Constitutional Services
Constitutional Services
Constitutional Services is a department of the Office of the General Assembly concentrating on the new form of government and church polity, judicial process, and immigration law and policy.
Through Advisory Opinions (AO), the Stated Clerk offers a well-researched opinion on a provision or interpretation of the Constitution that is not clearly defined in the church’s life. A Constitutional Musing (CM) is intended as a helpful reflection by OGA on a particular issue currently being considered by many councils. Neither AOs or CMs are binding and do not constitute an Authoritative Interpretation (AI), which is an interpretation of the Constitution that carries the authority of the General Assembly and is binding on the councils of the church.
The Office of Immigration Issues is a resource for Presbyterians, congregations and councils seeking to discern a faithful response to national and local immigration issues.
Additional Resources:
Church Conflict and Negotiation
Constitution
General Assembly Permanent Judicial Decisions
Safe Churches and Sexual Misconduct
Associated Committees/Commissions
Advisory Committee on the Constitution
Advisory Committee on Litigation
General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission
Special Committee on Existing Authoritative Interpretations
News & Statements
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Docket in your pocket
March 12, 2012
The technological age has brought us many pocket-sized wonders: telephones, cameras, computers, music-players.
Now, for Presbyterians, there’s a new mini-wonder: a pocket-sized “2011 Special Edition” of the denomination’s new Form of Government.
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Leaving room for the Spirit
- February 26, 2012
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Lieberman is choice as manager of polity guidance and training
- November 28, 2011
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Andrew Black accepts call to become director of constitutional services
- August 19, 2011
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Six members named to Special Committee on Existing Authoritative Interpretations
- October 20, 2010
Constitutional Services provides advice about the Book of Order and the Book of Confessions and staffs permanent and temporary entities of the General Assembly. Through the Office of Immigration, Constitutional Services provides the church with legal, policy and advocacy resources on immigration issues.