St. James Behavioural Covenant

United in Faith,
Strengthened by Friendship,
Building a Community of Love and Justice.

As members of St. James United Church, an Affirming Congregation, we promise to pray for one another, be kind and act in a Christian manner by:

  1. Seeking to discover what is best for St James as a whole, not just individuals.
  2. Being mindful that differences of opinion are normal and natural.
  3. Promising to have respectful relationships with one another, our staff and our leaders.
  4. Calling to account discriminatory speech and behaviour, including the use of real or perceived power to harass, bully or intimidate.
  5. Maintaining confidentiality in personal and professional issues, while being transparent regarding decisions and plans for the church.
  6. Praying for each other.

During meetings, it is our goal to demonstrate clear communication by:
a. Offering opinions with clarity.
b. Listening respectfully with an open mind to the opinions, ideas and concerns of others.
c. Responding respectfully and thoughtfully.
d. Focusing on issues, not on personalities.
e. Voting in accordance with your own conscience.
f. Respecting the decisions of the body, despite personal views.
g. Supporting the leaders and committees in their efforts to follow through with plans.

It is recognized that it is each person’s responsibility to uphold and remind others of the covenant.