Social media: Church of England guidelines to tackle ‘downsides’

The Church of England has published social media guidelines to help tackle online abuse and misleading content.

Social media helps to “share the good news of Jesus Christ” but also has “downsides”, the guidelines say.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will launch the new rules for online accounts run by the Church in a visit to Facebook’s UK headquarters later.

Justin Welby will also urge Christians to sign up to a digital charter to help foster a “positive atmosphere” online.

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The charter centres on five principles of truth, kindness, welcome, inspiration and togetherness, the Church said, while the social media guidelines include principles such as ensuring the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and being respectful, kind and honest.

People who post inappropriate, unsuitable or offensive comments on national social media accounts run by the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York may be reported or blocked, the guidelines say.

“Each time we interact online we have the opportunity either to add to currents of cynicism and abuse or to choose instead to share light and grace,” Mr Welby said.

“My prayer is that through these guidelines and charter we can encourage regular and not-so-regular churchgoers, sceptics and those who are surprised to find themselves interested, to be open to think and experience more of the Christian faith,” he added.

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