Competencies for the Christian Ethics Component of Diaconate study

Goal: To provide future deacons with the tools and skills necessary to assess complex ethical issues from a faith perspective. By the completion of this unit the learner will demonstrate:

1.      Identify the ethical principles inherent in our faith.

2.      Discuss the historical underpinnings of ethics in the Anglican tradition.

3.      Determine at least 3 current ethical issues of religious concern.

4.      Explore current issues applying at least 2 ethical theories to their discussions.

5.      Develop an argument based on ethical reasoning related to a current issue.

Methodology: The information needed for successful completion of this component will be acquired through lecture, discussion and readings.  Case study presentations will also be utilized to enable application of principles to specific issues.

Requirements: For successful completion of this unit the postulant will:

Prior to attending the Ethics Retreat: (turn in these requirements at the retreat)

1. Read 1 issues related book and one general book on ethics and write a brief summary.

2. Complete the worksheet on ethical terms

Following attendance at the retreat on Christian ethics or similar workshop:

 3. Read the attached case studies addressing current issues of faith in the church, community or world. Identify the issues involved. Pick one of these studies and discuss how you would deal with the issue and why. Try to limit this to 3 pages double spaced typed.

Readings:

Holmgren, S. (2000) Ethics after Easter

*Alexander, N.(2003). This far by Grace

* Hauerwas, S. & Willimon, W. (1990). Resident Aliens, Abingdon Press: Nashville.

Fletcher, J.(1952). Moral Responsibility: Situation ethics at work. The Westminster Press: Philadelphia.

Gill, R. (2002). A textbook of Christian Ethics: new revised edition. T&T Clark: London, New York.

*The Blue Book 2000. Reports of the Committees, Commissions, Boards and Agencies of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church Seventy-third General Convention, Denver, Colorado, July 2000. Church Publishing Incorporated: New York.

Pinches, C. R. (2002) Theology and Action: After Theory in Christian Ethics

*Nouwen, H.(1979). Wounded Healer

* Issues related

Revised: 7/19/08 st

 Worksheet of Ethics Terms:

 Give a brief definition of the following terms.

1. Ethics:

2. Morals

3.Christian Ethics

4. Paternalism

5 .Fidelity

6 Confidentiality

7. Euthanasia

8. Justice

9. Situational Ethics

10. Natural Law Theory

11. Deontological Ethics

12. Utilitarianism

13. Consequentialism

14. Feminist Ethics

Case Studies involving ethical issues:

Review  these scenarios.  Choose one to develop and identify the problem or problems you see.  Then determine the ethical principles involved and describe  how you would deal with the problem and why..

1. You have been asked to visit a parishioner who has been hospitalized due to an auto accident. You have not met this person before as they are new to the parish. When you get to the intensive care waiting room you are confronted by many relatives who are arguing over what should be done next.  The patient is a young adult who is pregnant and is now on the ventilator. The family has just been told that there is little hope for recovery.

Discuss issues as you see them and how you would approach the family.

2. You have been approached by a parishioner who is concerned that his son has just told them that he is gay. The father states that he believes he is a failure and is concerned that there is something he has done to cause this. He is worried as to how he should approach his son and how the church community will feel when they find out. 

Discuss how you will help this parishioner.

3. You have been asked to participate in the Kairos ministry working with male prisoners in a high security facility.  On the first day of the 3 day weekend you learn that one of the most active participants is scheduled to be executed in 2 months. 

Discuss your own feelings and issues related to this.

4. Discuss your feelings about abortion and how you would support a parishioner and family members if they felt the need to have an abortion. Note any specific issues that you would want to discuss or clarify with the pregnant person and the family and why.