ethics & standards committee
At OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, we believe in the importance of a strong ethical framework that upholds the integrity of our ministerial community while safeguarding both our ministers and the public. The Ethics & Standards Committee has been established to ensure that our community is supported by rigorous ethical guidelines. The committee is made up of a diverse range of individuals, including OneSpirit Supervisors, ROSIM members, representatives from jurisdictions where OneSpirit ministers are authorised to officiate legal marriages, faculty members, trustees, and other key stakeholders. To meet specific needs, the committee may also invite additional experts from the public to address any identified gaps in skills, knowledge, or experience.
Our Purpose: The committee is dedicated to enhancing professional practices within our ministerial community. It provides invaluable advice to our board of trustees on the ethical complexities and challenges our community may encounter.
The committee’s role includes:
- Overseeing professional standards
- Reviewing current practices and identifying areas for improvement
- Offering guidance on ethical matters to both our minister community and board of trustees
The Ethics & Standards Committee reports directly to the board of trustees, focusing on ethical concerns and the governance of the professional register of ministers, ROSIM.
“Do your bit of good, where you are.”
— Desmond Tutu
OUR CODE OF ETHICS
At OneSpirit, we recognise the pivotal role that integrity plays in the fabric of our training programmes and the practice of our staff, students, and ordained ministers. In our shared journey towards spiritual growth and interfaith understanding, we collectively dedicate ourselves to embodying and promoting a set of core precepts that guide our actions, decisions, and interactions.
This commitment is not merely a formal obligation but a heartfelt aspiration to live out the values that OneSpirit stands for in every aspect of our work and lives. Our community of staff, students, and ministers is united in the commitment to these foundational precepts, reflecting a deep conviction in the importance of ethical conduct, respect, inclusivity, and compassion.
These guiding principles serve as beacons, illuminating our path as we navigate the complexities of spiritual education and ministry in a diverse and ever-changing world.
Remembering Our Unity, Honouring Our Uniqueness
We aim to keep our hearts and minds open to everyone, celebrating differences but not separation. We refuse to marginalise people on the basis of age, disability, state of health, race, gender, nationality, religion, sexuality, economic status or any other distinction.
Walking Our Talk
We understand the importance of practising what we preach and agree to uphold the ethical and practical principles of the spiritual path we follow. We recognise that all paths emphasise the importance of honesty, respecting self and others, non-stealing and non-harming.
Celebrating Honesty
Knowing that truthfulness brings freedom, we aim to cultivate conscious and clear communication. We aim to speak and listen as truly as we can, being mindful that our words are kind, true and useful.
Protecting Clarity
Since we value purity of awareness, we support each other in exercising maturity over the ingestion of intoxicants or mind-altering substances.
Honouring Physical Boundaries
To create a safe space for the opening of our hearts and minds, we aim to be sensitive and respectful in expressing physical affection. Mindful of the power our position as teacher, counsellor or minister may bring, we undertake to refuse absolutely sexual relationships with our students or clients.
Representing Ourselves Accurately
Since we strive for integrity, we understand the importance of not misleading others about the services we can offer, and not exaggerating our professional achievements. Further, we commit ourselves to open and just dealings in all of our financial transactions.
Maintaining Confidentiality
We honour the sacred trust between a spiritual counsellor and a client, and between a minister and the community served, and promise to hold any personal information in confidence within the law. The same applies to our group settings so that a safe space is created for heartfelt sharing.
Valuing Support and Supervision
We acknowledge the need for supervision and guidance beyond our years of study with OneSpirit. We commit to regular supervision of our spiritual accompaniment work.
Committed to Continued Awakening
We understand that our spiritual unfolding is an ongoing process, and dedicate ourselves to continually deepening our personal spiritual practice, so that our service may be grounded in an authentic and evolving spiritual life.
Safeguarding the Whole
We commit, where necessary, to lovingly call to attention, either one-to-one or through our peer group, any issue that may place another in danger or compromise the good reputation of interfaith ministers, however difficult this may seem.
ENGAGE WITH THE COMMITTEE
If you are a OneSpirit minister navigating ethical dilemmas, seeking guidance on professional standards, or interested in contributing to discussions on ethical best practices, reach out to us! The Ethics & Standards Committee is a collaborative space where ministers can:
– Connect with experienced professionals to discuss ethical challenges and best practices.
– Contribute to shaping the ethical landscape within OneSpirit by participating in discussions on professional integrity and ministerial responsibilities.
– Stay informed about developments in ethical standards, professional guidelines, and policy changes relevant to OneSpirit ministers.
Together, we can ensure that ethical awareness and accountability remain at the heart of our community, supporting OneSpirit ministers in their service and practice.
CONTACT US
If you would like to know more about OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, our community, or the two-year training programme we offer, please contact us or visit our website:
For more information about the Ethics and Standards Committee, or to join the conversation, please contact Lavinia, our Community Development Lead.