Personal: Writing A Personal Code Of Ethics
I shared this when I started, but I am currently enrolled in the Community Ministry Certificate program through Cherry Hill Seminary. It’s been a really rewarding experience so far. I’ve felt challenged to better understand my own beliefs and biases, I have a great mentor, and the rest of the CHS community is incredibly supportive. The program also exposes me to other paths or traditions that I might otherwise have not encountered, which I love.
A recent assignment, almost a sort of final for the module, was to synthesize all the readings we’d done around morality, values, and ethics and to write my own personal Code of Ethics. I was surprised by how challenging this assignment was for me! The purpose wasn’t to write a sprawling thesis on our own ethical code but to boil it down to the real heart of what we believe.
I really appreciated this assignment. It forced me to stop and really think about what I believe and what drives me. In addition to being proud of what I finally drafted I also feel called to share this. I think this is a really valuable exercise and I feel like I got to know myself a little better, and I feel more centered and assured in making decisions in my life. I encourage folks to try it on their own - but don’t just write down your current thoughts on things. Take time to think about the why behind them. Set is aside for a few days, come back and reread it, and see how they feel.
Personal Code of Ethics
Kindness
I embrace the ethos of “In a world of performative cruelty, kindness is punk as fuck.” I also recognize that to be kind does not mean the same thing as being nice, and sometimes can be uncomfortable. I recognize that kindness comes from a place of compassion, generosity, and friendliness.
Relationships
I treat others with respect but also maintain my boundaries. I am honest with others. I recognize that relationships are not one-sided and healthy relationships require open communication.
Family
I acknowledge that family can be biological or found. I acknowledge that sharing a last name or blood is not a pass for toxic and/or abusive behavior. I acknowledge that claiming a bond of family also implies certain obligations – support, guidance, defense, care – and I vow to honor them.
Generosity
I seek to provide for others when I have the means to do so. This may mean financial contributions, donations of food or clothing, volunteering time and expertise, providing shelter, etc.
Advocacy
I continuously work to create a more just world – locally and globally. I recognize the areas where I am privileged and use that advantage to push conversations, open doors, and support others. I center marginalized voices and communities when and where I can. I speak truth to power, even when I worry about the personal cost of doing so. I trust that there are others doing the work of social justice who can/will support me if I ever need it, which helps me to take risks and make sacrifices.
Leadership
I believe leadership is a verb, and not a title. To be a leader means to be present with those you are leading. You must invest in those who report to/follow you to help them become the best version of themselves. Leadership is built on a foundation of trust and pursuit of a shared goal. Leadership also means knowing your own strengths and weaknesses, and delegating or asking for help when that is the right decision.
Work
I recognize that work is an essential component of this life, and necessary to affording basic goods as well as luxury comforts. However, I also recognize that work is not all there is to life and strive to establish healthy boundaries. I understand that the work I produce is the culmination of all my years of experience and education to that point so I am deserving of fair compensation.
Rest
I recognize that rest is an essential part of life. I recognize you cannot pour from an empty cup, so taking time to heal and recharge is also how we continue to allow ourselves to be present for others. I also recognize that rest is not a reward.
Ministry
I recognize my responsibility to care for not only the spiritual growth and development of groups I am affiliated with, but also the material safety of these groups as well. I recognize that fulfilling this responsibility may bring me into conflict with established systems or hierarchies, and that I willingly accept the risks involved.
Spirituality
I cultivate my spirituality as a way for me to continue to grow as a person, to more deeply honor myself and my varied identities, and to better understand the Divine and its presence in the world. I treat my spirituality as a way of being in communion with Queer Ancestors, honoring their legacies and continuing their work of creating a safe and welcoming world for our community.
Nature
I recognize that I am not removed from the natural world around me. The choices I make impact the land, plants, and animals not just where I live but globally. Thus, the harm that I do to the natural world is harm that I do to myself. As the species most responsible for massive, and sometimes catastrophic, changes to the natural world – be it the land, the sea and air, or natural cycles – we have a responsibility to be better stewards of this planet and reestablish balance.
