The Church of England House of Bishops' guidelines for skilful practice in the healing ministry building

The healing ministry is Jesus' ministry entrusted to us, ever to be exercised with reverence, dear and compassion.  The guiding principle is to recognize the presence of God in those receiving this ministry and honor his presence in them.

1 Prayer and preparation. The healing ministry is based on prayer in the proper noun of Jesus Christ; those involved in this ministry should be prayerful, regularly  practicing Christians who admit his healing love and are willing to pray and heed for guidance in social club to minister accordingly to others.

2 Safe. All reasonable steps should exist taken to ensure the safety of the person receiving this ministry. People take a correct to know what is being provided and how they will be ministered to.

3 Accountability and diocesan regulations. Everyone involved in the healing ministry needs clear lines of accountability to recognize who holds relevant authority inside their parish church. All reasonable steps should be taken by those involved to ensure their awareness of current police force equally it applies to this ministry, due east.thou.  data protection, informed consent. Legal liability issues must be considered from an insurance viewpoint. Existing diocesan regulations should be also followed.

four Training. Individuals should receive advisable training in this ministry and be kept up to date with developments and its ecumenical expression. Healing squad leaders must ensure that members have opportunities for preparation and a common understanding of expert practice.

five Competence and boundaries. Persons in this ministry building should exist aware of their personal limitations and ensure that they are  properly prepared and fit to exist involved. If fitness is doubtful or compromised or at that place is a conflict of interest, they should withdraw from ministering to others. Professional boundaries with wellness care professionals and chaplaincies should be observed.

vi Personal conduct. The healing  ministry is part of the message of the gospel; the personal conduct of anybody involved should encourage confidence in this ministry and non undermine it. Linguistic communication, personal hygiene, general appearance, trunk language and bear on used by those ministering should be appropriate, considerate and courteous towards those receiving information technology. No-i should be ministered to against their will.

7 Confidentiality and public statements.  People's privacy and nobility should be respected and protected.  Any limitations to confidentiality should be explained in advance and any disclosure should be restricted to relevant information. It should be conveyed only to appropriate people, commonly with the parishioner's consent, and not misused in whatever way.

viii Counselling and psychotherapy. These specific treatments, as singled-out from pastoral intendance and listening, should only be provided by accredited counsellors and therapists who attach to the codes of ethics and practice of their regulatory organizations and who  have professional insurance cover.

9 Deliverance. The House of Bishops' guidelines (1975) should be followed and diocesan advisors consulted when necessary.

10 Partnership. The healing ministry building should be carried out in co-functioning, where appropriate, with chaplains and representatives of our ecumenical partners, and those involved in professional and voluntary healthcare, whilst recognizing that they may exist spring by other codes of conduct.

Copyright © The Archbishops' Quango 2000, from the report A Fourth dimension to Heal.

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