Priests spurn ethics proposed by Bishop

Photo: Peeter Langovits

A couple of weeks ago, Tallinn priests of Estonian Lutheran Church (EELK) met to discuss priestly ethics code bill proposed by Archbishop Andres Põder.

The priests found the document good for nothing and to be binned. A decision was passed to write a fresh code to be worked at by a conference of ministers. 

Several Church folks contacted by Postimees think the code to be outright mockery: what will the people think of priests with the code listing elementary pan-human truths – a priest shall not use narcotic substances, smoke in working premises and with minors present; he shall not frequent casinos, will follow good hygiene, will not spread nor promote pornographic or indecent material.

A clause proved controversial, wherein priests smelt a try to muzzle them. The correct behaviour chapter reads: «It is not allowed for priests to use media, secular institutions or courts to bring charges against their church or colleagues without first using competent church representative and arbitration bodies to solve the differences.»

A ban on free communication with journalists seems unheard of. «This is yet another stone in the wall of an authoritarian church,» thinks a priest. «Enforcing the ethics core in that format would have been scandalous and would not in any way have increased the credibility of the church in society. Nor would it help doing the church duties.»

The priests agree that as with numerous areas of life, the church does indeed need a written code of behaviour. Even so, they fear EELK would be turned into an authoritarian organisation, needing the code to suppress dissidents.

No denying – the topic and the resistance are related to the election of the new archbishop. The candidates will be set up starting this June; the new archbishop needs to be in place this November. The ethics code by Mr Põder dating back to the beginning of 2012, it looks like he’s trying to leave a legacy of values.

The EELK press secretary Arho Tuhkru agreed the topic is up as related to Archbishop Andres Põder nearing the end of his term; still, in this format the code will not be ratified as, in addition to the Tallinn parish, it’s been also rejected elsewhere.

«Many organisations have their internal codes of ethics; thus the church needs, from time to time, formulate the values and principles to be guided by its staff,» said Mr Tuhkru. The aim of the bill possessed by Postimees, he said, was rather meant to trigger the discussion.

«Well, the list of vital values to be esteemed by priests regarding being diligent, honouring people, caring for them, being economically transparent, and respecting one’s colleagues, this is all natural but still needs to be repeated occasionally,» noted Mr Tuhkru. «Rather, today, we are talking about the need to write down a description of values. Ethics code is centred on what’s forbidden; but we need to write down values to stand for.»

By raising the issue, Mr Põder had done his job. From here, the parishes will be busy describing the values, and then the priestly conference. The Lutheran church totals 240 ministers.

Extracts from EELK ministers ethics code bill

Correct communication

•    It is not allowed for priests to use media, secular institutions or courts to bring charges against their church or colleagues without first using competent church representative and arbitration bodies to solve the differences.

Sobriety and dignity

•    A priest (minister) shall not use nor mediate narcotic substances.

•    A priest shall not smoke in working premises, while doing home visits, and with minors present.

•    A priest shall not gamble for money nor shall he incite others to do so.

•    A priest shall not lie, he will keep his agreement and shall not be late.

•    A priest shall follow rules of hygiene, will clothe himself with dignity and shall wear the professional robes while performing church duties. 

Family and sexuality

•    Priests shall immediately (within a month, not later) notify of having gotten married or wed. Cohabitation without being married is not allowed.

•    It is not allowed for a priest to practice homosexual or paedophilic relations, and to justify or promote such. 

•    It is not allowed for a priest to spread of promote pornographic or indecent material.