Resolution Number: A221
Subject: Codes of Ethics
Moved by: Mrs. Lela Zimmer, Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior
Seconded By: The Ven. Richard LeSueur Diocese of Calgary
Note: The mover and the seconder must be members of the General Synod and be present in the House when the resolution is before the synod for debate.
BE IT RESOLVED:
That this General Synod affirm the ‘Guide to Codes of Ethics for those Authorized to Practice Ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada’ and commend it to dioceses, encouraging each of them to develop a code of ethics for ministry.
EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Guide is in Appendix B of the Report to General Synod by the Faith Worship and Ministry Committee.
In the current public climate of concern for the ethical standards for leadership in all institutions it is important that the Church provides clear, transparent guidance to all those who practice ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada about our standards and expectations. Although most dioceses have policies concerning sexual misconduct, there is a much wider range of considerations for ethical practice in ministry, including areas such as: finances; administration; pastoral practice; and employment.
General Synod 2004 directed the Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee to produce a guide for dioceses to assist them in the development of a code of ethics and standards of practice for lay and clergy engaged in ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada. In this guide, the Committee sets out scriptural and theological foundations for ministry ethics and directs those concerned to areas which should be covered in any locally-developed code. The guide also contains a suggested process for formulating ethics codes, along with a list of existing resources which dioceses could adapt for their own use, tailoring them to meet their own local needs and situations.
By adopting this guide, the Anglican Church of Canada affirms our insistence upon appropriate conduct among all those who minister in our church, lay and ordained, and further declares that:
- a ministry ethics code is important because it is rooted in our baptismal and ordination vows.
- a ministry ethics code is biblically based because it is grounded in scriptural perspectives.
- a ministry ethics code is theologically sound because it adheres to Christian doctrine.
The Council of General Synod in November, 2006 agreed to recommend that General Synod 2007 affirm the ‘Guide to Codes of Ethics for those Authorized to Practice Ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada’ and commend it to dioceses, encouraging each of them to develop a code of ethics for ministry.
Source: Faith Worship and Ministry Committee
(name of committee, diocese, etc.)
Submitted by: Michael Bedford-Jones, Chair
A) Does this motion contain within it any financial implications?
Yes ______ No ___X__
B) If yes, has the General Synod Expenditures Committee considered the implications?
Yes ______ No ______