Third, a code of ethics can support and protect an individual minister. Under the topic “financial matters,” a 1990 Presbyterian code states, “Ministers and church professionals shall not use church funds, accounts, and/or resources … [or] parishioner funds, accounts, and/or resources for personal or private advantage.”51 Codified statements such as this one can protect a pastor from behavior that could lead to serious personal or congregational problems. Hart views morality as the edge of a precipice.
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