Code of Conduct

Effective Date: December 5, 2025
Last Updated: December 5, 2025

1. Purpose and Scope

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for all individuals who interact with myocci.org, contact OCCI clergy and offices, or engage with the ministries, communications, or digital presence of the Old Catholic Churches International (OCCI).

It applies to:

  • Visitors to the website
  • Individuals contacting clergy or offices
  • Participants in online or digital ministries
  • Anyone engaging with OCCI materials, ministries, or representatives

The goal is to foster a safe, respectful, pastoral, and just environment grounded in the values of the Old Catholic tradition.

2. Core Values

All interactions with the OCCI should reflect the following ecclesial and moral commitments:

  • Human dignity: Every person is worthy of respect.
  • Hospitality: We welcome others with grace and compassion.
  • Justice and peace: We actively oppose discrimination, abuse, and injustice.
  • Nonviolence: We reject threats, aggression, and harassment.
  • Pastoral integrity: We honor healthy boundaries and safeguard the vulnerable.

3. Expected Conduct

3.1 Respectful Behavior

All individuals engaging with the OCCI or its website must:

  • Communicate with respect and sincerity
  • Avoid abusive or inflammatory language
  • Honor the diversity of backgrounds, identities, and experiences
  • Respect the spiritual and pastoral nature of OCCI ministries

3.2 Honesty and Transparency

Users must not:

  • Misrepresent themselves
  • Impersonate clergy, staff, or offices
  • Provide false, malicious, or misleading information

3.3 Safe and Healthy Communication

Interactions with clergy, staff, ministries, or administrators must avoid:

  • Harassment
  • Stalking or obsessive messaging
  • Sexual content or advances
  • Degrading or dehumanizing language
  • Attempts to manipulate pastoral relationships

Pastoral conversations are sacred spaces and must remain respectful and appropriate.

4. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly forbidden:

  • Threats of violence toward individuals, groups, or institutions
  • Harassment, including repeated unwanted contact
  • Hate speech, discrimination, or bigotry
  • Bullying, intimidation, or coercion
  • Distribution of unlawful, obscene, or abusive content
  • Encouragement of self-harm or harm to others
  • Misuse of the Site for criminal, fraudulent, or malicious purposes

Such conduct may result in:

  • Restricted communication
  • Referral to civil authorities
  • Reporting to safeguarding bodies
  • Permanent blocking of access to OCCI resources

5. Safeguarding and Mandatory Reporting

The Old Catholic Churches International is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults, and all persons experiencing harm.

5.1 Duty to Protect

If communications reveal:

  • Abuse
  • Neglect
  • Exploption
  • Coercion
  • Imminent harm to self or others
  • Threats or admissions of criminal acts

OCCI clergy and staff may be required—by law or by policy—to:

  • Report to law enforcement
  • Notify child protective services
  • Contact emergency services
  • Document and preserve the communication

5.2 Zero Tolerance for Abuse

Any form of abuse—spiritual, emotional, sexual, psychological, or physical—is wholly incompatible with the mission of the Church.

6. Emailing Clergy and OCCI Offices

6.1 Proper Use of Communication Channels

When emailing clergy or OCCI offices, individuals must:

  • Communicate respectfully
  • Avoid harassment or inappropriate content
  • Use email only for non-emergency purposes
  • Recognize that responses may not be immediate

6.2 When to Contact Emergency Services

Do not use email to report:

  • Emergencies
  • Active or imminent threats
  • Situations involving immediate harm

In such cases, call local emergency services immediately.

6.3 Reporting Harm or Threats

Emails containing threats, disclosures of abuse, or information suggesting a person is in danger may be:

  • Reported to law enforcement
  • Forwarded to safeguarding authorities
  • Retained as legal documentation

7. Protection of Clergy and Staff

Clergy, volunteers, and staff deserve a safe working environment.
Therefore, the OCCI reserves the right to:

  • Limit or block harmful communications
  • Report unlawful behavior
  • Decline engagement when boundaries are not respected

8. Use of Site Materials

All use of Site materials must align with:

  • Copyright requirements
  • Pastoral integrity
  • Non-commercial purposes (unless otherwise permitted)

Modification of OCCI content without permission is prohibited.

9. Accountability and Enforcement

Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in:

  • Warnings or notices
  • Restricted access to communication channels
  • Reporting to civil authorities
  • Permanent denial of interaction with the OCCI

The OCCI reserves discretion to enforce this Code to protect individuals and the Church.

10. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from interactions with the OCCI or its Site shall be handled according to:

  • The laws of the State of South Carolina
  • Applicable ecclesial policies
  • Appropriate civil procedures

11. Updates to This Code

This Code of Conduct may be updated periodically.
Continued interaction with the Site or OCCI constitutes acceptance of updated policies.

12. Contact Information

For questions or concerns about this Code of Conduct:

Old Catholic Churches International
118 Frances Drive
North Augusta, SC 29841
Email: bishopgodsey@myocci.org
Website: https://myocci.org
Attn: Safeguarding & Conduct Administrator