high council timeline

APRIL 4

The Chief of the Staff formally summons the High Council. A High Council is made up of active commissioners who are territorial commanders or who hold an international or national headquarters or territorial leadership appointment; territorial commanders with the rank of colonel; and territorial leaders with the rank of colonel.

MAY 18

High Council members are welcomed to Sunbury Court.

MAY 21

High Council members share together in worship at Sunbury Court.

MAY 20

The Welcome to the 2023 High Council takes place in London. The event will also incorporate a farewell to General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle as they enter retirement.

MAY 22

High Council formally commences. IHQ will publish daily news bulletins while High Council is in session.

While in session, members of the High Council first elect a President, Vice-President and Chaplain, and members agree to Orders of Procedure. The Committee of the Whole discusses any matters relevant to the election. Council members make nominations—any active officer can be nominated, and there are more than 16,000 active officers around the world.

Nominees accept or decline the nomination. Candidates then respond to a questionnaire prepared by the council—approximately 15 questions for nominees and five questions for their spouses—and give speeches.

The members of the High Council then vote. To be elected, a candidate needs the vote of more than two-thirds of members in one of the first three ballots, and more than 50 percent of members from the fourth ballot onwards.

DATE AND TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED

The President announces the new General-elect and the news is livestreamed around the world.