By Jim Huth
Ethics Commission chair
Beginning in 2023, the NACC will require all members (no matter their certification status) to sign the Ethics Accountability Statement annually.
Historically, NACC members have been required to sign the Ethics Accountability Statement when they joined the NACC. Those who pursued certification were required to sign the Statement at the time of initial certification and every five years after that upon renewal. Members who did not pursue certification were never required to sign the Statement again.
At the recommendation of the Ethics Commission, the Board of Directors has agreed that all members, regardless of certification status, will be required to sign the Ethics Accountability Statement annually. New members will sign the statement when they join and then each year following. This policy will protect our members, those to whom they minister, and the Association. Additionally, it will place NACC in line with our cognate partners, the APC, ACPE, NAJC and CASC, who already have this requirement in place.
Signing the statement affirms a member’s commitment to adhere to the Code of Ethics. It is also a reminder that members must self-report to the National Office within 30 days of any complaint of unethical and/or criminal conduct that is pending in a secular or ecclesiastical body or that results in disciplinary or corrective action.
In my four years on our Ethics Commission, I have come to appreciate the NACC Code of Ethics and the Ethics Procedures for addressing ethics complaints. Our preamble states, “When Spiritual Care Professionals behave in a manner congruent with the values of this Code of Ethics, they bring greater justice, compassion, and healing to our world.” Such a statement is not merely an admirable goal or desire but one which we strive daily to achieve in our practice and personal development.
The primary way that we affirm our accountability to each other and to the public is by reviewing and signing the NACC Ethics Accountability Statement. This is a statement of trust that we will adhere to the NACC Code of Ethics and to what the Preamble calls us to be.
Please visit the NACC website to learn more about the new process.
