The committee of investigation reporting a case for trial, shall bring forward the bill of charges in proper form and appoint one or more of their number to prosecute it.
Every case to be tried shall be referred to a committee of not less than nine, nor more than thirteen, who, in the presence of a Bishop or a chairman, whom the President of the Conference shall appoint, and one or more of the Secretaries of the Conference, shall have full power to try the case, and their decision shall be final, save as to the right of appeal: provided, that the accused shall, upon good grounds alleged, be allowed to challenge five in a committee of nine, or seven in a committee of thirteen, and in the same ratio for any other number. And the said committee shall make a faithful report to the Conference, in writing, and deliver up to the Secretary the whole record of the case, with the decision rendered.
Ques. 3. What shall be done in cases of improper tempers, words, or actions?
Ans. The person so offending shall be reprehended by his senior in office. Should a second transgression take place, one, two, or three ministers or preachers are to be taken as witnesses. If he be not then cured, accusation shall be preferred at the next Annual Conference, and the accused shall be dealt with as in a case of immorality.
Ques. 4. What shall be done with those ministers or preachers who hold and disseminate, publicly or privately doctrines which are contrary to our Articles of Religion?
Ans. Let the same process be observed as in case of immorality; but if the minister or preacher so offending do solemnly engage not to disseminate such erroneous doctrines in public or in private, he shall be borne with till his case be laid before the next Annual Conference, which shall determine the matter.
Ques. 5. What shall be done when a traveling preacher is complained of as being so unacceptable, inefficient, or secular, as to be no longer useful in his work?
Ans. 1. The Conference to which he belongs shall investigate the case, and if it appears that the complaint is well founded, and he does not give the Conference satisfaction that he will amend or voluntarily retire, it may locate him without his consent.
2. He shall be at liberty to defend himself before the Conference in person, or by his representative; and if he be located in his absence, without having been previously notified of an intention thus to proceed against him, he may apply to the Conference, at its next session, to be heard in his defense, and the matter shall be reconsidered for that purpose.
Ques. 6. What shall be done in the case of a preacher who refuses to attend to the work assigned him?