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ETHICAL
STANDARDS FOR MINISTRY PROFESSIONALS
The Preamble
Laity and clergy who engage in the professional activities of
prayer, counseling, biblical interpretation, spiritual advice,
consultation, and advocacy have carried out these services for
centuries, believing that compassionate service is an expression
of the God's love. Characterized by an appreciation for all people
as God's children and for their diverse cultures, belief, and
experiences, the work of ministry professionals includes a commitment
to ethical behavior. Although an ethical code is not a legal
document, these guiding principles establish the expectations
of professional conduct in this congregation.
Ethical Standards
The following ethical standards are relevant to the work of clergy,
lay paid staff, and volunteers serving as ministry professionals
within the congregation. These standards address the ministry
professional's responsibility to members and constituents of
the congregation, the ministry professional's obligation to maintaining
professional competence, including continuing education and self-care,
and the ministry professional's ethical responsibilities toward
the congregation, colleagues, and the community.
A. The purpose of the Ministry professionals'
contacts with members and constituents of congregations is
to promote spiritual, mental, and interpersonal health.
B. Ministry professionals treat all people with respect, acceptance,
and dignity, and they avoid saying or doing anything that would
harm the individuals they serve.
C. Ministry professionals discuss with individuals and groups
they serve the purpose, goals, and nature of the helping relationships,
including limitations of the proposed relationship.
D. Ministry professionals inform the congregation and individuals
within the congregation of their education, training,
and areas of competency in the helping relationship. They inform
individuals with whom they are entering a counseling relationship
of their background, training, and competency. They know the
limit and scope of their professional knowledge and offer services
only within their knowledge and skill base.
E. Ministry professionals obtain regular training to increase
their skills and to keep their education current, especially
in the areas of professional ethics and abuse prevention.
F. Ministry professionals protect individuals they serve by maintaining
records and conversations in a confidential manner. They respect
each individual's right to privacy and confidentiality except
when such confidentiality would cause harm to the client or others,
when denominational policies state otherwise, or under stated
conditions such as those covered by local, state, or federal
laws. Professionals inform those they serve of the limitations
of confidentiality before establishing the helping relationship.
G. Ministry professionals are aware that in their relationships
with members and constituents of the congregation, power and
status are unequal. They acknowledge that they have power over
others as they serve as spiritual guides and mentors.
H. Ministry professionals recognize that dual or multiple relationships
increase the risk of harm to those who are served, including
the possibility of exploitation and sexualized relationships.
Ministry professionals seek consultation as necessary to examine
areas in which they may be compromised in their ability to provide
services, for example, when dual or multiple relationships
exist within the helping relationship.
I. If for any reason ministry professional's level of functioning
is impaired due to declining emotional or spiritual well-being,
they will seek consultation. The ministry professional, along
with the consultant, will determine the level to which competency
is impaired and may redirect or limit the current workload until
full functioning is restored. This may include the referral of
parishioners to other helping professionals.
J. Ministry professionals do not engage in sexual relationships
with members or constituents of their congregations or other
organizations they directly serve. They do not engage in counseling
relationships with people with whom they have previously had
sexual relationships. They do not have sexual relationships with
persons whom they have previously counseled. It is the ministry
professional's responsibility to establish that no harm would
result from establishing a personal relationship in the years
after any form of professional relationship has ended.
K. Ministry professionals adhere to denominational and congregational
policies regarding sexual abuse and harassment and all local,
state, and federal guidelines regarding the reporting of neglect
and abuse.
L.. Ministry professionals seek consultation and supervision
when assisting individuals with mental health issues. They refer
members and constituents of the congregation to therapists and
other professionals when the individual's issues are beyond the
ministry professional's level of education, training, or competency.
M. Ministry professionals do not engage in sexual harassment
of any kind with members of their congregations, colleagues,
ministry candidates, or others whom they supervise.
N. Ministry professionals respond to unethical behavior of colleagues
by talking directly with the colleague and, if no resolution
occurs, may report the colleague to a ministerial supervisor,
bishop, or ordination committee.
O. Ministry professionals are aware of the public nature of their
profession and their responsibility to uphold the integrity of
the faith community in which they serve with the highest possible
ethical standards. They use their education and professional
standing to improve the community and society in which they work
and live.
P. Ministry professionals uphold ethical standards, comply with
professional requirements, and agree to take responsibility for
their behaviors. They do not engage in conduct that compromises
their professional responsibilities or reduces the public's trust
in the profession.
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