Permanaent Judicial Commission (PJC)

Book of Order-D-2.0100

Judicial process is the means by which church discipline is implemented within the context of pastoral care and oversight. It is the exercise of authority by the governing bodies of the church. The presbytery, the synod, and the General Assembly conduct trials and hearings through permanent judicial commission.

To meet the goals. . .the investigating committee may initiate if it deems appropriate, and with the written consent of all parties involved, alternative forms of resolution conducted by professionally trained and certified mediators and arbitrators. The purpose of this process is to achieve justice and compassion for all parties involved through mediation and settlement.

From the Current Moderator

The commission is the intertwining of legalistic procedures with the facts of a relational community.

Spiritual gifts, skills and/or expertise valuable to this committee or team

It is helpful to have knowledge of the annotated Book of Order, an understanding of psychology of relationships and the temperament to review both within the structure of the Word.

Meeting

The commission meets as required by specific cases according to timelines set forth in the Book of Order. It meets at various places for purposes of hearings, often at Geneva Center. Meetings are often infrequent and dependant on a pending case.