AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN ARTS LTD (AChA)
MASTER MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT & TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT
PURPOSE AND APPLICATION
1.1 This Code of Conduct (Code) establishes the standards of behaviour and conduct expected of all Members of Australian Christian Arts Ltd (AChA).
1.2 The purpose of this Code is to:
  1. promote a safe, respectful, and Christ-honouring environment for all participants in AChA Activities;
  1. protect the welfare and dignity of Members, volunteers, audiences, and the broader community;
  1. safeguard the reputation and charitable purposes of AChA; and
  1. ensure compliance with applicable law and the AChA Constitution.
1.3 This Code applies to all Members in connection with any AChA Activity, including but not limited to rehearsals, performances, meetings, workshops, social functions, online communication, and any public representation of AChA.
Section 2: GOVERNING AUTHORITY AND INTERPRETATION
2.1 This Code is made under and subject to the AChA Constitution.
2.2 In the event of any inconsistency between this Code and the Constitution, the Constitution prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.
2.3 Membership of AChA is conditional upon compliance with:
  1. (a) the AChA Constitution;
  1. (b) the Statement of Faith;
  1. (c) this Code;
  1. (d) all Board-approved policies; and
  1. (e) all lawful and reasonable directions of Authorised Leadership.
2.4 The Board retains ultimate authority to interpret this Code. Any interpretation by the Board is final and binding on all Members.
Section 3: DEFINITIONS
In this Code, unless the context otherwise requires:
  • "AChA Activity" means any activity conducted by, for, or on behalf of AChA, including rehearsals, performances, meetings, workshops, social functions, tours, online communications, and any public representation of AChA.
  • "Authorised Leadership" means the Board, any officer, director, or person duly authorised by the Board to exercise leadership, supervisory, or administrative functions within AChA.
  • "Board" means the Board of Directors of AChA as constituted under the Constitution.
  • "Child" means a person under the age of 18 years.
  • "Constitution" means the Constitution of Australian Christian Arts Ltd, as amended from time to time.
  • "Member" means any person who holds current membership of AChA in accordance with the Constitution and has paid the prescribed membership fee.
  • "Statement of Faith" means the AChA Statement of Faith as adopted or amended by the Board from time to time.
Section 4: STATEMENT OF FAITH
4.1 All Members must support the beliefs set out in the AChA Statement of Faith.
4.2 For the purposes of this Code, "support" means:
  1. (a) upholding the core doctrinal premises of the Statement of Faith; and
  1. (b) conducting oneself in a manner consistent with its doctrinal and moral framework.
4.3 Members are not required to demonstrate agreement on every secondary theological matter but must not publicly contradict or undermine the foundational tenets of the Statement of Faith.
4.4 Membership may be reviewed where a Member's conduct or public statements materially contradict the Statement of Faith.
4.5 In accordance with the spiritual ethos of AChA, Members honour the moral vision of historic Christianity as something received, not invented, rooted in Christ as true God and true man. While recognising that Members may hold differing convictions or be at different stages of understanding, Members are expected to show good-faith respect for this historic Christian ethos in communal gatherings and public representation. This includes:
  1. (a) showing honour to traditional beliefs and ethical vision;
  1. (b) refraining from public advocacy or displays that contradict or oppose historic Christian ethics and morality;
  1. (c) avoiding speech or conduct that causes division; and
  1. (d) pursuing unity and peace despite any personal beliefs or modern theological interpretations.
This teaching encompasses but is not limited to the Church's received understanding on the nature of marriage, the outworking of sexuality, the integrity of embodied human life, and the sanctity of life.
Detailed Explanation
We recognise that members come from varied backgrounds and may hold differing convictions, or be at different stages of theological understanding and formation, including on matters of marriage, sexuality, and contested cultural questions. We therefore seek to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3), remembering that "if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Romans 12:18). However, when participating in member-only gatherings or representing Australian Christian Arts in public-facing contexts, members are expected to show reasonable, good-faith honour toward the organisation's historic Christian ethos. This includes refraining from public advocacy, campaigning, or overt displays intended to contradict, ridicule, actively oppose, or cause contention to the historic Christian moral vision we have received, since "the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone" (2 Timothy 2:24), and because we are commanded to "do all things without grumbling or disputing" (Philippians 2:14). Members must also refrain from speech or conduct that would reasonably be understood to cause offence, create division, or undermine the unity and public witness of the community, for "there is one body and one Spirit" (Ephesians 4:4), and Christ Himself prays "that they may all be one… so that the world may believe" (John 17:21). In all things, we pursue "what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" (Romans 14:19), "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15), and refusing the works of the flesh that fracture communion, such as "enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions" (Galatians 5:19–21) (Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Philadelphians; Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Smyrnaeans; Cyprian of Carthage, On the Unity of the Catholic Church; John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans 14).
We affirm the moral vision of historic Christianity as something received, not invented. The faith is "once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3), and we are exhorted to "stand firm and hold to the traditions" we have received (2 Thessalonians 2:15), not as human inventions, but as faithful guardrails for life in Christ. Rooted in our confession of Jesus Christ as true God and true man, this vision seeks the formation of the whole person, body, soul, and spirit, into the likeness of Christ, for God's will is our sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3), and we are called to be transformed, not conformed to the age (Romans 12:1–2). Australian Christian Arts members are therefore to show honour toward the traditional beliefs, moral teachings, philosophical analysis and resulting worldviews, and ethical vision received by the Church through Scripture and faithfully expressed in the lived faith of believers across the centuries, within both member-only gatherings and public-facing events. This is not a call to pretence, but to integrity and reverence: "let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27), and "as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct" (1 Peter 1:15), so that "your light" may shine "before others" to the glory of God (Matthew 5:16) (Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Philadelphians; Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Smyrnaeans; Cyprian of Carthage, On the Unity of the Catholic Church; Clement of Rome, First Letter to the Corinthians).
We hold these convictions as belonging to the consistent witness of the Church across its many traditions, and we seek to reflect them faithfully in our corporate life, communal fellowship, internal gatherings, and public witness, for "we are… members one of another" (Ephesians 4:25) and are commanded to "be of the same mind… with brotherly affection" and "live in harmony" (Romans 12:10,16). This honour of historic Christian ethics and morality encompasses the Church's received teaching on the nature of marriage, the outworking of sexuality, the integrity of embodied human life, and the sanctity of life from the moment of conception, and the embodied unity of soul and body (The Didache, "The Two Ways"; Justin Martyr, First Apology; Ephesians 4:25; Romans 12:10,16; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5; Psalm 139:13; Jeremiah 1:5; Genesis 1:27; James 3:9; Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 4:8).
Section 5: MEMBERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION
5.1 A person becomes a Member upon payment of the prescribed membership fee and acceptance by Authorised Leadership, and remains a Member for a period of one year unless membership is terminated earlier in accordance with the Constitution.
5.2 Members must:
  1. (a) adhere to the Attendance Policy;
  1. (b) honour rehearsal, performance, and other AChA commitments;
  1. (c) follow artistic and operational direction given by Authorised Leadership;
  1. (d) notify Authorised Leadership of any anticipated absence with reasonable notice; and
  1. (e) conduct themselves professionally, courteously, and respectfully in all AChA Activities.
5.3 Failure to comply with attendance or participation requirements may result in review of membership in accordance with the Constitution.
Section 6: CHILD SAFETY AND YOUTH PROTECTION
6.1 AChA is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all Children who participate in or are affected by its activities.
6.2 All Members must strictly adhere to the AChA Child Safe Policy and all applicable child protection legislation, including but not limited to the Children's Guardian Act 2019 (NSW) and the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW).
6.3 Any Member who holds or is required to hold a Working with Children Check must maintain its currency and produce evidence of the same upon request by Authorised Leadership.
6.4 Any Member who becomes aware of conduct that may constitute a risk to the safety or wellbeing of a Child must report the matter immediately to Authorised Leadership and, where required by law, to the relevant statutory authority.
6.5 Failure to comply with the Child Safe Policy or applicable child protection legislation may result in immediate suspension pending investigation, in accordance with the Constitution.
Section 7: BEHAVIOURAL STANDARDS
7.1 Members must:
  1. (a) treat all persons with dignity, respect, and courtesy;
  1. (b) not engage in bullying, harassment, discrimination, vilification, or intimidation of any kind;
  1. (c) maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries;
  1. (d) avoid conduct that could reasonably be perceived as bringing AChA into disrepute;
  1. (e) respect the diversity of Members' backgrounds and experiences within the framework of the Statement of Faith; and
  1. (f) uphold the charitable purposes and Christian witness of AChA.
7.2 Any romantic or intimate relationship between a Member in a position of authority or influence and another Member must be disclosed to Authorised Leadership promptly upon commencement.
7.3 Retaliation, whether direct or indirect, against any person who raises a concern, makes a complaint, or participates in an investigation in good faith is strictly prohibited and constitutes a breach of this Code.
Section 8: CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY
8.1 Members must maintain the confidentiality of:
  1. (a) personal information of other Members, volunteers, or participants;
  1. (b) internal AChA deliberations, decisions, and communications not intended for public disclosure;
  1. (c) financial and operational information of AChA; and
  1. (d) any matter the subject of a grievance or disciplinary process.
8.2 Members must not disclose confidential information to any third party without the prior written consent of Authorised Leadership, except where disclosure is required by law.
8.3 This obligation of confidentiality survives the termination of membership.
Section 9: FINANCIAL AND ETHICAL CONDUCT
9.1 Members must:
  1. (a) act honestly and in good faith in all dealings with and on behalf of AChA;
  1. (b) act in furtherance of the charitable objects of AChA;
  1. (c) not misuse, misappropriate, or permit the misuse of AChA funds, property, or resources;
  1. (d) disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest to Authorised Leadership without delay; and
  1. (e) report suspected fraud, theft, or financial misconduct to Authorised Leadership immediately.
9.2 No Member shall derive any personal financial benefit from their involvement with AChA other than as expressly authorised by the Board or the Constitution.
Section 10: HEALTH AND SAFETY
  1. Members must adhere to the AChA Workplace Health and Safety Policy and comply with all lawful and reasonable safety directions given by Authorised Leadership.
  1. Members must not participate in any AChA Activity while impaired by alcohol, illicit substances, or any substance that compromises their capacity to participate safely.
  1. Members must promptly report any hazard, injury, or safety concern arising during an AChA Activity to Authorised Leadership.
Section 11: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND MEDIA
11.1 Members must adhere to the AChA Intellectual Property and Media Policy.
11.2 Without limiting clause 11.1, Members acknowledge and agree that:
  1. (a) works created by a Member in the course of or for the purposes of AChA Activities may be owned by AChA in accordance with the Intellectual Property and Media Policy;
  1. (b) use of the AChA name, logo, branding, or likeness requires prior written approval from Authorised Leadership; and
  1. (c) any public statement, media appearance, or social media post purporting to represent the views or position of AChA must be approved in advance by Authorised Leadership.
Section 12: DIGITAL CONDUCT AND SOCIAL MEDIA
12.1 Members must conduct themselves online in a manner consistent with this Code when their association with AChA is apparent or reasonably identifiable.
12.2 Members must not:
  1. (a) make public statements on social media or digital platforms that purport to represent the position of AChA without prior approval from Authorised Leadership;
  1. (b) post content that could reasonably bring AChA into disrepute or cause harm to the reputation of AChA or its Members; or
  1. (c) use AChA platforms, accounts, or communication channels for personal, commercial, or political purposes without authorisation.
Section 13: EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION
13.1 No Member may represent themselves as a spokesperson or authorised representative of AChA without the prior written consent of the Board or its delegate.
13.2 Members must clearly distinguish between personal views and any position of AChA when making public statements on matters related to AChA's activities, mission, or values.
Section 14: DUTY TO REPORT AND COOPERATE
  1. Members must report any breach or suspected breach of this Code, any Board-approved policy, or any applicable law to Authorised Leadership without delay.
  1. Members must cooperate fully and honestly with any investigation, inquiry, or review conducted under the Constitution or any Board-approved policy.
  1. Failure to report a known or suspected breach, or failure to cooperate with an investigation, may itself constitute a breach of this Code.
Section 15: GRIEVANCE AND REPORTING
15.1 Grievances, complaints, and reports must be handled in accordance with the procedures set out in the AChA Constitution and any Board-approved policy made under it.
15.2 Nothing in this Code limits:
  1. (a) any reporting obligation imposed by law;
  1. (b) the constitutional reporting mechanisms available to Members; or
  1. (c) the authority of the Board to establish and determine appropriate processes for the handling of grievances and complaints.
Section 16: DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
16.1 All disciplinary matters, including suspension, censure, and termination of membership, are governed by the AChA Constitution and any policies made under it.
16.2 The Board retains ultimate authority to determine the consequences of any breach of this Code, in accordance with its powers under the Constitution and any Board-approved disciplinary policies.
16.3 Nothing in this Code creates any right, entitlement, or expectation on the part of any Member that any particular process or outcome will apply in any given case, except as expressly provided by the Constitution or Board-approved policies made under it.
Section 17: MEMBER ACKNOWLEDGMENT
  1. By becoming or remaining a Member of AChA, each Member acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Code.
  1. Authorised Leadership may from time to time require Members to sign a written acknowledgment confirming their acceptance of this Code. Failure to sign such acknowledgment within a reasonable time of request may result in suspension of membership privileges pending compliance.
  1. Ignorance of this Code does not constitute a defence to any allegation of breach.
Section 18: REVIEW AND AMENDMENT
18.1 This Code will be reviewed by the Board at least once every two years, or more frequently as the Board considers necessary.
18.2 The Board may amend this Code at any time by resolution. Amendments take effect upon notification to Members.
18.3 Members will be notified of any material amendments to this Code within a reasonable time of their adoption.
Section 19: POLICY EVOLUTION
19.1 Members acknowledge that AChA is a developing organisation and that policies may evolve to:
  1. (a) reflect legal requirements;
  1. (b) improve safeguarding standards; and
  1. (c) support organisational growth.
19.2 By becoming or remaining a Member, individuals agree to be bound by future policy updates adopted in good faith by the Board, provided such updates remain consistent with the Constitution.
19.3 AChA reserves the right to amend, replace, or withdraw policies from time to time in accordance with the Constitution.
19.4 Amended policies take effect upon publication unless otherwise stated.
19.5 Members agree to be bound by the most current version of all policies as a condition of ongoing membership and participation.
19.6 Failure to comply with updated policies may result in action under the Constitution.
Section 20: INSURANCE AND LIABILITY FOR PROPERTY
20.1 Each Member is responsible for the security, loss, theft, or damage of their own personal property, including but not limited to musical instruments, equipment, clothing, and personal effects brought to or used in connection with any AChA Activity.
20.2 Members are strongly advised to maintain their own insurance coverage for valuable instruments and equipment.
20.3 AChA does not accept liability for any loss, theft, or damage to Member property, howsoever caused, whether during rehearsals, performances, storage, transport, or any other AChA Activity.
20.4 Notwithstanding clause 20.3, AChA maintains personal accident insurance covering Members and volunteers for personal injury sustained during AChA Activities, subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant insurance policy.
20.5 Details of personal accident insurance coverage are available from Authorised Leadership upon request.
Section 21: COMMENCEMENT
21.1 This Code commences on the date of its adoption by the Board and applies to all persons who are Members on or after that date.
21.2 This Code was adopted by the Board on 13 February 2026.
21.3 Last reviewed: 13 February 2026