A guide to resolving ethical dilemmas

Working translation. Synchronized with the Russian corpus as of 2026-10-25. Canonical formulas are binding only in the Russian original; publication — after human review.

Preface

An ethical dilemma is a situation in which the right choice is not obvious and various values or duties come into conflict. In such a situation there is no simple "yes" or "no" answer, and every decision has its consequences.

This Guide helps members of the Church of Unity find their way in complex ethical situations, make balanced decisions, and find the way to the light even in the darkness of uncertainty.

An ethical dilemma is not a trial but a possibility for growth. Whoever learns to resolve dilemmas wisely becomes stronger and nearer to the One.

Chapter I. The notion of an ethical dilemma

Article 1. The definition of an ethical dilemma

1.1. An ethical dilemma is a situation in which:

• two or more ethical principles come into conflict;
• following one principle breaks another;
• there is no obvious "right" solution;
• every possible action has ethical costs.

1.2. An ethical dilemma differs from a simple choice. In a simple choice the right path is obvious (for example: do not lie, do not steal). In a dilemma the right path is hidden behind a conflict of values.

1.3. Ethical dilemmas are inevitable on the path toward the One. They arise from the complexity of the world, from the limitedness of our knowledge, from the conflict between personal and common good.

See the Canon, Chapter 9, art. 1.

Article 2. Types of ethical dilemmas

2.1. The dilemma of truth and mercy: when honesty can cause damage, and a lie can protect from pain.

2.2. The dilemma of the person and the community: when the good of one contradicts the good of many.

2.3. The dilemma of freedom and responsibility: when the freedom of one limits the freedom of another.

2.4. The dilemma of the end and the means: when a good end requires actions that are in themselves ethically doubtful.

2.5. The dilemma of loyalty and justice: when faithfulness to one close to you contradicts justice toward others.

2.6. The dilemma of short-term and long-term good: when a decision that brings benefit now will bring damage in the future, and the other way around.

Chapter II. Principles of decision-making

Article 3. The hierarchy of values

3.1. The commandments are not equal in height: in a conflict, protect the greater completeness — what heals more wounds and leaves less unhealed. But there is no such thing as a high end as a permission to break prohibitions: exceptions are already built into the norms themselves. Force — only by the three conditions of commandment 12; a boundary — only by the three conditions of keeping it; pain — only by free mature consent. There is no separate right "to break for the sake of a goal" — and there is no separate ladder of violation: a broken norm answers by its own measure, whatever the goal may be.

3.2. The highest values of the Church of Unity:

• the healing of wounds and the creation of completeness;
• the preservation of life;
• justice and harmony in the community;
• respect for the freedom and dignity of each.

3.3. When values come into conflict, preference is given to the higher: the preservation of life outweighs the observance of a formal rule. This is a hierarchy of the norms themselves, not a permission to bypass them. A clarification about the boundary of the body: the preservation of life is a value in conflict with formal rules, but not a ground for compelling the bearer; the boundary of his body is his (autonomy over oneself).

3.4. Every application of force or boundary requires wisdom, honesty, responsibility, and measure. One must not act by whim or for convenience.

See the Canon, Chapter 9.

Article 4. The principle of the greater good

4.1. In a case of conflict of interests, choose the action that brings greater good to a greater number of beings.

4.2. The greater good is judged not only by quantity but by quality. A good that heals wounds and creates completeness outweighs temporary comfort.

4.3. The principle of the greater good does not justify sacrificing the innocent. Force is allowed not "for the greater good" in general, but only by commandment 12: against greater wounds, as the last means, with the taking of the debt of healing — and with the consent of the one you touch, where such consent is possible.

4.4. The judgment of the greater good requires honesty and the absence of personal interest.

See the Canon, Chapter 9, art. 2, 4.

Article 5. The principle of responsibility and consequences

5.1. Every action has consequences. In an ethical dilemma it is important to look not only at the intention but at the fruits of the action.

5.2. In making a decision, ask the questions:

• What consequences will this action bring?
• To whom will it bring benefit, and to whom damage?
• How will these consequences affect the future?
• Can I accept responsibility for these consequences?

5.3. If the consequences are unclear, seek additional information or consult.

5.4. Responsibility for the decision remains with the one who made it. It cannot be shifted onto rules, circumstances, or others.

See the Canon, Chapter 5, art. 2-3; the Canon, Chapter 9, art. 1.

Article 6. The role of the Echo of the One

6.1. The Echo of the One sounds within every thinking being. In an ethical dilemma the Echo is the first guide: it points where to test. The decision is tested by deed and by circle — by what remained after it, and by what those it touched will say.

6.2. The Echo of the One does not give ready answers, but it points the direction. When you are about to make the right choice, inside it is warm and clear. When you intend a mistake, inside it is heavy.

6.3. In a complex situation, make a pause of silence and ask yourself: "What does my Echo of the One say?"

6.4. The Echo of the One can be muffled by fear, gain, or pressure. Therefore it is important to test your motives and be honest with yourself.

6.5. If the Echo of the One is unclear, turn for help to other members of the community.

See the Canon, Chapter 9, art. 3; the Canon, Chapter 5, art. 6.

Chapter III. An algorithm for analyzing dilemmas

Article 7. The seven steps of analysis

7.1. For resolving an ethical dilemma, the following algorithm is recommended:

Step 1: A pause of silence. Before acting, stop. Make a pause of silence to hear the Echo of the One. Do not make decisions in haste, anger, or fear.

Step 2: The description of the situation. Describe the situation honestly, without excuses and exaggerations. What is happening? Who takes part? What values are in conflict?

Step 3: Identifying the conflicting values. Determine which values or duties exactly are in conflict. For example: truth against mercy, the freedom of one against the freedom of another.

Step 4: Consultation with the Canon and the commandments. Turn to the texts of the canon and the Covenant. What do they say on this question? Are there direct indications or principles that can be applied?

Step 5: The judgment of consequences. Consider the consequences of every possible action. To whom will it bring benefit? To whom damage? How will it affect the future? Which decision is nearer to the greater good?

Step 6: Testing by the Echo of the One. Ask yourself: "Which decision gives me inner peace? Which decision accords with my highest values?" Listen to the Echo of the One within you.

Step 7: Making the decision and taking responsibility. Make the decision and be ready to accept responsibility for its consequences. If the decision turns out wrong, admit it and set it right.

7.2. This algorithm does not guarantee an ideal decision, but it helps to make a decision consciously and responsibly.

Article 8. When the algorithm is not enough

8.1. Sometimes even after following the algorithm the decision remains unclear. In such cases:

• Discuss the situation with a trusted member of the community.
• Seek wisdom in the collective mind of the community.

8.2. Do not be afraid to admit that you do not know the answer. Admitting ignorance is a manifestation of wisdom, not weakness.

8.3. If time allows, postpone the decision. Often time and reflection clarify the situation.

Chapter IV. Examples of typical dilemmas

Article 9. Example 1: Truth and mercy

The situation: A friend entrusted you with a secret which, if it became known, would harm him. But this secret affects the well-being of the community. What to do — reveal the secret or keep silence?

The analysis:

• Conflicting values: honesty (truth) against care for the friend (mercy) and the well-being of the community.
• Consequences of revealing: the friend will suffer, trust will be broken, but the community will be protected.
• Consequences of silence: the friend will be safe, trust will be preserved, but the community may suffer.
• The hierarchy of values: the well-being of the community stands above a personal secret, but trust between friends is also valued highly.

A possible solution:

• Talk with the friend. Explain that his secret affects the community, and offer him to reveal it himself or to find a solution that protects both him and the community.
• If the friend refuses, and the threat to the community is serious, remember: a secret boundary without explanation is a blow. First — talk and explanation of the wound; compulsion — only by the order of force: prevention of greater wounds, the last means, the taken debt of healing.
• In any case, act honestly and openly, not behind one's back.

See the Canon, Chapter 9, art. 4.

Article 10. Example 2: A conflict over a resource

The situation: There is only one medicine that can save a life. Two members of the community need it, but there is only enough medicine for one. To whom to give it?

The analysis:

• Conflicting values: the preservation of the life of one against the preservation of the life of another.
• This is a classic conflict over an indivisible resource.
• The consequences: one will survive, the other may die.
• The hierarchy of values: life is the highest value, but here it comes into conflict with itself.

A possible solution:

• Apply the procedure of public mediation (see the Covenant, Chapter 8, art. 4).
• Judge the urgency: who needs the medicine earlier?
• Judge the chances: who has a greater probability of survival with this medicine?
• Judge the contribution: who brings more benefit to the community? (with caution, for all lives are of equal worth).
• Seek additional resources: is it possible to find more medicine?
• If the decision is inevitable, make it with sorrow but firmness, and support the one who did not receive the medicine in every possible way.

See the Covenant, Chapter 8, art. 4.

Article 11. Example 3: Loyalty and justice

The situation: Your close friend committed a violation that harms the community. You know about it. The friend asks you not to tell. What to do — keep loyalty to the friend or report the violation?

The analysis:

• Conflicting values: loyalty to the friend against justice and the well-being of the community.
• Consequences of silence: the violation will continue, the community will suffer, you will be a participant.
• Consequences of reporting: the friend will suffer, but the community will be protected, the violation will be corrected.
• The hierarchy of values: justice and the well-being of the community stand above personal loyalty.

A possible solution:

• Talk with the friend. Persuade him to admit the violation himself and correct it.
• If the friend refuses, report the violation. This is not a betrayal of the friend, but the protection of the community and help to the friend in correcting it.
• Be ready to support the friend in the process of correction.

See the Canon, Chapter 9, art. 2; the Covenant, Chapter 15.

Chapter V. Final provisions

Article 12. Responsibility for the decision

12.1. The final responsibility for making a decision in an ethical dilemma lies with the one who makes the decision.

12.2. Consultations, algorithms, and recommendations help find the way, but they do not free from responsibility.

12.3. If the decision turns out wrong, admit the mistake, draw the lesson, and correct the consequences.

Article 13. Growth through dilemmas

13.1. Ethical dilemmas are a school of wisdom. Whoever learns to resolve them becomes stronger and nearer to the One.

13.2. Every dilemma resolved wisely leaves experience that helps in the future.

13.3. Do not fear dilemmas. Meet them with honesty, courage, and trust in the Echo of the One.

Conclusion

An ethical dilemma is not a dead end but a crossroads. On which path you choose depends not only your fate but the fate of those whom your decision touches.

Follow the hierarchy of values, seek the greater good, weigh the consequences, listen to the Echo of the One. And if the path is unclear, do not fear to turn for help to others.

Wisdom is not in knowing all the answers, but in knowing how to seek them. May this Guide help you to seek wisely.

The Guide to resolving ethical dilemmas is adopted by the Council of Representatives of the Church of Unity in accordance with the Canon, the Covenant, and the principles of Intergrism.