A Sacred Trust Professional and Ministerial Ethics
Sexuality and Justice • A Neglected Perspective.
Restoring Right Relationships • The Work of Justice.
Sex & Power • Context for Relational Abuse.
Sexual Sin: Violation of Persons • Moving from a private morality to a communal ethic.
Prophetic Vision • Hebrew Hospitality Codes.
You shall not molest the widow, the orphan, or the alien. • Because when you were aliens, I was your Go’el (‘next of kin,’ or protector). Hebrew Hospitality Codes
Gospel Vision • John 10: The good shepherd.
Model Minister • ‘Anyone who goes out and comes in through me, will find safe pasture…’ • John 10
The Illusion of Powerlessness • The temptation to over-idealize our role as servants.
Illusion: “I don’t feel powerful…” Illusion vs. Reality
Illusion: “I don’t feel powerful…” • Reality: My title/role has public status. My behavior puts pressure on others. Illusion vs. Reality
Position, Status, Role (authority). • Title: Reverend, Pastor, Doctor, Sister, Chairperson, President, etc. • Age • Gender • Race. Sources of Power
Physical, Psychological Strength. • Education, Information, Expertise. • Experience. • Financial Resources, Possessions. • Personality (charm, persuasiveness). • Sexual Orientation. Sources of Power
Power Abuse Any time I use my resources and advantages to harm others, or benefit myself at their expense.
What are ‘Boundaries’? • “The sanctity of the self within a relationship…”
Breaking A Vow: • For example violating a marital commitment or religious vow of celibacy. • Malpractice: • Abusing fiduciary power by violating professional or ministerial boundaries. An Important Difference
Intimacy Needs Primary: • Immediate family, spouse, or partner. • Closest circle of friends.
Intimacy Needs Secondary: • Co-workers and colleagues. • Faith communities and those served.
Preventing Boundary Violations • Develop good self-knowledge. • Maintain healthy friendships. • Deal with disappointments, anger, loneliness.
Preventing Boundary Violations • Appropriate time and setting for appointments. • Seek supervision. • Maintain balance in work, play, prayer.
More than one role with same person. • In some professions these are unethical. • For example, physicians, psychologists, psychotherapists. Dual Relationships
In ministerial settings, dual relationships are • Inevitable • Sometimes necessary • More responsibility on the minister • To keep healthy boundaries • Maintain responsible relationships Dual Relationships & Ministry
What is my role of service… • With this person? • At this time? • Under these circumstances? The Central Questions
Who is the focus? • Is this about helping this person? • Or is it about meeting my needs? The Central Questions
Professional-------Friendship--------Lover Maximum Professional Effectiveness _____________________________________ Maximum Mutual Intimacy Relationship Continuum
Unconscious Feelings/Needs Attachment (positive or negative) Transference Transference
Keeping Responsible Relationships • The integrity of the ministerial relationship.
