Content guidelines
What a church may publish here, and the one rule that keeps a multi-denominational directory usable by everybody in it.
Three kinds of writing, kept apart
Our editorial is written by us, in a neutral voice: features, guides, explanations of what happens at a service.
Church announcements are written by churches, in their own voice, and always carry a "Published by" badge so nobody mistakes one for the other.
Events are factual listings: what, where, when, what it costs.
The scope rule
A church may write about what happens at that church. A church may not argue against, correct or characterise other denominations, churches or religions; take positions on party politics; make fundraising appeals outside its own page; or publish medical or legal claims, or content aimed at an individual.
Doctrine itself is out of scope here. "Come to our Alpha course" is welcome. "Unlike them, we teach the true..." is not. This is not a judgement about who is right; it is what allows churches that disagree profoundly to appear in the same directory.
Everything is read before it is published
Nothing submitted by a member goes live unreviewed. Editors apply these guidelines and not their own theology, and a rejection quotes the rule it relied on.
If a rule is broken
- First time The piece is rejected, with an explanation of which rule and why.
- Second time Publishing is paused for thirty days.
- Repeatedly Publishing rights are withdrawn.
A directory listing is never removed over a content dispute. The directory has to stay complete to be worth using, so only publishing rights are affected.