Concern with deontology is widespread. Considerations like humanisation, ethical requirements, promotion of professional and team work call for a codification of deontological rules. What is true for modern world applies equally well to the Church, a Church which, moreover, acutely feels the need of revaluing the exercise of its ecclesial ministry. The present article sketches the features of a deontology of ecclesial ministry, built upon deontological principles and rules already at work in our canonical tradition. While presenting suggestions intended to inspire the law system of a diocese or of a Bishops' Conference, this study raises the question of the ecclesiological status of a deontology of ecclesial ministry.
