A Code of Conduct for Pastoral Care and Counselling

The fact that most professions these days have codes of ethics is indicative of the importance that is attached to maintaining professional standards, the integrity of behaviour and a proper duty of care towards others. We must do whatever we can to safeguard ourselves and others from breaches of trust, moral lapses and exploitative practices. Codes of ethics on their own will not do this of course, but they do articulate a basic set of expectations and requirements by which people may be held to account.

Pastoral care involves the formation of special relationships characterised by openness and trust. These relationships are developed in a variety of settings and a variety of ways, from informal pastoral care to structured counselling situations.

This Code indicates acceptable ethical behaviour for those offering pastoral care. While its focus is pastoral care, it is also applicable wherever there is a ministry relation between people. By the grace of God we are called to serve, and through the power of the Holy Spirit we are sustained and encouraged to keep within this code.

Code of Ethics as an agreed for  practicing the ministry of pastoral care:

Responsibilities to Those to Whom We Offer Pastoral Care

1) Ministers will deal truthfully with people, encouraging free and open discussion, upholding their best interests, rights and well-being.

2) Ministers will respect the right of people to privacy and confidentiality of information except when there is a clear and imminent danger to those people or others, at which time they will be informed of those limits.

3) Ministers will recognise the dignity and worth of every person and will offer pastoral care without unfair discrimination.

4) Ministers will not abuse their position by taking advantage of people for personal, financial or institutional gain.

5) Ministers will recognise that sexual intimacy in the pastoral situation is unacceptable and will not subject people to sexual exploitation, sexual harassment or sexual abuse.

6) Ministers will recognise that there are limits to their competence and will refer people to others when this proves necessary or desirable. They will not attempt counselling without training.

7) Ministers will recognise that there is a cultural context for pastoral care and will act with awareness and sensitivity.

Responsibilities to the Church

1) Ministers will uphold high standards of practice in ministry and work for the advancement of those standards.

2) Ministers will exercise stewardship in the time given to ministry, guarding against both over commitment and avoidance of responsibility.

Responsibilities to Colleagues and Other Pastoral Workers

1) Ministers will promote co-operation with colleagues, pastoral workers and members of other helping professions, treating them with consideration and respecting professional confidences.

2) Ministers will seek mediation through the courts of the church when conflicts with colleagues or others within the church community arise.

3) Ministers will take action through the proper channels concerning unethical conduct by colleagues or other pastoral workers.

Responsibilities to the Wider Community

1) Ministers will act to prevent and eliminate unfair discrimination in the wider community.

2) Ministers will encourage as part of their pastoral task, participation in the shaping of social policies, advocating the promotion of social justices, improved social conditions and a fair sharing of the community’s resources.

Personal Responsibilities

1) Ministers will use regular approved supervision to maintain accountability and a high standard of pastoral care.

2) Ministers will use regular opportunities for spiritual growth, personal recreation and refreshment.

3) Ministers will seek to extend and enhance their knowledge.

The above Code of Ethics is described as an agreed minimum standard of practice for those who share in the ministry of pastoral care. What sorts of things would you add to raise it above the minimum standard?