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| Some clergy of the Church at a meeting in Makoko |
The draft copy of the Constitution states that all offences are classified as:
(i) MISDEMEANOR: – This is a misconduct or an act that portrays the church or the individual member in bad reputation or attracts public odium or opprobrium.
Such offences shall include but not limited to the following: fighting in the church or premises thereof; willful neglect of work, general neglect of duty, willful disobedience to lawful order etc.
(a) Where the offender is a Laity (Ordinary Church member):- Written warning or admonition; suspension for a period not exceeding three (3) months; letter of undertaking or any other punishment as the Diocesan Governing Council may from time to time prescribe.
(b) Where the offender is a Clergy (Church Worker e.g Shepherd):- Written warning or admonition; Denial of pay for a period of his absence not exceeding three (3) months; redeployment etc.
(ii) GROSS MISCONDUCT: – These include scandalous conduct or offences unbecoming of a Christian such as: Idolatry; Cultism; Schism; Fraud and other financial offences;
Publicly maintaining doctrines contrary to the teachings of the church; immoral or sexual misconduct including concubination; fighting in the church or in the public by a clergyman etc.
Punishments for offences classified as Gross misconduct:
(a) Where the offender is a Laity (Ordinary Church member):- Suspension for a period of six (6) months; Demotion in rank; Restitution or Excommunication.
(b) Where the offender is a Clergy man (Church Worker e.g Shepherd):- Suspension without pay for a period to be determined by the gravity of the offence; Deprivation or Re-call to headquarters for a specific period or indefinitely; Withdrawal of recognition as a clergy for a specific period or indefinitely; Demotion, Restitution or Excommunication.
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