Rev. Allyson's Personal Code of Ethics
As a minister, my personal ethics reflect on not just myself but on my seminary and my ordaining body. There are many moral codes that already exist, and I draw on many of them to guide my actions on a daily basis. The Ten Commandments of the Abrahamic faiths, The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, and the Wiccan Rede's tenet of harming none are all a part of the web of my ethical behavior. My strongest personal source of high ethical wisdom, though, comes from the Delphic Maxims.
Follow God / Worship the Gods
I will listen externally and internally for the words and ideas that Divinity places into my life. I will learn from my interactions with Divinity, in whatever forms It appears in, and I will follow, with intelligence and strength, the leads that are offered to me.
Obey the Law
I will obey the laws of the land in which I live, to the best of my ability. If I disagree with a particular law or set of laws, I will contrive to be a non-violent advocate for the changing of that law or those laws. I will strive to always be aware of the laws that govern me, and to support my government in all legal and ethical laws.
Be Yourself
I will be myself at all times, and not become a number or a nameless face. I will honor my own intentions, dreams, loves, and struggles in a way that is as transparent as possible without being rude or unseemly.
Think as a Mortal
I will refrain from elevating myself to august positions, or seeing myself as god-like in any way. I will be humble even in my pride of place. I will take joy in the transience of my existence.
Honor the Hearth
I will be considerate of my home and my family at all times, even when acting officially as a minister to and for others. I will remember that my hearth and my heart reside in the same place, and treat my hearth and home accordingly.
Control Yourself / Control Anger
I will, to the best of my ability, keep my anger and myself in check. I will always strive to dissipate anger or frustration before it becomes a problem or an issue. Should I find that I have given in to anger, I will work diligently to apologize and repair the damage, or in some way make reparations for the results of that anger.
Cling to Discipline
I will continue to learn new and improved ways to discipline my own actions. I will strive to be organized and disciplined in my approach to my ministry, my home, and my life.
Long for Wisdom
I will constantly seek out new information and education. I will encourage the longing for wisdom within myself, and use that longing as a springboard for learning new techniques and methods to better my ministry and my life.
Practice What is Just
In my daily life and in my ministry I will do that which is just at any given moment, while understanding that the “right” thing can change with circumstances and time. I will strive to understand that what is right and just can change swiftly, and will apply myself to keep abreast of those changes in order to be a truly just human being and minister. I will strive to always be guided by truth, reason, justice and fairness.
Nothing in Excess
I acknowledge that as a minister and as a person it is very easy to pledge my time, money and attention to the detriment of others and myself. I will therefore strive to be vigilant about budgeting my resources well within my means, doing my best to short no one. I will share my resources to the best of my ability, causing the least harm possible. I will work to be aware of and respect my own boundaries and limits.
Consult the Wise
The ability to see one's own frailties is difficult to attain and maintain. I shall seek out the counsel of friends, families, mentors, fellow clergy and others to supplement my own knowledge and experiences. I shall be prepared to ask for help when I need it, or when I feel unequal to an acquired task.
Be Religiously Silent
When approached as a minister to listen to someone's perceived or actual sins or problems, I will keep that confidence strictly, never repeating what is said to me under that seal of confidentiality, except only to save the life of another human being.
Crown Your Ancestors
I believe that our ancestors give us guidance and advice, if we take the time to listen appropriately. I will be diligent in seeking that advice through prayer, meditation and ritual. I will take the time to thank my ancestors for their help on a regular basis through libations, prayers and offerings.
Last updated: March 10, 2012