ROCOR Approves Rules of Conduct for Clergy on Social Media
The Eastern American Diocese of ROCOR has called on clergy to focus on parish life, limiting their online activity to the bounds of pastoral duty.
The Eastern American Diocese of ROCOR has adopted an official policy governing clergy conduct in the digital space. The document obliges clergy and church employees to exercise restraint and humility when using social media. This is reported by the UOJ in the USA.
Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York sent a letter to the clergy in which he emphasized that online activity must reflect pastoral vocation and must not provoke scandal. The rules apply to bishops, priests, deacons, as well as subdeacons, readers, and volunteers of diocesan institutions. The authors of the initiative call on the faithful to give priority to prayer and parish life rather than excessive engagement with digital platforms.
The policy cautions clergy against participating in heated online discussions and publishing personal opinions under the guise of an official position of the Church. Particular attention is given to the point that social media should be used only to invite people to church, while confession and spiritual guidance must take place exclusively in person. Clergy are also reminded of the impermissibility of disclosing confidential information and excessive self-promotion online.
Compliance with the new norms will be monitored by diocesan leadership. It is stated that the aim of reviews will be pastoral correction rather than punishment; however, disciplinary measures are provided for refusal to follow the directives.
Previously, similar steps to restrict clergy activity on social media were taken in Australia. As the UOJ reported, the Synod of the Australian Archdiocese spoke out against clergy bloggers in order to protect the spiritual mission of the Church.
