CODE OF PRACTICE

For

APOSTOLIC CATHOLIC CHURCH – ACC

 

1. Purpose

This Code of Practice provides guidelines for all members of the Apostolic Catholic Church (ACC)to ensure a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone.

 

2. Respect for Others

We are committed to treating all individuals with dignity, respect, and fairness. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated.

 

3. Safety

We prioritize the safety of our members. All activities should be conducted in a manner that ensures the physical and emotional safety of all participants.

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4. Confidentiality

We respect the privacy of our members. Personal information shared within the church will be kept confidential unless consent is given or if there is a risk of harm to the individual or others.

 

5. Financial Integrity

We are committed to maintaining high standards of financial integrity. All funds will be used responsibly and for the benefit of the church community.

 

6. Conflict Resolution

We believe in resolving conflicts in a peaceful and respectful manner. Any disagreements or conflicts should be addressed openly, honestly, and with the aim of reconciliation.

 

7. Compliance with Laws

We will comply with all applicable laws and regulations and expect our members to do the same.

 

8. Reporting Violations

Members are encouraged to report any violations of this Code of Practice to the church leadership. All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.

 

9. Amendments

This Code of Practice may be amended from time to time with the approval of the church leadership and the congregation.

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By adhering to this Code of Practice, we can create a loving and supportive community that reflects the values of our faith.

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• SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

 

10. Social Media

We recognize that social media is a powerful tool for communication and engagement. However, it can also be a source of division, especially when it comes to political issues. Therefore, we have established the following guidelines for our members:

 

10.1 Personal Responsibility

Members are personally responsible for the content they share on social media. We encourage everyone to think before they post and to be aware of the potential impact of their words.

 

10.2 Respectful Discourse

We believe in the importance of respectful discourse. Members should avoid posting content that is inflammatory, derogatory, or disrespectful to others, especially in the context of political discussions.The church does not engage in political comments.

 

10.3 Non-Partisanship

As a church, we do not endorse any political party or candidate. Therefore, members should avoid using the church's name or their association with the church to promote political agendas.

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10.4 Reporting Concerns

If a member comes across a social media post that they believe violates this Code of Practice, they should report it to the church leadership. The leadership will review the concern and take appropriate action.

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By following these guidelines, we can ensure that our social media interactions reflect the love, respect, and unity that are central to our faith.

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• RELATION BETWEEN CLERICS AND MEMBERS

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13. Relationship Between Cleric and Members

We believe in fostering a positive and respectful relationship between the cleric and members of our church. To ensure this, we have established the following guidelines:

 

13.1 Spiritual Guidance

The cleric is responsible for providing spiritual guidance to members. This should be done in a manner that respects the individual's personal beliefs and experiences.

 

13.2 Respect and Trust

The relationship between the cleric and members should be based on mutual respect and trust. The cleric should act in a way that is worthy of this trust, and members should respect the cleric's role and responsibilities.

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13.3 Communication

Open and honest communication is key to a healthy relationship between the cleric and members. Both parties should feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

 

13.4 Boundaries

Clear boundaries should be established to ensure that the relationship between the cleric and members remains professional and appropriate. This includes boundaries related to time, space, and behaviour.

 

13.5 Conflict Resolution

In the event of a disagreement or conflict, both the cleric and members should strive for a peaceful and respectful resolution. If necessary, the House of Bishops may be involved to mediate.

 

By adhering to these guidelines, we can foster a positive and respectful relationship between the cleric and members, which is essential for the spiritual growth and unity of our church community.

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• CLERGY MISCONDUCT

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14. Handling Misconduct by a Member of the Clergy

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct among our clergy. In the event of alleged misconduct, we will follow a fair and transparent process to address the issue.

 

14.1 Reporting Allegations

Any allegations of misconduct by a member of the clergy should be reported immediately to the church leadership or a designated safeguarding officer. The identity of the person making the allegation will be kept confidential to the extent possible.

 

14.2 Investigation

Upon receiving an allegation, the church leadership will initiate an impartial investigation. This may involve interviewing the person making the allegation, the accused clergy member, and any potential witnesses.

 

14.3 Suspension

Depending on the nature of the allegations, the accused clergy member may be temporarily suspended from their duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

 

14.4 Disciplinary Action

If the investigation finds that misconduct has occurred, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. This could range from counselling and training to dismissal from the clergy.

 

14.5 Legal Obligations

If the alleged misconduct involves illegal activity, the church will report the matter to the relevant authorities.

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14.6 Support for Victims

The church will provide support and pastoral care to any victims of clergy misconduct.

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By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure that any allegations of clergy misconduct are handled appropriately and that our church maintains the highest standards of conduct.

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 - VULNERABLE ADULTS SAFEGUARDING POLICY

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12. Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

We are committed to the welfare and protection of all vulnerable adults who participate in our church activities. To ensure this, we have established the following guidelines:

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12.1 Protection

We will take all necessary steps to protect vulnerable adults from physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Any suspicions or allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and reported to the appropriate authorities.

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12.2 Respect

We believe in treating all individuals with dignity and respect. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of disrespectful behaviour towards vulnerable adults will not be tolerated.

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12.3 Training

All staff and volunteers working with vulnerable adults will receive training on safeguarding policies and procedures.

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12.4 Confidentiality

We respect the privacy of our members. Personal information shared within the church will be kept confidential unless consent is given or if there is a risk of harm to the individual or others.

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12.5 Reporting Concerns

Members are encouraged to report any concerns about a vulnerable adult's safety or welfare to the church leadership. All reports will be handled confidentially and promptly.

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By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure that our church is a safe and welcoming place for all vulnerable adults.

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• GENERAL SAFEGUARDING POLICY

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15. General Safeguarding Policies

We are committed to the safety and well-being of all members of our church community. To ensure this, we have established the following general safeguarding policies:

 

15.1 Risk Assessment

We will conduct regular risk assessments of all church activities to identify potential safety issues and take appropriate preventative measures.

 

15.2 Training

All staff and volunteers will receive regular training on our safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes training on how to recognize signs of abuse or neglect and what to do if they have concerns about someone's safety or well-being.

 

15.3 Safe Recruitment

We will follow safe recruitment practices for all staff and volunteers. This includes conducting thorough background checks and requiring references for all individuals who will be working with vulnerable groups.

 

15.4 Reporting Concerns

Members are encouraged to report any concerns about someone's safety or well-being to the church leadership. All reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.

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15.5 Review of Policies

Our safeguarding policies will be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and up-to-date.

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By adhering to these policies, we can create a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our church community.

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THE APOSTOLIC CATHOLIC CHURCH - ACC

(April 2024)