Discalced Carmelite Code of Behaviour For Our Life & Ministry
- Treat all to whom we minister with respect and courtesy.
Respect the boundary of physical and emotional space that others require, using touch in a prudent and responsible way.- Provide pastoral ministry in a sufficiently safe environment, ordinarily one that is open and visible.
- Ensure whenever reasonably possible that another adult is present or close by when providing pastoral ministry to a minor or vulnerable adult.
- In the event of pastoral outings, behave with due prudence that has the other as its central concern. Avoid staying in the same room or travelling alone with a minor or vulnerable adult.
- Avoid all inappropriate communication with children and vulnerable adults through the internet, e-mail, text messages or otherwise.
- Ensure that permission of the parent/guardian is given when taking photographs and making videos or other recordings of children in the course of ministry to them.
- Avoid the use of the pastoral role to foster relationships of dependence and subservience, over-familiarity with one child or vulnerable adult to the exclusion of others.
- Avoid any form of over-familiarity or inappropriate language that could reasonably be interpreted as harassment.
- Never provide alcohol or any drug/substance to a minor without the express permission of the parent/guardian.
- Never act in a way that is intended to shame, humiliate, belittle or degrade.