Ethics is about doing the right thing.

But, ethics is more than that too. Ethics is about doing the right thing for the right reason. Ethics is about being able to explain one's intentions and motivations to others (who may disagree or be mystified). Ethics is about making decisions in difficult circumstances in which all options seem flawed-and about determining what should be done in response to wrongs that have been done or suffered.

Besides right actions, ethics is concerned with the character of persons and the organizations and communities they create. Ethics asks, "How can a person be good? How can a society be caring and just? What models are worth emulating?"

In other words, ethics takes articulate thought. When people search their own hearts about the values that matter most to human existence and engage in conversations with others in which they try to be clear, coherent and truthful about such matters, they are doing ethics.

In large part, then, our Ethics Centre exists in order to encourage and enable clear thinking. We identify, research, advise and teach about ethical issues that are of contemporary, practical importance.

We do not assume the responsibility for solving others' ethical dilemmas, but we are available to assist them in their decision-making.

We do not enforce compliance with ethical standards, but we are available to assist with the development of ethics policies and codes, and with assessments of organizational integrity.

When we see important ethical issues being ignored, people's conscience being silenced or wrong parading as righteousness, we have a responsibility to speak up.

Our ultimate vision is that every individual and every group would care about being ethical, and would have the resources to follow through.

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.