Every day we make hundreds, even thousands of decisions. They range from the routine-like deciding what time to go to bed-to the complex: whether to hire or fire, whether to operate on a terminally ill patient, whether to give out confidential information.

Most of our decisions are automatic-like the movement of the hands of a clock. We don't even think about them. Some decisions can stop time. Some plans of action are murky, complex and rife with a host of frightening implications. We all want to know that we've chosen the correct course… we're all looking for order in place of chaos.

The Salvation Army Ethics Centre is in the business of cutting through the confusion. We don't make decisions for you, but we do clarify your options. Using detailed research, understandable discussion and workable suggestions we put the tools for ethical decision-making in your hands.

The Salvation Army Ethics Centre is a Christian organization. Our understanding of ethics is shaped by, and intends to be faithful to the person and teaching of Jesus. This does not mean that we think we already have the answer to every ethical challenge. We most definitely do not! Nor does it mean that the Ethics Centre proselytizes. The word “gospel” means “good news” and we believe that when we are faithful to Jesus, those who come into contact with the Ethics Centre-especially those who are wronged, oppressed or ethically perplexed-will hear good news.

The professional staff have competence and interest in a wide range of ethics topics. They also have areas of specific expertise. Dr. Read has special interests in health care ethics, clergy ethics and organizational ethics. Ms Jones-Ryan has experience in management ethics and organizational values.

The Ethics Centre also keeps a collection of books, periodicals, audio/visual and internet-accessible materials whose operations are maintained by Maria Ducharme. The book collection catalogue is accessible on-line at www.boothcollege.ca/library/