Participant Code of Conduct

Document 1 – Context Document

How to use this Document

This document is a companion document to our Community Guidelines for Gatherings. It provides the context and the detail behind our core values. It also provides guidance on what process will be followed if our Community Values are broken.

Introduction

At Lausanne gatherings we are committed to creating an environment where all participants feel safe, valued, and respected. Every person, regardless of gender, culture, ethnicity, age, or background, bears God’s image and deserves to be treated with dignity. We want Lausanne gatherings to be spaces marked by grace, humility, and mutual respect.

At the same time, we recognize the particular need to strengthen how we honor and support women within our movement. As men and women working together in global mission, we are called to honor, value, and appreciate one another as co-laborers in the gospel. Scripture is clear that men and women are both created in God’s image, uniquely gifted, and called to participate fully in His mission. This conviction is firmly rooted in the Cape Town Commitment, which calls us to embrace a biblical vision of men and women partnering together in ministry, affirming their equal value and dignity. As a movement, Lausanne is committed to pursuing this vision—not simply as an aspiration, but as a necessity for faithful witness. Affirmation of the Cape Town Commitment and the Lausanne Covenant is a prerequisite for collaboration within Lausanne, and we must ensure that our environment reflects these foundational values. Our desire is to foster a culture where men and women are equally valued, where respect is foundational, and where all can serve together in a manner that reflects the love and servanthood of Christ.

At Lausanne, we want to be intentional about cultivating this atmosphere—one where men and women can work alongside one another with dignity, appreciation, and trust. This is not just about preventing harm; it is about proactively ensuring that every person, especially the women in our circles, whether serving in leadership, on staff, or attending a gathering, feels valued and respected in every interaction.

The unfortunate reality is that we cannot assume we are immune to inappropriate, harassing or racist behaviours. Behavior that devalues or disrespects anyone, is not only unacceptable but also contradicts Lausanne’s core values and biblical principles. The goal of this document is to ensure that our gatherings and community reflect the dignity, worth, and partnership that Christ intended.

This Participant Code of Conduct creates common expectations of how participants should engage with their peers when participating in Lausanne Movement gatherings, both online and in-person. In the document you can expect:

• Guidelines for expected conduct at gatherings
• Steps that will be taken when conduct is not aligned with our shared values

What Mutual Respect Looks Like at Gatherings

While there are some variances in expectations of how people would like to be treated, there are some baseline behaviours of mutual respect that are expected at any Lausanne gathering as follows (Ephesians 4:29):

• Exercise consideration and respect in speech and actions.
• When small misunderstandings or concerns arise, seek to resolve them respectfully and directly with those involved, where it is appropriate and safe to do so.
• Any form of harassment and discrimination are not acceptable (see definitions below). 
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, racist or harassing behaviour and speech.
• Refrain from coarse jokes or belittling comments. 
• Only engage in touch when both parties agree. For example, ask before laying hands on someone in prayer.
• Participants are to treat one another, staff and volunteers with courtesy, respect and kindness. 
• Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.
• For the security of everyone involved at a gathering, participants should not make audio or visual recordings of either a virtual event or in-person event on their personal device and do not have the permission to distribute audio or visual recordings of events (via social media or any other means).

Seeking to Understand

Our gatherings bring together participants from many cultural backgrounds, personal values, and lived experiences. These shape how we see the world and how we prefer to be treated. What may be normal or friendly in one setting could feel uncomfortable or disrespectful in another.

While our shared standards of respect and safety always apply, we also recognize the importance of cultural understanding. Participants are encouraged to approach one another with humility and curiosity—asking questions, listening carefully, and learning from each other. When unsure, seek guidance from trusted leaders.

At the same time, there are clear boundaries that apply to everyone. Behaviors that cause harm, discrimination, harassment, or intimidation are never acceptable, regardless of cultural norms or personal intentions.

In this way, our community honors both our shared commitments and the diverse expressions of respect that are meaningful across cultures.

How we Practice Mutual Respect at Gatherings

It is through our practices that we will live out our shared goal of creating respectful, Christ-centred gatherings. 

• Before large online gatherings, the Lausanne Operations team will enable a feature on zoom requiring participants to review and agree to our Community Guidelines for Gatherings. 
• At in-person gatherings, a short 2-3 minute video will be played reinforcing our commitment to our community values. 
• As a global movement, there are many backgrounds, cultures and expectations that can collide in one room. Before making assumptions about someone, ask them about their preferred approach to interact with you. 
• Actively seek the input, thoughts and participation of women and marginalized people groups (based on age, disability, country of origin, socioeconomic background etc.) whether it be in small group conversation or in larger forums.

Historical Injustices

Across  the globe women, people from marginalized ethnic or cultural communities, and individuals with disabilities or additional needs have faced historical discrimination and exclusion. Many of us are unaware of our own biases that we hold against others. We encourage participants to actively educate themselves using Lausanne Resources to understand how their biases and preconceived notions about others may be influencing their interactions with other participants. Participants from all backgrounds are expected to enter gatherings with open hands and hearts to engage with all participants equally. This includes actively seeking out the ideas and input from women and participants from people groups that are sometimes overlooked.

Definitions

Harassment

Harassment is repeated or serious conduct whether verbal, physical, or otherwise, that a reasonable person would consider intimidating or hostile. This includes behavior that demeans, humiliates, or threatens another participant, staff member, or volunteer at a Lausanne Movement sanctioned gathering. It does not include respectful disagreement, correction, or the good-faith expression of biblical beliefs, even on sensitive or contested issues, provided it is communicated in a spirit of charity and truth.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that is sexual in nature and creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive gathering environment. This can include:

• Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature;
• Display of sexually suggestive images, videos, or objects;
• Sexualized jokes, comments, or gestures;
• Physical touching, groping, or other unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature;
• Coercion, threats, or intimidation related to sexual conduct; 
• Subtle gestures such as requesting/abusing access to contact information, requesting photos together when one party is unsure about being photographed together;
• Inappropriate advances such as marriage proposals or other romantic gestures (ex. giving someone flowers or other such gifts).

Racism

Any attitude, action or practice that subordinates, discriminates against, or results in adverse outcomes for individuals or groups based on their actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. This includes both intentional forms of racial discrimination and practices that, regardless of intent, result in disparate negative impacts on racial groups historically subjected to prejudice and systemic disadvantage.

Violence

The exercise of physical force by a person against any participant, staff or volunteer, at a gathering sanctioned by the Lausanne Movement, that;

1. Causes or could cause physical injury to an individual; 
2. An attempt to exercise physical force against an individual that could cause physical injury to the individual 
3. A statement or behaviour that is reasonable for an individual to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against them, that could cause physical injury to them.

Responding to Breaches to the Code of Conduct/Community Guidelines for Gatherings

Where there is participant conduct that breaches this Participant Code of Conduct or the Community Guidelines for Gatherings, then Lausanne Staff will respond proportionately to the situation at hand. While each situation will be assessed based on its unique factors, the below processes are a guideline of the approach that will be used.

Post Event

Where a participant would like to report misconduct after a situation has occurred, then the the following process will be used:

• Submit the complaint form or reach out directly to our safeguarding liaison, Sarah White at swhite@lausanne.org.
• An HR representative from Lausanne will confirm receipt of the form and review. They will reach out to gather additional information as needed either by email or by video phone call. 
• A Lausanne HR representative will determine what next steps will be taken:

In all situations, we will prioritize and prayerfully seek restorative approaches as much as possible. 

In all instances where a formal complaint is submitted, the Regional Director(s) of the involved parties will be notified on a need to know basis.

Real-Time Situations

Where a situation is transpiring in real-time and Lausanne staff are aware of the situation, they will respond accordingly:

*In situations where an investigation is required, every attempt will be made to utilize an interviewer who is a qualified investigator and who has cross-cultural training or who would have a strong understanding of the cultural context of those involved in the situation.

In all situations, we will prioritize and prayerfully seek restorative approaches as much as possible.

Role of Regional Directors and Lausanne Leaders

Regional Directors (RDs), Catalysts, and other appointed Lausanne leaders serve as trusted points of contact within their regions and networks. While all formal reporting of breaches to the Participant Code of Conduct or Community Guidelines must be made to Lausanne HR, these leaders play a key role in ensuring participant safety, supporting those affected, and connecting with staff as needed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Initial support: If a participant approaches a volunteer leader, RD, or Catalyst regarding a concern, the leader should listen attentively, ensure the person feels heard, and, as necessary, guide them to report the issue directly to Lausanne Staff via the official channels.
  
• Observation and reporting: If a leader witnesses behavior that breaches the Participant Code of Conduct, they must report it promptly to Lausanne Staff. Leaders are not expected to investigate on their own but should document relevant information and support affected participants as appropriate.
  
• Communication and alignment: When staff determine next steps, such as mediation, investigation, or restricting participation, RDs will be informed as needed to maintain safe spaces within their regions and networks. This helps ensure that everyone who engages with the Movement remains in environments where participants are treated with dignity and respect.
  
• Maintaining confidentiality: Leaders must handle all information with discretion. The circle of information is intentionally limited to those who need to know for the safety and well-being of participants, but staff will ensure necessary alignment with other leaders when broader awareness is required.

Appendix A – Harassment Investigation Template

Document 2 – Community Guidelines for Gatherings

This document will be used as part of participant registration process

Lausanne Community Values

At Lausanne gatherings, we come together as brothers and sisters in Christ from every corner of the world. We want our community to reflect the love, humility, and respect of Jesus. To that end, we commit to:

1. Respect and Dignity

We honor the equal value of every person as made in the image of God. We treat one another with kindness, humility, and respect—regardless of culture, background, or gender.

2. Listening and Understanding

We seek to listen well, learn from each other, and understand our differences. We ask before making assumptions, and we value the voices of women and those from underrepresented communities.

3. Safe and Welcoming Spaces

We do not tolerate any form of verbal, physical, or sexual harassment, discrimination, racism, or demeaning speech or actions. Our gatherings—whether in person or online—should always be safe, encouraging, and inclusive.

4. Servant-Hearted Participation

We aim to serve one another in the spirit of Christ. This includes showing courtesy to staff, volunteers, and fellow participants, and contributing in ways that build up the whole body of Christ.

5. Accountability and Care

If concerns arise, we commit to address them in a spirit of truth and grace. Our processes aim for restoration, safety, and the well-being of all involved.

I have read and agree to uphold the Lausanne Community Values in all my participation at Lausanne gatherings, both in person and online. For further details of Lausanne’s commitment to creating safe spaces please read our Participant Code of Conduct found HERE.

Lausanne gatherings are spaces where we love one another, honor one another, and together reflect the body of Christ. Should you experience any behaviour that goes against these community values, please immediately contact Lausanne’s safeguarding officer Sarah White (swhite@lausanne.org).