Code of Ethics

Approved by the AGO National Council on January 27, 2017.

On January 27, 2017, the AGO National Council adopted revisions to this document to
reflect its settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.

Preamble/Preface

The American Guild of Organists encourages its members to embrace and practice the following values as core ideals that Guild members aspire to cultivate in their ethical and professional conduct.

Value 1

Responsible Conduct toward Those Whom We Serve (including but not limited to clergy, supervisors, congregants, choir members, students, children, et al.).

Members shall:

• Treat those whom they serve in a professional manner, with dignity, compassion, civility, and respect.
• Show respect to those whom they serve, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, socio-economic status, disability, or medical condition.
• Avoid any sort of abusive behavior, whether verbal, physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, or other.
• Refrain from disclosing confidential or sensitive information about others obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose or is required by law.

Value 2

Respect for Our Professional Colleagues. Members shall:

• Maintain a professional attitude and act with integrity in relationships with colleagues, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, socio-economic status, disability, or medical condition.
• Respect the reputation and diversity of colleagues.

Value 3

Integrity in Our Professional Work. Members shall:

• Honor and abide by the conditions and requirements of the job descriptions and work agreements to which they have knowingly agreed, so long as those provisions are in accord with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Follow, as applicable, the principles of professional conduct that are expressed in the AGO Code of Professional Standards.
• For the benefit of future generations of musicians and to preserve the instruments of our profession, use care to ensure that when playing an instrument, the institution’s expected practices and requirements for the care of the instrument and its venue are met.