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.