CODE OF ETHICS FOR A MINISTRY
The Association of Unity Churches has developed a Code of Ethics for the way member churches operate. Unity Church of Hawaii has pledged to abide by this Code of Ethics, and our commitment to it has been reaffirmed by the Board of Trustees. Following are the provisions of the Association's Code:
The ministry provides services, classes of instruction and demonstrates the principles of Truth by using them in the operation of the ministry and adopts other means that in the judgment of the minister will further the principles of practical Christianity among people everywhere.
I. DEDICATION TO TRUTH PRINCIPLES
A. As a Unity ministry we dedicate ourselves to the principles of Truth as taught and exemplified by Jesus Christ and interpreted by Unity School of Christianity and the Association of Unity Churches.
B. We look to the indwelling Christ for inspiration, to guide, govern and prosper.
C. We will, to the best of our understanding and ability, bring the freeing truth to humankind. This we will do in a spiritually dignified way, being guided by divine wisdom and good judgment.
D. We believe in the power of prayer; and we are convinced that as Jesus said, "All things are possible to him who believes." And we will seek to deepen our prayer life and prayer experiences, for only as we drink from the fountain of truth ourselves can we offer the cup of truth to others.
E. We consecrate ourselves to God, and in so doing surrender any selfish desires and personal ambition so that the will of God may be expressed through this ministry in service to humankind.
II. RELATING TO THE PEOPLE WE SERVE
A. We believe that all people are created with sacred worth. Therefore, we recognize the importance of serving all people within the Unity family in spiritually and emotionally caring ways.
B. We shall work together for the highest good of the ministry, blessed with the privilege of providing activities that assist humankind in becoming aware of its divinity.
C. We accept the obligation to maintain integrity, and confidentiality when called for, while maintaining open and timely communication, as we work toward the highest good of the ministry and in alignment with the Unity Movement.
D. We are committed to the well-being of our organization and seek appropriate services, counsel and expertise to further our mission and purpose as a member of the Association.
III. RELATING TO OUR MINISTER
A. We support and encourage the abilities of the minister(s), assuring that the minister's (s') needs for spiritual, emotional, and financial support are fully met. It is essential that the ministry and the minister(s) function as a team, holding a common vision of the highest good of the ministry.
B. We recognize and honor that the minister(s) is/are the spiritual leader(s) of the ministry as the professionally trained and qualified administrative head
IV. RELATING TO OUR ASSOCIATION OF UNITY CHURCHES
A. We adopt and abide by the recommended bylaws and policies of the Association of Unity Churches.
B. We will, to the best of our ability, work in harmony with the Association in fulfilling its values, mission, vision and goals.
C. We will keep in mind that the welfare of the congregation is paramount. In the event of a dispute and/or circumstances adversely affecting the well-being of the ministry, we will seek the assistance of the Association of Unity Churches.
V. OTHER CHURCHES
A. We shall respect the work both public and private of other ministries.
B. We shall not infringe upon or interfere in the work of another ministry.
VI. PLEDGE
We sincerely devote ourselves to living in accord with this Code in letter and in spirit, and to seeing it made manifest in all others, thus bringing to ourselves only associations and conditions that harmonize with this Code. We recognize our Association of Unity Churches and this Code of Ethics as a framework in which we agree to function. We recognize that such an agreement is necessary for our mutual and individual effectiveness. If we find ourselves contemplating, or actually functioning outside of this framework, we agree to seek the kind of help described in Section II (D). Failure to seek such help will mean that, by our choice, we are functioning outside of the framework of this Code and consequently placing ourselves outside of the Association of Unity Churches.