Any matter which is within the jurisdiction of a Local Board of Discipline may be resolved by a written agreement between the person accused and the pastor if approved by the church board and the district superintendent. The terms of such an agreement shall have the same effect as an action by a Local Board of Discipline.
Index: Local Board of Discipline
604
If a lay member is accused of unchristian conduct, such charges shall be placed in writing and signed by at least two members who have been in faithful attendance for at least six months. The pastor shall appoint an investigating committee of three members of the local church, subject to the approval of the district superintendent. The committee shall make a written report of its investigation. This report must be signed by a majority and filed with the church board.
After the investigation and pursuant thereto, any two members in good standing in the local church may sign charges against the accused and file same with the church board. Thereupon the church board shall appoint, subject to the approval of the district superintendent, a Local Board of Discipline of five members, who are unprejudiced and able to hear and dispose of the case in a fair and impartial manner. If in the opinion of the district superintendent, it is impractical to select five members from the local church due to the size of the church, the nature of the allegations, or the position of influence of the accused, the district superintendent shall after consulting the pastor, appoint five laypersons from other churches on the same district to be the Board of Discipline. This board shall conduct a hearing as soon as practicable and determine the issues involved. After hearing the testimony of witnesses and considering the evidence, the Board of Discipline shall either absolve the accused or administer discipline as the facts shall establish to be proper. The decision must be unanimous. Discipline may take the form of reprimand, suspension, or expulsion from membership in the local church. (515.8)
604.1
An appeal from the decision of a Local Board of Discipline may be taken to the District Court of Appeals within 30 days by either the accused or the church board.
615.3
The testimony of any witness before a Board of Discipline shall not be received or considered in evidence unless such testimony be given under oath or solemn affirmation.
615.4
A minister or layperson who is brought before a Board of Discipline to answer charges shall always have the right to be represented by counsel of his or her own choosing, provided such counsel be a member in good standing in the Church of the Nazarene. Any full member of a regularly organized church against whom no written charges are pending will be considered in good standing.
615.6
A minister or layperson shall not be twice placed in jeopardy for the same offense. It shall not be considered, however, that such person was placed in jeopardy at any hearing or proceeding where the court of appeals discovers reversible error committed in the original proceeding before a Board of Discipline.
Index
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