HHO has zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and is committed to safeguarding everyone involved in activities, ministries and services.
As Christians we know our life together is strengthened when our behaviour is consistent with our faith. However, our experience of being together as Christians can be difficult, particularly when there are differences. So, it is important to be clear about how we will behave towards each other.
As a community we value the wellbeing of others, encourage each other to participate in the life of the church, and will consider the impact of our behaviour on others.
As we relate to each other we will treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of ability, gender, sexuality, race, age or contribution to the church and act with integrity and honesty in our interactions.
We will communicate respectfully with others and in no way threaten, belittle or humiliate but speak with integrity and honesty – refraining from speculation and gossip.
We acknowledge that we are all different, created in God’s image.
Therefore, we will respect those who are different from us and not isolate or ridicule them, and we will listen to and seek to understand the beliefs, opinions and practices of others, even when we do not share their views.
We will accept responsibility for our part in a conflict.
We will be willing to play our part in resolving a conflict.
Below are some extra guiding principles to keep in mind when interacting in our community spaces.
Grounding what is said with intentional language is helpful
Eg. “I feel that…” “In my opinion…” “I have noticed…” "In my experience..."
By taking responsibility for your experience and perspective, you make space for others to express different views and share their unique positions. This practice enhances our community life and resiliance so that we can remain in unity with difference.
By posing questions we are honouring Jesus’ teachings (which often featured more questions than answers) while encouraging one another to grow deeper in faith.
All questions are welcome as long as they are put forward in a spirit of respect.
R – Responsibility. Take responsibility for what you share. Use “I” statements.
E – Empathetic listening. Use empathetic listening and apply grace to what others share. We don’t all have to agree to be community together.
S – Sensitive. Be sensitive to differences and the limitations of the online space. Some words mean different things to different people and it can be harder to convey things over written communications than in person.
P – Ponder. Ponder what you hear and feel before you speak. Taking a few deep breaths before sharing is always a good idea.
E – Examine. Examine your own assumptions and perceptions. Think carefully about how you are interpreting what is being shared. Every person comes from a unique position and might mean something different to what is first assumed. It’s ok to respectfully clarify and ask questions to better understand another’s position.
C – Confidentiality. Confidentiality is different than secrets. Share constructively to uphold the well-being of the community but be respectful of what others share. Experiences and opinions belong to the person who has shared them and the space that they have shared them in – so check before relaying another person’s words outside of the space.
T –Trust. Trust ambiguity, we are not here to debate who is right or wrong, but to playfully explore and grow our faith in a safe space.
Our members are encouraged not to give personal information away in Virtual reality or on Zoom - even when we are gathered with other members we know well. We must remember that being online is still a public space even if we are connecting from home or other places that feel safe for us.
Members are encouraged to think carefully about using their full names when they join spaces. Whenever a community member is mentioned in send-outs, on the liturgy screens or in other communications, only their first name will be used.
Being part of any online activity represents some risk. Although we do our best to create a safe space, we must live with the reality that being online can expose us to scams, unwanted and uninvited content and varied behaviours from others also participating as well as those who seek to gain access to intentionally take advantage or disrupt the space.
Online safety is the main reason signing-up is necessary to get the Zoom links for worship and gatherings, and why we don't have them listed on our website. By ensuring that those who have signed up are genuinely wanting to connect in or become part of the community, we have less risk of internet 'trolls' or 'bots' gaining access and disrupting our space.
Members are welcome to share Zoom links to join with family members and friends, who they might like to invite to try HHO out, but are asked not to post the links on social media or in public forums.
All member data and information for those on our send out list is kept securely through the Tithe.ly ChMs system.
From the Church of England’s social media community guidelines.
