For your professional ethics edification in August
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*. August’s statements are:
3. In relation to ACPE, members:
c. Speak on behalf of ACPE or represent the official position of ACPE only as authorized by the ACPE governing body.
d. Do not make any intentionally false, misleading, or incomplete statements about their work or ethical behavior.
Rev. Karl Van Harn, DMin, ACPE Certified Educator from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan comments:
The ACPE’s Code of Professional Ethics has organized around 5 sets of relationships: relationships with those served, other groups, ACPE, collegial relationships, and business relationships. When I first read these two statements, I immediately thought about how they apply to my relationships with people who are not members of ACPE: inquirers, applicants, students, staff members, and individuals involved with other institutions and faith groups. The principles addressed in ethics code sections 3.a. and b. call me to speak truthfully about myself as an educator, my CPE center, and the ACPE as an organization with its structure, standards, processes, and values.
Representing myself truthfully is not only a matter of integrity. Telling the truth builds trust with people, and of course, establishing trust with others is essential for working together and forming a community. We need truth as well as love in order to develop trusting relationships and build a flourishing community.
When I took a second look at these statements, it struck me that they are really about us as ACPE members. They apply to our relationship with our organization. Like any organization, ACPE has its strengths and weaknesses, and these change over time. For as long as I can remember ACPE has seen itself and valued itself as a community of people who care about each other and develop others as spiritual caregivers. We are becoming a community that cares about and supports each other as spiritual psychotherapists, too.
Statement 3.c. reminds me of the boundaries in our relationships. For example, I need to know what ACPE’s position is as an organization and what mine is as a person, and not confuse the two. I can appreciate and support the ACPE where our values, experiences, and work align well. I can also critique ACPE and share my hopes and ideas for change, knowing my views belong to me. I can listen to others express their experiences, values, and critiques, too, as we work together for the betterment of our community.
Statement 3.d. reminds me of true humility: to not exaggerate my strengths or give pretense to my abilities for self-aggrandizing purposes; and to not deny my ignorance, challenges, or blind spots, so I can continue my personal and professional growth. Telling the truth about ourselves and ACPE and listening to others tell their truth are essential qualities if we are to thrive as a spiritual care community.
*Every situation is unique, and any member should not take action 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.