I am convinced that an urgent need in order to restore confidence in our federal government is comprehensive ethics reform. Below is the content of the letters I have sent to my senators and congressman.

Dear Senator Scott , Senator-Elect Andrews, and Representative Wilson:

As the Senate and House of Representatives enters a time of significant transition, you likely are being bombarded with suggestions and requests for legislation; and I am hesitant to add to the list. However, one foundational legislative need merits urgent attention for it underlies all others. That is the need for comprehensive federal ethics reform. Beneath the problems of affordability, unnecessary wars, corruption, and mistrust of institutions lies a collapse of moral vision and commitment to the common good.

Congress should immediately enact comprehensive ethics legislation governing all three branches of the federal government—legislative, executive, and judicial. Such legislation should reflect our nation’s highest moral ideals as expressed in the Constitution and Bill of Rights: honesty, integrity, justice, transparency, accountability, and respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

At a minimum, such legislation should include the following:

1. Prohibit conflicts of interest and personal enrichment, including individual stock trading by senior government officials and misuse of public office for private financial gain.
2. Require full transparency, including meaningful disclosures of assets, gifts, outside income, and financial relationships that could compromise impartiality.
3. Establish clearly defined ethical standards for all three branches, including the president, vice president, members of Congress, and federal judges, with appropriate safeguards for
4. constitutional independence.
5. Create independent ethics oversight and enforcement, with authority to investigate credible allegations, protect due process, and impose meaningful consequences for violations.
6. Strengthen protection against corruption and undue influence, including improper gifts, lobbying arrangements, nepotism, and the exchange of political favors for personal or financial benefit.
7. Protect whistleblowers and public servants who report misconduct, dishonesty, abuse of authority, violations of the public trust,
8. Ensure accountability without partisan favoritism, applying ethical standards consistently regardless of political party, position, wealth, or influence.

Public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement to personal privilege, power, or gain. No official should be above ethical accountability. The strength of our constitutional democracy depends not only on the separation of powers but also on the moral integrity with which those powers are exercised.

Laws alone cannot guarantee moral character. They can, however, establish boundaries against corruption, protect the vulnerable from abuses of power, and strengthen public confidence in government. The ultimate test of governmental ethics is whether the power is exercised for personal advantage or for justice, human dignity, and the common good,

As one of your constituents, I hope that you will exercise your considerable power and influence in formulating and enacting desperately needed comprehensive federal ethics reform. Please be assured of my availability to support and assist in your effort to do so,

Sincerely yours,

Kenneth L. Carder
Retired Bishop, The United Methodist Church and
Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams Distinguished Professor Emeritus
The Practice of Christian Ministry
Duke Divinity School