Digital charter and social media guidelines

Digital Charter

The digital charter is a voluntary pledge that Christians and churches are encouraged to sign up to, to help make social media more positive and healthy places for conversations.

What does it look like to be a Christian online? Everyone’s engagement is different. Whether you’re a member of clergy using Twitter or a churchgoer replying to the comments on a blog, we all have different views, histories and areas of interest that will affect how we perceive things, and how we respond to those events. The comments we make can reach thousands and even millions of people both in this country and around the world very quickly.

However, there are a number of ways we can make the digital world as loving and generous as we would when speaking face to face:

  • Truth - we should hold ourselves to high ideals of checking that what we post online is fair and factual.
  • Kindness - we are all different and that makes the world an interesting place – and at times a challenging one. Think the best of people, whether they share our views or are speaking against them and aim to be constructive in the way we engage.
  • Welcome - in the language we use and the way we interact. It’s easy for Christians to speak in another language using words that those outside the Church might not relate to.
  • Inspiration - we are called to be witnesses of our faith and to use social media in a way that genuinely engages others.
  • Togetherness - we are one Church and other members of this Church are our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is crucial we treat those around us in this way.
  • Safeguarding - if you have any concerns about the wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults, please contact the diocesan safeguarding adviser.
  • Agree to the Church’s and Archbishops’ social media guidelines (see below)

Social media guidelines

The Church of England's social media guidelines were created to help Christians and churches begin conversations online which reflect their values. Social media is one public way of living and telling our story as followers of Jesus Christ.

If you would like support with your digital or social media presence, contact the communications team.

Who to contact

The Communications team