Zurich. In principle, a minister of the New Apostolic Church is ordained by an Apostle and also retired by an Apostle. The retirement takes place within the framework of a divine service. As a rule, this moment arrives when a minister turns 65, but in individual cases the responsible District Apostle can, in consultation with the minister in question, decide to extend his ministerial activity. In any event, however, the retirement has to take place before the minister turns 68.

The Apostle thanks the minister for all that he has done in the spirit of the love of Christ, and releases him from active ministry.

Resolution goes into effect on 1 January 2014

The District Apostle Meeting dealt with this topic at their meeting in Stuttgart in March of this year. The resolution goes into effect as of 1 January 2014 and is specifically worded as follows:

• As a rule, a minister retires after reaching the age of 65.

• In individual cases, the responsible District Apostle can, in consultation with the minister in question, decide to extend his ministerial activity. His retirement should take place before his 68th birthday.

• No moral pressure is to be applied to the minister with regard to any extension of his ministerial activity.

• ·         In justifiable cases, a minister may retire early at his own request.