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Code of Pastoral Conduct
 
Preamble
Clerics, theologians, employees and volunteers in parishes and other ecclesial institutions are to be committed to implementation and realization of Christian values ​​in everyday life. Clergy and lay faithful involved in pastoral ministry should follow the example of Jesus Christ –  who “did not come to be served but to serve“ (Mark 10, 45) – in their public and private behaviour. Participating in His mission they should be aware of their responsibility for their conduct. The purpose of this Code is to define standard attitudes in the pastoral service of clerics, religious and lay faithful towards those, with whom they get in contact. When performing entrusted tasks, they are obliged to comply with the following regulations. They must:
1. Observe the canonical norms, both general and particular, as well as the liturgical directives; and they must respect the Catholic moral teaching.
2.  Perform their tasks on elevated professional and spiritual level, with high degree of willingness, effectively and without prejudices; and they need to constantly deepen their qualification by continuing education.
3.  Treat persons fairly. They must not to abase or humble anybody; they must not behave inappropriately, harming good relations and reputation by calumnious talk, slander, defamation or by deliberately spreading negative information.
4. Respect the rule that if a particular matter cannot be immediately resolved, the delay must be justified by referring to relevant ecclesiastical regulations and to other available solutions.
5. Refrain from anything that could compromise confidence in impartiality and objectivity in decisions.
6. Make decisions on base of qualified and professional information, while respecting Christian values.
7. Not deliberately mislead their subordinates and superiors, as well as third parties.
8. Act professionally, objectively, without emotions and without pursuing own personal benefit, in accordance with law, justice and Christian love.
9. Handle the work agenda timely and observe the statutory time limits.
10. Be careful not to cause damage to legal and natural persons.
11. Not misuse acquired information for the personal benefit or for the benefit of others. Avoid illegal benefits or services for themselves and for third parties.
12. Not require donations for themselves or for others in connection to their decisions.
13. Remember that the anti-corruption measures are guaranteed by strict observance of the relevant canonical norms (especially can. 285-288, 127, 1254 – 1310, 791, 531 and 945 – 958 CIC).
14. Dispose of entrusted means in accordance with canonical regulations and with the legal order of the Slovak Republic. In  case of discovering loss or detriment of the Church property, fraudulent or corrupt practices, they must report this fact to their superior or statutory representative.
15. Protect information obtained in the course of employment from unauthorized or accidental disclosure. They must not use and disseminate confidential information for any other purpose or to other extent than that required to perform their work duties.
16. Observe the rule that spiritual conversations and spiritual guidance must be conducted in official offices and at times that exclude any reasonable suspicion.
17. Remember that no written, audio or video recordings may be made from spiritual and personal conversations.
18. Wear prescribed clothing or, if not prescribed, wear decent clothing.
19. Protect children and adolescents from any sexual abuse by anyone and do everything possible to prevent delinquency.
20. Strictly adhere to the provisions issued by the Church to protect minors from abuse. Therefore, they must be acquainted in detail and keep the directive of Slovak Bishops Conference regarding the procedure in  cases of abuse by clerics.
21. Perform exercises, catechesis and other parish activities involving children and adolescents in official places only (church or catechetical room). They must not take place in the residential part of parish building or in any private apartment.
22. Accompany parish pastoral activities with minors under 15 years of age by at least two adults.
23. Refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco and addictive substances in presence of children and adolescents.
24. Prevent juvenile alcohol, drug and tobacco abuse, as weel as access to inappropriate magazines and movies.
 
Final provisions
25. This Code of Pastoral Conduct follows the canonical law in force. Its violation is understood as violation of canonical norms, with all the resulting consequences.
26. Violation of this Code is reason for issuing a written warning, in serious cases it may also be a reason for termination of work contract.
The Code of Pastoral Conduct was approved by the Slovak Bishops Conference at its 84th Plenary Session, in Donovaly, on June 16th, 2016.
It comes into effect with the approval of diocesan bishop, and should become the internal regulation for each Church organization or legal person, as well as part of the employment or volunteering contract.