Code of Ethics
Our work is guided by dignity, informed consent, cultural respect, accountability, intellectual honesty, and care for the people and traditions represented within the International Pagan Society.
What This Code Covers
This Code of Ethics sets out the standards IPS is committed to upholding in its organizational work, collaborations, programs, communications, research, and community relationships. It describes the ethical expectations we hold for ourselves and for those who take part in the Society's work.
This Code is a statement of organizational values and intent. As formal policies and procedures are adopted through proper review, verified versions will be published alongside it.
The Principles We Hold Ourselves To
Human Dignity
Recognizing the inherent worth of every person who engages with the Society, regardless of tradition or background.
Religious and Spiritual Freedom
Supporting the right of practitioners to hold and express their beliefs without coercion or fear.
Pluralism and Non-Dogmatism
Recognizing no single tradition, lineage, or interpretation as universally authoritative.
Informed Consent
Seeking clear, willing agreement before knowledge, images, or stories are documented or shared.
Cultural Respect
Engaging with traditions and communities on their own terms, not as material to be extracted.
Honesty and Accuracy
Representing sources, evidence, and claims truthfully, and correcting significant errors when found.
Accountability
Holding ourselves responsible for our conduct, our communications, and our use of resources.
Responsible Stewardship
Using donated funds, shared knowledge, and organizational trust with care and restraint.
No Imposed Theology or Hierarchy
IPS does not impose a universal theology, doctrine, initiation system, hierarchy, or required spiritual practice. Practitioners and communities remain free to define their own beliefs and practice.
We are committed to standing firmly against the following within our own work and programs:
- Spiritual coercion or pressure to adopt beliefs or practices
- Manipulation of practitioners, students, or vulnerable participants
- Harassment of any kind
- Discrimination on the basis of identity, background, or belief
- Abuse of organizational or spiritual authority
- Retaliation against anyone who raises a good-faith concern
- Exploitation of vulnerable people
Knowledge Is Held in Trust, Not Owned
IPS does not currently hold or claim ownership of artifacts, manuscripts, archives, sacred lands, herbaria, or cultural collections, and does not operate a formal repatriation process. We do not speak on behalf of Indigenous peoples or any tradition. The commitments below describe how we intend to engage with cultural knowledge as our work grows.
Evidence, Interpretation, and Honesty
Sustainable Livelihood Through Sacred Practice
Our fifth official pillar, Sustainable Livelihood Through Sacred Practice, recognizes that practitioners, artisans, and educators often build a livelihood around their traditions. Earning a living through sacred practice is not, in itself, exploitation — the distinction lies in how that livelihood is pursued.
Guarding Against Private Benefit
These are high-level organizational commitments. As IPS formalizes its governance, more detailed conflict-of-interest and financial policies will be developed and published.
- Disclose material conflicts of interest in organizational decisions
- Avoid improper private benefit from organizational resources or position
- Use organizational resources responsibly and for their intended purpose
- Avoid favoritism and undisclosed self-dealing
- Maintain honest and accurate fundraising communications
- Protect confidential information appropriately
Standards We Expect Within Our Programs
We do not currently operate a 24/7 safeguarding hotline, clinical monitoring, emergency response services, an ombudsman, an encrypted complaint portal, or a formal investigation office. Within our own programs and community spaces, we are committed to standing against:
We also recognize that additional care is warranted whenever minors or vulnerable adults may be involved in any program or gathering.
If someone is in immediate danger, contact the appropriate local emergency services or relevant authorities. This page does not replace emergency, legal, medical, or mental-health services.
Questions and Concerns
IPS intends to maintain appropriate channels for raising questions and ethical concerns as its structure develops. Verified reporting and contact information — including any confidentiality or response commitments — will be published here once available. We do not yet offer a dedicated email address, phone line, or intake form for ethics concerns.
In the meantime, you can learn more about how the Society is organized through ourGovernance & Accountabilitypage, ourMission & Values, andOur Story.
Policy Resources Forthcoming
Supporting policies and procedures for this Code will be published after they have gone through formal review and approval.
Ethics Is a Practice, Not a Certificate
Living up to these commitments requires ongoing listening, learning, correction, and accountability. Support helps us build the structure needed to uphold them responsibly.