A Code of Professional Conduct for CSC Chaplains

Introduction

"The full biblical concept of justice is the core of Chaplaincy ministry" (Declaration of Chaplains' Conferences 1989, 1991). Chaplains, like all individuals in the correctional environment, should assume responsibility for their actions.

(Introduction to the CSC Mission) and a commitment to a restorative justice paradigm will lead them to go the extra mile in their ministry.

Prison ministry is the work of the whole faith community, but because of the special circumstances in which it is exercised, it is usually the responsibility of prison chaplains to give shape and content to this work. For chaplains, as for an increasing number of professionals in other fields, a code of professional conduct provides guidance in choosing a line of action which may be otherwise unclear. This Code draws upon

  • the experience of the prison chaplains who bring the riches of their respective traditions to this task,
  • the values contained in the Memorandum of Understanding between the CSC and the Interfaith Committee on Chaplaincy, and
  • the values expressed in the CSC Mission.

Core Values

The chaplain is

  1. a person of God: chosen by God who wills that the word of the chaplain, "in season and out of season" (2 Tim 4:2) reveal God's love and mercy in human history;
  2. professionally trained: it is through study, ongoing education and personal support that he/she grows in personal, pastoral and spiritual effectiveness;
  3. humble: conscious of his/her weakness, the chaplain is committed to a ministry which upholds the dignity and worth of others;
  4. generous and open-hearted: without prejudice of any kind - race, culture, language, gender, sexual orientation or religion; and
  5. hopeful: because convinced God can change persons and that it is possible "to overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21 cited in the CSC Prayer).

Guiding Principles

The chaplain affirms

  1. the necessity of acting in a way that is consistent with these values;
  2. 2. the necessity of providing pastoral care to persons who are members of other religious traditions with the same commitment as if they were members of his/her own tradition;
  3. the necessity of teamwork with other chaplains, staff and representatives of other faith groups, as an effective way of delivering pastoral care;
  4. the importance of respecting the confidential nature of privileged information received during spiritual counsel;
  5. the necessity of respecting the practice and beliefs of persons under his/her responsibility and of being careful not to impose on them responsibilities which would contradict the beliefs of their respective faith communities;
  6. the necessity of involvement with his/her community of faith through attendance at training sessions, retreats and planning events and through good relationships with those in authority in the community;
  7. the importance of being accompanied in his/her growth as a chaplain; and
  8. the necessity of leading a balanced life with concern for its various dimensions: physical health, family life, and professional and spiritual pursuits.

November 1993