UIA Code of Ethics

University Interfaith Association at the Ohio State University Code of Ethics

1. WE RESPECT THE DIGNITY AND INTEGRITY OF STUDENTS ON CAMPUS.
   1. When relating with students, we will be sensitive to the permission the student gives or does not give to enter his or her life. We affirm the right of any student to make choices, even if we feel those choices are not in the best interest of the student. We shall endeavor to offer wise counsel and/or passionate persuasion without usurping the dignity and integrity of students.
   2. In general advertising and personal contact, we shall always identify the religious, denominational, ecumenical, or interfaith sponsorship and agenda of our program. We shall not seek to mislead or covertly influence a student for our cause. All information and conversation will be above board.
   3. We shall endeavor to discover, be sensitive to, and have respect for the religious histories of students. Our major concern will be to aid the students in making informed choices concerning religious lives, and not just to promote our own particular program.
   4. We shall be aware of the fact that religious zeal and a sense of duty before God can often desensitize us to the rights and needs of others. When in doubt as to any question of ethical behavior, we will remember to love our neighbors as ourselves.
2. WE RESPECT THE DIGNITY AND INTEGRITY OF LEADERS OF OTHER FAITHS.
   1. We shall show respect for one another theologically. Understanding ours to be primarily a professional rather than a theological commitment to one another, we agree to disagree on matters of faith and practice. We shall not understand silence to signify consent, nor shall we feel the need to defend our own positions against our peers. We shall maintain an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual concern.
   2. We assume the sincerity and good will of leaders of other faith-based groups. We shall never suspect one another of violations of ethics or breach of trust without good reason. We shall grant one another the benefit of the doubt. In cases of reported misunderstandings, we shall assume proper motives and investigate with such intentions.
   3. We give permission to approach one another with constructive criticism and suggestions concerning the fulfillment of this code. We shall respect one another enough to listen and to speak when questions arise concerning relationships among us or the groups we represent. When it is necessary to offer such a criticism, we shall endeavor to do so from a concern for each other and the good of all faiths in which students, faculty, and staff at The Ohio State University participate.
   4. Overall, we shall seek cooperation whenever possible. We shall endeavor not to view ourselves as being in competition with one another and respect the agenda of each faith leader. We shall treat one another as we would like to be treated.
3. WE RESPECT THE DIGNITY AND INTEGRITY OF ALL FAITHS AND THE STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF INVOLVED WITH THEM.
   1. We shall work to build an environment in which students, faculty, and staff feel comfortable participating in the faith they prefer.
   2. We shall not criticize or belittle any faith. We will not condemn, criticize, or belittle any person because of the faith in which they believe.
   3. When seeking new adherents to our personal faith, we shall see our primary field of activity to be the thousands of students on campus with no current faith affiliation or commitment.
   4. When relating to students, we shall make it our responsibility to discover and value any current involvement in a faith organization rather than to promote interest in our program to the exclusion of their present commitments.
   5. We shall view a student's voluntary approach as permission to share our personal convictions and programs of our particular faith.
   6. As our convictions allow, we shall encourage cooperation among our students in an effort to create a unified spirit of worship and fellowship.
4. WE RESPECT THE PROGRAM AND POLICIES OF THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY.
   1. We shall have due regard for administrative policies on all levels.
   2. We see ourselves as cooperative members of the university community and shall act as a part of it.
   3. If we find it necessary to exercise our freedom to criticize or protest, we shall attempt to do so with a dignity worthy of our offices as religious leaders. Our sincere effort will be to seek a peaceful and equitable solution to any conflict with the university system.

Last modified on: Thursday, March 27, 2008 1:04:50 PM

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