In the midst of widespread accusations of abuse and scandal in the Catholic church, a Roman Catholic archdiocese in Manitoba has quietly developed a professional code of conduct for its priests. Last month, the Archdiocese of Winnipeg released the document outlining expectations, ethical standards and professional behaviour for priests, as well as establishing a formal complaint process for parishioners, the first diocese in the province to do so.
"Given the scenario and what’s taking place in the church right now, for priests, our morale is definitely diminished, it affects us. The accusations are shameful and difficult for us to hear, and also (difficult) for the victims," says Rev. Eric Giddins, chair of the priestly conduct committee.
"Having something like this strengthens our commitment to who we are and we want to portray that to whom we minister and serve."
The Archdiocese of St. Boniface is in the process of completing a similar code of conduct to be released later this spring, says Rev. Leonce Aubin, chancellor of St. Boniface.
The Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg has a policy on sexual abuse, says Archbishop Lawrence Huculak, but not a separate professional code of conduct.
Soon to be available on the website of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg ( www.archwinnipeg.ca), the 19-page code of conduct establishes a protocol for reporting concerns around a priest’s behaviour, as well as providing examples of what is and is not acceptable, says Giddins, priest at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church in Portage la Prairie.
"We wanted our document to be affirming and giving specific guidelines to raise their (the priests’) conscience," he explains of the shape and content of the code of conduct. "It wasn’t going to be a set of don’ts."
For example, in the section titled The Priest as Teacher and Spiritual Guide, the document advises parish priests to improve their biblical knowledge, be sensitive to diverse forms of spirituality, and encourage spiritual formation of parishioners, before addressing boundaries in a counselling situation, including not initiating any physical contact such as holding, touching or hugging.
Priest are also encouraged to eat well, get adequate sleep and regular exercise, avoid illegal drugs and not to drink or smoke excessively, as well as avoiding inappropriate relationship with youth, children, employees or parishioners.
In a section relating to money and finances, priests are advised not to accept gifts of goods and services from parishioners.
Giddins says much of the document, developed after three years of consultation with priests in the diocese, simply formalizes what is already standard practice in ministry.
Along with the release of the document, Archbishop James Weisgerber has also set up a six-member advisory council that will deal with reports of improper behaviour by priests. Previously, concerns were addressed by congregations or directly to the archbishop, a procedure he admits was awkward for all parties.
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