Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America
[SYOSSET, NY] On October 6, 2011, during their Fall 2011 Session, the members of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America adopted and approved “Guidelines for Clergy Use of Online Social Networking.”
Available in PDF format, the Guidelines recognize “the popularity of social networking and digital communications” and their exponential growth. Acknowledging that “the Church should not shy away from these new forms of media, but should be actively present in them,” the hierarchs of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America emphasize the importance of maintaining “healthy boundaries to digital, online, and social media communications and relationships.”
In addition to general guidelines and considerations, the document offers specific guidelines for clergy with regard to use of social networking with youth, the posting of pictures and videos, and related issues.