Standards of Ethical Conduct for Members
of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

As a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)">

 

 

Standards of Ethical Conduct for Members
of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

As a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), in obedience to Jesus Christ, I accept Christ's call to be involved responsibly in the ministry of the church, confirm that Jesus Christ is the pattern for my life and ministry and, relying on God's grace, commit myself to the following standards of ethical conduct.

I will conduct my life in a manner that is faithful to the gospel and consistent with my membership in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Therefore I will:

  1. Practice the disciplines of study, prayer, reflection, worship, stewardship, and service;

  2. Be honest and truthful in my relationships with others;

  3. Be faithful, keeping the covenants I make and honoring marriage vows;

  4. Treat all persons with equal respect and concern as beloved children of God;

  5. Maintain a healthy balance among the responsibilities of my life's work and church membership, my commitments to family and other primary relationships, and my need for spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual renewal;

  6. Refrain from abusive, addictive, or exploitative behavior and seek help to overcome such behavior if it occurs;

  7. Refrain from gossip and abusive speech; and

  8. Maintain an attitude of repentance, humility, and forgiveness responsive to God's reconciling will.

I will conduct myself within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) so that nothing need be hidden from sisters and brothers in Christ. Therefore I will:

  1. Bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ with courage, speaking the truth in love;

  2. Honor the sacred trust of relationships within the covenant community and observe appropriate boundaries;

  3. Be judicious in the exercise of the power and privileges of positions of responsibility I hold;

  4. Avoid conflicts of interest that might compromise my witness and relationships within the community of faith;

  5. Refrain from exploiting relationships within the community of faith for personal gain or gratification, including sexual harassment and misconduct as defined by Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) policy;

  6. Respect the privacy of individuals and not divulge information obtained in confidence without express permission unless an individual is a danger to self or others;

  7. Recognize the limits of my own gifts and training, and refer persons and tasks to others as appropriate;

  8. Claim only those qualifications actually attained, give appropriate credit to others where due and observe copyrights;

  9. Be a faithful steward of and fully account for funds and property entrusted to me; and

  10. Accept the discipline of the church.

I will participate as a partner with others in the ministry and mission of the Church universal. Therefore I will:

  1. Participate in the mission and governance of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and work for the unity of the holy catholic church;

  2. Show respect and provide encouragement for sisters and brothers in Christ;

  3. Recruit church members responsibly, respect existing congregational relationships and refrain from exploiting persons in vulnerable situations; and

  4. Cooperate with those working in the world for justice, compassion, and peace, including partners in ministry of other faith traditions.