Allegations of Research Misconduct

Theological Journal KERUGMA is committed to maintaining academic integrity, research ethics, and responsible scholarly publishing. The journal takes all allegations of research or publication misconduct seriously, whether they concern submitted manuscripts, published articles, authors, reviewers, or members of the editorial team.

Research and publication misconduct may include, but is not limited to, plagiarism, fabrication or falsification of research data, manipulation of images or other research materials, duplicate publication, inappropriate authorship practices, citation manipulation, manipulation of the peer-review process, and other violations of accepted research ethics and publication standards.

Reporting Allegations

Authors, reviewers, readers, and other concerned parties may report suspected research or publication misconduct to the Editor-in-Chief through the journal's official editorial contact. Reports should include a clear description of the concern, relevant article or manuscript details, and supporting evidence where available. All reports will be handled seriously, fairly, and as confidentially as reasonably possible.

Assessment and Investigation

Upon receiving an allegation, the editorial team will conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether the concern warrants further examination. Where appropriate, the editor may request additional information, review relevant documentation, and provide the individuals concerned with a reasonable opportunity to respond. The journal will avoid premature conclusions and will assess the available evidence impartially.

When an allegation requires formal investigation beyond the journal's authority, the editor may refer the matter to the author's affiliated institution, publisher, or another appropriate authority. The journal will cooperate with relevant institutions in accordance with applicable policies and confidentiality requirements.

Editorial Actions

Depending on the nature and seriousness of the allegation and the evidence available, the journal may take appropriate action, including requesting clarification or correction, suspending the editorial process, rejecting a manuscript, issuing a correction or an expression of concern, retracting a published article, or notifying relevant institutions or authorities.

If an allegation concerns a member of the editorial team or a peer reviewer, the journal will seek an impartial assessment by an appropriate person who is not directly involved in the matter.

The journal respects the rights and confidentiality of all parties throughout the process. Allegations will not be treated as established misconduct without appropriate assessment. At the same time, the journal reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect the integrity of the scholarly record and maintain public trust in its publications.