Home | Membership | Minister Code of Ethics | Sermons |  Ordination Information         Interfaith Minister Training Course | New Interfaith Minister Training Course |  Links         FAQs & Interfaith News | Prayers & Quotes | World Religions Diploma Course                  Global Peace Works  

Code Of Ethics For Ministers

This is a copy of the code of ethics that will be presented to you for agreement, signature, and notarization if you wish to become ordained through United Interfaith Ministries.

United Interfaith Ministries, Inc. is a religious organization dedicated to promoting interfaith awareness and harmony through the use of service, ministry, and education.  As a minister associated with United Interfaith Ministries, you are expected to promote the organization’s mission in an ethical, respectful, and compassionate manner.  As the code of ethics for United Interfaith Ministries, this document establishes principles that define the ethical behavior of all ordained ministers of the organization.  A violation of the code of ethics constitutes ministerial misconduct and may result in withdrawal of ordination. 

In order to become ordained with United Interfaith Ministries, you must read and agree to the following ethical standards.  

Requirements 

To be ordained through United Interfaith Ministries, Inc., the following requirements must be met: 

1. You must be a member of the organization;

2. You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age;

3. You must have completed our interfaith minister training program with an overall GPA of 70% or better (or completed an M.Div. or comparable seminary program); and

4. You must agree to, sign, notarize, and submit our code of ethics for ministers.

Rights & Privileges  

Our ministers are authorized to perform all ministerial services such as baptisms, marriages, funerals, preaching, conducting church meetings, and any other rights usually entitled to ministers. 

Responsibility 

Ministers are fully responsible for their ministerial duties, decisions, and actions.  Ministers have an essential responsibility to do no harm.  The well being of those served is paramount.  

Competence 

Ministers must recognize the limits of their competence and must practice within the scope of their background, training, knowledge, and experience.  They are urged to maintain competence in their areas of practice through continuing education and experience. 

Moral & Legal Standards 

Ministers' moral, ethical, and legal standards of behavior as they pertain to their ministerial duties must serve to enhance the spiritual growth and development of those they serve and reflect positively on the organization.  In their service role, ministers must not engage in any action that will violate or diminish the legal or civil rights of anyone they serve.  Being found guilty in a court of law of an offense that compromises a minister's suitability to serve in a ministerial role is misconduct.  When ministers are confronted with conflict among moral, ethical, and/or legal standards of conduct, the ministers must search their own conscience and consult their Spiritual Source, then confer in confidence with a clerical colleague and/or the organization, and seek legal advice when necessary, in order that they may resolve the dilemma in favor of the Highest Good of all concerned.  The minister must understand and comply with all local, state, national, and international laws when performing any of the ministerial functions granted through ordination. 

Public Statements 

In public statements regarding their ministry, including advertising, ministers must represent themselves as members of the clergy, using an appropriate title such as Reverend, Minister or Pastor. Ministers' public statements must not contain false or misleading information regarding their credentials or the ministerial services which they offer.  All public statements must be consistent with the code of ethics.  Other than to indicate they are ordained by United Interfaith Ministries, ministers shall make no public statements using the name of the organization without prior approval from an officer of the organization. 

Organization Responsibility 

United Interfaith Ministries, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any actions taken by an ordained minister of the organization. 

Fees 

There are no fees involved when granting ordination and an ordination certificate.  However, a minister may choose to purchase an ID card identifying them as clergy members of United Interfaith Ministries, Inc.  The fee for the ID card is $15.00 and may be sent along with this agreement in the form of a cashiers check or money order made payable to United Interfaith, or paid by credit card using PayPal.  If you wish to order an ID card, please include a typed note indicating the name and contact address to be used on the ID card. 

Term