Church in Wales Publishes Social Media Guidelines

Three cheers for the Church in Wales, which has published some sensible advice to its clergy and office holders on the use of social media.

The Church's website yesterday published a press release which links to the full 12 pages of guidance.

The guidance document itself doesn't assume any prior knowledge of social media (some clergy still view the answerphone with suspicion, so expecting them to have heard of Facebook is a big ask) but it adopts a positive approach to the digital realm.

There's sensible advice on confidentiality, the use of humour, encouraging joined-up thinking on communications, and there's guidance on whistle-blowing if you come across some use of social media that is clearly A Bad Thing.

It also tackles peripheral problems, saying things like, don't tweet in PCC meetings: it's considered rude, don't waste too much time online, look after your security and privacy.

How long before the Church of England catches up? Perhaps my colleagues at the Twurch of England will apply some pressure?

All we need to do is copy the Welsh church's good work.