Code of Ethics

Certified Multifaith Spiritual Directors with The Association of Multifaith Spiritual Directors are grounded in faith-based communities and informed by professional education and training. This Code of Ethics outlines basic values and standards expected of Certified Multifaith Spiritual Directors, informs decision-making and professional behavior, provides a mechanism for professional accountability, and informs the public as to what they should expect from a Certified Multifaith Spiritual Director

I. The Spiritual Director and the Self

A. Personal Spirituality

i. Spiritual directors participate in regular spiritual direction.

ii. Spiritual directors follow personal and communal spiritual practices and disciplines.

B. Formation

i. Spiritual directors discern their call to the ministry and service of spiritual direction.

ii. Spiritual directors nurture self-knowledge and freedom.

iii. Spiritual directors cultivate insight into various influences.

iv. Spiritual directors study sacred texts, theology, spirituality, psychology, and related disciplines.

C. Supervision

i. Spiritual directors receive regular supervision from peers or mentors.

ii. Spiritual directors seek consultations with other qualified persons when necessary.

D. Personal Responsibility

i. Spiritual directors engage in self-care, balancing time for various aspects of life.

ii. Spiritual directors address difficulties in multiple roles or relationships.

iii. Spiritual directors remove themselves from compromising situations.

E. Limitations

i. Spiritual directors recognize limits of energy, attentiveness, and competence.

ii. Spiritual directors restrict the number and spacing of spiritual directees.

iii. Spiritual directors refer directees to other qualified persons when necessary.

II. The Spiritual Director and the Spiritual Directee

A. Dignity

i. Spiritual directors respect the values, culture, conscience, spirituality, and theology of directees.

ii. Spiritual directors establish appropriate boundaries and refrain from sexualized behavior.

B. Confidentiality

i. Spiritual directors safeguard the confidentiality and privacy of directees.

ii. Spiritual directors address legal regulations requiring disclosure when necessary.

III. The Spiritual Director and Others

A. Colleagues

i. Spiritual directors develop interdisciplinary relationships.

ii. Spiritual directors respect and collaborate with other care providers.

iii. Spiritual directors refrain from disparaging colleagues.

B. Faith and Spiritual Communities

i. Spiritual directors remain open to corporate discernment, accountability, and support.

ii. Spiritual directors draw on teachings and practices of spiritual communities.

iii. Spiritual directors respect directees’ relationships with their own communities.

C. Society

i. Spiritual directors represent qualifications accurately.

ii. Spiritual directors define the nature and purpose of spiritual direction.

iii. Spiritual directors seek opportunities to serve the underserved.

iv. Spiritual directors live in an ecologically responsible and sustainable manner.

v. Spiritual directors respect all persons regardless of characteristics.