Terms of Reference TR02 Presbytery Council
Purpose: To make operational decisions, provide operational direction and support the Court of Edmonton Presbytery in order to:
Ensure the effective functioning of Edmonton Presbytery, and
Enable the Court of Edmonton Presbytery to focus on its strategic policy and decision-making role.
Responsibilities:
(1)To make operational decisions and provide direction on operational matters in support of the effective functioning of Edmonton Presbytery, including:
- Approving the annual Presbytery budget subject to:
- Prior approval by the Court of Presbytery of the rate of growth or reduction of the budget
- Prior approval by the Court of Presbytery of proposed budget priorities for the budget year
- Providing direction to Presbytery teams, sub-committees or the Personnel Committee as required
- Directingany other operational action that might be required to ensure the effective functioning of Edmonton Presbytery
- Decision-making on the appointment and termination of Presbytery staff
(2)To support the Court of Edmonton Presbytery by:
- Proposing agendas and framing strategic policy issues, including the Edmonton Presbytery Vision and Mission, for Court of Presbytery discussion and decision,
b.Ensuring an appropriate link and information sharing between Presbytery operational mechanisms (Presbytery Council, teams and committees) and the Court of Presbytery, and
- Directing any other operational action that might be required to ensure the effective functioning of the Court of Edmonton Presbytery.
(3)To act on behalf of the Court of Edmonton Presbytery between Court of Presbytery meetings. [The United Church Manual (2010) Section 322]
Composition, and appointment and term of members:
(1)The Council is composed of:
- A Chair elected for a two-year term, who is also the Chair of the Court of Presbytery
- 3 members initially elected for a two year term
- 3 members Initially elected for a three-year term
(2)The Chair and members of the Council are elected by the Court of Edmonton Presbyteryfrom within its membership.
(3)The initial election of the Chair and Council members under the new Governance model provided for an overlap of terms. Following the completion of these initial terms, subsequent terms will be two years, renewable once, for the Chair and Council members.
(4)The Chair and all members are eligible to stand for election for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
Accountable to:
(1)The Council is accountable to the Court of Presbytery
(2)The Chair or any member of the Council can be replaced prior to the end of their term by a 2/3majority vote at a general meeting of the Court of Presbytery,subject to the Court of Presbytery having had at least 14 days advance notice of the motion to replace them.
Meeting Frequency and Quorum:
(1)At the call of the Chair and a minimum of six times a year.
(2)Quorum shall be a minimum of 50% of elected Council members.
Decision Making:
(1)The Council will strive for consensus (all members can “live with” the result) but will rely on majority vote decision-making where consensus cannot be achieved.
Review of Terms of Reference:
(1) These terms of reference are to be reviewed in 2015.
Responsibilities of Members:
(1)Prepare forand attendCouncil meetings
- Participate in sub-committee work and otherwise contribute to the work of the Council as required and able
(2)Maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and communication
(3)Support final decisions of the Council and maintain the confidentiality of Council discussion
(4)Treat others and their ideas with respect and dignity
(5)As a Council member, give highest commitment and priority to the well being of the United Church of Canada and other levels of church organization, including Edmonton Presbytery
(6)Ensure that Council decisions are consistent with the policies and ethos of The United Church of Canada.
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