Code of Ethics

Professional and Ethical Standards Applicable to People in Ministry

The Code of Ethics will be reviewed regularly. This content is clearly marked with the date of adoption by Café Care. Evaluation of The Practice of Ministry Code of Ethics will take place regularly with a view to making revisions or a decision about their usefulness on a five year cycle. More regular revision may take place if required.

Introduction

The nature of ministry requires people in ministry to be wholesome examples to others. It is the responsibility of a person in ministry to be respectful of, and act responsibly towards the people who are within their duty of care. This Code of Ethics is intended to describe an ethical practice of ministry for the benefit of both those who minister and those who are recipients of ministry, in everyday life.

These guidelines provide basic guidance, although they cannot address every ethical question that will arise for those appointed to ministry positions. The four basic principles on which people in ministry are called to pattern their practice of ministry, come from the example of Jesus Christ:

The Priestly Role

Human beings are created in the image of God with a clear recognition in Scripture that each person is of unique value. People in ministry have a particular responsibility to respect and enable all people to fulfill their calling as children of God. People in ministry are called to encourage, lead and guide those who seek their ministry, recognizing the personal autonomy of all made in the image of God .

The Prophetic Role

Those who minister in the name of Jesus Christ’s love will act with respect, consideration and truthfulness towards all people. People in ministry are called to seek justice where there is oppression and truth where there is deceit.

The Servant Role

People in ministry are called to a ministry of service carried out in humility and marked by deep spiritual love. The abuse of power and privilege has no place in ministry and the exercise of a Christ-like ministry means that people in ministry will be aware of their relationship with all with whom they come into contact, and will seek to avoid harm, whilst actively seeking to do good.

The Mutual Role

Those who minister within the life of the ministry share in the ministry of Christ. Within that ministry all exercise particular responsibility, and are accountable to each other and to Christ for the exercising of such ministry.

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to define the professional and ethical standards of people in ministry within Café Care.

Scope

These principles apply to all leaders within the ministry.

In General

Our commitment to expressing the love of Christ leads us to the view that all people should be able to live and work in an environment that is free from abuse of any kind. Our commitment to cultivating an environment where people can thrive includes a commitment to ministries being safe places for everyone.

The ethical practice of ministry has, amongst other things, significant legal implications for ministry leaders. To that end, a separate Procedure for Investigating Complaints that Breach the Code of Ethics document has been prepared for the investigation of complaints.

Guiding Principles

This Code of Ethics seeks to apply to the ministerial or pastoral relationship, those standards that God expects of all people. People in various forms of recognized ministry are therefore expected to be examples and models of Christian faith and practice.

It is the unambiguous duty of any person in a ministry position not to use the influence or authority of their position for personal gain, whether that gain is financial or in terms of sexual gratification, or otherwise. This includes any action, verbal, written or electronic, physical or emotional that could be interpreted as emotional or spiritual abuse.

The adoption of this Code of Ethics and the related Procedure document for investigating breaches of the Code reflects a deep desire to move from patterns of ‘damage control’ to an open, accountable process that seeks to express justice and compassion to all parties.

Minimum Standard

The ethical standards derived from each general principle provide the minimum expectations with regards to the professional conduct of those in formally recognized ministry positions. Professional conduct that does not meet these standards is seen to be unethical and is subject to review in accordance with the Procedure of Investigating Complaints that Breach the Code of Ethics.

Where specific conduct is not identified by the standards, the general principles will apply.

People in Ministry and Personal Life

A person in ministry will:

Use continuing education, or personal development cou rses (not necessarily formal courses ofeducation)tolearnandimprovestrategiesofselfcare.
Strive to keep public and private life above reproach.
Ensure that in ministry there is a clear awareness of the risk of over commitment and avoidance of responsibility.
Be accountable, through appropriate, recognized and affirmed external supervision, for their own emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health, and value its effect upon their professional engagements and pastoral care.
Acknowledge the duty of care they have for their own families and friends.
Avoid entering into contracts or situations with colleagues, individuals or organizations, which may diminish the ability of a person in ministry to maintain professional integrity and independence.

People in Ministry and Those to whom they Minister

A person in ministry will:

Practice or exercise ministry within the limits of their expertise and to the best of their ability.
Use continuing education and/or professional development (not necessarily formal education) to improve professional standards of care.
Ensure that they do not exploit those in their care for any reason, e.g. sexual, emotional or financial purposes.
Treat those to whom they minister, and all with whom they come into contact, with compassion and respect for the human person.
Respect the dignity of the human person, regardless of race, religion, gender, political beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, or any other difference.
Respect the right of all people to make their own decisions and choices in life.
Respect the right of all to whom they minister to a relationship of mutual trust, privacy and confidentiality. Accordingly, information divulged in confidence by people will not be discussed with others unless consent is given, except in exceptional cases, usually involving a serious risk to life or wellbeing. This includes the passing on of information to those in a ministry team. Where possible, the permission of the person concerned should be obtained in writing before passing on any information given confidentially, except in the case where there is serious risk to life or wellbeing, when the person in ministry may be required to pass on that information to an appropriate person.
Ensure that where limits of confidentiality apply, they will seek to inform people of those limits, for example, where there is clear danger to the safety of a person. In such exceptional circumstances, they will seek to consult with those who have provided the information prior to breaking such confidentiality.
Recommend the seeking of additional opinions and services where the ministry required is not within their counselling competence or where there is a conflict of interest.
Refer people to another competent colleague, ensuring continuity of care, where there is a conflict of interest.
Ensure that where fees are charged for any service, those to whom they minister are aware of all fees beforehand, and are aware that an individual’s pastoral needs take precedence over capacity to pay.
Refrain from sexual exploitation or sexual harassment. This involves the recognition that those exercising ministry are in a position of power relative to those receiving ministry. This power means that sexual relations within any relationship involving the discharge of ministry can never be between equals and breaches the obligations of a person in ministry. Sexual harassment covers a wide range of behaviors. These may include such unwelcome actions as gestures or the display of offensive pictures through to explicit demands, suggestions of sexual activity, patting, pinching and rape.
Refrain from sexual activity with any individual for whom there is a pastoral responsibility. Where there has been a pastoral responsibility that has ended, refrain from sexual activity with that individual for a period of two years.
Be aware that while “touch” is an essential component of human compassion, what we intend with a touch, hug or a kiss, is open to interpretation by the recipient. Great care must be taken in using touch during ministry encounters.
Refrain from using emotional and spiritual abuse, recognizing that both are difficult to identify from one person to another.
Encourage those to whom they minister to move towards self-determination under God, recognizing the responsibility for their own lives.
Recognize that membership of the Body of Christ implies a partnership in ministry and that they will follow the proper counsel of those to whom they are accountable.
Contribute professional expertise and experience to the development of ministry, policy and practice.
Uphold professional standards of practice in ministry, and work to further them.
Ensure that in pastoral situations these two commitments are maintained
- Ministry that is offered will be of the highest quality.
- People in ministry are accountable to those receiving that ministry for its quality and impact.
Affirm all people and seek to provide ministry regardless of race, religion, gender, political beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, or any other difference.
Consult with the ministry’s governance group, before accepting remuneration other than that agreed in his/her employment agreement. In ministry roles a guiding principle would be that external employment should never impede or adversely affect the ability of a person in ministry to minister within the agreed vocational ministry time, as assessed together with the ministry’s governance group.
Communicate with the ministry’s governance group immediately the person in ministry begins to doubt their capability to fulfil their appointed role.

People in Ministry and Colleagues in Ministry

A person in ministry will:

Ensure that all colleagues in ministry are treated with respect, consideration, fairness, and in good faith.
Recognize and respect the abilities, expertise, areas of resp onsibility , skills, talents, time commitments and views of colleagues in ministry.
Actively share professional knowledge, skills and experience with colleagues.
Be aware that personal cond uct affects our own reputation and that of the profession.
Refrain from making comments that may damage the reputation of colleagues, cause anxiety to a person receiving ministry, or damage the wider profession and ministry.
Seek mediation in the face of conflict with colleagues.

People in Ministry and Society

A person in ministry will:

Strive to improve the standard and quality of ministry, within the wider community.
Acknowledge that people in ministry have a role in society that carries positive expectations and ensure that they act responsibly and with integrity, so as to maintain such a position of positive expectations and trust.
Seek to be an example of upright behavior to the members of both the ministry and the community, and seek in his/her example to display Christ-likeness in demeanor and actions.
Encourage those to whom ministry is given to live a life centered on faith in Christ and expressed in Christian values.
Recognize the proper concern by the ministry for all aspects of society, including political and justice issues. In doing so, people in ministry will encourage robust and authentic debate and dialogue around issues of religion and society. They will respect the right of others to hold and articulate divergent views on such matters.