12.1 The Permanent Judicial Commission of Grace Presbytery fulfills its mandate as outlined in the Church Discipline section of the Book of Order. Per D-1.0301, the purpose of church discipline is: believing community;

• To pursue and reveal the truth; restoration; • To honor God by making clear the significance of membership in the body of Christ;
• To preserve the purity of the church by nourishing the individual within the life of the
• To achieve justice and compassion for all participants involved;
• To correct or restrain wrongdoing in order to bring members to repentance and
• To uphold the dignity of those who have been harmed by offenses;
• To restore the unity of the church by removing the causes of discord and division; and
• To secure the just, speedy, and economical determination of proceedings.

12.2 The Permanent Judicial Commission consists of nine members elected in odd numbered years for six-year terms. The Stated Clerk is an ex-officio member with voice but not vote.

12.3 The Permanent Judicial Commission fulfills the responsibilities specified by the Book of Order and Church Discipline (Section D).

12.4 Investigating Committees consist of three to five members, composed of ruling elders and ministers of Word and Sacrament in numbers as nearly equal as possible. Committees of Counsel consist of no more than three members, composed of ruling elders and ministers of Word and Sacrament in numbers as nearly equal as possible.

12.5 Investigative Committees and Committees of Counsel are appointed by the Stated Clerk (or the Executive Presbyter in the absence of the Stated Clerk) in consultation with the Executive Presbyter or the Moderator of Strategic Coordinating Commission or the Presbytery Moderator in accord with Church Discipline.

12.6 Investigating Committees perform the duties specified in Church Discipline concerning disciplinary cases. Committees of Counsel perform the duties specified by Church Discipline concerning remedial cases.

12.7 The Stated Clerk will report the appointment and membership of an Investigating Committee or Committee of Counsel at the next stated meeting of the presbytery. The Stated Clerk will report to the presbytery on the progress of the work of these committees respecting the confidentially requirements of the Church Discipline. The Stated Clerk will report the dissolution of an Investigating Committee or Committee of Counsel when its work is completed.

A commission is empowered to consider and conclude matters referred to it by a council. The designating council shall state specifically the scope of the commission’s powers and any restrictions on those powers. (G-3.0109)