The Presbyterian form of government provides for a gradation of courts whereby the lower is answerable to the higher. A decision of the lower court is subject to review and correction by a higher court. Any member of the church may carry his case through the lower courts even to the highest court for adjudication. For sufficient reasons the higher court may decline to act. The action of a lower court may be brought under the jurisdiction of a higher court by Review of the Records, Complaint, Reference, or Appeal. (See section II, chap. 4, as well as the Directory for Church Government, chap. 6, par. 15 on page D-33.)
Web transcription of the official 2026 PDF, with links (Crown & Covenant Publications), or the unchanged file. Where they differ, the PDF governs.Transcribed from the official 2026 PDF, with links (or the unchanged file). Where they differ, the PDF governs.