Code of Conduct

• “Ministry with Integrity”, a consultation document of the Congregation of Religious in Ireland (CORI) is the basis of this code, and we acknowledge our thanks to that body for allowing us to make use of it.  Our Code of conduct is about ethical and professional issues in missionary ministry.

  What is a code of Conduct and what is its purpose and standing?  It is neither law, nor a set of rules.  It is rather a guide setting out appropriate conduct for a specific group of people sharing the same profession.

  Missionary life and priesthood have changed.  There have been many innovations and developments over the last 30 years.  As a result our professional ministerial behaviour needs to reflect such changes.

  This guide is not meant to replace the Gospels, Code of Canon Law, or our Constitutions.  It is meant to supplement them and provide a day to day handbook for our life and ministry.  It could also provide for further debate and reflection.  Hopefully it will be helpful to all Mill Hill Missionaries, and those in formation for mission.

  It is suggested that professional codes of conduct serve three main functions:

  1. Reassuring the public
  2. Providing guidelines for the profession
  3. Providing a basis on which individual members can make decisions around their behaviour.

  Theological Framework

  The call to be a missionary is heard within the Church.   Thus the appropriate theological model for missionary ministry is the Covenant.

  The Covenantal relationship is:

  • Based on freedom
  • Motivated by love
  • Respectful of the dignity of each person
  • Held together by trust

  The Covenantal missionary is:

  • Trustworthy
  • Accountable to the community and its cultural expectations
  • Faithful in upholding the rights of the vulnerable
  • Liberating in the exercise of authority