The Diocese of Winchester has taken the decision to stop our activity on the social media channel called ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter).
At present we have not deleted our entire X account, we have just posted a ‘last tweet’ which explains that our profile will not be monitored or active anymore.
The reasons for this decision are multi-faceted. As other dioceses have also expressed, including our neighbours (Salisbury, Oxford and Bristol dioceses), the leadership team are concerned about the direction of the channel and the disturbing content often shared on the site.
Our staff members who manage the X account are regularly exposed to vitriolic messages which go beyond healthy and constructive debate, as well as content of an inappropriate nature.
In addition, the diocese’s level of engagement and impact on the X platform is limited compared to other social media platforms where we are interacting with our audiences and using the tools of social media for the diocese’s primary aim – which is to support and engage with our parishes, chaplaincies, schools and worshipping communities, and to share widely the message of the gospel and stories of faith and lives transformed by Jesus.
We are not seeking to retreat from difficult discussions and debate. Bishop Philip continues to engage very publicly and in the media about many challenging situations in church and societal life, and in the House of Lords, particularly championing the cause of Freedom of Religion or Belief.
As a diocese we are committed to connecting with all people, hearing different perspectives, learning from others, and advocating for the poor and the marginalized, and it is regrettable that X is no longer a platform where these many different voices are able to be heard and engaged with.
We very much look forward to engaging with our followers on our other channels and we continue to invite you to share your wonderful stories and photos with us!
If you are concerned about this decision and would like to speak to us, or would like help with your own church or community’s use social media, please contact communications@winchester.anglican.org.
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