Ordinance on the Parish Office in the Regional Church

25 This Ordinance supplements the Church Order, the Regulations

on Personnel, and the Implementing Regulations on Personnel, governing the pastorate within the Cantonal Church.

1 Scope of Application: This Ordinance applies to pastors according to § 4 PVO.

**2 The provisions of this Ordinance concerning pastors in institutions apply mutatis mutandis to pastors in pastoral offices with mixed sponsorship and in pastoral offices of the General Church Services.**

**a. Pastors**

As parish churches in the sense of this ordinance are also considered

a. Parish communities in the sense of Art. 177 Para. 1 KO,

b. Parish church federations with their own employees.

Parish communities and Parish church federations

2. Section: Re-election of pastors 19

A. Fundamentals

20

1 The election of pastors (Pfarrerinnen and Pfarrern) is for the term of office

the term of office according to Art. 21 para. 1 KO or for the remainder thereof.

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Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Landeskirche

Types of Procedure

2 If an election for a term of office is not possible, pastors (Pfarrerin-

nen and Pfarrer) shall be employed as substitutes according to Art. 121

para. 1 KO.

1 The election of pastors shall be prepared by a pastoral election commission in accordance with Art. 170 Cst.19

2 The election may exceptionally take place without the appointment of a pastoral election commission, if the conditions pursuant to § 23 are met.

20

Duty to Inform

Invitation

to Fill a Vacancy

B. Initiation of the Election Procedure

19 1 The Church Council informs the Church Board and the Dean, as soon as a vacancy arises in the parish office of the church congregation due to dismissal from office in accordance with Art. 132 KO, recall in accordance with Art. 133 KO, or termination of employment due to invalidity in accordance with

19 1 If a pastoral position becomes vacant in the parish office of a church

community, the Church Council invites the Church Board to initiate a

pastoral election.

2 Within four months of receiving the invitation according to para. 1,

the Church Board convenes a church community assembly for the

election of a pastoral election commission or proposes to the church

community assembly the procedure according to §§ 23 and 24. Instead,

it can distribute the vacant pastoral percentages among the pastors

elected in the church community according to §§ 60 and 61.

3 In church communities with a church community parliament, the Church

Board submits a proposal to it within six months according to para. 2.

4 The Church Council can extend the deadline according to para. 2 upon

request by the Church Board or after hearing them.

Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church

C. Procedure with a Pastoral Election Commission

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19 1 The Church Assembly in accordance with § 9 para. 2 or the Parish Election

Commission / Parish Parliament is responsible for

a. Determination of the number of additional elected members of the Parish Election

Commission,

b. Election of the additional elected members of the Parish Election Commission,

c. Election of the President of the Parish Election Commission from among its members.

2 The number of members from within its ranks by the Church Council in accordance with

Ordinance: Existing Parochial Election Commissions Only for Additions to Parochial Election Commissions According to § 12 para. 3 Application for Pastoral Office

19 1 Newly elected members of the Church Council replace the outgoing members on the pastoral election committee.

Newly elected members of the Church Council replace the members who have left the Church Council on the pastoral election committee. If the Church Council has appointed a representative in accordance with Art. 170 para. 2 KO, it shall decide on the succession.

2 If co-opted members of the pastoral election committee resign prematurely from the committee, a by-election must be held at the next parish assembly or at the next meeting of the parish parliament. The parish assembly or the parish parliament may instead reduce the number of co-opted members of the pastoral election committee.

1 The Parish Election Commission constitutes itself, with the exception c. Constitution

of the President, at their invitation.

2 The following individuals participate in the meetings of the Parish Election Commission in an advisory capacity:19

a. pastors who continue to be active in the parish, and in parishes with a pastoral convention, insofar as they represent the pastoral convention in the church council according to Art. 114 para. 3 and 4 of the Church Order,

b. the head of the community convention,

c. an additional member of the community convention, as determined by the latter, if a pastor leads the community convention.

The management of the Parish Electoral Commission is governed by the provisions applicable to the Church Council.

and procedure 19

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Ordinance on the Parish Ministry in the Cantonal Church

e. Mandate

19 1 The Parish Election Committee is particularly responsible for

a. Determining the job description and position profile for the open

percentage of the position, especially considering the overall

situation of the parish, the legislative goals, the work priorities,

and other decisions of the Church Board, as well as the pastoral

service regulations,

b. Advertising the open percentage of the position according to § 16

para. 1 PVO or, according to § 16 para. 2 PVO, inviting pastors to

apply,

c. Assessing the suitability of applicants in personal interviews,

taking into account the job description and position profile

according to lit. a, as well as by obtaining references and by

attending church services, religious instruction, and church events,

d. Dividing the open percentage of the position according to Art. 120

para. 1 and 2 KO and § 60 among several candidates to be

proposed for election, in agreement with these candidates and the

Church Board, and taking into account the percentage of the

position of pastors continuing to serve in the parish,

e. Making a decision on the election proposal for submission to the

Parish Assembly or the Parish Parliament.

2 Only one election proposal is permissible for the percentage of the

position allocated to an applicant according to para. 1 lit. d.

3 The Parish Election Committee shall seek advice from the Church

Council in fulfilling its mandate.

4 If the Parish Election Committee cannot fulfil its mandate within one

year of its election, it shall submit an interim report on its activities to

the Parish Assembly or the Parish Parliament.

f. Duration

Granting of

eligibility

1 The pastoral election committee remains in office until the installation

of the new pastor according to Art. 110 KO has taken place.

2 If further full-time equivalents become vacant beforehand, the church

assembly or the church parliament may instruct the existing pastoral

election committee to prepare an election proposal for these full-time

equivalents as well, or appoint a new pastoral election committee.

If an election proposal from the Parish Election Commission is available, the Church Board requests the Church Council to grant eligibility for the proposed person.

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Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church

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19 The Church Council submits the election proposal to the election

Parish Election Commission of the Parish Assembly or the Parish a. Submission of the

Parliament for decision-making, as soon as the Church Council has granted the eligibility of the election proposal.

19 1 The augmentation of the electoral proposal of the Parish Election b. Referral back

Commission by the parish assembly or the parish parliament is impermissible.

2 If the parish assembly or the parish parliament decides to refer back

the electoral proposal of the Parish Election Commission, the matter is returned to the Parish Election Commission.

3 The Parish Election Commission shall again decide on an electoral

proposal for submission to the parish assembly or the parish parliament. It is not bound by the decision to refer back according to para. 2.

of the Electoral Proposal

18 The selection of the proposed person is made based on the percentage of the position allocated according to § 15 para. 1 lit. d.

c. Position percentage

1. If the Parish Assembly does not decide to refer back the election proposal of the Pastoral Election Commission, then a decision on this proposal shall be made by secret ballot at the Parish Assembly. The eligible voters can approve the election proposal, reject it, or abstain from voting.

2. If the election takes place in accordance with Art. 124 para. 2 of the KO (Church Order) at the Parish Assembly, then approval of the election proposal shall be deemed as election.

18 If the Parish Parliament does not refer back the nomination proposal of the Pastoral Election Commission, then a decision will be made on it by secret ballot. The members of the Parish Parliament can approve the nomination proposal, reject it, or abstain from voting.

18 1 If the election according to Art. 124 para. 1 KO is held by ballot, f. Election by Ballot

the approving resolution of the parish assembly or

the parish parliament shall be considered as a proposal for the election by ballot.

2 In the election by ballot, the voters are asked whether they wish to

elect the proposed person. They can answer Yes or No or abstain from voting. Votes for persons other than those listed on the

ballot paper and the repetition of the same

name are invalid. The proposed person is elected if they

have received more Yes votes than No votes.

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Ordinance on the Parish Ministry in the State Church

g. Acceptance of

Election19

h. Conclusion

1 The church board shall immediately inform the elected person of their election in writing. It shall point out to them the acceptance of the election in accordance with paragraph 2 and the available legal remedies.

2 The election shall be deemed to have taken place if the elected person declares acceptance of the election in writing to the church board within five days of notification and the election result has become legally binding.

1 After receipt of the declaration of acceptance of election in accordance with § 21

para. 2, the Church Board informs the Church Council about the election.

2 The Church Board submits to the Church Council, after expiry of the

appeal period, the declaration of acceptance of election and the election report together

with a confirmation from the District Church Board that no appeal was lodged against the

election decision, or the legally binding

decision on the legal remedy against the election decision.19

3 The Church Council issues the decree for the elected person

in accordance with § 18 para. 2 PVO. It arranges for the installation of the elected

person in accordance with Art. 110 KO and §§ 28 and 29.

Requirements

Procedure

D. Procedure without Parochial Election Committee

19 1 The Church Council may, without prior appointment of a Pastoral Election Commission, within four months of receipt of the invitation according to § 9 para. 1, submit an election proposal to the Church Assembly for the vacant percentage of the position, if

a. the proposed person has already served pastorally in the parish and is familiar with the circumstances of the parish and is known to it,

b. the proposed person has declared their willingness to accept the election,

c. the Church Council has, upon request of the Church Council, granted eligibility to the proposed person, and

d. the pastors continuing to serve pastorally in the parish, within the framework of the pastoral convention and the congregational convention, had the opportunity to comment in a timely manner before the decision on an election proposal.

2 In parishes with a Parish Parliament, the Church Council shall submit a proposal to it within six months according to para. 1.

19 1 The increase in the election proposal for the Church Board by the Church Assembly or the Church Parliament is impermissible.

Regulation on the Pastorate in the State Church

181.402

2 The election of the proposed person shall be conducted in accordance with §§ 19 a–22.

3 If the Church Assembly or the Church Parliament decides to reject the election proposal of the Church Board, or if an election does not take place, the positions to be filled (in terms of percentage of full-time equivalent) shall be filled according to the procedure under §§ 11–22.

Section 3: Confirmation Election of Pastors 18

18 1 Before making its decision on which parish priests it proposes for confirmation or non-confirmation to the eligible voters, the church council shall allocate the employment percentages available to the church congregation according to Art. 117 of the Church Order for the beginning of the new term of office among the parish priests standing for confirmation election.

2 The church council shall allocate at least 30 employment percentages to each parish priest. Beyond this, there is no entitlement to employment percentages.

18 1 Duty to allocate positions through mutual agreement

The Church Council is obliged to allocate the percentage of employment positions among the pastors through mutual agreement. For this purpose, it shall consult the Dean and the District Church Council as needed.

2 The Church Council shall inform the pastors in writing about the proposed allocation of employment percentages. They shall declare to the Church Council, within five days of receiving the information, whether they agree to or reject the allocation of employment percentages concerning them.

18 1. Pastoral Care Committee Decisions, Candidacy Proposal

Pastors it proposes to the voters for confirmation or non-confirmation in office, and with what percentage of employment.

2. It hears the pastors before the decision according to para. 1.

3. Pastors who reject the division of employment percentages according to § 24b para. 2 are considered not to have been proposed by the Pastoral Care Committee for confirmation.

18 1 The Church Council publishes its decision regarding the b. Content

confirmation or non-confirmation of pastors, along with the allocation

of their employment percentages, at least six months before the

expiration of their term of office, as an election proposal. It refers

to the procedure according to § 13 para. 3 of the Church Law4.

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181.402 Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Cantonal Church

Silent Election

Election at the

Ballot Box

a. Arrangement

and Preparati-

on

b. Procedure

c. Ascertainment

of the Result

2 Pastors whom the Church Council, according to § 24 c para. 1, does

not propose for confirmation, shall be listed in the election proposal with

the employment percentages allocated by the Church Council according

to § 24 a.

3 Pastors who are deemed not proposed according to § 24 c para. 3

shall be listed in the election proposal with the employment percentages

to which they were elected in the parish at the time of the decision

according to § 24 c para. 1.

18 The Church Council declares the pastors proposed for confirmation in accordance with § 24c para. 1 as elected, unless an election by ballot takes place in accordance with § 24f para. 1.

18 1 The Church Council shall arrange a ballot box election for those

pastors of the parish who are subject to a confirmation election, if**

a. it has decided to propose their non-confirmation to the voters,

b. they are deemed not to be proposed for confirmation in accordance with § 24c para. 3,

c. voters have requested an election for them in accordance with § 13 para. 3 of the Church Act.

2 The names of the pastors for whom an election is taking place in accordance with para. 1 shall be printed on the ballot paper, stating their percentage of employment, and supplemented with the Church Council's recommendation for confirmation or non-confirmation.

18 1 Voters can cast a Yes or No vote for each pastor listed on the ballot paper, or abstain from voting.

2 Votes for persons not listed on the ballot paper and repetitions of the same name are invalid.

18 1 The percentage of employment of the elected pastors (male and

female) may not exceed the total percentage of employment available

to the parish.

2 Those pastors (male and female) who have received more "yes" votes

than "no" votes are elected.

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Ordinance on the Pastorate in the Regional Church

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3 If an election takes place for at least two pastors (male or female)

and the percentage of employment of all elected pastors (male and

female) exceeds the total percentage of employment available to the

parish, then those pastors (male and female) who received the fewest

"yes" votes in the ballot election shall be deemed supernumerary and

excluded from the election.

4 If, in accordance with § 24f para. 1 lit. b, an election takes place

for only one pastor (male or female), then he or she is elected with

the percentage of employment in accordance with § 24d para. 3, provided

that the percentage of employment of the elected pastors (male and

female) in total does not exceed the percentage of employment available

to the parish. Otherwise, he or she is elected with the percentage of

employment allocated to the parish according to Art. 117 para. 1 and 2

KO, which has not yet been filled by an election, but at least with

30 percent of employment.

5 If percentages of employment remain vacant, an election shall take

place in accordance with §§ 5-24.

18 Conclusion of the Election is governed by Section 22 (1) and (2). Conclusion

18 §§ 24a–24i apply mutatis mutandis to the confirmation election by secret ballot within the parish assembly of a parish.

Section 4: Granting of Eligibility

1 The Granting of Eligibility for the Fundamental Parochial

Service in the Regional Church is governed by Art. 129 and 131 KO.

2 Eligibility is granted when the capacity to be elected according to Art. 128

KO, legal capacity, and the professional and personal suitability required for the performance of the relevant

parochial office are present.

1 The Church Council shall, before every election to a pastorate and procedure

before every appointment to a pastoral service, grant the proposed

persons eligibility

a. upon request of the Church Board, if a nomination from the Pastoral Selection Committee or the Church Board is available for submission to the

Parish Assembly or the Parish Parliament,

to the extent of the allocated full-time equivalents,

b. in all other cases, within the framework of the employment decree.

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Ordinance on the Pastorate in the Cantonal Church

2 The granting of eligibility shall be waived for

a. confirmation elections according to Art. 125 para. 1 KO,

b. the appointment as a substitute according to Art. 121

para. 1 KO and the extension of such an appointment,

c. the appointment as a substitute according to Art. 121

para. 1 KO with a view to extraordinary admission to the pastorate

according to § 31 lit. b.

Re-granting

The granting of eligibility for election according to Art. 129 para. 3 and

131 para. 2 KO requires passing a colloquium according to § 42 para. 1.

§§ 35–37, 39–41, 44 and 45 apply mutatis mutandis.

Prerequisites

5. Section: Installation of Pastors

1 The installation according to Art. 110 KO requires

a. a position (pensum) of the pastor of at least 30% in a pastoral service in the same parish or institution, and

b. the legally valid election in the respective parish or the legally valid appointment to a pastoral service of the respective institution, for which eligibility was granted according to §§ 25–27.

2 No installation takes place:19

a. after confirmation elections according to Art. 125 paras. 1 and 2 KO,

b. after the assumption of additional percentages of a position by an elected pastor in the same parish,

c. for pastors who take up a pastoral position in an institution, after they were immediately prior active in a pastoral office in an institution and an installation for them in such a pastoral office has already taken place,

d. for deputies according to Art. 121 KO.

Implementation

and Timing

1 The Church Council entrusts the Dean to carry out the installation according to Art. 110 KO. It usually issues the mandate as part of the granting of eligibility according to

1 Exceptional Admission to the Pastoral Office Subject Matter

This allows individuals who do not possess a certificate of eligibility for election according to the Concordat concerning the joint training of Evangelical-Reformed pastors and their admission to church service, to be admitted to the pastoral office in the Regional Church.

**2 It comprises admission to the colloquium, the colloquium itself, and the granting of eligibility for election according to Art. 128 lit. b KO.**

Extraordinary Admission to the Pastoral Office

Applicants may apply for extraordinary admission to the pastoral office if they are persons

a. who have been ordained in a member church of the Evangelical-Reformed Church

of Switzerland21 and admitted to the pastoral office in that church, and who do not possess an eligibility certificate in accordance with the Concordat concerning the common training of evangelical-reformed pastors and their admission to church service;

b. who, where provided for by that church, possess ordination in an evangelical church abroad that is a member of the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe CPCE or the World Communion of Reformed Churches WCRC, and have been admitted to the pastoral office in that church;

c. who, instead of a university degree in theology from a university, possess a basic theological-ecclesiastical education that can form the basis for supplementary academic achievements in theology at a university.

1 The Church Council designates a specialist office within the overall Church services, which processes applications for admission to the colloquium and advises and supports applicants for extraordinary admission to the pastoral office.

2 The office according to para. 1 shall particularly be responsible for

a. Examining applications for admission to the colloquium, particularly regarding the fulfillment of the requirements according to §§ 33–35,

b. Regarding individual applicants, providing a recommendation to the Church Council concerning the admission requirements to be fulfilled according to §§ 33 and 34, the content of the colloquium, and the timing of the registration for the colloquium,

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181.402 Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church

c. Providing an assessment to the Church Council regarding the professional and personal suitability of the applicants for holding a pastoral office,

d. Advising and supporting the applicants until the colloquium,

e. Reporting to the Church Council and to the applicants who wish to register for the colloquium after being admitted to it, regarding the fulfillment of conditions and requirements, particularly concerning the admission requirements to be fulfilled according to §§ 33 and 34 prior to registration for the colloquium.

3 The office according to para. 1 fulfills its tasks in consultation with the competent bodies of the Concordat concerning the joint training of evangelical-reformed pastors and their admission to church service. The Church Council may transfer the tasks of the office according to para. 1 entirely or partially to the Concordat.

B. Admission to the Colloquium

1 For applicants in accordance with § 31 lit. a and b,

the following are considered prerequisites for admission to the colloquium

a. A degree in Theology from the University of Basel, Bern, or

Zurich, or from a university-level institution whose study regulations

are recognized as equivalent by the Concordat concerning the joint training of

Evangelical-Reformed pastors and their admission to church service10,

b. a church-based education that meets the requirements of the Concordat

concerning the joint training of Evangelical-Reformed

pastors and their admission to church service10

and is recognized as equivalent by it,

c. Ordination by a member church of the Evangelical-Reformed

Church Switzerland21 or by an evangelical church abroad

that is a member of the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe

(CPCE) or the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC),

insofar as such is provided for by that church,

d. Admission to the pastorate in a church in accordance with lit. c,

e. Proof of personal and professional suitability for the exercise of

the pastoral profession based on an assessment by the body

in accordance with § 32 para. 1.

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Ordinance on the Pastorate in the Cantonal Church

181.402

2 For applicants in accordance with § 31 lit. b, subject to

§ 42 para. 3, the following are considered additional prerequisites for

admission to the colloquium19

a. at least two years of supervised activity in a parish

of the Cantonal Church as a substitute in accordance with

For Applicants according to § 31 lit. c

The following are the requirements for admission to the colloquium

a. sound general education,

b. professional activity corresponding to a full-time position of three years in a parish of the State Church,

c. a basic theological-ecclesiastical education that can form the basis for supplementary theological studies at a university,

d. knowledge of New Testament Greek and the basic concepts of the Hebrew language,

e. study of theology for at least four semesters at the Theological Faculty of the University of Zurich,

f. successful completion of the Ecclesiological-Practical Semester according to the Concordat concerning the joint training of Evangelical-Reformed pastors and their admission to church service10 or proof of equivalent achievements,

g. successful completion of an aptitude assessment.

1 Applicants shall submit the application for admission to the colloquium in writing to the Church Council.

2 The application must be accompanied by

a. a certificate of legal capacity, as well as a private extract and a special private extract from the criminal record, all not older than three months;

b. the confirmation of membership in an evangelical church that belongs to the Evangelical-Reformed Church of Switzerland, the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE), or the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC);

c. for applicants pursuant to § 31 letters a and b, the confirmation of the degree in theology from the University of Basel, Bern, or Zurich or from a university-level higher education institution, the confirmation of admission to the pastoral office in a church according to letter b, and the ordination certificate;

a. Documents

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Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church

b. Processing

Decision

d. all documents suitable to demonstrate the fulfillment of the admission requirements pursuant to §§ 33 and 34;

e. a curriculum vitae;

f. a statement outlining the motivations for the application for admission to the pastoral office in the Regional Church.

1 The body according to § 32 para. 1 examines the completeness of the

documents submitted with applications for admission to the colloquium.

2 A person commissioned by the Church Council conducts an interview with the applicants.

The body according to § 32 para. 1 may be consulted for the interview.

3 The Church Council assesses, based on the application and the interview

according to para. 2, as well as on an evaluation from the body according to § 32

para. 1, the professional and personal suitability of the applicants

to lead a parish office in the Regional Church. If necessary, it requests

additional documents and, with the applicants' consent, obtains further information

and references about the applicants.

1 The Church Council shall communicate its decision to the applicants

in writing, stating the reasons, and including instructions on appeal.

2 If the Church Council grants a request for admission to the colloquium,

it shall particularly state in its decision

a. to what extent the admission requirements according to §§ 33 and 34

are met,

b. to what extent the fulfillment of individual admission requirements

according to §§ 33 and 34 is waived in the individual case, particularly

for reasons of proportionality,

c. conditions and stipulations, especially regarding the admission

requirements according to §§ 33 and 34 to be fulfilled by the time

of registration for the colloquium,

d. the type and subject matter of counselling or support for applicants

and the reporting thereon to the Church Council,

e. the contents of the colloquium,

f. the date of the colloquium and any staggered scheduling thereof,

g. the latest possible date for registration for the colloquium.

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Ordinance on the Parish Ministry in the State Church

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1 Exemption from The Church Council may exempt applicants from the colloquium in accordance with Section 31 lit. a if they have served as a pastor in a parish in a member church of the Evangelical-Reformed Church of Switzerland21 for at least six years. Articles 129 para. 3 and 131 para. 2 KO remain reserved.

the colloquium

2 The Church Council may make the exemption from the colloquium dependent on the fulfillment of conditions and requirements by an applicant, in particular ordering counseling or accompaniment. It determines the type, subject, and duration of such counseling or accompaniment.

C. Colloquium

PVO or due to age in accordance with § 40 a PVO, full-time equivalent (FTE) positions become vacant.

2 The Church Council shall inform the Church Board and the Dean immediately if FTE positions in the pastorate become vacant for reasons other than those mentioned in paragraph 1, especially if a pastor waives the re-election at the end of their term of office, is not confirmed in office during the re-election, or has passed away.

1 The Church Council is responsible for the colloquium. Its imple- Examin-

mentation is incumbent upon the examiners designated by the Church ers

Council.

2 The Church Council may designate the following as examiners

a. the President of the Church Council or other members of the Church

Council,

b. the Secretary of the Church Council,

c. professors, private lecturers, and senior assistants of the Theological

Faculty of the University of Zurich,

d. employees of the General Church Services with a university degree in

theology.

3 At least two examiners participate in each colloquium. The position

according to § 32 para. 1 takes part in the colloquium with an advisory

vote.

1 The Church Council sets the date for the colloquium.

2 It may divide the colloquium into two dates, taking into account its scope as well

as the personal and professional circumstances of the applicants.

As a rule, there shall be a minimum of one and a maximum of six months between these dates.

Dates

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Contents

a. Applicants

according to

1. The colloquium for applicants in accordance with § 31 lit. a and b shall cover the following subjects

a. Zurich church history,

b. Legal studies, particularly the church articles of the Cantonal Constitution, the Church Act, the Implementing Ordinance to the Church Act and to the Act on Recognised Jewish Communities, as well as the Church Order,

c. Mission, tasks, and objectives of the Cantonal Church,

d. Implementation of the Cantonal Church's mission in the fields of activity according to Art. 29 para. 1 CO, particularly based on the documents designated by the Church Council.

2. For applicants in accordance with § 31 lit. b, the colloquium additionally comprises

a. a trial sermon,

b. a trial lesson in the area of mandatory religious education modules.

3. Applicants in accordance with § 31 lit. b may only commence activity as a substitute in accordance with Art. 121 para. 1 CO after successfully passing the colloquium on the contents according to para. 1.

The colloquium of applicants according to

1 The colloquium lasts 30 minutes for the contents according to §§ 43 lit. a-f Duration, and 20 minutes for the remaining contents.

2 The trial lesson and trial sermon are governed by the customary duration at the place of their performance.

1. **Evaluation of Individual Colloquium Contents**

The individual contents of the colloquium will be assessed with "passed" or "failed". The colloquium is considered "passed" if all contents of the colloquium have been assessed as "passed".

2. The colloquium can be repeated once with regard to contents assessed as "failed". The Church Council determines the time of the repetition.

3. If, even after a repetition, not all contents of the colloquium are assessed as "passed", the colloquium is considered "failed".

D. **Effects of a Passed Colloquium**

Applicants according to § 31 lit. c must, after their internship (Lernvikariat) and upon successful completion of the colloquium, pass the internship (Lernvikariat) in accordance with the Concordat on the common training of evangelical-reformed pastors and their admission to church service.

1. Candidates according to § 31 lit. a and b who have passed the ordination colloquium and have not already been ordained in a member church of the Evangelical-Reformed Church Switzerland or an evangelical church abroad belonging to the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE) or the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), as well as candidates according to § 31 lit. c who have completed the pastoral internship, shall be ordained by the Church Council according to Art. 108 KO.

2. The Church Council determines the time of the ordination.

1 The Church Council grants eligibility for election based on colloquium and ordination in accordance with Art. 128 lit. b KO and issues the certificate of eligibility for election.

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Ordinance on the Parish Ministry in the State Church

2 If the eligibility for election is restricted to specifically defined pastoral positions or tasks and duties in accordance with Art. 113 para. 1 KO, this restriction must be precisely described as a reservation in the certificate of eligibility for election.

3 For the recognition of eligibility for election by other churches, the provisions of those churches apply.

Admission

7. Section: Auxiliary Staff for Pastoral Activity 19

Here is the English translation

1 The Church Council may, upon request, admit non-ordained persons as auxiliary staff for ministerial duties in a parish.

2 Prerequisites for admission as auxiliary staff are

a. a written application to the Church Council, enclosing evidence concerning the fulfilment of the prerequisites pursuant to lit. b-e,

b. a Bachelor's degree in Theology from the University of Zurich, Basel, or Bern, or from a university-level institution whose curriculum is recognized as equivalent by the Concordat concerning the joint training of Evangelical-Reformed pastors and their admission to church service10,

c. a successfully completed Ecclesiological-Practical Semester pursuant to the Concordat concerning the joint training of Evangelical-Reformed pastors and their admission to church service10, or proof of practical experience recognized as equivalent by the Concordat,

d. the personal aptitude required for performing ministerial duties,

e. the fulfilment of further requirements and conditions stipulated by the Church Council on a case-by-case basis.

3 There is no entitlement to admission as auxiliary staff by the Church Council.

Employment

25 1 The employment as a substitute for pastoral activities is at the expense of the

full-time equivalent positions allocated to a parish in accordance with Art. 117 KO

or a parish's own pastorate in accordance with Art. 119 para. 1 KO.

2 Employment is for a fixed term or until the reason underlying the employment

ceases to exist, but for a maximum of one year. It can be extended for the same

duration at most. § 23 para. 2 PVO does not apply.

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Ordinance on the Pastorate in the Regional Church

181.402

8. Section: Allocation of Full-Time Equivalent Positions to Parishes

A. Foundations

19 1 The allocation of the percentage of posts according to Art. 117 para. 1 Procedure

and 2 KGO takes place for the term of office according to Art. 21 para. 1 KGO.

2 For the allocation of the percentage of posts according to Art. 117 para. 1 and 2

KGO, the number of members of the church congregations is decisive, as shown by

the population survey according to § 15 of the Ordinance to the

Church Law and the Law on Recognized Jewish Communities

5 on December 31 of the year preceding the allocation decision

of the Church Council.

3 For church congregations that merge between the time according to

para. 2 and the beginning of the new term of office for ministers,

the percentage of posts according to Art. 117

para. 1 and 2 KGO' are calculated separately for each individual church congregation and for the merged

church congregation. The allocation of the percentage of posts

is based on the calculation more favorable to the church congregation.23

4 The Church Council decides on the allocation of the percentage of posts

according to Art. 117 para. 1 and 2 KGO at the latest one year before the beginning of the

term of office according to Art. 21 para. 1 KGO.

B. Further percentages of posts18

conditions

19 1 The Church Council may allocate additional full-time equivalent (FTE)

positions to a parish, particularly if, in accordance with Art. 117 para. 4

KO,

a. the parish uses these positions for the development of a church site or a

new ecclesiastical form within the framework of sustainable community

development, based on lifeworld perspectives and with verifiable results;

b. the parish pursues one or more projects within the framework of particularly

sustainable community development with verifiable results and outreach

beyond the parish;

c. this is imperative due to extraordinary circumstances within a parish or

for compelling reasons;

d. this is necessary to avoid hardship cases for pastors.

2 The Church Council shall specify the conditions under para. 1 in an

appropriate manner.

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181.402

Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church

Duration

Several Parishes

Procedure

a. Application

b. District Church

Board and Dean

c. Decision

3 Except for the avoidance of hardship cases for pastors, additional FTE

positions according to Art. 117 para. 4 KO shall only be allocated if a

parish demonstrably provides its own contributions to a reasonable extent

for the stated purpose and establishes a focus on community development

for this purpose.

19 The allocation of additional percentage of posts in accordance with Art. 117

para. 4 of the KO shall be for a fixed term.

19

**1** Several parishes may jointly apply for the allocation of additional

staff percentages in accordance with Art. 117 para. 4 of the Church Constitution.

**2** The Church Council, in consultation with these parishes, shall make the

necessary arrangements for their cooperation.

19 1 The Church Board may at any time submit a request to the Church Council for the allocation of additional full-time equivalent percentages in accordance with Art. 117 para. 4 of the Church Order.

**2 It shall submit a request for the extension of additional full-time equivalent percentages allocated in accordance with Art. 117 para. 4 of the Church Order at least one year before the expiry of the determined period.**

**3 The following must be attached to the request:**

**a. an explanation of the prerequisites in accordance with § 52 paras. 1 and 2,**

**b. proof of the prerequisite in accordance with § 52 para. 3,**

**c. a statement from the Pastoral Conference and the Congregational Conference,**

**d. the resolutions of the Parish regarding the assumption of services in connection with the residency requirement as well as the official residence and official premises in accordance with Art. 122 and 247 of the Church Order,**

**e. a list of the number and full-time equivalent percentages of employees in the church music, diaconal, and catechetical services of the Parish,**

**f. any further documents designated by the Church Council.**

19 1** The Church Council obtains an opinion from the District Church Administration and the Dean or Dean regarding an application according to § 55.

**2** The District Church Administration verifies, in particular, whether the requirements according to § 52 are met.

19 1 The Church Council shall record in its decision

a. the extent of additional full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) allocated pursuant to Art. 117 para. 4 of the Church Order,

b. the date from which the additional FTEs pursuant to Art. 117 para. 4 of the Church Order are available to a parish,

20

Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church

181.402

c. the duration for which the additional FTEs pursuant to Art. 117 para. 4 of the Church Order are allocated,

d. conditions and requirements.

2 The Church Council shall communicate its decision regarding the allocation of additional FTEs pursuant to Art. 117 para. 4 of the Church Order to the Parish Council, the District Church Council, the Dean or Deaness, and the Parish Association, if the parish belongs to one.

C. Legal Protection18

19 1 Against a decision of the Church Council in accordance with §§ 51 and Objection

57, the Church Executive Board may lodge an objection with the Church a. in

Council within 30 days of notification.

2 The Church Council indicates in its decision the possibility of lodging

an objection.

General

19 1 The objection must contain a motion and a statement of reasons.

**b. Procedure**

**2 The running of the objection period and the submission of the objection have suspensive effect.**

**3 The Church Council reviews its decision without restriction and makes a new decision.**

**4 An appeal is permissible against the objection decision.**

**Section 9: Allocation of employment percentages in the parishes**

Here is the English translation of the law article

**19 1** When allocating the job percentages assigned to the parish according to Art. 117 KO, the Church Council shall, in addition to Art. 120 para. 1 and 2 KO, take into account in particular

a. the professional and personal suitability for taking on the tasks to be fulfilled,

b. the division of labour within the pastoral office according to Art. 115 para. 2 KO.

**2** Art. 126 para. 1 and 2 sub-paragraph a KO shall not apply in parishes

a. which have a maximum of 100 job percentages in the pastoral office, and

b. in which two persons, living together as spouses, registered partners, or in a de facto cohabitation, assume the job percentages allocated to the parish according to Art. 117 KO.

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181.402

Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the National Church

a. Principle

b. Amendment

Division of Tasks

and Collaboration

Official Duties

Substitution

19 1 The Church Council may change the percentage of employment of elected pastors during the current term of office, in agreement with them and taking into account the regulations for pastoral service. Such a change occurs without dismissal from office and re-election of the pastors.

**2 The Church Council shall inform the District Church Council, the Dean, and the Church Council, as well as the parish in an appropriate manner, about the change.**

19 1 The division of tasks within the pastorate is governed by Art. 115

KO. It primarily considers the overall context of the congregation

as well as the responsibility for the theological reflection of congregational

development.

2 The division of tasks must be structured in such a way that cooperation

with the church board, the congregational assembly, employees, and

volunteers, as well as within the pastorate, is ensured. It takes

into account other activities of pastors

who are employed in the church congregation only with a part-time workload.

3 The division of tasks within the pastorate is reflected in the pastoral service

regulations.

4 The church board informs the church congregation and the district

church board in an appropriate manner about the division of tasks and cooperation

according to para. 1.

19 1 Pastors (male and female) fulfil their duties and official obligations comprehensively in accordance with Art. 112 and 113 KO within the scope of their assigned percentage of employment and § 62 Abs. 1.

**2 Pastors (male and female) who are employed in the parish with only a part-time workload have the same rights and obligations as pastors (male and female) employed full-time in the parish, with regard to the pastoral convention (Pfarrkonvent) and the congregational convention (Gemeindekonvent), as well as participation in church council (Kirchenpflege) meetings. Art. 114 Abs. 3 lit. b and 4, as well as Art. 162 Abs. 2 lit. b KO, remain reserved.**

**3 Pastors (male and female) organise other activities in such a way that these do not impair the fulfilment of duties and official obligations according to para. 1.**

19 1 If more than one pastor takes on the staff percentages allocated to a parish in accordance with Art. 117 KO, then the deputy representation shall be governed by § 89 para. 2 PVO.

Regulation on the Pastorate in the Regional Church

181.402

2 If two persons living together as spouses, registered partners, or in a de facto cohabitation take on the staff percentages allocated to a parish in accordance with Art. 117 KO, then the entitlement to free Sundays shall be governed by

19 Benefit of Rectors and Pastors using a rectory or official premises

If a rectory or official residence is used jointly by a pastor and a deaconess, and there are official premises within the rectory or official residence, they are not entitled to official premises outside the rectory or official residence.

§§ 66-72.20

10. Section: Fulfilment of Supra-Parochial Tasks19

Duties of Pastors

Pastors may fulfill tasks to be carried out outside their parish or institution, but within the scope of their official duties as per § 88 para. 1 of the General PVO, in particular through

a. Activity in military chaplaincy and emergency chaplaincy,

b. Relieving pastors who are active in emergency chaplaincy or military chaplaincy,

c. Training and further education of church employees commissioned by the Church Council,

d. Collaboration in regional church educational programs and educational programs of the Landeskirche (regional church),

e. Collaboration in projects of the Church Council,

f. Exercising the office of Dean or Vice-Dean,

g. Collaboration on the board of a pastoral chapter,

h. Participation in non-church authorities and organizations commissioned by the Church Council.

1 Pastors shall be required to use for official duties, the scope of

which they perform outside their parish or

their institution in accordance with § 88 para. 1 PVO

a. for a workload of 50% or more, up to half a day

per week,

b. for a workload of less than 50%, up to half a day

per two weeks.

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181.402 Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church

2 The use of time according to para. 1 may exceptionally require

more time, especially if the Church Council grants relief to pastors

or the respective parish for the tasks to be performed in accordance with § 88

para. 1 PVO.

3 §§ 174 para. 2 and 3, and 175 para. 2 VVO

PVO regarding the use of working time for the pursuit of a

secondary occupation or public office remain reserved.

Compensation

1 Pastors who are active in emergency pastoral care and provide a certain amount of on-call service or perform special tasks within the framework of emergency pastoral care receive a functional allowance. The Church Council regulates the details.

2 If pastors receive compensation for tasks to be performed in accordance with § 88 para. 1 PVO, the surrender thereof shall be governed by §§ 174–175a VVO PVO. Excluded therefrom are compensations for the fulfillment of tasks in accordance with § 73 lit. a and f.

Definition

11. Section: Individual Representations19

1 If ministers are temporarily prevented from performing their

pastoral duties and mutual representation in accordance with § 89 para. 2 PVO and §§ 88 para. 1, 88a para. 1 and 2, as well as 157a para. 1 VVO PVO is not possible, they shall request the Church

Council for individual representation.17

2 Individual representation can take the form of assuming a single church service or another pastoral duty in an individual case, or as weekly office representation.

3 Individual representation shall be provided in particular in cases of prevention due to

a. holidays,

b. paid leave in accordance with § 69 para. 2 PVO and §§ 92–99 VVO

c. PVO,

secondment in accordance with § 103 VVO PVO,

d. paternity leave in accordance with § 105 VVO PVO,

e. military, civil protection, and alternative civilian service,

f. illness and accident,

g. taking a free Sunday in accordance with § 132 para. 1–3 VVO PVO,

h.17 further education in accordance with § 155 para. 1 VVO PVO,

i. retreat of the pastoral chapter,

j. events of the parish.

24

Regulation on the Pastorate in the Regional Church

181.402

1. **Short-Term as per § 76 para. 1, Duration**

An impediment is considered short-term if it lasts for individual days, but at most for an uninterrupted period of four weeks.19

2. An impediment due to vacation is considered short-term, regardless of its duration.

If a sole representation is continuously required for at least five working days, it shall be carried out as a working week representation.

17 Compensation

1 Pastors who provide individual representation receive a lump-sum compensation.

2 If they provide representation for a pastoral duty week, they will be paid a pastoral duty week allowance for the days of the pastoral duty week on which they do not hold a divine service and do not perform any other pastoral duty.

3 The Church Council determines the compensation according to paragraphs 1 and 2.

4 Travel expenses will be reimbursed for a second-class day ticket for all zones of the Zurich Transport Network at the full fare.

1 The Landeskirche shall assume the costs of individual representation in the case of

a. holidays in accordance with § 88 para. 3 VVO PVO, insofar as it concerns a church parish in whose pastoral office only one person or two persons are active who live together as spouses, registered partners, or in a de facto life partnership,

b. paid leave in accordance with § 69 para. 2 PVO and §§ 92–99 VVO PVO,

c. secondment in accordance with § 103 VVO PVO,

d. paternity leave in accordance with § 105 VVO PVO,

e. military, civil protection, and alternative civilian service,

f. illness and accident,

g. retreats of the pastoral chapter, provided that the Church Council declares participation in these to be mandatory,

h. deans within the scope of relief in accordance with

21 1 The initial salary of pastors corresponds to

Level 1 of the applicable salary class according to Annex 3 VVO PVO.

2 The crediting of relevant experience is governed by §§ 82–

85. It comprises at most as many levels as a pastor can reach in an individual case based on salary development according to § 93.

3 If no individual salary increase according to § 52 VVO PVO was granted in a year, no relevant experience will be credited for that year.

4 If an individual salary increase was granted in a year, § 52 b VVO PVO remains reserved for the crediting of the corresponding levels.24

5 To Level 1 of the applicable salary class according to Annex 3 VVO PVO, the levels that are creditable according to paragraph 2 shall be added.

6 Based on the number of creditable levels according to paragraph 3, the level within the applicable salary class according to Annex 3 VVO PVO shall be determined.

21 1 For every professional activity performed by pastors in a pastoral office, a parish, or another service of a member church of the Evangelical Reformed Church Switzerland, or in an institution connected with the national church, which lasted at least six months in the individual year, those steps are credited that correspond to the salary development according to § 93 in the respective salary development area.

2...22

3 Professional activities according to paragraph 1 with an average employment level of 50% and more are credited in full, and those with an average employment level of less than 50% and more than 20% are credited by half. Professional activities with an average employment level of up to 20% are not taken into account.

21 If pastors, in addition to professional or other employment not exceeding 50%, have demonstrably performed parental or care work to an extent of at least 50% for an uninterrupted period of at least one year, one step will be credited to them for this period for a maximum of eight years per year.

Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church

181.402

21 1 Pastors who can demonstrate professional activity not performed c. Professional

in a pastorate, a parish, or another service of a member church of experience

the Evangelical-Reformed Church Switzerland or in an institution

associated with the regional church, shall have one increment

credited for each full year of such professional activity.

2 A credit according to para. 1 shall be granted if the total workload of

the individual employments reached at least 50% and each individual

employment lasted at least six months.

3 Professional activities creditable according to paras. 1 and 2 shall be

totaled and rounded to the full month.

4 Vocational training, the probationary curacy according to the Concordat

concerning the joint training of evangelical-reformed pastors and their

admission to church service10, internships, and comparable activities shall

not be taken into account.

21 If the conditions according to §§ 82–84 for the crediting d. Crediting

of usable experience are simultaneously met, the classification competition

shall be made according to the provision that is more favorable

to the pastor.

22

Institutionen

1. Pastors working in a parish within a pastoral institution who do not yet possess the additional training required by the Church Council will be classified in salary class 16 according to Annex 3 VVO PVO until they acquire this additional training.

2. Classification in salary class 17 according to Annex 3 VVO PVO takes effect at the beginning of the first month following the acquisition of the additional training.

B. Substitutes

20

19 Pastors (male and female) who serve as substitutes or Salary Grade 16

**Substitutes in accordance with Art. 121 para. 1 KO, shall be assigned to Salary**

**Grade 16 in accordance with Annex 3 VVO PVO, unless otherwise provided.**

the requirements for classification into salary grade 17 are met.

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181.402 Ordinance on the Parish Office in the Regional Church

Salary Grade 17

1 The salary of temporary staff according to § 49 amounts to 75% of the

amount of salary class 16, step 1 according to Annex 3 VVO PVO.19

2 A crediting of usable experience according to §§ 81–85 does

not take place.21

3 An individual salary increase according to § 93 is not granted.

28

Ordinance on the Parish Ministry in the State Church

181.402

D. Individual Salary Increase

**25 1 Salary grades 16 and 17 according to Annex 3 VVO PVO Salary-

development**

each comprise four salary development areas

a. Levels 2-17, corresponding to 8 individual salary increases of

an average of 2 levels, totalling 16 levels,

b. Levels 18-29, corresponding to 8 individual salary increases of

an average of 1½ levels, totalling 12 levels,

c. Levels 30-35, corresponding to 6 individual salary increases of

an average of 1 level, totalling 6 levels,

d. Levels 35-41, corresponding to 12 individual salary increases of

an average of ½ level, totalling 6 levels.

2 Starting from the initial grading according to § 81, female and male

pastors shall be granted the individual salary increase provided for

in that salary development area, based on their respective grading

within a salary development area according to para. 1. Para. 3 remains

reserved.

3 The last individual salary increase within a salary development area

shall lead to the highest level of that salary development area.

4 An individual salary increase comprises at least one level and a

maximum of three levels.

5 Upon reaching Level 41 of salary grades 16 and 17 according to

Annex 3 VVO PVO, no further individual salary increases shall be

granted.

**13. Section: Obligation to reside**

**18 Decisions by the Church Council regarding Residence**

1 The Church Council decides which of the ministers (male and female) are to reside in the parish, in accordance with Art. 122 paras. 1 and 2 of the Church Order (KO).

2 It shall make the decision according to para. 1 in a timely manner before the resolution on the election proposal according to §§ 15 para. 1 lit. e or 23 para. 1. Furthermore, it can only oblige ministers (male and female) elected in the parish to take up residence in the parish, in accordance with Art. 122 paras. 1 and 2 KO, at the beginning of a new term of office for ministers.

3 It shall consult the ministers (male and female) and the pastoral convention before making its decision.

4 When making its decision, the Church Council shall particularly consider the division of labour within the ministry according to Art. 115 para. 2 KO, the interests of the parish, as well as the personal and family circumstances of the ministers (male and female).

**14th Section: Parsonage, Minister’s Residence, and Official Premises**

**A. Requirements**

Offer of Space

Parking Spaces

Volume and Area

1 Parsonages and clergy residences comprise

a. an office and a consultation and waiting room as official premises, to the extent that these rooms are not available outside the parsonage or clergy residence,

b. a sufficient number of living rooms such that the parsonage or clergy residence is also suitable as a family home,

c. the usual ancillary rooms.

2 With regard to the living rooms to be made available to clergy members pursuant to paragraph 1, their personal circumstances may be taken into account.

3 The office and the consultation and waiting room may consist of a single room.

1 The rectory or parsonage shall include at least one parking space.

2 If no parking space is available, the church parish shall provide a parking space if the private vehicle is necessary for the performance of the pastoral duties.

1 Guidelines for the building volume and room floor areas of parsonages and pastoral residences are

a. 1200 m³ building volume according to SIA Standard No. 416 (Areas and Volumes of Buildings),

b. 140 m² room floor area for residential and official rooms,

c. 30 m² room floor area for the official rooms of the pastor, consisting of a study and a consultation room, including a waiting room.

2 Wet rooms, traffic areas, and ancillary use areas are not included in the areas according to para. 1 lit. b and c.

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Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the State Church

181.402

1 Parsonages and clergy residences shall exhibit a contemporary and solid standard of construction, corresponding to that of a mid-range single-family house in terms of price and comfort level within general residential building.

2 There is no entitlement to newness.

§§ 94–97 apply equally to

a. Parsonages and clergy residences made available to pastors by the

parish, which are not owned by the parish,

b. Office premises made available to pastors outside the parsonage

or clergy residence.

Leased properties

B. Use

19 1 The Church Council assigns a rectory or a parsonage apartment to pastors who are subject to the residential obligation under Art. 122 para. 1 and 2 of the Church Order or who claim a rectory or a parsonage apartment under Art. 247 para. 2 of the Church Order.

2 When assigning a rectory or a parsonage apartment, the Church Council shall particularly take into account the personal and family circumstances of the pastors, the division of labor within the pastorate according to Art. 115 para. 2 of the Church Order, and the interests of the parish.

3 The Church Council shall inform the Church Governing Council about the start and end of the use of a rectory or a parsonage apartment by a pastor.

1 The use of parsonages and rectory apartments by elected pastors, who reside in the parsonage or rectory apartment in the parish where they are active, is governed by § 67 PVO, § 171 VVO PVO, and §§ 101–122. If no regulation is found in these provisions, the provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations12 concerning lease agreements shall apply mutatis mutandis.

2 No lease agreement shall be concluded for the parsonage or rectory apartment, including parking spaces, garden, and surroundings, if

a. elected pastors occupy a parsonage or rectory apartment in the parish where they are active,

b. the conditions according to § 171 para. 2 VVO PVO are met,

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Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church

c. a pastor resides in the parsonage or rectory apartment of the parish, either until commencing employment in the elected position or after the termination of the elected position, where they act as a substitute according to Art. 121 para. 1 lit. a KO.

3 In all other cases, the church council shall conclude a lease agreement with users of a parsonage or rectory apartment according to the provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations12. If the lease is for an indefinite period, it shall include a reservation for termination due to personal use.

Duration

Sublease

Commercial use

1. The claim of pastors to use the parsonage or rectory, including official rooms, parking spaces, garden, and surroundings, ends at the time of the termination of their employment relationship in the respective church parish.

2. The expiration of the claim according to para. 1 also extends to family members and other persons who reside with a pastor in the parsonage or rectory.

3. If the church board grants a pastor the use of the parsonage or rectory beyond the termination of the employment relationship, the duration and subject matter of such use shall be governed by the lease agreement to be concluded pursuant to § 100 para. 3.

4. § 171 para. 2 VVO PVO remains reserved.

1 If the use of the rectory or the parsonage

is regulated according to § 100 para. 2, then the gratuitous transfer

and the subletting of the rectory, the parsonage, the

parking spaces or individual rooms require a permit from the

Church Council.

2 In the case of subletting, the Church Council may, within

the framework of the permit according to para. 1, stipulate that the pastor or

vicar delivers a reasonable share of the proceeds from the subletting

to the parish.

1 If the use of the rectory or parsonage is regulated according to § 100 para. 2, then the commercial use of the rectory or parsonage, including parking spaces, garden and surroundings, or individual rooms, requires permission from the Church Council.

2 The Church Council may, within the scope of the permission according to para. 1, set an appropriate compensation for the commercial use.

32

Ordinance on the Parish Office in the Regional Church 181.402

Handover

1 The Church Council hands over the rectory or the parsonage, including the official premises and the parking spaces, in a condition suitable for the intended use and thoroughly cleaned, and the garden and surroundings in a well-maintained state.

2 The Church Council and the pastor agree on the timing of the handover. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Church Council decides.

3 The Church Council draws up a handover protocol upon the handover.

4 Pastors must report any defects discovered subsequently to the Church Council in writing within 14 days of the handover. If no such report is made, the rectory or parsonage, including official premises, parking spaces, garden, and surroundings, shall be deemed to have been handed over in the condition recorded in the protocol.

5 Pastors bear the costs for the production of nameplates for the doorbell, mailbox, and house and apartment doors.

Rückgabe

1 The rectory or parsonage, including the official premises and parking spaces, must be returned fully vacated, thoroughly cleaned, and in good condition, taking into account fair wear and tear or alterations resulting from proper use, and with the garden and surroundings in a well-maintained state.

2 The maintenance and cleaning work to be carried out by the pastor must be performed professionally and completed by the time of handover.

3 The Church Council and the pastor shall agree on the time of handover. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Church Council shall decide.

4 At the time of handover, the Church Council shall prepare a handover protocol, which records the condition of the rectory or parsonage, the official premises, parking spaces, as well as the garden and surroundings.

5 If the pastor refuses to cooperate in the handover protocol, the handover is deemed to have taken place in the condition recorded in the protocol. The Church Council is entitled to have an official survey conducted at the pastor's expense to secure evidence.

6 The Church Council shall notify the pastor immediately of any defects for which the pastor is liable, and no later than one year after the handover, of any defects that were not discoverable during a customary inspection at the time of handover.

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181.402

Ordinance on the Pastorate in the Regional Church

Keys

Due Diligence

Pet Ownership

Relocation Costs

Furnishings

1 The Church Council shall prepare a key inventory upon the handover of the rectory or the parsonage.

2 The pastor may only have additional keys made with the written consent of the Church Council. He or she shall surrender such keys to the Church Council without compensation upon the return of the rectory or parsonage.

3 The pastor shall replace lost keys during the period of use, at the latest by the time of the return of the rectory or parsonage, at their own expense.

4 In the event of a key loss by the pastor, the Church Council is entitled to replace or modify the relevant locks and keys, and if applicable, the entire locking system, at the expense of the pastor.

1. Female and male pastors shall use the parsonage or the

vicarage, including the official premises, parking spaces, and

existing facilities, as well as the garden and surroundings, as intended,

treat them with care, and protect them from damage.

2. All rooms in the parsonage or vicarage shall be

ventilated regularly. Heating may not be completely switched off in any

room during winter.

1 The keeping of pets is permitted if they are common domestic animals, the neighborhood is not disturbed, and there are no other significant reasons to the contrary. In all other cases, the Church Council decides.

2 In the event of keeping animals, pastors shall take out insurance that covers damages caused by the animal and its keeping.

1. Pastors bear their own relocation costs.

2. The parish covers the relocation costs for a change of rectory or parsonage requested by the church council.

1. Pastors shall furnish at their own expense

a. the rectory or parsonage,

b. the study, as well as the consultation and waiting room as official premises, insofar as these form a unit with the living quarters of the rectory or parsonage.

2. Pastors shall, where possible, use existing IT resources of the parish.

Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church

181.402

3. Insofar as the parish does not provide the necessary IT resources, their procurement and maintenance shall be the responsibility of the pastor.

19 1 The rental value share pursuant to § 67 para. 1 PVO for the rectory or parsonage, including parking spaces, garden, and surroundings, amounts to 1700 Swiss francs per month, irrespective of the size and location of the property.

2 If the Church Council, in accordance with Art. 122 para. 4 KO, permits an elected pastor (female or male) to reside in the parish outside the rectory or parsonage, the deduction of the rental value share from the salary shall cease.

3 If pastors (female or male) have a permit pursuant to para. 2, they cannot assert any claims against the parish regarding their housing situation. The right to office premises is governed by Art. 247 para. 3 KO. For office premises provided by the pastor (female or male), § 46 VVO PVO applies.

C. Ancillary Costs

1. Pastors bear all ancillary costs for: Principle

a. the rectory or the parsonage,

b. the official premises, insofar as these form a single unit with the

living quarters of the rectory or parsonage,

c. parking spaces,

d. garden and surroundings.

2. Ancillary costs include

a. water, wastewater, and rainwater fees, including basic fees,

b. refuse collection fees, including basic fees,

c. garden waste disposal fees, including basic fees for the part of the

garden and surroundings to be maintained by the pastor,

d. costs for electrical energy and gas,

e. cable reception fees,

f. community costs for snow removal and for cleaning private access

roads and paths,

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181.402 Ordinance on the Pastorate in the Regional Church

g. costs for caretaking and cleaning,

h. elevator operating costs,

i. costs of service subscriptions for technical equipment.

3. The parish pays the building insurance premium.

1. Rectors and Vicars shall bear all costs for the heating of the rectory or vicarage as well as the official premises, insofar as these form a single unit with the living quarters of the rectory or vicarage.

2. Heating costs include, in particular

a. Purchase of fuel,

b. Costs of electrical energy for heating operation,

c. Costs of chimney cleaning,

d. Fees for combustion control,

e. Costs for service subscriptions,

f. Tank insurance premiums,

g. Pro rata tank inspection costs.

3. Rectors and Vicars shall acquire the existing fuel stock at the stated price upon taking over the rectory or vicarage. The same obligation applies to the church parish upon the return of the rectory or vicarage.

4. If the heating costs in a calendar year exceed 3,000 Swiss Francs, the church parish shall bear the portion of the heating costs exceeding 3,000 Swiss Francs.

5. If the heating costs for the rectory or vicarage regularly exceed the amount of 3,000 Swiss Francs per year, or if an exact apportionment of heating costs between the vicarage and publicly used rooms in the rectory is not possible, the church parish may assume the heating costs and charge them to the Rector or Vicar as a lump sum. The lump sum shall not exceed 3,000 Swiss Francs per calendar year.

Heating

Administration

and Structural

Maintenance

D. Maintenance

1 The parish communities are responsible for the administration

and the structural maintenance of parsonages and pastoral residences,

including the official rooms, car parking spaces, the garden, and

the surrounding areas, insofar as these are their property.

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181.402

2 Pastors shall report to the church council any defects in the

structural condition as well as anything that could impair the value or the proper

use of the property.

3 The church council is entitled, with 48 hours' prior notice,

to carry out inspections of the parsonage or pastoral residence, the official rooms,

the car parking spaces, the garden, and the surrounding areas,

insofar as they are necessary for safeguarding the property rights of the parish community or

with a view to repairs and renovations incumbent upon it.

1 Repairs to the rectory or the parsonage, to the official premises, to the car parking spaces, as well as to the garden and the surroundings are ordered by the Church Council and are borne by the church community, insofar as they are not the responsibility of the pastors in accordance with § 116.

2 If the remediation of damage cannot be postponed, pastors must arrange for the repair without delay, while simultaneously notifying the Church Council.

3 Pastors must replace broken window panes at their own expense with equivalent ones, unless the breakage was demonstrably caused by third parties or is due to a stress crack.

1. Female and male pastors are responsible for minor repairs required for the ordinary use of the rectory or parsonage, for the maintenance of official premises, insofar as these form a unit with the living quarters of the rectory or parsonage, and for parking spaces, which in individual cases do not exceed 200 Swiss Francs. They ensure that such maintenance work is carried out professionally.

2. Female and male pastors bear the costs of minor maintenance up to an amount of 2000 Swiss Francs per calendar year themselves.

3. The church council decides on repairs and restorations exceeding the amount of 200 Swiss Francs in individual cases.

1 Female and male pastors must regularly clean the parsonage or the cleaning and

parsonage apartment, the official rooms, insofar as these form part of the parsonage or care

of the parsonage apartment, and the car parking spaces,

including in particular windows, window frames, roller shutters, blinds

and jalousies as well as balconies and terraces.

2 Female and male pastors must maintain the plantings belonging to the parsonage or parsonage

apartment on seating areas, balconies, and

terraces in such a way as to prevent excessive plant growth.

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Ordinance on the Parish Ministry in the State Church

Renovation

work and

structural

alterations

a. By the

Church Council

b. By

female and

male pastors

Service life

Garden and

surroundings

1 The Church Council may, within the scope of reasonableness, undertake renewals and alterations to the rectory or the parsonage, to the office premises, to the car parking spaces, and to the garden without the consent of the pastor. The right of pastors to a reduction of the rental value deduction for the duration of the works remains reserved.

**2 The Church Council shall determine the timing of conversions, renovations, and new installations that involve significant interventions and impair the use of the property, in agreement with the pastor.**

**3 Pastors shall ensure access for tradespersons and suppliers until the completion of the works according to para. 1 and for the rectification of warranty defects, to the rectory or the parsonage, to the office premises, to the car parking spaces, as well as to the garden and its surroundings.**

1. Female and male pastors require prior approval from the Church Council for renovations and alterations to the rectory or pastor's residence, the official premises, and the parking spaces, for the installation of fixtures and fittings outside the rectory or pastor's residence, and for the modification of existing fixtures and fittings.

2. Female and male pastors bear the costs of maintenance and replacement for renovations and alterations carried out by them.

3. If renovations and alterations approved by the Church Council and initiated and paid for by the female or male pastor represent a substantial increase in value, the Church Council may take them over against financial compensation. There is no entitlement to compensation.

4. Female and male pastors shall restore the original condition at their own expense upon request by the Church Council.

1 The lifespan of fixtures and fittings in parsonages and pastoral residences is determined by the corresponding table of the Swiss Homeowners Association and the Swiss Tenants Association.

2 Pastors shall bear a pro-rata share of the costs for the premature replacement of fixtures and fittings.

Abs. 1 KO,

b. sufficient knowledge of the German standard language,

c. familiarity with Swiss conditions.

1 Snow removal is the responsibility of the pastors (ministers)

a. on the access paths to the parsonage or rectory, if it serves exclusively for pastoral and residential purposes,

b. on the car parking spaces,

c. in the private part of the garden and its surroundings.

2 In all other respects, snow removal is the responsibility of the parish.

3 The Church Council may make a different arrangement with the pastors (ministers) through a written agreement.

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Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church

Section 15: Deans, Vice Deans, Chapter of Pastors19

Relief

Prevention of Vice-Deans due to Demands of their Office.

i.

2 In all other respects, the church parish that avails itself of a sole representation shall bear the costs of this sole representation.15

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12. Section: Salary19

Ordinance on the Parish Office in the Regional Church

A. Determination of the Initial Salary

19 1 Deans and Vice-Deans

receive a functional allowance as compensation for their official duties

in accordance with § 72 PVO.

2 The Church Council determines the annual functional allowance. In doing so, it takes into

account the size of the individual parish chapters, particularly the

number of members entitled to vote and stand for election, and the number of

parishes.

3 Deans and Vice-Deans receive

the functional allowance for the duration of their term of office. It is paid

annually.

4 If the Dean and Vice-Dean divide

their duties among themselves in a certain proportion in accordance with § 192 KO,

they may combine their functional allowances and

distribute them among themselves in the desired proportion. They inform

the Church Council accordingly.

Consultation and

Support

19 The Church Council may provide consultation and support to female deans, deans, female vice-deans, and vice-deans concerning their official duties. It shall regulate the details.

Expenses

20

1 Reimbursement of expenses in connection with official duties as Dean,

Vice-Dean, Deaness, or Vice-Deanness is governed by Sections 67–75

VVO PVO and the General Expense Regulations of the Church Council.

2 Deans, Vice-Deans, Deanesses, and Vice-Deannesses shall submit their

expense reports to the Church Council annually by November 30th at

the latest. Reports received thereafter will be processed for accounting

in the following fiscal year.

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Ordinance on the Parish Ministry in the Regional Church

181.402

1 Parish Chapters bear their own expenses.** The Church and Parish Council may decide that the State Church will cover the expenses for individual tasks and events, especially in the area of further education.

**2 Parish Chapters may levy an annual contribution from their members to cover their expenses.** The Parish Chapters determine the contribution.

**Section 16: Transitional and Final Provisions**

Principle for the conditions of the parish office in the Regional Church

and for all procedures pending at the time of the entry into force of this ordinance,

this ordinance shall apply from that time. Sections 130–135 remain reserved.

Applicants for an extraordinary admission to the pastorate who, at the time of the entry into force of this ordinance, are admitted to the colloquium, must fulfill the admission requirements for the colloquium according to the previous law and take the colloquium according to the previous law.

Paras. 1 and 4 VVO PVO.

20

Initial salaries of pastors set under previous law will not be adjusted.

Setting of the initial salary

and official premises

The church councils shall adapt existing regulations and agreements with pastors concerning the rectory, the parsonage, the official premises, the parking spaces, as well as the garden and surroundings, within one year from the entry into force of this ordinance.

a. Ordinance on the Re-election of Pastors of 1 December 1976,

b. Statutes for Colloquia of 18 August 1982,

Previous

Law

1. 1. 25-127

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Ordinance on the Parish Ministry in the Regional Church

c. Ordinance on the Regulation of Continuing Education for Pastors (male and female) of 24 October 1984,

d. Ordinance on the Division of Parish Positions of 24 November 1993,

e. Directives regarding Art. 128 para. 3 of the Church Order (Teaching Obligation of Pastors (male and female)) of 2 March 1994,

f. Guidelines for Parsonages (Rectories and Parsonage Apartments) Provided by Parish Communities of 6 April 1994,

g. Ordinance on the Additional Functions of Pastors (male and female) in the Service of the Regional Church of 1 June 1994,

h. Directives of the Church Council on the Regulation of Study Leave for Pastors of 8 May 1985,

i. Recommendation concerning the Reimbursement of IT Expenses for Pastors (male and female) of 22 August 2001,

j. further guidelines, directives and resolutions of the Church Council, the parish communities and parish community associations, insofar as they contradict this Ordinance.

The Enforcement Ordinance to the Personnel Ordinance of 6 July 2011 is amended as follows

**Transitional Provisions for the Amendment of April 10, 2019**

**(OS 74, 264)**

I. Existing resolutions of the Church Board as well as agreements between the Church Board and pastors regarding the division of pastoral positions shall lapse at the end of the term of office 2016–2020 for pastors. The Church Board shall make the necessary arrangements in place of the previous resolutions and agreements.

II. Sections 51-62, 64, and 93a shall be applicable for the first time for the term of office 2020–2024 for pastors.

III. The Church Council shall decide on the initial allocation of position percentages in accordance with Art. 117 para. 4 KO by September 30, 2019, at the latest.

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**Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church**

**181.402**

IV. Within the framework of the decisions to be made by the Church Board for the term of office 2020–2024 for pastors in accordance with Section 24c para. 1, it shall be irrelevant whether a pastor (male or female) was employed in an ordinary pastoral position or an supplementary pastoral position during the term of office 2016–2020 for pastors in accordance with Art. 116 and 118 of the Church Order of the Evangelical-Reformed Regional Church of the Canton of Zurich, as amended on March 17, 2009.

V. If the residency requirement ceases in accordance with Art. 122 para. 1 KO at the beginning of the term of office 2020–2024 for pastors, the existing use of parsonages and pastoral residences by elected pastors shall not change.

VI. For the remainder of the term of office 2016–2020 for pastors, the following shall be governed by the provisions of the Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church as amended on September 3, 2014

a. the review of a parish's claim to a pastoral position if it becomes vacant (Section 9 para. 1),

b. the requirements for the installation of pastors (Section 28),

c. the division of pastoral positions (Sections 51–69),

d. the position workload and supplementary service (Sections 70–72),

e. the remuneration for a substitute in a divided pastoral position (Section 90 lit. a).

**Transitional Provision for the Amendment of July 14, 2021 (OS 76, 355)**

I. Sections 81–85 shall be applicable to the determination of the initial remuneration of pastors in accordance with Section 4 PVO who enter the service of the Regional Church from the effective date of this amendment to the Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church.

II. Pastors in accordance with Section 4 PVO who are in the service of the Regional Church and whose initial remuneration was not determined in accordance with Sections 81–84, may, within six months from the effective date of this amendment to the Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church, request a review of their initial remuneration in accordance with Sections 81–84. They shall submit the necessary evidence for this.

1. 1. 25-127

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**181.402**

**Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church**

III. If the review of the initial remuneration in accordance with Point II results in a higher classification than the existing one, the adjustment of the remuneration shall be made retroactively to the effective date of this amendment to the Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church.

IV. If the review of the initial remuneration in accordance with Point II results in a lower classification than the existing one, no adjustment of the remuneration shall be made. Individual salary increases in accordance with Section 93, which are granted from the effective date of this amendment to the Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church, shall be offset against the existing classification until it is balanced.

V. Points I-IV shall not be applicable to pastors who continue to serve in a pastoral office beyond the termination of their employment relationship in accordance with Art. 132 para. 2 KO and Section 26 para. 2 lit. b PVO, or who perform individual substitutions in accordance with Section 76.

¹ OS 69, 410; for reasons, see ABI 2014-09-19.

² LS 101.

³ LS 161.

⁴ LS 180.1.

⁵ LS 180.11.

⁶ LS 181.10.

⁷ LS 181.25.

⁸ LS 181.40.

⁹ LS 181.401.

¹⁰ LS 181.41.

¹¹ LS 181.421.

¹² SR 220.

¹³ For text, see OS 69, 451.

¹⁴ Inserted by Resolution of April 20, 2016 (OS 71, 276; ABI 2016-06-10). In force since September 1, 2016.

¹⁵ Version in accordance with Resolution of April 20, 2016 (OS 71, 276; ABI 2016-06-10). In force since September 1, 2016.

¹⁶ Version in accordance with Resolution of June 1, 2016 (OS 71, 277; ABI 2016-06-10). In force since September 1, 2016.

¹⁷ Version in accordance with Resolution of September 20, 2017 (OS 72, 615; ABI 2017-10-06). In force since January 1, 2018.

¹⁸ Inserted by Resolution of April 10, 2019 (OS 74, 264; ABI 2019-04-18). In force since July 1, 2019.

44

**Ordinance on the Pastoral Office in the Regional Church**

**181.402**

¹⁹ Version in accordance with Resolution of April 10, 2019 (OS 74, 264; ABI 2019-04-18). In force since July 1, 2019.

²⁰ Repealed by Resolution of April 10, 2019 (OS 74, 264; ABI 2019-04-18). In force since July 1, 2019.

²¹ Version in accordance with Resolution of July 14, 2021 (OS 76, 355; ABI 2021-07-16). In force since January 1, 2022.

²² Repealed by Resolution of July 14, 2021 (OS 76, 355; ABI 2021-07-16). In force since January 1, 2022.

²³ Version in accordance with Resolution of June 7, 2023 (OS 78, 313; ABI 2023-06-16). In force since October 1, 2023.

²⁴ Inserted by Resolution of June 12, 2024 (OS 79, 389; ABI 2024-06-28). In force since January 1, 2025.

²⁵ Version in accordance with Resolution of June 12, 2024 (OS 79, 389; ABI 2024-06-28). In force since January 1, 2025.

45

The representatives in the Parish Electoral Commission designated under Article 2 of the Church Law cannot be changed until their dismissal from office in accordance with § 16 para. 1.