175

175. The ritual of The Wesleyan Church consists of those rites and ceremonies contained in The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church (cf. 5500–5999), officially approved by the General Conference by a majority of those present and voting. The “Reception of Members,” “Covenant Questions,” and “Declaration of Purpose,” in the ritual for the “Reception of Members” (5565–5567); the “Examination of Candidates” in the rituals for the “Ordination of Ministers” (5772); and the “Commissioning of Ministers” (5825) have the authority of statutory law and must be followed as prescribed. In the remainder of the Ritual, a measure of flexibility is permitted as long as nothing contradicts the Articles of Religion or any other part of the Constitution.