Maintenance of high standards of ethical conduct is a responsibility shared by all ACPE members.
- In relationship to those served, ACPE members:
- affirm and respect the human dignity and individual worth of each person.
- do not discriminate against anyone because of race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, religious/spiritual tradition, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
- 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 convictions 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.
- respect confidentiality to the extent permitted by law, regulations, or other applicable rules.
- follow nationally established guidelines in the design of research involving human subjects and gain approval from a recognized institutional review board before conducting such research.
- In relation to other groups, ACPE members:
- maintain good standing in their spiritual/religious tradition.
- abide by the professional practice and/or teaching standards of the state, the community, and the institution in which they are employed. If for any reason they are not free to practice or teach according to conscience, they shall notify the employer and the Executive Director of ACPE.
- maintain professional relationships with other persons in the ACPE center, institution in which employed and/or the community.
- do not directly or by implication claim professional qualifications that exceed actual qualifications or misrepresent their affiliation with any institution, organization, or individual; are responsible for correcting the misrepresentation or misunderstanding of their professional qualifications or affiliations.
- In relation to ACPE, members:
- continue professional education and growth, including participation in the meetings and affairs of ACPE.
- avoid using knowledge, position, or professional association to secure unfair personal advantage; do not knowingly permit their services to be used by others for purposes inconsistent with the ethical standards of ACPE; or use affiliation with ACPE for purposes that are not consistent with ACPE standards.
- speak on behalf of ACPE or represent the official position of ACPE only as authorized by the ACPE governing body.
- do not make intentionally false, misleading, or incomplete statements about their work or ethical behavior.
- In collegial relationships, ACPE members:
- respect the integrity and welfare of colleagues; maintain professional relationships on a professional basis, refraining from disparagement and avoiding emotional, sexual or any other kind of exploitation.
- take collegial and responsible action when concerns about incompetence, impairment, or misconduct arise.
- In conducting business matters, ACPE members:
- carry out administrative responsibilities in a timely and professional manner.
- implement sound fiscal practices, maintain accurate financial records, and protect the integrity of funds entrusted to their care.
- distinguish private opinions from those of ACPE, their faith group or profession in all publicity, public announcements, or publications.
- accurately describe the ACPE center, its pastoral services, and educational programs. All statements in advertising, catalogs, publications, recruiting, and academic calendars shall be accurate at the time of publication. Publications advertising a center’s programs shall include the type(s) and level(s) of education offered and the ACPE address, telephone number and website address.
- accurately describe program expectations, including time requirements, in the admissions process for CPE programs.
