If ministers are guilty of violating their obligations, the following measures are to serve as a warning and help to ensure that the relationship of trust between the members of the congregation and their ministers remains intact. Measures can even be taken against retired ministers if a breach of duty, in the circumstances of a particular case, is especially liable to significantly impact confidence in their ministry or the reputation of the Church.

3.21.1 Disciplinary measures

Leading ministers will confidentially—and in an open and respectful manner—discuss with the individuals in question any deficiencies in the exercise of their ministry of which they become aware, in the spirit of the Serving and Leading model. If this does not lead to the necessary change in conduct, or if there are any indications of a breach of duty that would enduringly disturb the relationship of trust with members of the congregation, leading ministers, or the Church’s leadership, a leave of absence^[29] or dismissal from ministry^[30] may be imposed.

In the case of ministers who work for the Church on a full-time basis, the provisions of labour law must remain unaffected by these disciplinary measures.