Protocol for Social Media

This short protocol is intended as a guideline for all of us who are in direct or indirect communication with the refugees, as Friends on Facebook or as “pen-pals” using Messenger, Viber, Twitter or WhatsApp or as sponsors/friends of individual students for education.

Be Aware - Sympathy for the persecution of Christians exists and all forms of social media are prime sources of information about refugees and who is involved with them.  People will be looking.

Refugees - Our prime responsibility is to protect and respect the privacy and dignity of the refugees and not to abuse the hospitality and trust they have placed in us.  Their safety comes first.

5th Gospel Christians - We must protect the privacy and safety of the Trustees of 5th Gospel Christians and the visitors, pilgrims, colleagues and volunteers working both in the UK and in Jordan with 5th Gospel Christians.

1.              Facebook – your own posts about the refugees

                  responsible use of photographs

Don’t name people individually, use first names only – best to photograph and name a group as a group.  Identify locations generally – do not be specific.  

Never publish a photograph that could be considered “privileged and private” information for your eyes as a guest and trusted friend. For example – the interior of people’s homes and living conditions, unless owner gives specific permission.

      responsible use of text

Don’t publish specific criticism and draw attention to (so-called) ISIS or Daesh in public or online.  

Don’t publish details of individual stories told to you in trust; keep to general examples of what has happened to the Christian refugees and focus on the positive benefit of our friendship and care.

2. Facebook – your own posts not regarding the refugees 

your posts will be seen by all your Facebook friends – including refugees, children, teenagers and young people

3.              Facebook – posts from your Facebook Friends

be aware of key cultural sensitivities and differences from Western culture

·       unmarried boys and girls do not live together before marriage – sex is within marriage

·       same sex unions exist, but are lived discreetly and privately; when dancing, people do not touch each other

·       girls will not go out alone or without a chaperone – mother, brother, father, uncle, cousin

·       all dress modestly and do not display large areas of flesh

·       there is no abortion

·       divorce exists but re-marriage, even after the death of a spouse, seldom happens

·       euthanasia is unthinkable

4.              the Iraqi refugees are deeply religious Christians

Disrespectful remarks about Jesus, God and priests are unacceptable.  Faith, Family and Food are priority values.

5.              be sensitive to what has happened

Their lives were like ours – houses, work, cars, schools, etc., although living for many years with the insecurity of war and conflict.  Everything material was lost when they had to run from fanatical extremist Muslim sects.  They’ve seen unspeakable horrors. Their priests were shot, beheaded and tortured; many family members are still missing. Their lives are now on hold, living in cramped conditions and poverty, dependent on help that charity can provide, unable legally to work, waiting for visas to begin a new life in a new culture where it is safe to be Christian.  They appreciate our care, the chance to learn English, and giving time to share our lives with theirs in friendship and prayer.