This archive report was first published on 6 July 2019.
On Monday, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, unveiled the Church of England's new guidelines for social media at Facebook's UK headquarters.
The guidelines, designed to make online platforms happier places, include calls to 'treat others how you would wish to be treated' and 'think before you post.'
Welby emphasized the importance of using social media in a way that is shaped by the example of Jesus, saying, '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.'
The guidelines will apply to public responses to social media accounts run by the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Archbishop of York.
Users who post inappropriate content may have their posts deleted or reported, or they may be blocked.
Welby also unveiled a voluntary digital charter centered on 'truth, kindness, welcome, inspiration, and togetherness,' which individuals are encouraged to use to consider how their online interactions affect others.
People of all faiths and none are invited to sign up for the charter.
According to John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, 'We are saying that the church wishes to be present in the digital sphere, and the same force for social cohesion which it strives to be in the real world, and we want to work alongside social media companies in their work to make social media a safe and enlightening space for all.'
