The Church of England has recently published a “digital charter” – a voluntary pledge encouraging individual Christians as well as churches to help make social media and the web more positive places.

As a church, St Mary’s has signed-up and is committed to this charter.

The key points of the Digital Charter

• 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 relevant diocesan safeguarding adviser.

• Agree to the Church’s and Archbishops’ social media guidelines