Lutheran Church of Australia

where love comes to life

Church backs ethical standards

27 May 2016

by Liz Crawford
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Demonstrating God’s love for us by the way we behave towards one another is central to life in our church, whether we are an employee, volunteer, board or council member, pastor, lay worker or a member of a congregation.

Over some years we have been developing a series of guidelines or standards of behaviour for the LCA. These standards are applicable to all aspects of the life of the church – our schools and colleges, aged care facilities, our care services for the most vulnerable, our ministries to our indigenous members, ministries to refugees and our hundreds of congregations scattered across the cities and towns of Australia and New Zealand. It is important that we clearly articulate the standard of behaviour we expect from one another, not using vague language but in useful practical terms.

In August 2015, General Church Council endorsed the LCA Ethical Standards of Behaviour, which you can find online here. 

There are five elements reminding us how we demonstrate Gods love:

  • In our personal life and behaviour, in the way we conduct ourselves and relate to one another
  • In our pastoral life, as we care for those who need love and support, physically, emotionally and spiritually
  • In the care we take of our precious children, ensuring they are nurtured, protected and kept safe from harm
  • In our various forms of communication with one another and with those who seek information and support from the church
  • In our ethical behaviour in administrative and financial activities

Our congregational workshop program, formerly called Safe Place, Child Safe or Safe Church will be changing to reflect the Ethical Standards of Behaviour.

Various LCA policies have been developed to clarify some of the behaviours to be encouraged. For example, the LCA states very clearly that any form of harassment and abuse is unacceptable in the life of the church.

If you would like copies of the Ethical Standards or further information, please contact the Professional Standards Department at psu@lca.org.au or on 07 3512 7284; or get in touch with the professional standards officer in your district:

Liz Crawford is the LCA’s Professional Standards Director.

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