The leave of absence may be effected by the Apostle or District Apostle, at the request of the minister, or at the instigation of the congregational or district leadership. The minister is to be informed of the reasons for the leave of absence.

If the leave of absence is not initiated at the minister’s own request, the minister should be granted a hearing before it is put into effect. The reasons for, and the duration of, the leave of absence are to be documented if possible. The affected congregations are to be informed about the minister’s leave of absence in consultation with the affected minister, if possible.