In Ethics 1 Question #10, I talk about how for me taking on the
mantle of Druid Priest and ADF Clergy is not one that I believe can be donned
and removed at a whim. I very much believe ethics are the same. When we choose
to develop a set of ethics and values they should be practiced in all aspects
of our life. However, I do believe that it is extremely important as Clergy
members of any faith that we adhere to our ethics even more than the average
lay person. If you look at many of the mainstream religions there are examples
of Clergy taking advantage of their power and position. This wounds those who
rely on us as spiritual leaders, fragmenting their trust and sometimes their
beliefs.
Though no one
is perfect, we must strive to life as closely to our ethics and beliefs as
possible. When we tarnish ourselves by not following our beliefs and
principles, we make not only ourselves vulnerable but we open the door for our
tradition as well as others to become vulnerable to mistrust. This can be felt
among Neo-Pagan traditions especially. Most of us come from what would be
considered “mainstream” religions. So we already have a bit of mistrust when it
comes to religion and religious leaders. To come into a form of religion that
is viewed as being without those trappings and failures of the mainstream only
to see some old actions can be very disheartening.
So I believe
our responsibility is to strive every day to live up to the ethical standards
we set for ourselves as Clergy. In so many cases we are what new members and
the ‘outside’ world first see of our tradition. We also have the responsibility
to the People who have chosen us as their spiritual leaders to uphold those
ethics. And in no small part we have a responsibility to the Kindred to be the
best Clergy we can, to uphold our traditions morals and values, and to make
proper recompense when we falter.
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