Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics of the UU Church

Agreeing and disagreeing in love, making every effort to maintain the integrity of the church community in the bond of peace, we pledge that we shall:

IN THOUGHT

Accept conflict
1
Acknowledge together that conflict is a normal part of our life in the church.

Affirm hope
2
Affirm that we can work through our differences to growth.

Commit to a process
3
Admit our needs and commit to a process to achieve a mutually satisfactory solution.

IN ACTION
Go to the other...	4	Go directly to those with whom we disagree; or work with a Conflict Management Panel representative.
...in the spirit of humility	5	Go in gentleness, patience and humility, and own our own part in the conflict.
Be quick to listen	6	Listen carefully, summarize and check out what is heard before responding. Seek as much to understand as to be understood.
Be slow to judge	7	Be descriptive. Suspend judgment; avoid labeling, name- calling, and threats; and act in a non-defensive way.
Be willing to negotiate	8	Work through the disagreement constructively.
		• Identify issues, interests, and needs of both (rather than take positions)
		• Generate a variety of options for meeting both parties’ needs (rather than defending one’s own way).
		• Evaluate options by how they meet the needs and satisfy the interests of all sides (not one side’s values).
		• Collaborate in working out a joint solution (so both sides gain, both grow and win).
		• Cooperate with the emerging agreement (accept the possible, not demand your ideal).
		• Reward each other for each step forward, toward agreement (celebrate mtuality).

IN LIFE
Be steadfast in love	9	Be firm in our commitment to seek a mutual solution
Be open to mediation	10	Be open to accept skilled help. If we cannot reach agreement among ourselves, we will use those with gifts and training in mediation.
Trust the community	11	We will trust the community and if we cannot each agreement or experience reconciliation, we will turn the decision over to others in the congregation.
		• In one-to-one or small group disputes, this may mean allowing others to arbitrate.
		• In congregational disputes, this may mean allowing others to arbitrate or implementing democratic decision -making processes, insuring that they are done in the spirit of these guidelines, and abiding by whatever decision is made.
Be committed to shalom	12	Believe in and rely on the sacredness of the human spirit and strive toward peace, wholeness, health, and security.

IN THOUGHT
Accept conflict	1	Acknowledge together that conflict is a normal part of our life in the church.
Affirm hope	2	Affirm that we can work through our differences to growth.
Commit to a process	3	Admit our needs and commit to a process to achieve a mutually satisfactory solution.