Open Christian Press (OCP) - Ethics & Malpractice Statement

Open Christian Press is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical integrity in all stages of scholarly publishing. We view each publication not only as an academic contribution but as a moral responsibility to both the academic community and the broader public. To that end, we follow the principles and best practices set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and we expect the same from our authors, reviewers, and editors.

All manuscripts submitted to our journals must reflect original work, free from fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty. We expect authors to engage with sources honestly, represent findings accurately, and disclose any real or perceived conflicts of interest. All co-authors listed must have contributed meaningfully to the work and must approve the final submitted version. Ghostwriting, honorary authorship, or submission without consent of all contributors is considered misconduct.

Reviewers and editors are likewise held to high standards of fairness, transparency, and confidentiality. Manuscripts must be evaluated solely on academic merit, relevance, and clarity, without regard to the author’s race, gender, affiliation, or theological position. Editors must recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where a personal or institutional conflict of interest exists. Reviewers are expected to maintain confidentiality, declare conflicts, and avoid using manuscript content for personal gain.

In cases where misconduct is suspected—whether during submission, review, or after publication—Open Christian Press will initiate a fair and thorough investigation. We reserve the right to request clarifications, corrections, or supporting documentation from the author(s). If the concern is substantiated, appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with COPE guidelines. These may include rejection of the manuscript, publication of a formal correction or retraction, notification of affiliated institutions, or a temporary or permanent ban from future submissions. Retractions, if necessary, will be clearly labeled and explained, preserving the integrity of the publication record.

We also take seriously any allegations of editorial bias, reviewer misconduct, or breaches of confidentiality. Such concerns should be raised promptly with the Editor-in-Chief or sent directly to ethics@openchristian.education. All reports will be treated confidentially and investigated respectfully.

Open Christian Press is committed to fostering a scholarly environment shaped by humility, truth, accountability, and grace. We do not claim perfection, but we hold ourselves to standards that honor both academic excellence and spiritual integrity.

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