Professional Code of Ethics

Background

A code of ethics was published by the Canadian Association of Campus Chaplains on May 30, 1992 . The UVic Interfaith (now Multifaith) Chaplaincy discussed and adapted this code to the specific context of the University of Victoria , and the following version was accepted by the Multifaith Chaplaincy Team in January 2004.

We recommend that member communities and chaplains/faith representatives familiarize themselves with this document, as it presents the standard for our professional ethics.

Introduction

This code is founded on the following values and beliefs:

A. We have accountability to the church/faith group in which we have ecclesiastical standing and sponsorship.

B. We have accountability to the institution (university/college) where we minister.

C. We show sensitive regard for the difference of race, culture, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, age and religion of other individuals and societies. We show sensitive regard for the physically and mentally challenged.

D. We seek out and engage in collegial relationships.

E. We are committed to working in a multi-faith partnership.

F. We are committed to continuing education to enrich our professional competence.

G. We strive to manage our personal lives in a healthful fashion and for our own personal problems and conflicts.

H. We have an obligation to develop an awareness of other resources on campus and in the community to which referral may be made. We provide ministry for those persons who present problems, issues or educational needs with which we are competent to deal.

I. We establish and maintain appropriate professional relationship boundaries.

Principle I: Practice of Ministry

In all professional matters, members of the UVic Interfaith Chaplaincy maintain practices that protect the public and advance the profession.

A. We use our knowledge and professional associations for the benefit of the people we serve and not to secure personal advantage.

B. We attend to financial matters with due regard for recognized business and accounting procedures.

C. When professional liability insurance is not available through employment, members are encouraged to maintain such professional liability coverage for the protection of those to whom they minister.

Principle II: Working and Educational Relationships

We are aware of the different roles chaplains fulfill on a campus and we maintain a commitment to honour the trust of employees, students, faculty, and staff. To this end:

A. We do not engage in any form of sexual impropriety in educational, counselling and/or working relationships regardless of invitation or consent. Sexual impropriety is defined as, but not limited to, all forms of overt and covert seductive speech, gesture and behaviours as well as explicitly sexual contact.

B. We regard all forms of harassment between chaplains, students, faculty, and staff as unethical. Harassment is a form of violation which includes behaviour such as inappropriate demands, threats, gestures, innuendoes, remarks, jokes, slurs, displays of offensive material, physical assault, or taunting about an individual's body, clothing, habits, customs, or mannerisms. Harassment may also include inappropriate or unwelcome attention to, or comments on an individual's physical characteristics or appearance.

C. We do not engage in activities that could be understood as aggressive proselytizing.

Principle III: Pastoral Relationships

A. We show sensitive regard for the cultural and religious values of those we serve and refrain from imposing our own values on them.

B. We recognize that the pastoral relationship involves an imbalance of power. Any abuse of said power is unacceptable.

Principle IV: Inter-Professional Relationships

We recognize that we are part of a network of professional care-givers both within and outside of campus ministry and that we are expected to develop and maintain professional relationships. To this end:

A. We seek to support and respect other professionals.

B. We exercise care and professional protocol when receiving or initiating referrals.

Principle V: Confidentiality

As members of the UVic Multifaith Chaplaincy, we respect the integrity and protect the welfare of all persons to whom we minister, and have an obligation to safeguard information about them that has been obtained in the course of our ministry.

A. We regard all communications from those to whom we minister with the highest professional confidence.

B. We do not disclose ministerial confidences to anyone, except: as mandated by institutional practice or law; to prevent a clear and immediate danger to someone; in the course of a criminal, civil or disciplinary action arising from the ministry where the member is a defendant; for the purpose of supervision or consultation; or by previously obtained written permission. In cases involving more than one person in the ministerial situation, written permission must be obtained from alllegally accountable persons who have been present during the interaction before any disclosure can be made.

C. We do not use these standards of confidentiality to avoid disclosure when there is evidence of abuse.

D. Materials presented in reports or in person are used with permission as defined by the parties involved.

Principle VI: Public Relations

Any advertising by or for a member of the UVic Multifaith Chaplaincy, including announcements, public statements and promotional activities, is undertaken with the purpose of educating the campus community and the public, and when appropriate, helping the campus community and the public make informed judgment and choices.

A. We do not misrepresent our professional qualifications, affiliations and functions, or falsely imply sponsorship or certification by any organization.

B. Announcements and brochures promoting our services describe them accurately.