Clergy Code of Expectations

It is essential that we all act with integrity on a consistent basis and be accountable to one another. As ministers of the Gospel, we affirm our commitment to living lives that can be an example to others. By the Grace of God and the Power of the Holy Spirit, I commit myself to do the following:

Family and Self:

1.  Live a life that honors my commitment to my family, including our need for privacy and family time together.

2.  I do my best to preserve my physical health by refraining from overindulgence that results in the abuse of my body. Our body is the Lord's Temple.

3.  To preserve my emotional health by knowing when to seek help and counseling.

4.  To schedule adequate time for spiritual renewal, prayer, mediation, study of the scriptures, and fellowship.

5.  Maintain propriety in my intimate life, guarding my relationship with my spouse by avoiding inappropriate conduct outside of marriage or monogamous relationships. This includes putting ourselves in compromising situations with parishioners or other clergy.

6.  I will to the best of my ability conduct myself in a moral, ethical, and responsible way in all aspects of my life and with everyone I encounter.

My Calling:

1.  I will seek God, working to grow in faith, knowledge, grace, and love through regular study, continuing education, prayer, meditation, fellowship, worship, and acts of service.

2.  I will proclaim the Gospel making clear that sanctification is the result of, not a prerequisite for a relationship with God.

3.  I will administer the sacraments and provide unbiased love and care for every person.

4.  I will never use my position, power, and authority to exploit others for financial gain, or to take advantage of them sexually or otherwise.

5.  I will not put myself above others out of ego but seek to live a life of humility.

6.  I will remain faithful to my own personal ministry by being responsible and accountable to all those whom God has entrusted to me.

7.  I will keep in confidence all privileged communication received during the conduct of my ministry. I will only disclose confidential information when convinced that the withholding of that information would result in imminent, substantial or life-threatening harm to myself or others.

8.  I will sow seeds of love and hope at every opportunity possible.

Our Church Community:

1.  I will encourage the ministry of others and support the AFF through the volunteering of my time and efforts in collaboration with my fellow clergy.

2.  If I am able, I will provide voluntary financial support to the national church to conduct its mission.

3.  I agree to the best of my ability to attend clergy meetings and will seek to stay in regular contact with my fellow clergy.

4.  I will speak my mind honestly, openly, but always respectfully with my fellow clergy and laity.

5.  I will honor and respect any theological differences among my fellow clergy.

6.  I will take no action that would cause harm to the church or its reputation nor will I sow discord or seek to cause harm in any way.

7.  I will be open to guidance from my bishop's so long as it is moral, legal, and ethical.

8.  Permission must be gained from my bishop before any Rite of Exorcism is performed on a person.

9.  No conduct that presents the real possibility of causing harm is allowed.

10. I understand that our church is inclusive and as such I will respect female and LGBT clergy as well as LGBT laity.

11. If a member of my parish comes to me to perform a marriage and I do not feel comfortable performing it, I will find someone inside or out of the church who can perform it.

12. I will not deny communion to any baptized Christian.

13. I can conduct low, broad, or high church services and I am free to use any Anglican book of common prayer.

14. If I discover any misconduct or illegal activity within the church, it is my duty to report it immediately.