Office of Temporal Affairs
Code of Ethics
Archdiocese of Agaña
(adopted from the former National Catholic Development Conference)

PREAMBLE

The Office of Temporal Affairs (OTA) responds to Christ's invitation to build the kingdom. We hold sacred the trust established between the donors and the mission they choose to support.

Inspired by the Gospel call to stewardship, we serve the Church by respecting the hallowed ground on which donors and the mission meet. As trustees of what belongs to God, we strive for the highest ethical standards.

As disciples called to serve all of God's people, we are accountable and responsible to religious authority, to donors and the mission. We believe, above all else, that the Gospel values of human dignity and worth need generous space to flourish and grow.

PLEDGE AND PROMISE

Therefore, we pledge to embrace these precepts and values.  We promise:

1. Fidelity to the principles of stewardship and the Gospel mandate to make a return to God for all the goodness we have received and to encourage and assist donors in their call to share their blessings.
2. Integrity of mission so that requests for donations are in keeping with the mission of the Archdiocese of Agaña.
3. Loyalty to those who benefit from the ministries of the Archdiocese of Agaña for which funds are raised and respect for their dignity.
4. Trustworthiness and respect for donor intent in assuring that donations are used for the purpose expressed.
5. Loyalty to donors by respecting their choice to remain anonymous or to restrict the use of their personal information.
6. Respect for authority by seeking approval from the Archbishop of Agaña for all fundraising and development activities.
7. Honesty in dealing with vendors, consultants, and corporate partners so that ethical business relationships are maintained.
8. Fairness and truthfulness in consultant relationships such that the Archdiocese of Agaña shall not enter into any arrangement or contract involving payment in the form of a percentage or commission on funds raised.
9. Accountability to the Archbishop of Agaña by regular communication on activities, goals, and fundraising methods.
10. Transparency and disclosure in financial matters.
    • The OTA will ensure sound internal control by appropriately segregating its functions such as solicitation, collection, and gift recording; and will abide by the financial policies and procedures of the Office of Finance of the Archdiocese of Agaña.
    • The OTA will not be in a position of seeking donations beyond the defined needs of the organization.
    • The OTA will respect the value of truthfulness by accurate and timely reporting to territorial, federal, and canonical authorities and donors upon request.