of the Pastoral

Selection Committee,

e. Matters from higher authorities submitted to it by the Church

Council,

f. Adopting new congregational tasks and designating the responsible

bodies,

g. Other matters reserved for it by the communal church regulations

or by a communal church resolution, or submitted by the Church

Council.

2 Provided that a ballot box vote is not excluded, one third of the

voters present at the Church Assembly may request that a decision

subsequently be put to a vote at the ballot box.

Art. 16026 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The voters of the parish elect the members and the president of the Church Council by ballot, unless the parish regulations provide for election at the parish assembly.

2 In renewal elections, silent election is excluded.

3 The parish regulations may waive the political domicile within the parish for members of the Church Council.

4 A person may only belong to one Church Council at a time.

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Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

5 The election of the Church Council is governed by

a. the provisions of the Law on Political Rights concerning majority elections by ballot, in the case of elections by ballot,

b. the provisions of the Municipal Law and the Church Order, in the case of elections by the parish assembly.

Art. 16226: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council, with the exception of the President, constitutes itself. It assigns areas of responsibility to the individual members.

2 The following participate in the meetings of the Church Council with advisory vote and right of proposal

a. in a parish without a pastoral conference, the pastor,

b. in a parish with a pastoral conference, the chairperson and the further representative of the pastoral conference according to

Art. 16326 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council fulfils its duties based on the

Gospel, with a view to the entire parish

and the Regional Church.

40

Evangelical Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

181.10

2 It attends to the duties assigned to it by superordinate law

and the parish regulations and not assigned to any other authority

or organ, namely

a. Representation of the parish externally;

b. Determination of the organisation of the parish, subject

to the jurisdiction of the Parish Assembly or the Parish

Parliament, as well as the voters at the ballot box;

c. Decision-making on legislative goals and key areas of work;

d. Decision-making on appointments;

e. Human resources management;

f. Approval of the budget and annual accounts for submission to the

Parish Assembly or the Parish Parliament;

g. Issuance and updating of the financial plan and the staffing plan;

h. Decisions on donations and the use of collections;

i. Maintenance and administration of churches, parish halls,

parsonages, and other properties;

j. Participation in worship services and participation in the

life of the parish.

3 The Church Council represents the concerns of the evangelical relief

organisations and missions within the parish. It is also responsible for cultivating and

promoting relationships within the ecumenical movement and with other faith

communities.

4 The delegation of duties to members and committees of the

Church Council, to commissions, as well as to female pastors, male pastors, and

employees, is governed by the Parish Law6.

Art. 16726: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The voters of the church congregation elect the members and the president of the Audit Commission at the church congregation meeting, unless the church congregation's regulations provide for election at the ballot box.

2 In church congregations with a church parliament, the parliament elects the members from among its own ranks.

3 The election of the Audit Commission is governed by

a. in the case of election at the ballot box, the provisions of the Law on Political Rights concerning majority elections at the ballot box;

b. in the case of election by the church congregation meeting, the provisions of the Municipal Law and the Church Regulations.

Art. 16926 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The Audit Committee shall perform the duties assigned to it by the Municipal Law and those duties provided for in the Financial Ordinance.

2...35

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Evangelical Reformed Regional Church – Church Order

181.10

F.26 Parish Election Committee, Commissions and Working Groups

Art. 17026 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. The church congregation shall appoint a pastoral election commission to prepare for a pastoral election. This commission shall submit an election proposal to the church council for consideration by the eligible voters of the church congregation.

2. The pastoral election commission shall consist of the members of the church council and members co-opted by the church congregation assembly or the church congregation parliament. The church council may designate a representative from its ranks to carry out the duties of the church council within the pastoral election commission.

3. The church congregation assembly or the church congregation parliament shall determine the number of co-opted members and the chairperson of the pastoral election commission. The number of co-opted members may not exceed the total number of members of the church council.

4. Pastors who are serving in a pastoral capacity in a church congregation, as well as employees of a church congregation, are not eligible for election to the pastoral election commission of that church congregation.

Art. 17126 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council may appoint commissions and working groups for specific tasks, areas of expertise, and for processing individual matters.

2 It appoints the members of commissions.

3 Membership in commissions and working groups is open to members of the church congregation and other persons.

Working groups

G.26 Collaboration

Art. 17226: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1. Collaboration within the Parish

a. Parish Convent

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181.10 Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

1 Clergy and employees form the Parish Convent.

2 The Church Council regulates the organisation and composition of the Parish Convent.

3 The Parish Convent coordinates and promotes collaboration, particularly between the Parish Office, other services, and the volunteers of the parish. It ensures the exchange of information. It supports the careful use of available resources, a goal-oriented working method, and the quality development of parish work.

b. Convent Leadership

Inter-Parish Collaboration

a. Principle

b. Legal Form

and

Competence

c. Political

Municipalities and

School Districts

4 Furthermore, the Parish Convent has the following tasks

a. Fulfilment of tasks according to the mandates of the Church Council,

b. Participation in the development of legislative goals and key work areas,

c. Consultation on matters of the Church Council upon its invitation,

d. Discussion of questions concerning parish life,

e. Nomination of candidates for the Convent Leadership for the attention of the Church Council.

5 Within the scope of its tasks, the Parish Convent may submit proposals to the Church Council or the Clergy Convent.

Art. 17734 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Evangelical Reformed communities can apply to the Church Council for recognition as a church community by a majority decision of their members.

a. Procedure

2. The Church Synod decides on the recognition of church communities.

Art. 17834 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

¹ Parish communities, as corporations of the territorial church, possess their own legal personality.

² They have the authorities and organs of a parish.

³ They adopt statutes, which are subject to the approval of the Church Council.

⁴ The parish communities cover their expenses through contributions from the territorial church and voluntary donations.

⁵ In all other respects, the provisions regarding parishes are applicable *mutatis mutandis* to parish communities. The Church Council may provide for exceptions.

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181.10 Evangelical Reformed Territorial Church – Church Order

d. Pastorate

Membership

a. Admission

b. Withdrawal, Non-

membership

Contractual

arrangement

Waiver

Art. 18034 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. **Ecclesiastical Districts and Parishes**

Ecclesiastical districts comprise the parishes within the districts of the canton. Any differing assignment according to Art. 151 para. 2 remains reserved.

2. The Church Council determines the composition and boundaries of the chapters.

Art. 18126: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Organs of the ecclesiastical districts are the District Church Boards.

2. Further organs of the ecclesiastical districts are the Parish Chapters, Diaconate Chapters, Church Music Chapters, and Catechetical Chapters.

Art. 18326 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The eligible voters of the district elect the members of the District Church Council.

2 The election takes place at the ballot box.

3 The provisions of the Law on Political Rights concerning majority elections at the ballot box and district elections apply by analogy.

Art. 18426 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The District Church Council constitutes itself.

2 The Dean (female or male) participates in the meetings of the

District Church Council with an advisory vote and the right to make proposals.

3 The Presidents of the Diaconate, Church Music, and Catechetics Chapters in the district participate, upon invitation by the

District Church Council, with an advisory vote and the right to make proposals, when relevant business is on the agenda or reported by the Chapter.

4 The District Church Council adopts its own rules of procedure.

Art. 18834 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Presbytery Chapter constitutes itself upon invitation of the Constituting Dean (or the Dean) within three months of the commencement of the term of office for the pastors.

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181.10 Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

2 It elects from its midst, by secret ballot in accordance with Art. 157 b para. 2, the Executive Board, consisting of at least the Dean and two further members.

3 If two persons jointly perform the duties of the Dean, the Executive Board shall determine the managing Dean and the responsibilities.

4 The members of the Executive Board must be eligible to vote in the Presbytery Chapter.

Assemblies

Art. 19026 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

The Chapter of Pastors is responsible, in particular, for the following

a. Taking a position on ecclesiastical matters at the invitation of the Church Council or the District Church Administration;

b. Discussing theological and social issues with a view to pastoral work and the development of new solutions in church practice;

c. Submitting proposals on ecclesiastical concerns to the District Church Administration, the competent Chapters in accordance with Art. 181 para. 2, and the Church Council;

d. Promoting inter-parish cooperation.

Dean (female) and Dean (male)

a. Position

b. Duties

Art. 19334 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Deans and their deputies may be relieved of their duties, provided c. Relief

they are in the service of the Regional Church.

2 If they are employed by an institution associated with the Regional

Church or are employed part-time, they or the institution may be

granted compensation instead of relief.

3 The Church Council determines the relief or compensation.

D. Diaconal Chapter

Art. 19534: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Cantonal Church of Zurich Open official source

1 The Diaconate Chapter constitutes itself upon invitation

of the President following the renewal elections

of the church boards, no later than the end of the

relevant year.

2 It elects from among its members by secret ballot, in accordance with Art. 157 b

para. 2, the Executive Board, consisting of at least the President

and two other members.

3 If two persons jointly perform the duties of the President,

the Executive Board determines the managing President and

their respective responsibilities.

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181.10 Evangelical Reformed Church of Canton Zurich – Church Order

4 The members of the Executive Board must be eligible to vote in the Diaconate Chapter.

Art. 19626: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Diaconal Chapter convenes upon invitation of the President or upon request of one-fifth of the voting members.

2 Members who are employed with a total work-time percentage of at least 30% in the service of a parish, a federation of parishes, the cantonal church, or an institution affiliated with it, are obliged to participate in the Chapter meetings.

3 All members of the Diaconal Chapter are entitled to vote and to be elected in the Chapter meetings.

Art. 19726: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

Specifically, the Deaconate Chapter is responsible for

a. Taking a position on ecclesiastical matters at the invitation of the Church Council or the District Church Administration;

b. Addressing diaconal and social issues with a view to diaconal work and the development of new solutions in church practice;

c. Submitting motions on ecclesiastical concerns to the competent District Church Administration, the competent Chapters according to Art. 181 para. 2, and the Church Council;

d. Promoting inter-parish cooperation.

Art. 20034 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1. Presidents of the Diaconate Chapters c. Relief

may be granted a reduction in their professional workload, provided

they are employed by a parish, a parish association, or

the cantonal church.

2. If they are employed by a parish, a parish association,

or an institution affiliated with the cantonal church, or if they are

employed part-time, they, the parish, the

parish association, or the institution may receive compensation

instead of a reduction in workload.

3. The Church Council, in consultation with the parish, the

parish association, or the institution, shall regulate the details.

E. Church Music Chapters and Catechetics Chapters 25

Art. 20526: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Subject to an optional referendum are

a. subject to Art. 204 lit. b, partial revisions of the Church Order,

excluding amendments to the appendix of the Church Order

based on decisions pursuant to Art. 151 para. 2 and 3;

b. the ordinance on the identifiers and characteristics of the members

of the Regional Church to be recorded in the membership register,

pursuant to

Art. 21026 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The election of the Church Synod takes place by means of a majority vote

at the ballot box. In renewal elections, a silent election is

not permitted.

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181.10

Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton – Church Order

The church communities elect their representatives at the church

community assembly.

The majority of representatives of an electoral district

may not be employed as a pastor, employee, or official in the service of a church community, a church community association, or the

cantonal church.

The Church Synod regulates the election procedure in an

ordinance.

Oath of Office

Art. 21526 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The Church Synod is responsible for

a. deciding on expenditures or corresponding shortfalls in income that exceed the authority of the Church Council, subject to Art. 205 para. 1 lit. c,

b. determining the framework credit for the allocation of pastoral positions for each term of office of the pastors,

c. determining the budget of the Regional Church and the contribution rate for the contributions of the parish churches to the Regional Church,

d. annually taking note of the financial plan of the Regional Church,

e. auditing and approving the accounts of the Regional Church and its funds.

Art. 21726: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council is the supreme governing and executive

authority of the Regional Church. It performs this service with theological-

spiritual responsibility.

2 The Church Council consists of the full-time Church Council President

and six part-time members.

3 Membership in the Church Council is incompatible with

a.34 membership in a parish parliament, in a church board, in the audit or

business audit committee of a parish, in a pastoral selection committee,

in subordinate or independent commissions according to the Parish

Act in a parish, and in commissions according to Art. 171 para. 1,

b.34 membership in the executive board, in the assembly of delegates, in the

audit or business audit committee, in subordinate or independent

commissions according to the Parish Act, and in commissions

according to Art. 171 para. 1 of a parish association,

c. membership in a district church board and in the executive board of a

chapter according to Art. 181 para. 2,

d. membership in the Church Synod and the Appeals Commission,

e. employment in a pastoral office in institutions, a pastoral office

with mixed sponsorship, and a pastoral office of the Overall Church

Services, as well as with the Overall Church Services.

Oath of Office

Art. 22126: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Church Council decides independently on

a. committed expenditures,

b. expenditures or corresponding shortfalls in revenue within the framework of the

budget, as well as the increase of budgeted expenditures or shortfalls

in revenue to the following extent

1. one-off expenditures in individual cases up to 250,000 Swiss francs, for construction

projects up to 1 million Swiss francs,

2. annually recurring expenditures up to 100,000 Swiss francs in individual

cases,

c. new expenditures or shortfalls in revenue not included in the budget

to the following extent

1. one-off expenditures up to 100,000 Swiss francs in individual cases, for personnel

matters up to 250,000 Swiss francs,

2. annually recurring expenditures up to 50,000 Swiss francs in individual

cases,

d. supplementary appropriations for commitment credits approved by the Church Synod,

up to a maximum of 10% of the amount specifically approved by the Church Synod.

**2 The Church Council may approve expenditures and shortfalls in revenue pursuant to

para. 1 lit. c and d up to an annual maximum total of

2 million Swiss francs.**

**3 In accordance with the Financial Ordinance, the Church Council may raise and grant

loans, and purchase and sell real estate.**

**4 It administers the financial equalization according to the provisions of the

Financial Ordinance.**

**5 It may order collections for the entire regional church.**

Reporting

and

Information

Art. 22826 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The Appeals Commission decides on appeals against

a. appeal decisions of the district church councils,

b. appeal decisions of the Church Council concerning first-instance orders of the district church councils,

c. enactments and first-instance orders of the Church Council,

d. first-instance orders of state bodies acting as electoral authorities in place of the Church Council.

Evangelical Reformed Church – Church Order

181.10

2 If the Appeals Commission cannot be constituted in accordance with Art. 226 para. 2 for the handling of a matter, it shall refer the matter to the Administrative Court for decision.

3 Appeals to the Administrative Court are available against decisions of the Church Synod and its organs. Excluded are enactments subject to an obligatory or optional referendum.

4 Appeals to the Appeals Commission and complaints to the Administrative Court are inadmissible against decisions of the Church Synod and its organs, as well as enactments and first-instance orders of the Church Council with a predominantly political character.

5 The Appeals Commission shall report annually to the Church Synod on its activities.

Art. 23034 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The cantonal ombudsman's office fulfills the duties of the fundamental ombudsman's office of the Regional Church.

2 It is responsible for all matters concerning the Regional Church and the parish churches within the framework of the Administrative Justice Act.

Art. 23234: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

The National Church bears the costs for the activities of the cantonal ombudsman's office for the church communities.

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181.10

Evangelical-Reformed National Church – Church Order

Part 5: Finances and Properties

Financial Management

Art. 24326 : Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 The parish churches are responsible for the construction, erection,

maintenance, and use of churches, parish halls, parsonages, and other

parochial properties, unless the Canton or third parties are responsible

due to special legal relationships.

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181.10 Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

Churches

a. Ecclesiastical

Use

b. Other

Use and

Disposal

c. Grossmünster,

Fraumünster

and St. Peter

Church

Official residences

and official premises

of the pastors

2 The Church Council maintains a register of the parish churches'

ecclesiastical properties for the financial planning of the Canton Church. It

assesses the space and maintenance requirements.

3 The Church Council may issue regulations for the construction,

maintenance, and use of ecclesiastical properties, as well as for the space

requirements of the parish churches.

Art. 24726: Church Order of the Evangelical Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich Open official source

1 Every parish is the owner of at least one rectory or parsonage apartment. The Church Council may approve exceptions.

2 The parish provides a rectory or parsonage apartment to vicars who are elected to a position with a workload of at least 50% in that parish.

3 The parish provides vicars with official premises within the parish if

a. they do not reside in a rectory or parsonage apartment,

b. the rectory or parsonage apartment they reside in does not contain official premises.

4 The Church Council shall regulate the details concerning rectories, parsonage apartments, and official premises in an ordinance. In particular, it shall determine the compensation to be paid by vicars for the use of a rectory or parsonage apartment.

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Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich – Church Order

181.10

Part 6: Transitional and Final Provisions

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