Methodist Church Ghana Constitution PDF

## INTRODUCTION TO THE 1961 CONSTITUTION AND STANDING ORDERS - This book aims to guide members of the Church through personal and corporate life, providing regulations and guidance for all members. - The Gospel is the foundation of the Church, not Law, but rules are necessary for its healthy develo...

## INTRODUCTION TO THE 1961 CONSTITUTION AND STANDING ORDERS - This book aims to guide members of the Church through personal and corporate life, providing regulations and guidance for all members. - The Gospel is the foundation of the Church, not Law, but rules are necessary for its healthy development. - The earliest rules of the Church came from Jesus, who instructed and ordained his disciples. - Paul taught that Christians should not engage in lawsuits against each other. - Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, and the Church should always seek his mind in all its endeavors. - The Church's constitution arose from the need to help members, and John Wesley was requested to help them in religious matters. - In 1742, to address a debt, the society agreed: - Every member should contribute a penny a week. - The society should be divided into classes with a leader. - The contribution should be collected by the class leader. - This led to the origin of class meetings and the class leader. - Wesley also founded the Conference, which still meets annually today. - With growth, Wesley divided the country into Circuits and appointed ministers to work in designated areas. - After Wesley’s death, District Synods were introduced to address the growing needs of the Church. - The Methodist Church has adapted according to the changing cultural and social contexts. ## PREFACE TO THE 1989 REVISED CONSTITUTION AND STANDING ORDERS - Existing documents, "Methodist Law and Discipline", and "The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church" served as the foundation for the constitution and Standing Orders of the Methodist Church in Ghana. - The Methodist Church in Ghana owes its origin to the British Methodist Church, which explains the use of those documents. - Since the original document was established, significant changes have been made and adjustments have been made to adapt to the changing social and economic landscape of the country. - The 1989 Revised Edition was the result of a major review undertaken due to the growing pressures on the Church. - The existing administrative structures were over-burdened, and the Church was required to adapt to meet the needs of a developing country. - The procedures for dealing with disciplinary cases were outmoded and needed to be updated. - The Constitution Review Committee was commissioned to review the Constitution and Standing Orders and collate the findings of other bodies. - The British Methodist Church Overseas Division and the Ghanaian Methodist Church held a bilateral consultation in 1985 to improve the Constitution. - The General Purposes Council (now General Purposes Committee) made their documents available and later joined the Review Committee to complete the review. - The Review Committee and the Law and Polity Sub-Committee, were involved in the review process. - The revised Constitution and the New Standing Orders were recommended for use by the Church. ## DEED OF FOUNDATION - The Deed of Foundation is signed by those appointed to represent the Methodist Church and the Synod of the Ghana District of the Methodist Church. - The Methodist Church, since 1932, is the unified body of three Churches: the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the Primitive Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Church. - The Methodist Church aims to establish churches overseas. - The mission in Ghana, formerly known as Gold Coast, began in 1835. - The Existing Ghana Church is administered by the Methodist Missionary Society, which is part of the Methodist Church. - The Synod of Ghana advises the Conference of the Methodist Church on all matters related to the work of the Church. - The Synod petitioned for the establishment of an autonomous Methodist Church in Ghana. - The Methodist Church has agreed to the request. - The Conference appointed representatives to execute the Deed of Foundation. ## FIRST SCHEDULE - This part lists the signatures of the persons who signed the Deed of Foundation. ## SECOND SCHEDULE - It outlines the procedure of the Foundation Conference. It states that the Rev. Francis Chapman Ferguson Grant is to be the president of the Foundation Conference. ## ORIGIN AND BELIEFS OF THE METHODIST CHURCH GHANA - The Methodist Church Ghana's beliefs are the same as the parent Methodist Church in Great Britain. - The mission started in 1835 in Ghana. - In 1961, The Methodist Church Ghana became an autonomous body. - The Methodist Church Ghana believes in the Holy Catholic Church. - It embraces the Protestant Reformation, with its focus on scriptural holiness. - The church's doctrines stem from the Bible and the Evangelical Faith that Methodism has held since its inception. - This Evangelical Doctrine is taught by both ministers and lay people, and is found in Wesley's notes on the New Testament and his sermons. ## THE MINISTRY - Ministers in the Methodist Church are stewards entrusted with the care of the congregation. - The Methodist Church emphasizes the priesthood of all believers and that all are called to service. - Ministers are examined and approved before being authorized to serve in the church. - They are set apart by ordination for the ministry of the Word and Sacraments. - The church recognizes Baptism and the Lord's Supper as divinely appointed sacraments. ## MEMBERSHIP - Anyone who sincerely desires to be saved and embraces Jesus Christ is welcome to join the Methodist Church. - Members are expected to live out their faith, be in fellowship with Christ, and to contribute financially. - New members have their names entered into a Class Book, and come under the care of a class leader. - Members are encouraged to engage in evangelism and other forms of service. - The Church is open to union with other churches. ## CHURCH UNION - The Methodist Church Ghana believes in a united church and seeks closer ties with other denominations. - The church strives to work in cooperation with members of other churches. - The church is committed to achieving union within Ghana and worldwide. ## PROCLAMATION BY THE METHODIST CHURCH GHANA ADOPTING A BIBLICAL PATTERN OF EPISCOPACY TO THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL, THE NATION, AND THE WORLD - The Methodist Church Ghana upholds that within the Church, each individual has a unique ministry. - The ordained ministry has a specific role in providing leadership, administering the sacraments, and supporting the wider community. - The church is committed to moving towards a more biblical pattern of episcopacy. - The church will embrace the changes, with the modifications to the constitution. ## THE PRESIDING BISHOP OF THE METHODIST CHURCH GHANA - The president of the Conference, “The Most Reverend," is considered the chief servant-pastor, overseer, and teacher of the church. - Upon leaving office, the Presiding Bishop retains the title, "Past Presiding Bishop" and the designation "The Most Reverend." ## THE LAY PRESIDENT - The Vice President of the Conference is known as "The Lay President". - Upon leaving office, the Lay President is known as "The Past Lay President." ## THE ADMINISTRATIVE BISHOP - The Secretary of the Conference is known as "The Administrative Bishop." - They are responsible for the administrative affairs of the church. - They hold the designation "The Right Reverend." - When the term is completed, they will be known as "The Past Administrative Bishop" and will retain the designation “The Right Reverend." - If the Administrative Bishop is also appointed as the Diocesan Bishop, they will only be referred to as "The Administrative Bishop.” ## DIOCESE AND DIOCESAN BISHOPS - The Administrative Divisions of the Church – known as Districts – will be called Methodist Dioceses. - The Chairmen and General Superintendents of the Districts will be known as "The Right Reverend Diocesan Bishops." - Upon leaving office, the Diocesan Bishop is known as "The Past Bishop" and will retain the designation “The Right Reverend.” ## DIOCESAN SECRETARY OF SYNOD - An ordained minister, upon appointment, will be referred to as "The Very Revered," as the Diocesan Secretary of Synod. ## SUPERINTENDENT MINISTER - Upon appointment, an ordained minister will be referred to as "The Very Reverend" as the Superintendent Minister. ## OTHER CHURCH OFFICIALS - The category of officials who will be referred to as "The Very Reverend" includes: - The Assistant to the Administrative Bishop - Members of the Methodist related institutions who are Heads/Deputies or Senior Lecturers and above. - The General Manager of Schools, if a minister. - The General Director of a General Directorate, if a minister. - The Methodist Chaplain Generals and the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, if a minister. ## ELDERS - All ordained ministers will be referred to as “The Reverend…” and are considered Elders. ## DEACONS - All probationers and Ministers-On-Trial are considered Deacons and are referred to as "The Reverend…" ## OFFICIAL ATTIRE/VESTMENTS - The official attire/vestments are specified in the schedule to the proclamation. ## THIRD SCHEDULE – OFFICIAL MINISTERIAL ATTIRE/VESTMENTS - The attire specified for the Presiding Bishop, Diocesan Bishops, and Administrative Bishop includes: - Maroon/Purple Cassock with Stole for the Presiding Bishop, a Mauve/Purple shirt, and the option to wear any ministerial attire during any liturgical season. - Black, Grey, Maroon/Purple, or White Cassock and Stole for Bishops, with a maroon band on the sleeve and buttonholes of the cassock, a Mauve shirt, and a gown that can be worn on top. - Ministers for whom special colors have been prescribed may wear Shirts of other colors, while Superintendent Ministers and General Directors will wear a Green Shirt. - Ministers who do not hold or have not held positions for whom special colors are prescribed should not wear those colors. - The stoles for the Presiding Bishop, Administrative Bishop, and Diocesan Bishops are defined: - Presiding Bishop should have only the Methodist logo, with an emblem to distinguish from the Diocesan Bishops to reflect the connection. - The Administrative Bishop should have only the Methodist logo with an emblem to depict the functions of the office. - The Diocesan Bishop should have only the Methodist logo with an emblem that is distinctive of each particular Diocese. - The colours of stoles, when worn, should reflect the occasion or the Church season. - The liturgical colors for the stoles are: White/Gold, Green, Red, Purple/Violet/Blue. - The Tippet is black. ## FOREWORD TO THE 2022 REVISED CONSTITUTION - The Methodist Church in Ghana is now an autonomous body, having received the legal instrument for transition in 1961. - The original document relied heavily on The British Methodist Church, particularly “Methodist Law and Discipline” and “The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church." - The 2000 Edition of the Constitution has been reviewed, and this document is the result of that process. - The Constitution Review Committee was commissioned to address a variety of issues, such as: - Correcting errors. - Adding new sections. - Incorporating the Standing Orders into the constitution. - The Standing Orders include the Deed of Foundation, the Origin and Beliefs, and the Proclamation of Episcopacy. - Other historical elements, such as the original introduction by Francis Chapman Ferguson Grant and the preface by Jacob Stanley Adama Stephens, have been retained. ## PREFACE TO THE 2022 REVISED EDITION - The Methodist Church Ghana is now an autonomous body. - The Methodist Church has undergone significant changes since its establishment. - These changes have led to modifications in the church's structures and witness. - These changes were driven by the Conference's resolutions adopted over the years. - The constitution will be updated by incorporating the existing resolutions within the document to ensure clarity and consistency. - The document includes the Standing Orders which are the guidelines for church life. - The significant changes in the 2022 Revised Edition concern the Introduction of "Origin and Beliefs" and the inclusion of a Constitutional Episcopacy. - "The beliefs of The Methodist Church Ghana are the same as those of the parent Methodist Church in Great Britain and the sister Methodist Churches in West Africa insofar as those beliefs of the parent and sister Methodist Conferences are not contrary to the Bible and the doctrinal standards of The Methodist Church Ghana." - The church has adopted a Constitutional Episcopacy system that is unique to the Conference. - The adoption of the Constitutional Episcopacy affects the use of some titles, based on the Proclamation that has been passed. - The committee that was commissioned to review the 2000 edition of the Constitution and the Standing Orders has been thanked for their work. - The Law and Polity Committee has been commended for their work to support the changes made in the Constitution. - The efforts of the members of the Constitution Review Committee have been acknowledged. ## THE MOST REV’D. DR. PAUL KWABENA BOAFO - The Presiding Bishop of the Conference has thanked those involved in the process and commended the members of the Constitution Review Committee for their work. - This revision, as the Presiding Bishop acknowledges, is the result of a collaborative effort. ## FOURTH SCHEDULE - This section highlights the amendment made to the introduction of the "Origin and Beliefs" in the Constitution. ## FIFTH SCHEDULE - The Fifth Schedule outlines amendments to the Fourth Schedule, specifically regarding the use of the title "The Very Reverend." - The changes concern ordained ministers in full connection for at least seven years, and include the following officials: - The Assistant to the Administrative Bishop - Methodist ministers in Methodist related institutions, who are Heads/Deputies or Senior Lecturers and above. - The General Manager of Schools, if a minister. - The General Director of a General Directorate, if a minister. - The Director of a Directorate, if a minister. - The Methodist Chaplain Generals, if a minister. - The General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, if a minister. - The General Secretary of the African Methodist Council. - The Fifth Schedule also revises the category of "ordained ministers," who will now be referred to as "The Reverend." - The status of "Probationers" has also been updated, and they will be referred to as "The Reverend." - The church is unique in adopting "Constitutional Episcopacy," which is based on the bible and the principles of the church's constitution. - The adoption of this new form of episcopacy affects the use of certain titles and the church's structures. ## PART II – THE CONSTITUTION OF THE METHODIST CHURCH GHANA ### PREAMBLE - Here the name of the church is stated: The Methodist Church Ghana. - The abbreviation, “The MCG," is also provided for future usage. ### STANDING ORDERS - The provisions in this Constitution are referred to as "Standing Orders." - A section of the Standing Orders are reserved to allow for the insertion of future legislation without changing the numbering. ## SECTION ONE – The Methodist Church Ghana Conference ### Members and Officers of the Conference - The governing body is called the Conference. - The Conference usually meets biennially, but the Presiding Bishop can decide to change the time and place due to unforeseen circumstances. - The Presiding Bishop can call an emergency meeting. - The Conference consists of the Representative Session and the Ministerial Session. ### The Representative Session of the Conference - The Representative Session, which is made up of equal numbers of ministers and laypeople, oversees all matters other than those reserved for the Ministerial Session. - Those who are members of the Representative Session include: - Past Presiding Bishops - Past Lay Presidents - Diocesan Bishops - Diocesan Lay Chairmen - Diocesan Secretaries of Synod - Diocesan Treasurers - General Directors of General Directorates - Directors of Directorates - Chairmen of the General Directorates Advisory Teams - Chairmen of the Directorates Advisory Teams - Ministers in Full Connexion - Lay Representatives elected by Synods - Lay Representatives elected by the Conference - President or Vice President of Trinity Theological Seminary - The Head of the Methodist University Ghana - The Heads of Senior High Schools, Colleges of Education, and other institutions of higher learning designated as "Conference Institutions" - Lay Evangelists and Lay Deacons - Representatives elected by the Conference from the Association of Methodists in Education - Representatives from the Conference of the Methodist Church in Great Britain - Representatives of other mission bodies working in Ghana - Representatives of The Methodist Church Ghana in Europe - Representatives of the Africa Methodist Council - Representatives of the Ghana Methodist Fellowship in the UK - Representatives of Methodist Churches in Africa - Four representatives of the Conference recognized organizations. - The Connexional Lay Movement Council Secretary. - The Connexional Sunday School Superintendent. - Two members of the Law and Polity Committee. - Three non-ex-officio Registered Trustees. - The number of ministerial and lay representatives elected by the Diocesan Synods is determined at each Conference. ### The Lay Representatives Election by the Conference - The conference elects lay representatives to ensure the proper number of lay representatives at the next conference. - The conference considers if the number of Lay Missionaries is sufficient, and if not, includes additional representation. ### Ministerial Members of the Conference - The Conference elects ministers to the Representative Session. - The number elected by the Diocesan Synods is determined by the Conference. ### The Filling of Casual Vacancies in Membership of the Conference - If a vacancy occurs, either through an inability or unwillingness to serve, the Diocesan Synod or Conference will appoint a substitute. ### List of Members of the Conference - The Administrative Bishop creates a list of members. - The list is presented before the meeting to ensure its accuracy. - If inaccuracies are identified, the list is corrected and then accepted. - The list is considered conclusive. ### Defect in Qualification or Other Irregularity - Minor irregularities do not void meetings and votes. - Any defect in qualification is acknowledged. - The absence of a person does not affect the meeting. - Any omission of a person is also acknowledged. - The meeting is still considered valid. ### The Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana - The Presiding Bishop leads the Methodist Church Ghana. - They must be a minister in full connection for 20 years. - During the last year of the Presiding Bishop’s term, the Conference will elect the next Presiding Bishop. - If the last year of the Presiding Bishop’s term is not a conference year, the election is held at the previous Conference. - The elected Presiding Bishop takes office on October 1st of the following year. - If an elected Presiding Bishop is unable to serve, an emergency conference is convened within two months to elect a new Presiding Bishop. - The Presiding Bishop is elected by a majority of the votes cast and must receive 50% + 1 of the valid votes. - If the Presiding Bishop becomes incapable of fulfilling their role, an emergency conference is called to elect a new Presiding Bishop. - The immediate past Presiding Bishop will serve until the new Presiding Bishop is elected. - If the immediate past Presiding Bishop is unable to serve, an emergency Conference will appoint a minister or bishop to serve as the Presiding Bishop. - The term of the elected Presiding Bishop is six non-renewable years. ### Powers and Duties of the Presiding Bishop of Conference - The Presiding Bishop has many roles: - They are responsible for spiritual and pastoral oversight and will visit dioceses and circuits as time allows. - They are the main representative of the church to other denominations, the government, and the people of Ghana. - They preside over synods and advisory teams. - They preside over the General Directorates, serve as the Chairman of the Council of Bishops, and can visit any church circuit to ensure peace and order. - They can make appointments, with consultation, to change the stations of ministers. - They can appoint someone to fulfill their duties as a temporary measure. ### The Lay President of The Methodist Church Ghana - The Lay President must be a full member of the church and a lay preacher, elected by the conference for a three year non-renewable term. - The conference elects the next Lay President during their final year. - If the last year of the Lay President’s term is not a conference year, they are elected in the previous conference. - The Lay President takes office on October 1st of the following year. - If the Lay President is unable to serve, an emergency Conference is convened to elect a new Lay President. - The immediate past Lay President serves as a placeholder until a new Lay President is elected. - The Presiding Bishop appoints a temporary Lay President if the immediate past Lay President is unable to fulfill their role. ### Duties of The Lay President of The Conference - The Lay President works closely with the Presiding Bishop, leading the church, and completing assignments. - They preside over the Representative Session and the General Directorates in the Presiding Bishop's absence. - They are responsible for decisions within the church when the Presiding Bishop is out of the country. - They participate in other conferences and meetings as needed. - They plan visits to dioceses and circuits in consultation with the Presiding Bishop, with prior notice to the diocese involved. - They participate as a member of the Advisory Teams and the Lay Meeting at Conference. - They lead the General Meetings of the Connexional Lay Movement Council. ## The Administrative Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana - The Administrative Bishop is a minister in full connection for 15 years. - The conference elects the next Administrative Bishop during their final year. - If the last year of the Administrative Bishop’s term is not a Conference year, the election occurs at the previous conference. - The elected Administrative Bishop takes office on October 1st of the following year. - The Administrative Bishop is elected by a majority vote and must receive 75% of the votes. - The General Purposes Council recommends a nominee, and the Conference can accept or reject the nominee. - If a vacancy arises, the General Purposes Council appoints an acting Administrative Bishop who serves until an administrative bishop is elected. - The Administrative Bishop is appointed at the conference if a vacancy occurs. - If the Administrative Bishop is absent, the conference can appoint a substitute, as long as one is present. ### Duties of the Administrative Bishop of The Conference - The Administrative Bishop serves as the secretary to the Conference and the general directorates. - The Administrative Bishop serves as an ex-officio member of all the advisory teams and has a leadership role. - The Administrative Bishop ensures that the resolutions of the Conference are implemented. - They collaborate with the Presiding Bishop and take the necessary steps. - They work alongside the advisory teams for each general directorate. ### The Assistant to The Administrative Bishop of The Conference - The assistant to the Administrative Bishop must be a minister in full connection for at least 12 years. - They are appointed by the Presiding Bishop, in consultation with the General Purposes Council. - They assist the Administrative Bishop with all their duties. ### Other Officers of the Conference - The conference can appoint additional officers, as needed. - These officers are appointed at the beginning of the conference session. ### Executive System - The Executive System is a framework for cooperation and collaboration, operating at the Connexional and Diocesan levels: - The Conference Executive includes: the Presiding Bishop, the Lay President, and the Administrative Bishop. - The Diocesan Executive includes: the Diocesan Bishop, the Lay Chairman, and the Synod Secretary. - The executive framework does not encompass the circuit or society levels. ## CONFERENCE ARRANGEMENTS AND PROCEDURES ### Conference Arrangements Committee - The Conference Arrangements Committee, which comprises the Presiding Bishop, Lay President, Administrative Bishop, Diocesan Bishop, General Director for Finance and Development, and the Circuit Superintendent, works on the arrangements for conference meetings. - They are responsible for hospitality, financial needs, and scheduling. - The committee also works with the local circuits and diocesan authorities. ### Conference Agenda - The Presiding Bishop, the Lay President, the Administrative Bishop, and the general directors prepare the conference agenda, based on the Minutes of the Synods, Reports of the General Directorates, and the Order and Form for Conference Business. - The agenda is shared with the conference at least seven days before the first meeting. ### Notices of Motion in Conference - Notices of motion are submitted to the Administrative Bishop in writing and are read aloud at the conference. - These notices are read at the beginning of the session, with exceptions for urgent matters. ### Memorials - Memorials from the circuits and quarterly meetings are forward to the Administrative Bishop, as well as any comments from the synod. - The Administrative Bishop forwards these to the appropriate general directorate, who will draft recommendations and include them in their report to the conference. ### Voting at the Conference and Other Official Church Meetings - Conference and other meetings use open voting, with exceptions: - Specific directions within the Standing Orders. - A motion for a secret ballot is made and agreed to by a 75% majority vote of those present. - Decisions are made by a simple majority vote. - In the event of a tie, the person presiding has a casting vote. - The conference has the authority to nominate and appoint members. A simple majority vote or 50% + 1 of the votes is often required. ### Conference Records - Daily Records are kept for the Representative Session and the Ministerial Session of the Conference. - The records are verified by both sessions. - These Daily Records are bound into two volumes at the end of the conference and include any corrections. ### The Methodist Church Ghana has undergone many changes, and these documents reflect the journey of growth and adaptation. - The church has been active in service, outreach, and growth. - The church is committed to embracing the scriptures while working to be a place of unity. - The structure of the church has evolved to meet ongoing needs. - These documents are an important guide for navigating the church going forward.