LCA Standards of Ethical Behaviour
Read the text
Download text in PDF
Download brochure LCA
Download brochure LCNZ
Complaints
We take complaints seriously. They are handled professionally and confidentially.
Professional Standards
About us
The Professional Standards Department works to protect people whilst supporting the church’s pastors, employees and volunteers.
Our focus is on matters that relate to behaviour or safety. 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 useful practical terms. As well as its foundational documents the church therefore has Standards of Ethical Behaviour and Child Safety Standards for Congregations, as well as a number of policies and procedures.
How we serve
We provide a comprehensive Safe Church training program, which is available throughout the church in both face-to-face and online formats. Visit the Safe Church training page
We also assist congregations and other ministries to work through difficult situations that may impact people’s safety. Our church is certainly not immune from the problem of abuse and its considerable impacts, so it is essential that we take all reasonable steps to protect children and vulnerable adults in our community. If you have any concerns about inappropriate conduct or behaviour, or if you believe someone in the church may not be safe, please contact us immediately so we can assist you.
It should be stressed that the gospel 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 assistance. Together with the other areas of the church, we are aiming to bring God’s love to life.
Contact us
- To inquire about the requirements of our comprehensive Safe Church training program
- To organise the delivery of a face-to-face component of the Safe Church training program
- For assistance in relation to the management of risks associated with ethical issues, situations involving abuse (whether actual or alleged) or concerns surrounding safety
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 the LCA Our Direction 2018 - 2024 document.
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 'grow' and 'go' priorities in the LCA Our Direction document).
Professional Standards
psd@lca.org.au
08 8267 7300
