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The consistory with the deacons is not bound by or restricted to the names they have received from the congregation. The office-bearers are totally free to add names to the list and to choose only those who were "nominated" by the consistory with the deacons. There is no compelling reason to include any or all of the names received from the congregation. The brothers have to go by what they know about the names given and they have to fulfil their own responsibility. The "cooperation of the congregation" mentioned in our Church Order refers to its participation in the process of election and not to the "giving of names."
In accordance with the provisions of the Church Order it is stated that "preferably but not necessarily" the list of candidates placed before the congregation shall contain twice as many names as there are vacancies to be filled. Art. 3 CO. is clear in this respect, but it can do no harm to be reminded of it in this article of the Regulations. It is to be preferred that the consistory with the deacons are able to inform the congregation a week beforehand of the names of those made a candidate for office. However, there may be circumstances which render it more advisable not to do so, for instance, in case a minister will be proposed to the congregation. It is equally possible that for one reason or another there is no opportunity to make the names of candidates known a week before the election is to be held. Failure to announce the names to the congregation beforehand does not render either a nomination or an election invalid. It is up to the consistory with the deacons to decide about it.
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