The Baldomeric Oath

Saint Baldomerus is the patron saint of locksmiths. He worked as a locksmith in Lyon, France and died c. 650 A.D. This oath, or code of ethics, is patterned after the Hippocratic Oath of the medical profession.

I do solemnly vow, to that which I value and hold most dear:

That I will honor the Profession of Locksmithing, be just and generous to its members, and

help sustain them in their service to humanity;

That just as I have learned from those who preceded me, I will instruct those

who follow me in the science and the art of Locksmithing;

That I will recognize the limits of my knowledge and pursue lifelong learning to

better protect people and secure their property;

That I will seek the counsel of others when they are more expert so as to fulfill my

obligation to those who entrust me with their safety and security;

That I will not withdraw from my customers in their time of need;

That I will lead my life and practice my art with integrity and honor, using my

knowledge and ability wisely;

That whatsoever I shall see or hear of the lives of my customers that is not fitting to

be spoken, I will keep in confidence;

That I will disclose, to all whom I serve, what they must know to maintain their security, and the means necessary to maintain that security;

That into whatever home or business I shall enter, it shall be for the safety and protection of the people and property therein;

That I will maintain this sacred trust, holding myself far aloof from wrong, from

corruption, from the tempting of others to vice;

That above all else I will serve the highest interests of my customers through the

practice of my science and my art;

That I will be an advocate for people in need and strive for equality in their

security;

That while I apply my craft for the benefit of my customers in particular, I will always apply discretion in preserving the security of each and every member of the public in general.

I now turn to my calling, promising to preserve its finest traditions, with the reward of a long

experience in the joy of providing protection, safety, and security.

I make this vow freely and upon my honor.