COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION
Committee On Representation (COR)
Desription (according to the Book of Order and Standing Rules)
The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) requires each presbytery to establish a Committee on Representation (Form of Government 9.0105) consisting of an equal number of men and women but having a majority of members from racial ethnic minority groups. The function of a presbytery’s Committee on Representation (COR) is to advise the presbytery regarding the membership of its committees, units, boards, agencies and employed personnel “in implementing the principles of participation and inclusiveness to ensure fair and effective representation” in the decision making and work of the church. The COR is to:
- Consult with the presbytery’s Nominating Committee, advocating for the inclusion of nominees from racial-ethnic minority groups, women, different age groups, and persons with disabilities;
- Be a resource to the presbytery, assisting in identifying potential candidates from the above mentioned groups, especially through consulting with the group-designated leadership of organized associations or caucuses of the above mentioned groups, which are recognized in the presbytery;
- Review the performance of the presbytery in accomplishing “fair and effective representation” and to report annually to the presbytery and to the synod, “with recommendations for any needed corrective action.”
- The total membership of the committee “shall include persons from each of the following categories:
- majority male membership [of the presbytery]
- majority female membership [of the presbytery]
- racial ethnic male membership [of the presbytery]
- racial ethnic female membership [of the presbytery]
- youth male and female membership [of the presbytery]
- persons with disabilities.”
MEMBERSHIP: The Committee on Representation in is to have eight (8) members, including the chair, all elected annually, with a limit of six consecutive terms.”
Currently, the Presbytery’s COR consists of one majority male and one minority male (both clergy), one majority female and one minority female (both elders, one of whom also meets the criteria of a person with a disability). The majority male member was elected in 2005, meaning he is eligible to be elected for only two more annual terms. All other members were elected in 2008.
MEETINGS: The current practice of the Presbytery’s COR does not require regular meetings. Much of its work may be done via phone or e-mail. Its only regular annual task is to complete a standardized report on the Presbytery’s performance in accomplishing “fair and effective representation,” with any recommendations, and submitting that report to the Presbytery and to the Synod of the Northeast.
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