CPSA PASTORAL STANDARDS

“All who minister in the Church of the Province of Southern Africa are expected to maintain high ethical standards in the performance of their services.”
(Provincial Synod 1999)

“Set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
(1 Timothy 4:12)

ALL WHO SERVE IN LAY OR ORDAINED MINISTRIES IN THE CPSA ARE EXPECTED TO :

• Reflect the life and compassion of Christ
• Commend the Gospel by their lifestyle and behaviour
• Be honest and trustworthy in all things
• Co-operate with colleagues and superiors
• Relate appropriately to parishioners, avoiding all forms of pastoral misconduct*
• Be accountable for their words, personal behaviour and ministry
• Avoid abusing their pastoral trust or positions of influence in any way

Promote peace and unity in the congregation

• Maintain high standards of confidentiality
• Be well organised
• Engage in ongoing training to enrich their ministries
• Manage finance honestly, openly and efficiently
• Honour the Constitution and Canons of the CPSA and the rules of their own diocese
• Be aware of the current Code of Conduct for ministers in the CPSA, and observe it

All clergy and lay volunteers in the CPSA are asked to commit themselves in writing to these principles when they begin a new ministry, and to observe them throughout their ministry.

* “Misconduct” includes, but is not limited to sexual misconduct, misuse of church funds or property, neglect of agreed duties, provoking dissension in the congregation, and any other misdemeanour involving pastoral care or the abuse of a position of power and influence, either on the part of ordained persons or by other persons in the service of the church (paid or unpaid).

Procedures to be followed when a minister is thought to have breached these standards can be found in the published Code of Conduct of the CPSA.