For your professional ethics edification in February
Once a month the ACPE Professional Ethics Commission (PEC) posts a couple of statements from our Code of Professional Ethics for ACPE Members. Each posting is accompanied by a brief personal reflection from a member of the PEC discussing some ways this person lives these commitments.*
- In relationship to those served, ACPE members:
- Respect the integrity and welfare of those served or supervised, refraining from disparagement and avoiding emotional exploitation, sexual exploitation, or any other kind of exploitation.
- Approach the religious conviction of a person, group, and/or CPE student with respect and sensitivity; avoid the imposition of their theology or cultural values on those served or supervised.
Rev. Betty White, ACPE Certified Educator from Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, comments:
As I reflect on the climate in which we are called into being at this time, I must admit that as an Educator and Chaplain, the Code of Professional Ethics has been a roadmap that continually causes pause, reflection, and sometimes conviction. As a Black woman, ACPE Educator, and Board-Certified Chaplain who has been grounded in this work in local communities and institutions, I have a renewed awareness that I must be intentional in my actions and care for all whom I am called to serve. When I’m aware of my challenges as a person I can use my self-awareness for respecting the integrity and welfare of those served or supervised. When I am more self-aware, I am better able to share greater compassion, justice, and healing to those I serve.*Every situation is unique, and any member should not act based solely on the comments in the article but to base action on an independent review of the ethical standards applicable to his/her situation.