Publication Ethics

Maneser: Journal of Religio-Spiritual Studies upholds high ethical standards in scholarly publishing. All stakeholders—authors, reviewers, editors, and the publisher—are required to adhere to ethical principles based on integrity, transparency, fairness, accountability, and respect for religious-spiritual diversity. The journal follows guidelines recommended by COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics).

1. Ethical Responsibilities of Authors

Authors must:

  • Submit original, unpublished work that is not under review elsewhere

  • Present accurate data, valid findings, and honest interpretations

  • Use appropriate citations when referencing prior work

  • Ensure all listed authors significantly contributed to the manuscript

  • Clearly describe methodology, ethical procedures, and participant protection

  • Avoid plagiarism, self-plagiarism, fabrication, or manipulation of data

  • Respect sacred values, religious sensitivity, doctrines, and cultural norms

If research involves communities, belief systems, or sacred traditions, authors must maintain confidentiality and respect cultural rights.

2. Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers must:

  • Evaluate manuscripts objectively and professionally

  • Provide constructive feedback without personal bias

  • Maintain confidentiality of manuscript content

  • Declare conflicts of interest when relevant

  • Avoid using unpublished information for personal advantage

Reviewers should consider doctrinal sensitivity, cultural appropriateness, and ethical risks in research on religion/spirituality.

3. Ethical Responsibilities of Editors

Editors must:

  • Make decisions based on academic quality and relevance

  • Ensure fairness by implementing a double-blind review system

  • Maintain confidentiality of authors and reviewers

  • Prevent conflicts of interest in publication decisions

  • Uphold academic and ethical integrity when misconduct is detected

  • Facilitate dialogue when ethical or doctrinal issues arise

Editors may withdraw or retract articles when evidence of major ethical violations is confirmed.

4. Handling Violations of Ethics

Ethical violations may include:

  • Plagiarism or citation misconduct

  • Fabrication or falsification of findings

  • Duplicate publication or simultaneous submission

  • Misrepresentation of sacred teachings or community beliefs

  • Breach of confidentiality or misinterpretation of spiritual doctrine

Corrective actions may include:

  • Requesting clarification

  • Mandatory revision

  • Rejection

  • Retraction of published work

By implementing this ethical policy, Maneser ensures that religious-spiritual scholarship is conducted responsibly, respectfully, and beneficially for the academic community and society.