Our Commitment to Ethics

Students, friends, faculty, and alumni,

Andrew Chirch, Executive Director

I write this in response to some recent concerns brought by a former student at The Chaplaincy Institute.

We received an ethics complaint from this individual and took it seriously – as is our policy and practice. We conducted an investigation, reviewing the allegations, and in this case, found them to be unsubstantiated.

We at The Chaplaincy Institute (“ChI”) have a sacred ethical responsibility. As caregivers, we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and respect all orientations and spiritual paths. Because of state and federal privacy laws, we are unable to comment on any additional student-related specifics. What we can do, however, is lovingly share our policy and ethical standards, which *always* apply.

Always.

The Chaplaincy Institute staff, students, clergy, and spiritual directors agree to adhere to the Common Code of Ethics for Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors, Pastoral Educators and Students, aka “The Code of Ethics for Spiritual Care Professionals.” Please read this, as it serves as an important thread in the tapestry that is ChI. If you’re reading this post, you are likely bound by the Common Code of Ethics.

Any time there is a complaint involving ChI faculty, staff, students or volunteers, that complaint will be taken seriously and investigated. Full Stop. In addition, temporary and immediate measures will be taken as appropriate to protect or remove individuals from harm. No matter who you are, no matter what you believe, or what concern you’ve brought, we commit to you that we will listen without judgement, and act on what we hear with abundant care.

Depending on the outcome of any such investigation, appropriate action will be taken, and the involved parties will be notified.

“To educate and empower individuals for innovative interfaith service and spiritual care that heals and transforms the world.” Please read our full mission, vision, and core values here.