Section I · Chapter 4. The Imposition of Church Censures

There are five formal degrees of censure. These are admonition, rebuke, suspension, deposition, and excommunication. These formal censures shall be used if the sin is confirmed, and if censure is appropriate, or the sinner is confronted but does not repent. These formal censures shall be put in writing, with a clear statement of the sin, and, if possible, conveyed to the sinner personally by one or more of the members of the court. Any of these censures may be imposed by the court without first imposing lesser censures. In addition, the court may remove members from the roll without formal censure, as mentioned in paragraph 2 of this chapter. a. Admonition—This is the lightest degree of censure and is commonly used by the court in cases of neglect of duty. It consists of reproving the offender, warning him of the danger of his course, and charging him to be more faithful in his Christian life. The court may also make the people under its oversight aware publicly of the fact of and reason for the admonition. (See Suggested Form 27.) b. Rebuke—This is a censure for a more aggravated sin and is commonly used by the court in cases of active transgression or of continued neglect of duty in spite of counsel. It consists of authoritative reproof in the name of Christ, and a call for repentance and reformation of life. The court may also make the people under its oversight publicly aware of the fact of and reason for the rebuke. (See Suggested Form 28.) c. Suspension—This is the temporary exclusion from the privileges of church membership, including participation in the sacraments or from the exercise of ordained office or from both. This becomes necessary when members are guilty of gross sin or of persistent neglect. This censure shall be pronounced by the moderator in constituted court, and in the name of Jesus Christ. The court shall also make the people under its oversight aware publicly of the fact of and reason for the suspension. The lifting of suspension depends on evidence of repentance. (See Suggested Forms 29 and 30.) d. Deposition—This is the disciplinary removal of an ordained officer of the church from his office. It may also be accompanied by suspension from church privileges. This censure shall be imposed for serious offenses in doctrine or in conduct that obviously disqualify the person for exercising office. The sentence shall be pronounced by the moderator in constituted court, and in the name of Jesus Christ. The court shall also make the people under its oversight aware publicly of the fact of and reason for the suspension. When a teaching elder is deposed, the court shall promptly (normally within seven days) notify, in writing, the clerks of all presbyteries of the church and the clerk of Synod. A person suspended or deposed shall, upon his request, be granted a letter of standing, which shall include the grounds upon which the censure was imposed. (See Suggested Form 31.) e. Excommunication—This is the disciplinary exclusion of a member from the visible church. It should be imposed only for such malignant errors or persistent violations of God’s law as are grossly inconsistent with the Christian profession of faith or subversive to the doctrine and order of Christ’s Church. All possible efforts should first be made to bring the sinner to repentance. Before excommunication is pronounced, a valid attempt should be made by the court to inform the offender of the pending action. Excommunication shall be pronounced by the moderator in constituted court and in the name of Jesus Christ. Prayer shall be offered to God for mercy and repentance. The court shall make the people under its oversight aware publicly of the fact of and reason for the excommunication. Members should then relate to the person as one who is outside the visible church and in need of repentance and salvation. (See Suggested Form 32.)