Form of Constitutionrecommended

SCOTTISHEPISCOPALCHURCHGENERALSYNOD

FORM OF CONSTITUTIONRECOMMENDED

for a

JOINTINCUMBENCY

2010

PREFACE

TheModelConstitutionis,asitsnameindicates,intendedasaguidetoparticipatingcongregationsforminga JointIncumbency.

CongregationsthatareformingaJointIncumbencyshouldconsiderthedesirabilityofadoptingtheModel.TheOfficeoftheScottishCharity RegulatorconsidersthatJointChargesadoptingthis modelconstitutionwouldhavecharitablepurposesandwouldpasstherelevantpartsoftheCharitytestundertheCharitiesandTrusteeInvestment(Scotland)Act2005.WhereVestrieswishtodepartfromtheModel,theRegistraroftheDioceseshouldbeconsultedwithanexplanationofwhytheModelisnotappropriate for thatparticularJointCharge.

ItisthedutyofallRectorsandmembersofVestriestomakethemselvesacquaintedwiththetermsofthe Constitution of the Charge, and to see thatthese are adhered to.

ProvisionsinthefollowingModelwhichappearinsquarebracketsmaynotbeapplicabletoalljointincumbenciesandtheirapplicabilitytoanyparticularjointincumbencyshouldbeconsideredspecifically.

1

(NAME OFJOINTCHARGE)

(Scottish CharityNumber:)

CONSTITUTION

1.Charge.-TheJointChargeshallbeaJointIncumbencyknownbythenameof[]intheDioceseof[ ]andcomprisingthecongregationsof[StXXXScottishEpiscopalChurch[PlaceName]and[StXXXScottishEpiscopalChurch[PlaceName][both/all]intheDioceseof[ ] (the "ParticipatingCongregations").

2.Charitablestatus–TheJointChargeisestablishedforexclusivelycharitablepurposes,primarilyfortheadvancementofreligionandtoprovidepublicbenefit.(Theexpression“charitablepurposes”shallmeancharitablepurposesasdefinedinsection7oftheCharitiesand TrusteeInvestment(Scotland)Act2005asamendedfromtimetotime(“the2005Act”)whichisalsoregardedasacharitablepurposeinrelationtotheapplicationoftheTaxesActsfromtimetotimeinforce.)

3.AuthorityandLimitationofConstitution.-TheJointChargeshallformpartoftheScottishEpiscopalChurch,andtheClergy,ParticipatingCongregationsandallOfficialsthereofshallbesubjectto the Canonsof thatChurch in force fromtime to time.

4.HeritableProperty.-TheheritablepropertyoftheJointChargeshallbevestedintheTrusteesoftheDiocese("thePropertyTrustees")intrustfortheJointCharge1.SaveashereinafterprovidedinArticle28hereof,thePropertyTrusteesshallbeundernodutytotakeactivepartinthemanagementofthepropertyvestedinthem,andshallhavenopersonalresponsibilityinregardthereto,butmayrelyuponthepropermanagementthereofbytheJointVestry,andthePropertyTrusteesshallbeindemnifiedoutofthefundsoftheJointChargeagainstanyliabilityundertakenorincurred bythem.

5.RelationshipwiththeGeneralSynod.-TheRectorandParticipatingCongregationsshallconformtotheresolutionsoftheGeneralSynodorsuchotherbodyasmay atany timebesubstitutedbycanonicalenactmenttherefor.

6.ConstituentMembers.-TheconstituentmembersoftheParticipatingCongregationsshallbethecommunicantsofnotlessthansixteenyearsofagewhosenamesareontherespectiveRollsofCommunicantsofeachParticipatingCongregation,keptasprovidedforintheCodeofCanons(Canon41)orsuchotherrollasmaybesubstitutedbycanonicalenactmentfortheRollofCommunicants.

7.AnnualMeeting.-Onceineveryyear,withinthreemonthsafter(insertthedatewhichmaybefixedfortheclosingofthefinancialyearoftheJointChargewhichshouldnotbeearlierthan30thJunenorlaterthan30thSeptember)aMeetingoftheconstituentmembersoftheParticipatingCongregationsshallbesummonedbytheJointVestryandnoticethereofshallbegivenduring DivineServiceonthetwoSundaysimmediately precedingsuchMeeting:the Meetingmay beheldontheSundayonwhichthenoticehasbeengivenforthesecondtime.Theaccidentalomissiontogivenoticeof a meetingshallnotinvalidate the proceedings atthatmeeting. The Rector, if present,shallpresidebutinhis/herabsence,orduringavacancyintheJointCharge,theMeetingshallelectitsownChair.(here inserta number)ofmembersfromeachoftheParticipatingCongregations2shallbe a quorum. The Chair shallvote onlyin case of an equalityof votes.

1Ifexistingheritablepropertyisheldbyothertrustees,considerationmustbegiventowhethertitleshouldbetransferredorwhetherthisarticleshouldbeamended.

2IfthenumberofmembersfromParticipatingCongregationstoformthequorumvariesbecauseofthedifferent

sizesofcongregations,thisshouldbedetailedhere.

8.BusinessatAnnualMeeting.-ItshallbethedutyoftheConstituentMembersoftheParticipatingCongregationsattheAnnualMeeting(a)toelectfromamongtheConstituentMemberstherequirednumberofpersonswithinthelimitshereinafterspecifiedtoactasmembersoftheJointVestry;(b)toelect,ifnotappointedataspecialmeetingcalledforthepurposefromamongtheConstituentMembers,aLayRepresentative for each ParticipatingCongregation and an Alternate LayRepresentativeforeachParticipatingCongregation(providedthatnoclericalConstituentMembershallvoteinsuchelectionandfurtherprovidedthatonlytheConstituentMembersofeachParticipatingCongregationmaytakepartinelectingtheLayRepresentativeandtheAlternateLayRepresentativefortheirrespectivecongregation; (c)toappointanindependentexaminerorauditorasrequiredbytheCharitiesAccounts(Scotland)Regulations2006asamendedorsupersededfromtimetotimetoexamineoraudittheaccountsandreportthereondeclaringthatintheeventofavacancyarisingintheofficeofindependentexaminerorauditorbetweenAnnualMeetings,theJointVestryshallappointaninterimindependentexaminerorauditorwhoshallholdofficeuntilthenextAnnualMeeting;(d)toreceivetheReportandAccountsoftheJointVestryandthereports,whichmaybeajointreport,oftheLayRepresentatives;and(e)todealwithanyothercompetentbusiness.UnlessotherwisedeterminedbytheJointVestry,thenamesofallcandidatesforelectiontogetherwiththenamesoftheirproposersandsecondersshallbelodgedwiththeChairpriortothecommencementofthemeeting;nospeechesinconnectionwiththeelectionsshallbepermittedandallelections, if contested, shallbe conducted bysecretballot.

9.SpecialMeetings.-SpecialMeetingsoftheConstituentMembersoftheParticipatingCongregationsmaybecalledatanytimebytheRectororattherequestofeitheramajorityoftheJointVestryornotlessthan[ ]ConstituentMembersgiveninwritingaddressedtotheRector,orduringavacancyintheJointCharge,totheSecretaryoftheJointVestry.ThesamenoticeofSpecialMeetingsshallbegivenasinthecaseofAnnualMeetings(andtheaccidentalomissiontogivenoticeshallnotinvalidatetheproceedingsatanysuchmeeting).Thenoticeshallspecifythepurpose for which the SpecialMeetingis to be held.

10.VariationofPeriodsofNoticeofMeetings.-NotwithstandingArticle26hereoftheBishopmay,attherequestoftheJointVestryandifheissatisfiedthatspecialcircumstanceshavearisen,authorisetheholdingoftheAnnualMeeting outwiththetimespecifiedinArticle7andthegiving ofshorternotice of meetings than thatspecified in Articles 7, 9 and 26.

11.Seats in each Church,provided for the worshippers, shallbe free and unappropriated.

12.Joint Vestry.-

12a)General.-ThetemporalaffairsandthegeneralmanagementandcontroloftheJointChargeshallbeunderthemanagementofaJointVestryconsistingoftheRectorex-officio,theLayRepresentativesexofficio,and3notmorethanninenorfewerthanfourconstituentmembersincludingatleasttwomembersfromeachParticipatingCongregation,fourtobeaquorumincludingonefromeach ParticipatingCongregation4.

3InthecaseofParticipatingCongregationswhereitisdesiredtohavechurchwardensthefollowingclauseshouldbesubstitutedfortheremainderofthesentence“onechurchwardentobeappointedannuallybytheRector(tobeknownastheRector’sWarden),onechurchwardentobeelectedbyeachoftheParticipatingCongregationsattheAnnualMeetingabovereferredto(tobeknownasthePeople’sWarden)(andprovidedthatonlytheconstituentmembersofeachParticipatingCongregationmaytakepartinelectingaPeople’sWardenfortheirrespectivecongregation),andnotmorethanninenorfewerthansixconstituentvotingmembersincludingatleasttwomembersfromParticipatingCongregations,sixtobeaquorum,includingatleastonefromeachParticipatingCongregation,threetobeaquorum.

4ThetotalnumberofmembersoftheJointVestryandthequorummaybeadjustedinlightofthenumberof

ParticipatingCongregationsbutthequorumshouldnotbelessthanonethirdofthetotalmembershere.

12b)Constituent Member election.-For thepurposes of electingthe numberofConstituentMemberstotheJointVestryasmayfromtimetotimeberequiredeachConstituentMemberoftheParticipatingCongregationsshallbepermittedtocastinsuchanelectionanequivalentnumberofvotesasthereshallbeJointVestryvacanciesinsuchanelection.TheConstituentMemberswiththemostvotes shallbe appointed to fillthe vacancies in the JointVestryexceptwhere such appointmentswouldleadtotheunderrepresentationofaParticipatingCongregationintermsofthisclauseandinthatcasetherequirednumberofConstituentMembersfromeachParticipating CongregationwiththemostvotesshallbeappointedtotheJointVestry(inordertosatisfytherequirementsregardingminimum numbers ofConstituentMembers fromeach ParticipatingCongregation) and anyremainingvacancies shallbe filled bythe ConstituentMembers with the mostvotes.

12c)CharityTrustees.-ThemembersoftheJointVestryfromtimetotimeshallbeconsidered"CharityTrustees"oftheJointChargeandhavetheconsequentdutiesandresponsibilitiesarisingfromthatposition.AnypersondisqualifiedfromactingasaCharityTrusteeforthepurposesofthe2005ActasamendedorsupersededfromtimetotimeshallbedisqualifiedfrombeingaJointVestrymember.

12d)ProceedingsoftheJointVestry.-TheJointVestryshallmeetatleasttwiceayear,andtheChair,whoshallhaveacastingaswellasadeliberativevote,shallbetheRector,orinthecaseofhis/herabsence,amemberelectedbytheJointVestry.SpecialmeetingsoftheJointVestrymaybecalledatanytimeattherequestofthreemembersbynoticeinwritingaddressedtotheSecretaryoftheJointVestryorattherequestoftheRector.OftheelectedmembersatleastonefromeachParticipatingCongregationshallretireannually,andshallnotbeeligibleforre-electionthatyear5.Theelectedmember(s)toretireshallbethosewhoarethelongestservingand,intheeventoftherebeingmore than onememberin such categoryin anysuch ParticipatingCongregations, the identityofthemembertoretireshallbedeterminedbylot.CasualvacanciesinJointVestrymembership(orintheofficeofPeople’sWarden)occurringbetweenAnnualMeetingsofthe ParticipatingCongregationsmaybefilledbytheJointVestryuntilthenextAnnualMeetingoftheParticipatingCongregations.AcasualvacancyintheofficeofRector’sWardenshallbefilledonthenominationoftheRector.AllmembersoftheJointVestryshallbeselectedfromtheconstituentmembersoftheParticipatingCongregations.[TheSecretaryandTreasurerappointedbytheJointVestry,ifconstituentmembersofoneoftheParticipatingCongregations,[andtheRector’sWardenandthePeople’sWarden]shallbemembersoftheJointVestry,ex-officioandshallbeentitledtovoteORTheSecretaryandTreasurerappointedbytheJointVestryshallnotbemembersoftheJointVestryandaccordinglyshallnotbeentitledtovote]6.AnyJointVestrymemberwhointhereasonableopinionoftheJointVestrybecomesincapableofadequatelydischargingtheirfunctionsbyreasonofillhealth or otherwise conducts themselves inappropriatelymaybe removed fromJointVestrymembershipupontheunanimousvoteoftheotherJointVestrymembersatameetingoftheJointVestryaftertheyshallhaveheardtheJointVestrymemberconcernedunlessheorshehasdeclinedtobeheardorispreventedfromdoingsobydisability,illnessorlongtermabsencefromattendingandthereasonsforsuchremovalshallberecordedintheminutesofanysuchmeetingandanysuchremovalshallbesubjecttothewrittenauthority,whichauthoritycanbewithheld,oftheBishopwithin28daysoftheJointVestry'svoteonthatmatterandtheJointVestrymemberconcernedshall

5Ifthereissignificantdifficultyinrecruitingvestrymembers,itmaybedesiredtoomittheprovisionforbiddingre-electionintheyearofretirement.

6WhethertheSecretaryandTreasurershouldbemembersoftheJointVestryneedstobecarefullyconsidered

andthepositionmayvaryfromcongregationtocongregation.IfsuchindividualsplayanactualroleinthedecisionmakingoftheVestryorareinvolvedinthegeneralcontrolandmanagementoftheadministrationofthecongregation’saffairs,theywillberegardedas“charitytrustees”anditwouldbeappropriateforthemtobeaccordedpowertovote.Wheresuchindividualsareremuneratedtheprovisionsregardingtrusteeremunerationinthe2005Actwillneedtobecarefullyadheredto.Incircumstanceswheresuchindividualsdonotplaysucharoleofgeneralcontrolandmanagement(whichmayforexamplebethecasewhereexternalprofessionalsareemployedinsuchoffices,itwouldbemoreappropriateforthemnottobecharitytrusteesandaccordinglynothaveavote.Inconsideringthesesissues,itmaybethatdifferingconclusionsarearrivedatinrelationtoeachrespectiverole.

beentitledtomakewrittenrepresentationstotheBishopbeforetheBishopprovidesanywrittenauthorityon this matter.

13.DutiesofJointVestry(andChurchwardens).-TheJointVestryshallensurethattheneedsofthewholeChurchinregardtomissionworkathomeandoverseasandtheotherobjectsoftheGeneralSynodmayreceivetheinterestandsupportoftheParticipatingCongregations.TheJointVestryshallgenerallyassisttheRector(subjectalwaystohis/hercanonicalrightsandduties)ineverywayintheirpowerinallmattersaffectingthespiritualwelfareoftheParticipatingCongregations.7

TheJointVestryshallhavechargeofthefabricandpropertyoftheChurchbuildingsbelongingtotheParticipatingCongregations,andofanyRectory(orParsonage),Schools,HallsorotherpropertywhichmaybeacquiredinconnectionwiththeJointCharge,aswellasallgiftsandbequestsforendowment,charityorotherpurposeswhichmayaccruetotheJointChargeoranyoftheParticipatingCongregationsfromtimetotime.Theyshallbeboundtokeepthebuildingsandpropertiesinrepairandinsuredagainstfireandotherrisksincludingpublicliability,andtodischargeallpropertyburdensandresponsibilities,andtoassisttheRectorinthesafecustodyoftheChurchplate,registersandotherdocuments.TheJointVestryshallberesponsibleforkeepingtheRectory(orParsonage)windandwatertight,andinpropersanitarycondition,theRectorbeingresponsibletotheJointVestryforordinaryinternalrepairs-unlessotherwisearrangedbetweentheRectorandtheJointVestry.(Thematterofinternalrepairsmaybemadethesubjectofaspecialarrangementbetween the Rector and the JointVestry.)

ThefundsoftheJointChargesofarasnotusedfortheacquisitionofpropertytobeusedasaRectoryorParsonageorotherwiseinconnectionwiththeJointChargemaybeinvestedinanykindofinvestment(includinganinvestmentinheritableproperty)butsuchinvestmentmayonlybemadeaftertheJointVestryhavehadregardtothesuitabilityoftheproposedinvestmentfortheJointChargeandtheneedfordiversificationinsofarasappropriatefortheJointChargeandbeforeexercisinganypowerofinvestmentandwhenreviewingtheJointCharge'sinvestments,theJointVestryshallcomplywiththeprovisionsofthe2005Act,includingconsiderationofwhetherproperadvicerequirestobeobtained.TheJointVestryshallhavethepowertodelegateitsinvestmentmanagementfunction in accordance with the provisions ofthe 2005 Act.

The JointVestryshould takecognisance of good practice guidance thatmay be issued bythe Officeof the Scottish CharityRegulator(“OSCR “)or bythe Churchfromtime to time in relation to issuesof practice or procedure affectingthe JointVestry'sactivities and responsibilities.

The JointVestrymay onlyapplythe propertyand funds ofthe JointCharge in furtherance oftheJointCharge's charitable purposes.

14.Office-BearerstobeappointedbytheJointVestry.-TheJointVestryshallappointaSecretaryaTreasurerandaPayingOfficerwhoneednotbemembersoftheJointVestry.TwoormoreoftheofficesofSecretary,TreasurerandPayingOfficermaybecombined.ItshallbethedutyoftheSecretary(a)toensurethekeeping ofminutesoftheproceedingsoftheJointVestryandofthe

7WhereChurchwardensareappointed,theirdutiesshouldbesetoutintheconstitution.IncircumstanceswheretheChurchwardens’dutiesareintendedtoreflecttheprovisionscontainedinResolution1underCanon35andunderCanon60.2,itmaybeappropriatetoincludeaprovisionasfollows:

“TheChurchwardensshallberesponsibleforseeingthatadetailedinventoryofallsuchgoodsandornaments,registersandotherpropertybelongingtothejointchargeinaccordancewiththeprintinusewiththeauthorityoftheBishopssubjecttoanyadjustmentstheretowhichmaybeapprovedbytheStandingCommitteeoftheGeneralSynodshallbepreparedankeptuptodateandshallsendacopyofsuchinventory,amendedfromtimetotimeasnecessary,totheRegistraroftheDiocese.WiththeRector,theChurchwardensshallhavecareofthepropertyandfabricoftheChurchbuildingsincludingtheparsonagehouseorhouses,hallsofficesandany otherpropertiesacquiredinconnectionwiththeChurch,unlessotherwisedirected,andshallseetothesafecustody,maintenance,insurance,useandadministrationofthesame.TheChurchwardensshallreporttotheJointVestryontheabovematters.(Intheeventofsuchaclausebeingincluded,theearlierprovisionsofClause13wouldneedtobeamendedtoreflectthefactthatcertaindutiesfallontheChurchwardensratherthantheJointVestry.)

meetingsoftheconstituentmembersoftheParticipatingCongregations;(b)toexhibitsamewhencalledupontoanymemberoftheJointVestry;(c)toissuenoticesofmeetings;(d)toconductnecessarycorrespondence, and generally(e)to conformto instructions received fromthe JointVestry.ItshallbethedutyoftheTreasurer(a)toprepareandkeeptheaccountingrecordsoftheJointCharge;(b)toprepareannualaccounts,andsubmitthemtotheindependentexaminer/auditorappointedintermsofArticle8hereof;(c)toensurelodgementinabankorbuildingsociety,inanaccountopenedinnameoftheJointChargeforthatpurpose,allmoniesreceivedbyhim/heronbehalfoftheJointChargeoranyoftheParticipatingCongregations;(d)toexhibitwhencalleduponhis/heraccountingrecordstoanymemberofJointVestry,andgenerally(e)toconformtoinstructionreceivedfromtheJointVestry.ThebankorbuildingsocietyaccountshallbeoperatedinsuchmannerastheJointVestrymaydirect.ItshallbethedutyofthePaying Officertoberesponsibleformakingthe practicalarrangements for payingthe Stipend ofthe Rector as wellas associated costs.

15.AnnualReportoftheJointVestry.-TheJointVestryshall,attheAnnualMeetingoftheParticipatingCongregations,presenta(written)reportupontheirtransactionsduringtheprecedingyear,includingthecongregationalaccountsundertheircharge,withtheindependentexaminer’s/auditor’sreportthereon.ThereportandaccountsshallbemadeavailabletotheParticipatingCongregationsbefore,atoraftertheAnnualMeetingandacopyshallbeprovidedtoanymemberoftheParticipating CongregationsuponrequesttotheTreasurer.Acopy oftheaccountsandofanyotherwrittenreportssubmittedtotheAnnualMeetingshallbeappendedtotheminutesofthe Annual Meeting.

16.(a)AppointmentofRector.-TheappointmentoftheRectorshallrestwith;8andthePatron(orPatrons)shall,immediately onavacancy occurring,communicatewiththeBishop,andthereafteractinconsultationwithhim/herinthefillingupoftheappointment.UponpresentationtotheBishopofadulyqualifiedperson,andtheBishop’sacceptanceofthesame,he/sheshallbeinstitutedassoonaspossible.ThepersonappointedshallenjoyasRectorallrightssecuredtohim/herbytheCanonsorthisConstitutionasfromthedateofhis/herinstitution(orcollation).IntheeventoftherightsofpresentationbeingsuspendedinaccordancewiththeCanonsoftheChurchandaPriest-in-Chargebeingappointed,referencesinthisConstitutionto“Rector”shallbeconstruedasreferences to “Priest-in-Charge”.

Or,alternatively,where the Bishop is Patron:-

16(b)AppointmentofRector.-TheappointmentoftheRectorshallrestwiththeBishop(inconsultation,whererequired,withtheJointVestryorrepresentativesnominatedbytheParticipatingCongregationsforthepurpose),anduponhis/herchoiceofadulyqualifiedpersontheinstitutionorlicensingshallfollowassoonaspossible.ThepersonappointedshallenjoyasRectorallrightssecuredtohim/herbytheCanonsorthisConstitution as fromthe date ofhis/herinstitution, collation,orlicensing.IntheeventoftherightsofpresentationbeingsuspendedinaccordancewiththeCanonsoftheChurchandaPriest-in-Chargebeingappointed,referencesinthisConstitutionto“Rector”shallbe construed as references to “Priest-in-Charge”.

17.Remuneration for Services– Joint Vestry Members

JointVestrymembersmayberemuneratedforservicesprovidedtotheJointChargebutonlyifanysuchremunerationforservicessatisfiestheprovisionsofthe2005ActasamendedorsupersededfromtimetotimeandanysuchremunerationshallbedecidedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofClause 22.

8BeforetheadoptionofthisConstitution,itmustbesettledinaconferencebetweentheBishopandrepresentativesoftheCommunicantsoftheParticipatingCongregationswhothePatronorPatronsshallbe.

18.RemunerationforServices-StipendofRector9.-IntheeventoftheRectorbeingappointedonastipendiarybasis,thestipendoftheRectorshallbedecidedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofClause22andbeofsuchamount,andbeprovidedinsuchmanner,asmaybeagreedbetweenhim/herandtheJointVestrytothesatisfactionoftheBishop,atnotlessthantherateofthesumapprovedbytheGeneralSynodastheStandardStipendforthetimebeing(oranappropriatelyreducedsumasagreedbetweentheJointVestryandRectorandapprovedbytheBishopintheeventoftheappointmentbeingpart-time).TheStipendshallbepayablebyequalmonthlyinstalmentsnotlaterthanthelastThursdayofeachmonthlessincometaxandnationalinsurancecontributionsand,unlessotherwiseagreedbytheBishop,afterdeductionofanysumsreceivedbytheRectorbyvirtueofemploymentorotherecclesiasticalorsecularwork.WheretheRectorisamemberoftheScottishEpiscopalChurchPensionFundpensioncontributionsshallbemadetothefundattherateestablishedbytheGeneralSynodfromtimetotime.Nopersonshall,byreasononlyofhis/herbeingamemberoftheJointVestry,bedeemedresponsiblepersonallyforpaymentofstipendorpensioncontributions.

19.Rectory(orParsonage).-WhereaRectory(orParsonage)hasbeenerectedoracquiredfortheJointCharge,itshallbefor the use and benefitof the Rector, and he/she shallnotletitor anypartofitwithouttheconsentoftheBishopandtheJointVestry.IntheeventofthedeathoftheRectorhis/herwidow(er)and/ordependantspermanentlyresidentintheRectoryshallhavetheuseoftheRectory(or Parsonage)for three months thereafter.

20.AppointmentandStipendofAssistantClergy.-TheRectorshall,afterconsultationwiththeJointVestry,havetherighttoappointanyAssistantCurateorCurateswhomtheBishopmaylicensefortheworkoftheJointCharge.ThestipendsofstipendiaryAssistantCuratesshallbesuchasareagreeduponbytheRectorandJointVestry,butshallbeofanamountnotlessthanthescaleapproved bythe GeneralSynod for the timebeing.

21.AppointmenttootherOffices.-TheJointVestrymay,withtheconcurrenceoftheRector,appointsuitablepersonsasOrganist,Choirmaster,Verger,etc.Inthecaseofsuchofficials,theRectorshallhavetherighttorequiretheirdismissal,subjecttoanappealtotheBishopbytheJointVestryshould the latterdisapprove.

22.Conflictofinterest–(i)AnydecisionbytheJointVestryastostipend,remuneration,contract,arrangementor otherpersonalbenefitreceived byaJointVestrymemberand anydiscussiononsuchitemsshalltakeplaceintheabsenceoftheJointVestrymembersconcernedandshallbemadeinaccordancewiththeprovisionsrelatingtoremunerationinthe2005Actasamendedorsupersededfromtimetotime;and(ii)JointVestrymembersshalldeclareanyconflictofinterestandtheSecretary,orotherJointVestrymember,shallkeeparecordofconflictsofinterestandanyJointVestrymemberwithaconflictofinterestshallrefrainfromparticipatinginanydeliberationordecisionoftheJointVestrywithrespecttothematterinquestion.Wherethereisanydoubtastowhethera conflicthas arisen or may arise, appropriate professionaladvice should be sought.

23.ResignationofRector.-IftheRectorshalldesiretoresignhis/herJointCharge,he/shemustgiveatleastthreemonths’noticeofsuchintentioninwritingtothePatron(orPatrons),totheJointVestryandtotheBishop.Duringtheintervalhe/sheshallberesponsiblefortheusualduties,exceptwith the sanction of the Bishop.

24.EnforceddemissionofJointIncumbency.-TheJointIncumbencyshallbecomevacant,andthePatronorPatronsshallproceedtoanewappointmentasifthevacancyhadoccurredbyresignation,takingimmediate effect, in anyof the followingevents, viz:-

9Theprovisionsregardingpaymentofstipendmayrequirealterationwhereresponsibilityforpaymentissharedbetweenmorethanonecharge.

(1)IftheRectorshallrenounceorforsakeCommunionwiththeScottishEpiscopalChurch.

(2)Ifhe/sheshallbecanonicallyremovedfromoffice,disqualifiedfromholdingofficeorprohibitedfromtheexerciseoftheministryofapriestundertheprovisionsofCanon 54 ofthe Code of Canons or similarcanonicalprovision.

(3)Ifhe/sheisthesubjectofcanonicalsuspensionforadefiniteperiod of time (butnotincludingsuspensionunderCanon54oftheCodeofCanonspendingtheoutcomeofproceedingsunderthatCanon),andtheJointVestryresolveinrespectthereofthatitisexpedientthattheJointIncumbencybecomesvacant,andtheBishopapproves in writing.

(4)IftheJointChargeisdeclaredtobevacantundertheprovisionsofCanon13oftheCode ofCanons or similarcanonicalprovision.

(5)IftheJointChargeisdeclaredtovacantundertheprovisionsofCanon64oftheCode ofCanons or similarcanonicalprovision.

(6)IftheJointChargeisdeclaredtobevacantundertheprovisionsofCanon53oftheCode ofCanons or similarcanonicalprovision.

25.ArrangementsduringaVacancy.-ThecareofthevacantjointchargebothintheprovisionofservicesandthepastoralcareoftheParticipatingCongregationshallbetheresponsibilityoftheBishop, who may appointa priestto actas interimpastor or place the charge in the care ofa DiocesanChaplain or invitesome othercleric to takeservicesandattendtootherpastoralduties.TheemolumentsandexpensesduringavacancyshallbeprovidedbytheJointVestry.TheCommunicantsandotherRollsandRegistersofBaptisms,Confirmations,Marriages,FuneralsandBurials shallbe held bysuch person and in such manner as the Bishop may direct.

26.AlterationsinConstitution.-NoalterationshallbemadeinthisConstitutionasregardsArticle3hereof,whichisfundamental.As regards the otherArticles hereof, alterations may be madebyaResolutionpassedataspecialmeetingoftheconstituentmembersoftheParticipatingCongregationsbyamajority oftwo-thirdsofthosepresentandvoting,confirmedataspecialmeetingheldnotsoonerthanonenorlaterthanthreecalendarmonthsthereafterbyasimplemajority ofthosepresentandvoting,andafterwardsassentedtoinwritingbytheBishop.Thenoticecallingsuchmeetingsshallspecifytheirpurposeandshallstatewhereacopyofthesuggestedalterationsmaybeinspected.AnysuchalterationmustbenotifiedorconsentedtobyOSCRinaccordancewiththe2005 Actas amended or superseded fromtime to time.

27.PossibleSuspensionofthisConstitution.-Ifatanytime(whetherduringavacancyintheincumbencyornot)itshallhappenthattheJointChargeshallbecomesoreducedinnumbersorinfinancialresourcesthattheConstitutionoftheChurchcannolongerbekeptinoperationnorprovisionmadeforthemaintenanceofaRector,thisConstitutionmaybesuspended,inaccordancewiththeprovisionlaiddownforsuchaneventualityintheCodeofCanons(Canon36)orsimilarcanonicalprovision.

28.PossibleextinctionoramalgamationoftheJointCharge.-IfitshallbedecidedbytheBishop,withtheconcurrenceoftheDiocesanSynod,thatitisimpracticabletomaintaintheservicesoftheJointCharge, allthe rights and duties of the JointVestryas guardians of the propertyand fundsshalldevolveuponthePropertyTrusteesaspreviouslyappointedinArticle4hereof,amajorityofwhom-subjectalwaystothevetooftheBishop-shallformaquorumfortransactinganynecessarybusiness,andallsuchpropertiesandfundsasmaybedisposableshallbedisposedoforutilisedastheBishop,withtheconcurrenceoftheDiocesanSynod,mayfromtimetotimedetermine.Intheeventofanemergency,pendingthesummoningoftheDiocesanSynod,theBishopinconsultationwiththePropertyTrusteeswilltakesuchstepsasmayseemtohimtobenecessaryandright.TheJointChargemay be linked with anothercongregation to forma newJointIncumbencyor may forma

LinkedChargeinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofCanon36.TheBishoporPropertyTrusteesshallensurethatappropriateconsentsareobtainedfromOSCRinrelationtoanyamalgamation,windingup or dissolution of the JointCharge.

29.CustodyandRegistration.-ThisConstitutionshallbeauthenticatedinduplicateandonepartshallbelodgedwiththeDiocesanRegistrar,theotherpartbeingretainedbytheJointVestry.AcopyshallbeengrossedintheminutebookandadocquetshallbesignedthereinbytheRectorandAssistantClergyuponenteringoffice,declaringtheirwillingnesstoabidethereby.AnyconstituentmembermayobtainacopyonpaymentofthecostthereoftotheTreasurer.AnypersonmayrequesttheJointChargetoprovidethemwithacopyofthisConstitutionandtheJointCharge'smostrecentstatementofaccountintermsofs23ofthe2005Actandanysuchrequest,ifreasonable,shouldbeimplementedby theJointChargeupon paymentof the costof supplyingthedocumentto theTreasurer.TitlesorotheroriginaldocumentsreferringtothepropertyandassetsofthechurchshallbelodgedwiththeDiocesanRegistrar,andaninventoryofthemengrossedintheminutebookforconvenience ofreference.

30.Reference.-IntheeventofanydifferencearisingamongtheRector,AssistantClergy,JointVestryorconstituentmembersoftheParticipatingCongregationsoranyofthemwithregardtotheinterpretationofthisConstitutionortherightsorobligationsofpartieshereunderorotherwiserelatinghereto,thesameshallbereferredtotheBishopoftheDioceseforhis/herdecision,whoseawardorawards,interimorfinal,shall,subjecttoarightofappealtotheEpiscopalSynod,befinaland binding.

31.IndemnityInsurance–TheJointVestrymay purchaseandmaintainfromtheJointCharge'sfundsinsuranceagainstanyliabilityandassociatedmatterwhichbyvirtueofanyruleoflawmayattachtoaJointVestryMemberorPropertyTrusteeinrespectofnegligence,default,breachofdutyofcareofwhichhe/shemaybeguiltyinhisorhercapacityasaJointVestryMemberorPropertyTrustee.

(Place) (Date)

TheforegoingConstitutionwasadoptedbyResolutionpassedatthe...... meetingoftheParticipatingCongregationsoftheJointIncumbencyknownbythenameof...... ….....situateat……………….intheDioceseof...... …...... oftheScottishEpiscopalChurchofthisdate.

...... Chair of said ...... Meeting

(Place)(Date)

Approved.

...... Bishop ofthe Diocese of ......