LCA Standards of Ethical Behaviour
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Complaints
We take complaints seriously. They are handled professionally and confidentially.
Professional Standards
COVID-19
Read our Professional Standards Department training update.
About us
Demonstrating God’s love for us, by the way we behave towards one another, is central to life in our church.
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. The LCA has adopted Standards of Ethical Behaviour that express in simple and clear language how we can demonstrate and declare God's love to one another by how we conduct ourselves in our:
- personal behaviour
- pastoral care
- caring for children
- communications
- financial and administrative matters.
How we serve
The Professional Standards Department (PSD) protects people while supporting the LCA’s church workers and volunteers.
We often assist people in dealing with some very difficult and complex situations; great courage can be required to address them. We promote the gospel message of forgiveness, together with a reconciliation of relationships, and resolution of issues based on sound scriptural guidelines. However, this message of forgiveness does not remove the need to take actions that are necessary to protect our vulnerable people.
Please keep in mind that the need to demonstrate God’s love is the foundation of all of our advice and assistance. Together with the other areas of the church, we are aiming to bring God's love to life.
Training
Read our Professional Standards training update in response to COVID-19.
The Professional Standards Department (PSD) assists congregations and other bodies to promote high standards of ethical behaviour and care for all, and especially for children and others in vulnerable circumstance, by providing a comprehensive training program. Visit the Training page.
Advice
PSD helps congregations and other bodies to work through difficult situations that may place people at risk. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse reminded us that our church is not immune from the scandal of child abuse and so it is essential that we apply policies and practice that protect children and the vulnerable members of our community.
If you have any concerns about inappropriate conduct or behaviour, please contact your PSO immediately. PSD is there to assist congregations and other bodies work through such situations using the church’s established policies and procedures.
Complaints handling
PSD supports the handling of some types of complaints. The church actively encourages people to make complaints when they encounter actual abuse or potentially concerning behaviours, and supports them in doing so. If you would like to have a confidential conversation about lodging a complaint, please call 1800 644 628 in Australia or 0800 356 887 in New Zealand. You can also send an email to complaints@lca.org.au
Support
The LCA has developed a number of policies and procedures (www.lca.org.au/policies) that aim to protect everyone involved in the life of the church. PSD is there to help you understand what these policies are and to assist your congregation or body implement them, as well as respond to any other questions you may have about keeping you and your community safe. Please feel free to get in touch with the PSO in your district at any time.
Our Professional Standards Officers (PSOs)
LCA Ministry Support
Professional Standards is a department of the Executive Office of the Church, under the Office of the LCA Bishop. It is one of five departments exercising the 'enabling' functions outlined in our LCA Strategic Direction 2015–2018. Working with us are:
- Church Worker Support
- Communications (including The Lutheran)
- Finance & Administration (including IT)
- Lutheran Archives.
Together we provide the support services for LCA and Lutheran Church of New Zealand (LCNZ) agencies and congregations that enable them to focus on their mission and ministry activities (the 'go' and 'grow' priorities in our LCA Strategic Direction).
Professional Standards
psd@lca.org.au
08 8267 7300
