Standards
of Ethical Conduct
(approved by the 210th General Assembly [1998])
. . . Church leaders across the denomination are asking for
help amid the complexities and ambiguities of ministry in the
contemporary world. While Scripture, The Book of Confessions,
and the Book of Order provide guidance, it is sometimes
unclear how to make the connections between their general guidance
and the particular ethical dilemmas that confront persons in
the conduct of life and ministry. The Standards of Ethical
Conduct are intended as a bridge between these guiding
resources and the specific issues that persons in ministry face
on a day-to-day basis. [See
document] 
Sexual Misconduct Policy and Its Procedures
(adopted by the 205th General Assembly [1993])
. . . It is the policy of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
that all church members, church officers, non-member employees,
and volunteers of governing bodies
and entities of the church are to maintain the integrity of
the ministerial, employment, and professional relationship at
all times. Sexual misconduct is a violation not only of the
principles set forth in Scripture, but also of the ministerial,
pastoral, employment, and professional relationship. It is never
permissible or acceptable. [See
document]
Resolution on Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse Against Educators (approved by the 216th General Assembly [2004])
. . . This study examines the balance between allegations of child sexual abuse and due process for the accused. [See document]
Turn Mourning into Dancing! A Policy Statement on Healing Domestic Violence and Study Guide (approved by the 213th General Assembly [2001])
. . . This policy statement is the result of a development process that included wide consultation and
participation throughout the church, drawing upon biblical sources and insights from the Reformed
tradition in giving renewed definition to Presbyterian understandings concerning the root causes of
domestic violence and the church’s complicity and response to the problem. The term “domestic
violence” in this policy statement and its rationale is used as an inclusive term to broadly encompass the
abuse found in child/child, parent/child, spouse/spouse, partner/partner, adult child/aging parent
relationships, as well as violence that occurs in sibling and dating relationships. [See document] |
