These Guidelines replace two previously separate sets of Guidelines concerning manses.
One set concerned the specification – types and number of rooms etc. – and the other what should happen during a vacancy or if the minister needs to live away from the manse for a period.
They were drawn up by the Linkage Commission, which has responsibility concerning manses, and reported to the General Assembly in June 2016.
The term “Guidelines” has been used rather than “Laws” or “Rules” as it is sometimes necessary to have a degree of flexibility. However, Guidelines are more than mere suggestions. When approved by the General Assembly they carry a definite authority and should only be departed from where there is good and sufficient reason approved by Presbytery and the Linkage Commission.