Demission

Demission the name in Scotch Presbyterian churches for the act by which a minister resigns his charge. He can only resign it into the hands of the presbytery, as they ordained him. The court judges of the grounds of demission, and may refuse or comply. An old form in the Church of Scotland was as follows: "I, Mr. A. B., minister at C., for such causes, demit my ministry at the said parish of C., purely and simply into the hands of the presbytery of D., declaring that, for my part, the said parish shall be held vacant, and that it shall be free to the parish and presbytery, after due intimation hereof, by warrant of the presbytery, to call and plant another minister therein; and consent that this be recorded in the presbytery books, adfuturam rei memoriam. In witness whereof I have subscribed these presents at — , etc." The demission being accepted, the church is declared vacant.