Code of Ethical Standards for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee

In 1994, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee compiled a Code of Ethical Standards to help individuals in our parishes, schools, and archdiocesan offices navigate through ministering to those we serve. The Code of Ethical Standards for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee (last revision date 2022), now in its 9th revision, serves as an instrument of accountability to help us hold ourselves and others to the highest standard as we minister in our parishes, schools, archdiocese, communities, and to the world around us.    

The Code contains standards that help to delineate boundaries by which ethical questions can be evaluated.

Reporting Misconduct

All clergy, employees, and lay volunteers that serve in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee have a responsibility to report ethical misconduct. 

In cases where there are clear indications of illegal actions by an individual at a parish, school, or archdiocesan central office, notification should be made immediately to the proper civil and Church authorities.

In cases where there are clear indicators of unethical, but not illegal, actions by an individual, notification should be made to the proper Church authorities. Reports can be made through the Convercent reporting system or to an archdiocesan office. 

Sometimes an individual may believe that someone in a parish, school, or archdiocesan office or organization may have violated this Code of Ethical Standards but have not engaged in behavior that is illegal or unethical. If that occurs, they should first attempt to resolve the issue in accordance with any applicable grievance policy. This may involve, if appropriate, first trying to resolve the concern with the individual. Next, this may involve taking further action by reporting to the supervisor or another higher authority, or to the appropriate archdiocesan office. A report can also be made through the Convercent reporting system. 

All accusations and concerns involving clergy, an employee, or a volunteer in a parish, school, or archdiocesan central office, either past or present, involving the sexual abuse of a minor and/or adult sexual exploitations, as defined by Wisconsin law, should be reported first to the appropriate civil authorities and to the Safe Environment Office. A report can also be made through the Convercent reporting system.

When someone is uncertain whether a particular situation or course of conduct would violate this Code of Ethical Standards, they can consult with parish or school leadership who may be knowledgeable about ethical issues and this Code, discuss the situation with appropriate archdiocesan central office staff, or the Chancery Office, in order to determine the proper response.

Acknowledging the Code of Ethical Standards for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Acknowledgement of the Code is part of the initial safe environment certification curriculum and renewal safe environment certification curriculums in CMG Connect as of September 2022.

Read the entire Code of Ethical Standards for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. The Code is available in both English and Spanish. All clergy, lay employees, and volunteers of parishes, schools, and archdiocesan central offices must review and acknowledge the Code of Ethical Standards for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by either completing the Code of Ethical Standards – 2022 Revision curriculum through their CMG Connect account, or by printing the acknowledgment form available below and return the signed acknowledgement to your supervisor or human resources. 

Code of Ethical Standards for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee: English | Español

CMG Connect Instructions for acknowledging the Code of Ethical Standards: English | Español

Signature page to print for submission to supervisor/HR: English | Español

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