At any time, a person under censure may approach the church by coming before the censuring court to confess his sin, repent, and ask for forgiveness and for the lifting of censure.
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.
Contents
Section I · Chapter 6. Repentance, Forgiveness, and Restoration after Censure
When the court sees satisfactory evidence of true repentance, it shall restore the person with the same solemnity and publicity that attended the imposition of the censure, and lead its members in granting its forgiveness. Such repentance would include satisfactory attempts at reconciliation and restitution to any parties sinned against. (Suggested Form 33)
Restoration of an excommunicated member shall include a renewal of his vows of church membership.
In the case of suspension from ordained office, when there is full restoration, the court shall lift the censure and restore the person to the former place on the local deacon board or session. When the court believes it is justified, it may impose a period of probation before there is full restoration to any office. Restoration of a teaching elder from suspension, deposition, or excommunication is under the jurisdiction of presbytery.
In the case of deposition from ordained office, a court may lift the censure and, after it has been lifted, must restore ordination by laying on of hands. The ruling elder or deacon is then eligible for reelection to service, or the teaching elder for a call.
Restoration of a person under censure should be made only by the court that imposed the sentence or with its advice and consent.
The entire disciplinary process should be carried out with reverence, prayer, gentleness, carefulness, love, fairness, humility, and perseverance by those who will someday give an account to God for their work.
Scripture: 2 Cor. 2:5-11; Gal. 6:1-5; 1 Tim. 5:1-2, 19-22; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:1-4.