Code of conduct created for priests in Winnipeg

By James Buchok

WINNIPEG — A Code of Priestly Conduct has been created for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg in response to recommendations from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Rev. Eric Giddins, chair of the Priestly Conduct Committee, said the committee was developed by Archbishop James Weisgerber to oversee the sexual abuse policy of the archdiocese as well as develop a code of conduct and a complaint process.

The other committee members are Rev. Vince Herner, Michelle Gallant of the faculty of law at the University of Manitoba; Sister Susan Wikeem, director of St. Mary’s Academy; Dianna Robson, former director of human resources for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg; Dr. Rayleen Deluca, clinical psychologist at the University of Manitoba; and Dr. Joe Campbell, a psychologist.

Giddins said the code of conduct is the product of a three-year collaborative process.

“This document does not supersede others such as Canon Law or the priest’s handbook; rather, it complements them.” Giddins said. “It’s nothing new or ground-breaking, but it’s an entry into a format we all could abide by.”

The committee and the priests of the archdiocese identified the following reasons for creating the code of conduct:

— the church is called to be exemplary in following the example of Christ in ministry.

— Priests should and will be held accountable for their behaviours in their call and commitment to serve God and the People of God.

— To maintain the highest level of accountability and trust, there needs to be a code of conduct that provides which behaviours are acceptable andresponsible.

— It is a formalized expression of our commitment to those to whom we minister, to the community, and to ourselves of our responsibilities and professionalism in ministry.
For priests, the purpose of the code of conduct is:

— To strengthen their sense of identity.

— To reflect the Gospel virtues and aspirations of ministry.

— To express a collective commitment to a specific set of standards of conduct.

— To articulate the responsibilities and obligations of ethical behaviour in ministry as individuals and members of the community.

— To deepen the commitment to serve, and lead to an ever more fruitful and responsible ministry

Giddins said each of the seven sections of the code of conduct is based on the various roles that a priest is called to and affirms his call as a priest according to Scripture and Vatican II documents while outlining specific behaviours a priest is called to live. The section titles are: The Priest as Servant Leader; The Priest as Teacher & Spiritual Guide; The Priest as Builder of Communion; The Priest as Celibate; The Priest as Promoter of the Dignity of Persons; The Priest as Promoter of Justice; and The Priest as Steward of Temporal Goods.

The code of conduct was created over a three-year period with discussions facilitated at the priest’s annual study days in the fall so that priests could provide input, direction, suggestions and opinions for the development of their code of conduct.

“The code of conduct was developed by priests for priests,” Giddins said.
It also introduces a formal complaint process for the archdiocese, “to provide transparency and accountability.” Priests had direct input into the development of the complaint process.

Giddins said in the past a complaint might come to the archbishop or a pastor or a church member and each would be handled differently and, too often, ineffectively.

“Now we have a formal process in place to properly and effectively address complaints,” he said.