The General Assembly deem it appropriate to specify a code of regulations with reference to applications for a seat in a Presbytery from ministers who have demitted their charges. In doing so the General Assembly recognise that the primary consideration is the good of the Church. They therefore ordain as follows:
1. The General Assembly shall consider a petition to grant a seat in Presbytery to a minister who has demitted his charge only in the following two sets of circumstances:
1.1 where for the conduct of the new work undertaken the minister is to a significant extent to be responsible to the Presbytery in which a seat is sought;
1.2 where the new work undertaken is by secondment by a relevant Committee of the Free Church of Scotland.
2. Where the minister concerned has demitted his charge to take up a secular appointment he shall not be entitled to seek a seat in the Presbytery within whose bounds he resides.
3. The provisions of this Act shall be without prejudice to the position of those granted seats in Presbyteries prior to the passing of this Act.