Ekklesia Iwiga & Diakonia Americas

Comprehensive Social Media & Public Media Policy

Safeguarding Dignity, Privacy, and Purpose in a Digital World

1. Statement of Purpose

This policy establishes official, binding guidance for the use of social media services, public public-relations channels, and digital media platforms. It applies to all pastors, ecumenical associate clergy, employees, and volunteer leaders when posting on behalf of the organization or when their personal digital footprint directly influences or impacts the reputation of the ministry.

There are no excluded individuals, groups, or departments from this mandate; all who represent the altar and the field operations are governed by these standards.

2. Governance & Stewardship

The digital public presence of the organization is an asset held in sacred trust. Its administration is divided into three tiers of accountability:

  • Executive Oversight: The Director of the Western Hemisphere retains ultimate responsibility for managing the high-level vision, tone, and alignment of all public communications.

  • Practical Administration: The Ministry Leadership Team provides day-to-day practical administration, content creation, and monitoring of public platforms.

  • Governance Boundaries: The Board of Directors is authorized to change the scope, detail, and legal parameters of this policy in accordance with organizational bylaws and compliance regulations.

3. Approved Platforms & Digital Body

Public engagement is an important component of communicating our mission to our global community, adding great value to our advocacy, and offering inspiring educational content. Official organizational accounts are restricted to the following approved platforms:

  • Social & Networking: Instagram

  • Audio & Broadcast: Spotify (for pastoral reflections, podcasts, and spiritual grounding assets).

All personnel are required to exercise deep pastoral discretion and professional caution to safeguard the reputation and integrity of the church and its humanitarian arms.

4. Strict Media Protocols: Privacy & Face-Blurring

In alignment with our Benedictine commitment to unconditional human dignity and our strict Child Safety Policy, the deployment of photography and video imagery from our Hospitality Hubs, crisis zones, and online counseling operations must adhere to a strict privacy protocol:

The Face-Blurring Mandate

  • Supported Individuals (Adults & Children): Without exception, the faces of all immigrants, migrants, unhoused individuals, minors, and families receiving physical, psychological, or pastoral support must be completely blurred, pixelated, or heavily obscured before publication on any social media or web platform.

  • Clergy and Staff Visibility: The faces of ordained priests, pastors, chaplains, and official staff members do not need to be blurred when representing the organization, provided they have consented to be photographed in the line of duty.

  • Vulnerability Protection: Photographs must be reviewed carefully prior to publishing to ensure they do not unintentionally expose identifying features, sensitive geographic markers, or compromise the legal and physical safety of vulnerable travelers.

5. Non-Negotiable Content Restrictions

To protect our theological values, humanistic mission, and legal tax-exempt status, all personnel must strictly refrain from posting, liking, or sharing the following content on official channels:

  • Political Campaigns & Legislation: In strict compliance with US 501(c)(3) regulations, official accounts and representatives acting in an official capacity must completely refrain from endorsing, opposing, or supporting any particular political candidate running for public office, or engaging in unauthorized legislative lobbying.

  • Subversion of Doctrine or Mission: No imagery or text may be posted that attempts to subvert, dishonor, or misrepresent the inclusive, sacramental, and ecumenical affiliations of the Old-Catholic Worldwide Communion (OCC) and our partner traditions.

  • Substance Depictions: Under no circumstances will pictures or videos depicting alcohol consumption, illicit drugs, or controlled substances be permitted on any ministry-affiliated channel.

  • Exploitative Material: Content must never encourage or accept the exploitation of human suffering for digital engagement ("poverty tourism"). Imagery that creates a poor, undignified impression of those we support is strictly prohibited.

6. Policy Compliance

Failure to adhere to these media guardrails compromises the safety of our guests and the integrity of our digital sanctuary. Violations will result in immediate review by the Director of the Western Hemisphere and may lead to the revocation of volunteer status or termination of employment.