I.
Human Dignity
1.1
Christian Chaplains are ministers called to serve God's people as commissioned
by the sacred Word of
God. In
Christian grace and duty they respond with love and compassion to people's
needs in their whole existence. Christian
Chaplains embrace the understanding that human beings are created in the
image of God with uniqueness and
freedom to think, act and feel.
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1.2
Christian Chaplains are aware of their own belief system, core of values,
cultural background, attitudes, and behaviors and
how these apply in a diverse society and with the help of God avoid imposing
on those who seek help.
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1.3
Christian Chaplains understand the high value and dignity of the human
being and actively attempt to avoid allowing their personal needs to exploit
others. They are aware of the power invested in them by their role and
by the people seeking help.
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1.4
Christian Chaplains recognize the sacredness of human relationships and
do not engage in sexual intimacies with those coming to them for spiritual
support. Christian Chaplains do not engage in sexual harassment.
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1.5
Christian Chaplains will actively attempt to understand and recognize the
diverse cultural backgrounds of the people soliciting
or receiving their care. Christian Chaplains will not condone or engage
in discrimination based on age, color, culture,
disability,
ethnic group, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital or sociological
status or for any other reason.
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1.6
Christian Chaplains will provide care considering people's own spiritual
resources to cope with physical, mental, social, and
spiritual challenges.
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II.
Confidentiality
2.1Christian Chaplains
will respect the right that seekers of care have to control the amount of
personal information they want
to disclose. They will respect people's right to privacy and avoid unwarranted
disclosures of confidential
information. When
appropriate they inform seekers of the difference between privileged information
that may be confidential and threats which
may be reported. The Christian Chaplain takes the initiative to clarify
her or his limits concerning privileged information.
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2.2.
Christian Chaplains providing care to minors or to individuals who cannot
decide by themselves will consult and seek
consent
from the parents or guardians.
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2.3
Christian Chaplains will obtain permission from the people to whom they
provide care before taking
notes
or electronically recording encounters. Christian Chaplains are responsible
for securing the safety and confidentiality of any encounter records
they
create, maintain, transfer, or destroy whether the records
are written, taped,
computerized, or stored in any other medium.
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III.
Chaplain's Competence
3.1Christian
chaplains embrace the need of maintaining high standards of professional
competence in ministry.
Christian
Chaplains actively strive to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
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3.2
Christian Chaplains have a responsibility to read, understand, and follow
the Code of Ethics of the International Chaplain's Association
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3.2
Christian Chaplains are committed to continue their and personal formation
to be better equipped to
serve
God's people.
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3.3.
Christian Chaplains recognize their boundaries of competence referring
to others professionals as they see necessary.
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3.4
Christian chaplains in teaching positions will use their skills and human
awareness to uplift those under their educational care
avoiding emotional, physical, social and spiritual harm at all cost.
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IV.
Procedures for Processing Ethical Violations.
4. Christian chaplains
embrace the principle that a community comes together not to destroy their
members but to build and
restore
each other. Therefore, Chaplains will not engage in activities intended
to harm chaplains. Following the biblical counsel,
the
International Chaplain's Association will not entertain an accusation or
complaints against a chaplain unless it is brought by two
or three reliable witnesses.
In
the event of an unethical violation ICA will follow the process of restoration
and redemption recounted in the Christian Bible.
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