Code of Ethics

Introduction

As members of this community, it is our aim to uphold the traditions of the Santo Daime and to provide for the transformation and evolution of all persons seeking enlightenment. We desire to live the teachings of the Santo Daime, love the Divine Creator, love the Earth, love all beings in creation, including oneself, love and respect all brothers and sisters, accept the truth of one’s divinity and one’s faults, and learn to embody forgiveness, compassion, and humility.
The principles of the Santo Daime ask us to live with sincerity and respect with one another, and to clear up any misunderstandings that might occur (as stated in The Decree of Mestre Irineu). This spiritual direction recognizes our humanity, and therefore our tendency to make mistakes; it indicates where the moral line of behavior is drawn, and what to do when a mistake is made. The Code of Ethics outlines areas of behavior and interaction that are potentially vulnerable and gives guidelines for healthy boundaries and behavior.

Intention
Members of the community are to serve in ways that reflect honesty, integrity, and wisdom.

Money
We agree to respect the property of others, to assist in bringing consciousness to the use of all the earth’s resources, to be honest in our dealings with money, and at all times maintain clear and honest business practices.
In the spirit of service, we strive to accommodate participants regardless of their ability to pay or make donations. We also respect the sacredness of the spiritual Work and therefore avoid the promotion of products or services, or the solicitation or exploitation of members and visitors in any form in the vicinity of the Works. We endeavor to ensure honourable financial practices regarding the planting, harvesting and production of the sacred plants used in the making of the Santo Daime sacrament.

Harassment/Discrimination
We agree to provide an environment that is free of harassment of any form including discrimination because of age, gender, religion, creed, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. To protect the welfare of all people, we realize that inappropriate sexual relations or the imposition of opinions, prejudices, or personal preferences of any kind is detrimental to the welfare of the individual and the community.

Participants Rights
We seek to preserve the autonomy and dignity of each person. Participation in the Works must be voluntary and based on prior disclosure and consent given individually by each participant. Disclosure shall include discussion of any elements of the religious ceremonies that may present physical or psychological risks, including medication contraindications and dietary considerations. Consent shall include signed consent forms, as well as general guidelines for the Works. Participants must also be advised that participation can be difficult and transformative. The Santo Daime is a religion and the Works are religious services; no claims are made for healing and the Works are not intended to be a replacement for any medical or psychological treatment or support. Limits on the behaviors of participants and community members are to be made clear and agreed upon in advance. All reasonable measures will be taken to ensure each participant’s health and safety during the Works and during the vulnerable periods that may follow.

There is a heightened sensitivity that can be experienced after the Works, due to the nature of the Santo Daime Sacrament. We ask everyone attending the Works to be mindful and respectful of this sensitivity. Some people will seek out and enjoy socializing, others will prefer to stay silent, not talking, after the Work. Additionally, we remind everyone of the necessity of not touching people without clearly asking first and receiving consent before doing so. Many people will feel an enthusiastic  “oneness” with the congregation, during and after a Work, and value affectionate contact with others during community time, while others prefer not to be touched. The same applies for asking for/sharing contact info, please check first. Respecting each person’s wishes regarding this is an essential part of our tradition, and it is the responsibility of each person to make known their wishes and boundaries in these situations.
We agree to respect everyone’s privacy about attending the Works and events of Céu do Montréal.  While some people want to share their experiences in attending Céu do Montreal in wider circles, we ask that this sharing is strictly limited to their own experiences and in no way includes any information about other members or visitors.

Confidentiality:
We respect the privacy and confidentiality of each participant in the Work and in the community. It is usually not constructive or necessary to talk about other people. We agree to speak only of what is true and necessary, to abstain from gossiping in our community, to cultivate conscious and clear communication and to cultivate the qualities of honesty and kindness as the basis of our communication.
We recognize that competition, mistrust or spreading rumors destroys the spirit of goodness and union that is the heart of our spiritual beliefs.
In case of conflict or interpersonal difficulties, we strive to solve the problem directly with the individual. If the situation is not resolved, we agree to seek advice or guidance first from an elder in the community, or from the Padrinho or Madrinha of the church. Through this process, we comply with the above-mentioned privacy principles.

Integrity
We strive to be aware of how our own belief systems, values, needs, and limitations affect us, and therefore our ability to serve others. We are willing to examine our own motives, practice self-reflection, and we subscribe to the value of self-examination in order to promote personal growth in ethics. When uncertain whether a particular situation or course of action would violate the Code of Ethics, we agree to consult with appropriate counsel in order to choose a proper response. If a situation arises whereby the Code of Ethics has been violated, we agree to practice truth-telling and agree to seek help to remedy the situation.

Competence
To maintain integrity within our community, we agree to assist with only those practices for which we are qualified by personal experience, training, and education. Peer feedback is essential for community health, as is individual willingness to recognize and address personal issues or bias that may arise. This includes personal, monetary, religious, racial, or sexual considerations. We acknowledge the need to ask for assistance, training, or supervision where necessary to maintain this integrity.

Tolerance
We agree to practice openness and respect toward people whose beliefs are in contradiction to our own. We share the teachings of the Santo Daime with those who seek this path and these truths, while recognizing that proselytizing is forbidden. To help safeguard against the harmful consequences of personal and organizational ambition we avoid active promotion of the Church.

Substance Use
The use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or any other legal or illegal substances during the Works or in the vicinity of the Works is forbidden. Mestre Irineu instructed that for three days before and three days after the Works that no substances be used. Céu do Montréal requires its members to maintain serious mindfulness in the use of any substances, not only three days before and after Works.