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CODE OF CONDUCT

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CUF MEMBERS

We at CUF believe that a Pastor is to represent God to the congregation and community with the highest standard of integrity, and his actions should be blameless (1 Timothy 3:2). His actions should be such that he has a good report with people, both within and without the congregation (1 Timothy 3:7).
 

Ministry is a call to serve both God and people. Credentialed Ministers are firstly accountable to God 

(1 Corinthians 4:4-5) and people (Ephesians 4:1-2). Ministers are public figures whose lives are on display and are viewed with considerable public scrutiny. A high degree of conformity is expected with the biblical call to holiness (Matthew 5:48; Titus 2:7-8) Members of CUF are to live and minister in accordance with biblical values. Therefore, we have designed a code of conduct for our members. 
 

Though we all agree that the Bible is the ultimate code of ethics, nevertheless certain biblical values are interpreted and addressed to guard ourselves from dangers we face as we try to fulfil the call of God in the modern society.   
 

This code is intended to guide and guard the behaviour of members in our fellowship. It is intended to assist pastors to serve in such a manner that it will cause our fellowship, churches, and ministries to be safe places for all; places where integrity is honoured, accountability is practised, misconduct is not concealed, and forgiveness is encouraged to bring about healing and restoration within CUF and the wider Christian community.

We commit ourselves to living out these values in all areas of our lives.

We commit ourselves to the following:

  1. As ministers and members of CUF we conduct ourselves at all times in a manner that honours God and His Church.  As ministers we need to care for our spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being to live a holy life.

  2. As good stewards of His children in all financial matters we will act with extreme honesty and publicly account for all monies handled by us on behalf of others.

  3. We, as members of CUF, endeavour to conduct all personal relations in a godly manner, acting with respect, love, integrity, and truthfulness toward all those who fellowship with us and with all whom we associate, irrespective of their colour, culture and creed, gender, position, or religious position.

  4. As ministers and members of CUF, when grievances occur and a godly resolution is not forthcoming or possible, we will seek additional assistance. We will take every effort to pursue forgiveness and reconciliation according to the biblical principles.

  5. When serious offences take place within our CUF fellowship or churches which are classified as criminal actions, victimisation or sexual misconduct, these will be handled in accordance with both the law of God and the law of the land required by the government.

  6. As servants of God, we will practise truthfulness and honesty in our communication with fellow ministers and all others. We will be willing and prepared to share our reflections, concerns and ideas with each other for the edification of the body of Christ and for the glory of God.

  7. As ministers of the gospel and members of CUF we will be committed and loyal in our support of each other. We may express our opinions strongly, but we need to keep in mind that once collective decisions have been reached, we support the outcomes for the well beings of the fellowship and the wider body of Christ.

  8. As members of CUF we actively promote a safe environment where abuse of any nature is neither tolerated nor able to take place. CUF fosters a safe environment and opposes any discrimination or intimidation on the basis of country of origin or culture and class (caste). 

  9. As CUF members we oppose all forms of harassment (passive or active, implicit, or explicit, verbal, or nonverbal).  Moreover, we discourage any conduct whether intended or not which makes another minister or person feel offended, belittled, or threatened which may occur through a single incident or a series of incidents over a period of time. This includes any unwelcome physical contact, gestures or language that could give offence including unwarranted shouting, unjustified or unnecessary comments about a person’s attributes or abilities.

  10. As CUF we believe in authority, responsibility, and accountability.

  11. Authority: In CUF we have rights or the powers with the executives, which the organisation provides them, with the aim of accomplishment of certain common organisational goals. Hence, it includes the powers to assign duties to the subordinates and make them accept and follow it. Our CUF cannot exist without proper assignment and detailing of authority in our organisation to require an action of its members.

  12. Responsibility: In CUF, we believe that responsibility is an obligation of our members to fulfil assigned ministries to the best of their abilities under the direction of their executive. (It is also responsibility of executive committee to act in a responsible manner)

  13. Accountability:  We in CUF strongly encourage Biblical accountability which is giving an account according to the clear standard of God’s Word in the context of a personal, congregational, ministerial and all other aspects. Accountability enhances our integrity, maturity, character relationships in general, and our growth in Christ. Accountability also makes our CUF members taking responsibility for their actions. (accountability to CUF executive) (Proverbs 25:12; 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:8-12; Romans 14: 13-23;2 Corinthians 12:19-13:6; Galatians 6: 1-6; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 4:9-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; James 5:15-16; Hebrews 3:13)

  14. Confidentiality and trust are fundamental core values of our CUF and must be upheld within the constraints of the law and statutory requirements. Our members are directed to adhere to professional standards, confidentiality is essential in maintaining trust and credibility.

  15. Confidentiality is an imperative in CUF, and we regard confidentiality as a paramount important value. Everything is confidential in CUF ministry unless it is agreed it can be shared, apart from the exceptions described below.

  16. Maintaining confidentiality include all aspects of CUF, unless informed consent is given.

  17. Confidentiality ensures the information a person reveals to us is not disclosed to anyone else, without the person’s prior knowledge and consent, apart from exceptional circumstances where safeguarding is necessary. 

Exceptions to the imperative of confidentiality are when you consider an individual’s behaviour or situation as threatening to the wellbeing of themselves or others. The individual concerned should be told that disclosure to a relevant authority may be a necessity, and in some cases a legal requirement, particularly with regard to the safety of children or vulnerable adults and information about terrorism.

MEETING REGULATIONS IN CUF MEETINGS

  • Please value everyone’s opinion.

  • Discuss/disagree about the issue not about the person.

  • Do not interfere or undermine while the other person is speaking.

  • The chairman/chairperson in charge of the meeting, therefore, needs to honour, respect and submit to his/her advice according to the guidelines.

  • Do not speak or discuss personal matters in public.

  • Do not use the meeting as a means to attack anybody with an intended intention. 

  • Do not form a team (group) to attack people or an issue.

  • Do not speak behind people’s back about the meeting or discuss anything in a way that would undermine the value of the meeting and its members and the executive team of CUF. 

  • CUF members should commit to honesty, therefore we encourage our members to maintain openness and honesty in all our endeavours.

  • We will avoid talking about issues concerning a member who is not present.

  • It is mandatory to CUF members to attend at least two meetings out of three in a year. Where circumstances prevent their participation, they should inform or apologise for their absence. 

ACCEPTING MINISTERS WITH CHURCH SPLIT &

THE RECONCILIATION PROCESS

Complaints Procedure

Informal approach

Formal approach

  • People, who split the church and walk away from the main Church Pastors, have to be reconciled with their pastors before we accept them as CUF members. The reconciliation time period will be three years and before 3 years they will not be accepted as members of CUF. 

  • Where it is necessary, the CUF executive team will have formal meetings with both pastors. Relevant issues will be addressed, and decisions will be made in accordance with the biblical principles and the guidelines of CUF.

  • Normal application for membership (where there is conflict or concern) will be dealt with differently according to the individual applications.

  • The executive team will manage the conflict resolution between pastors.  

MAINTAINING UNITY BY MINIMISING DISUNITY

  • Divided we fall, but together we are invincible (Acts 4:32-33).  Maintaining the unity within churches is one of the main purposes of the CUF.  Therefore, we all must adhere to the code of conduct in order to minimise Church divisions and conflicts among Tamil Churches.

  • In the event of any Church split, we encourage all pastors to offer relevant, godly advice and practical support to both parties to minimise or stop the split.  Always stand for the truth and support the innocent party without any compromise. 

  • Every minister must commit to uphold the unity of the Church by not providing a safe haven to believers who cause division and keep moving from one church to another, without any justifiable reasons (according to the WORD of God).

  • We sincerely advise and encourage every minister to deliberately avoid starting a new Church/fellowship anywhere around the Church split area.

  • When members move from one area to another, the previous minister must encourage the believers to join with a local Tamil church (if there is any) wherever the believers moved. This will help the unity of the church and develop trust and relationship between pastors.  We strongly advise that the previous minister MUST not start a Church because his church members have moved to a new location. This kind of understanding and belief works against the kingdom principles.  

  • When a member starts attending a church often from another church, new minister must inform the previous minister.

STARTING A NEW CHURCH AS A CUF MEMBER

Any minister desiring to plant a church/fellowship, must avoid starting a new Church where there is already an existing Tamil Church. 

Though nobody can tell ministers where or when to plant a Church, nevertheless we strongly advise that new church plant should not take place within 2 miles distance. (if you go west, I will go east)   

A minister must inform the CUF executive committee, and fellowship prior to starting a new Church or fellowship.  If there are any issues concerning the church planting, it will be communicated.   The pastor must also openly and honestly have a conversation with the local minister to minimise misunderstandings and disunity.

THE DECLARATION OF CUF MEMBERS

As CUF member I will:

  • Seek to uphold and exercise the core values and ethos of the CUF.

  • Be loyal to CUF for as long as I remain within the CUF and encourage loyalty and respect for the CUF values amongst my fellow ministers.

  • Offer to my congregation a sense of identity and pride and making them aware of CUF benefits, distinctive visions and purposes, and its current spiritual directions and strategies.

  • Contribute / pay the required fees and other donations set by the CUF so that it can function effectively. (£100.00 per pastor and if more than two branches then they should contribute £200.00 for the total branches (this fee is subject to change). One must contribute the membership fees and join as a member first before they can be actively involved in CUF ministries and gain the right to offer suggestions and ask questions about the activities, functions and the financial status)

  • Give priority and attendance to all meetings, including prayer meetings, seminars, conferences, leadership trainings, counselling training and Bible studies. 

  • Since CUF meeting (three meeting in a year) are mandatory, we except senior pastors to attend at least two meetings compulsorily. Where circumstances prevent my participation, I will inform or apologies for my absence. 

  • Participate in all CUF ministry activities and mission projects, by contributing practical and financial supports when its necessary. 

  • Give due respect to the appointed executives in the CUF and pray for them and submit to their leadership.

  • Understand that it may not be always possible to agree with the policies or approach of the CUF executives, yet I will not react in a way which would undermine their authority or cause personal offence.

  • Utilise all resources that CUF provides to improve my ministry effectiveness, as well as offering my time and abilities to benefit the CUF whenever it possible to do so. 

  • Be open-minded of other pastors whose views and approach to ministry differ from mine, knowing that diversity in thought and action is healthy so long as the essentials of Christian doctrine and conduct are not compromised.

  • Support fellow ministers by encouraging them and helping practically whenever is possible.  When I become aware of a serious breach of ministerial ethics or moral failure, I will try to help my fellow minister by bringing the issues to the attention of the respective authorities (CUF, police and social system) to initiate correction and restoration. 

  • Realise that my membership into CUF will be terminated if I no longer hold to the vision, values and beliefs of CUF or cannot willingly submit to the appointed executive team. 

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188A, Gloucester Road, Croydon, CR0 2DJ

Registered Charity in England and Wales: 1197985

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