1. Introduction
The Orthodox Church acknowledges that its members may maintain personal websites, blogs, and social media accounts to express their opinions, share their experiences, or engage in discussions on various topics, including religious matters. While the Church values the personal freedom of its members to share their views, it is important to clarify that the content, opinions, and views expressed on personal platforms do not represent the official stance of the Church.
This policy outlines the Church’s position regarding the independence of personal online activities by its members and its lack of responsibility for the content shared on those platforms.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Clarify that the Church is not responsible for nor endorses the content, opinions, or views expressed by members on their personal websites, blogs, or social media accounts.
- Outline the boundaries between personal expression and the official teachings or positions of the Church.
- Protect the Church from any legal or reputational liability resulting from personal online activities of its members.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all clergy, staff, volunteers, and members of the Old Orthodox Church of Jerusalem. It covers any personal websites, blogs, social media accounts, or online platforms maintained by members that are not officially sanctioned or operated by the Church, its dioceses, or parishes.
4. Personal Responsibility for Online Content
4.1. Independent Content Creation
- Members of the Church are free to maintain personal websites, blogs, and social media accounts to express their own opinions, views, and content. However, it must be understood that these platforms are independent of the Church.
4.2. No Endorsement by the Church
- The Church does not review, endorse, or sanction the content, opinions, or views expressed by members on their personal platforms. As such, any views shared by individuals do not reflect the official teachings, doctrine, or policies of the Church.
- Church members should not imply or suggest that their personal views are representative of the Church or its leadership unless they are explicitly authorised to do so.
4.3. Disclaimers Encouraged
- The Church encourages its members who maintain personal online platforms to include disclaimers stating that their views are personal and do not represent the official stance of the Church. This helps to avoid confusion or misrepresentation of Church teachings.
5. Church Liability and Accountability
5.1. No Accountability for Personal Platforms
- The Church, its dioceses, parishes, clergy, staff, and volunteers will not be held accountable or responsible for the content shared on personal websites, blogs, or social media accounts maintained by its members.
- The Church cannot be liable for any legal disputes, defamation claims, or other consequences arising from the opinions or content posted by individual members on personal platforms.
5.2. Legal or Reputational Issues
- If a member’s online activities involve illegal actions, defamation, or other harmful behaviours, they are solely responsible for the consequences. The Church disclaims any liability for the legal or reputational impacts of such activities.
5.3. Disciplinary Action for Misrepresentation
- In cases where a member falsely represents the Church or spreads harmful or malicious information while claiming to act in an official Church capacity, the Church reserves the right to take disciplinary action, including but not limited to termination of membership in specific Church roles or positions.
6. Official Church Platforms
6.1. Church-Sanctioned Websites and Accounts
- This policy does not apply to websites, blogs, or social media accounts that are officially operated by the Church, its dioceses, or parishes. Any such platforms are managed according to Church guidelines and represent the official stance of the Church.
6.2. Separation of Official and Personal Platforms
- Clergy, staff, or volunteers who manage official Church platforms must maintain a clear distinction between their personal accounts and Church-operated platforms. Official Church platforms must adhere strictly to the teachings, doctrines, and policies of the Church.
7. Conclusion
The Church recognises the freedom of its members to express their opinions and share content through personal websites, blogs, and social media. However, the Church is not responsible for, nor does it endorse, the content shared on these platforms. Members are solely responsible for their online activities, and the Church disclaims any liability for the consequences of personal content. By maintaining this policy, the Church ensures the clear separation between personal expression and its official teachings, protecting its mission, reputation, and legal standing.
February 15, 2004; June 8, 2006; September 3, 2012
