Media Strategy Policy — Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), being a divine institution entrusted with the proclamation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, recognizes the strategic importance of media in advancing the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20).
In an age of rapid digital communication, the Church must speak clearly, authoritatively, and consistently, ensuring that her voice is not misrepresented, diluted, or silenced.
This policy establishes a unified framework for media engagement, governance, and content dissemination across all levels of the Church.

This Media Strategy Policy seeks to:
• Promote the faithful proclamation of the Gospel through media
• Ensure doctrinal accuracy and consistency in all communications
• Strengthen the public voice and reputation of the Church
• Provide a coordinated communication structure across dioceses
• Enhance youth engagement and digital outreach
• Safeguard the Church against misinformation and unauthorized use of content
• Establish standards for professional media practice within the Church

This policy applies to:
• All Provinces, Dioceses, Archdeaconries, and Parishes
• Clergy, Laity, and Church Officers
• Official media units and communicators
• All digital and traditional media platforms representing the Church

4.0.1 National Level
The Directorate of Communications shall serve as the central authority for all national media communication, approve official statements and publications, manage national social media platforms, and coordinate media strategy across dioceses.
4.0.2 Diocesan Level
Each Diocese shall establish a Diocesan Media Unit, appoint a Diocesan Communicator/Media Officer, and align all media activities with national policy.
4.0.3 Authorization Principle
No individual shall speak, publish, or represent the Church of Nigeria in an official capacity without authorization.

4.1.1 Capacity and Responsibility
Each Diocese shall bear the responsibility of:
• Establishing and maintaining an effective Communications Department
• Providing adequate training, tools, and resources for its media personnel
• Ensuring that all media operations align with the standards of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
It is the duty of every Diocese to equip its Communications Department for effective ministry and responsible media engagement.
4.1.2 National Representation Protocol
• Only the Primate, or those expressly authorized by him, may issue statements representing the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) as a whole
• Any communication intended to reflect a national position must be cleared through the Directorate of Communications
4.1.3 Compliance Requirement
All Diocesan communications must:
• Clearly distinguish between Diocesan positions and National Church positions
• Avoid language that implies unauthorized national representation
• Align with the doctrine and established communication policies of the Church

5.1 Official Communication
Only the following may issue official statements: The Primate, the General Secretary, and Authorized representatives of the Directorate of Communications.
5.2 Content Standards
All media content must be: biblically sound and doctrinally accurate; respectful and edifying; fact-checked and verified; free from political bias (except where doctrinally necessary).
5.3 Tone and Language
Content must be clear and authoritative, pastoral and non-inflammatory, and consistent with Anglican doctrine and tradition.

6.1 Official Platforms
The Church shall maintain verified presence on: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, and other emerging platforms as approved.
6.2 Social Media Usage
Posts must reflect the dignity and doctrine of the Church. Unauthorized accounts using Church identity are prohibited. All official handles must be registered with the Directorate.
6.3 Content Categories
• Devotional and teaching content
• Official statements
• Event coverage
• Educational media
• Youth engagement content

All media productions must ensure:
• High-quality audio and visual standards
• Proper branding (logo, colors, identity)
• Accuracy in subtitles and captions
• Respect for liturgical and ecclesiastical decorum

8.1 Ownership
All content produced under the Church's authority remains the intellectual property of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
8.2 Usage
No individual or group may use Church content without permission. Unauthorized streaming, reproduction, or modification is prohibited.
8.3 Enforcement
Violations may result in withdrawal of media privileges, disciplinary action, or legal consequences where necessary.

In times of crisis:
• Communication shall be centralized
• Only authorized voices shall speak
• Responses must be timely, accurate, and measured
• Rumours and misinformation must be addressed promptly

All communicators must:
• Uphold truth and integrity
• Avoid sensationalism
• Respect confidentiality
• Refrain from personal opinions presented as Church doctrine

The Directorate of Communications shall:
• Monitor media performance and engagement
• Evaluate diocesan compliance
• Provide periodic reports and recommendations

The Church shall:
• Organize regular training for communicators
• Equip dioceses with modern media tools
• Encourage continuous learning in digital communication

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:
• Suspension from media responsibilities
• Withdrawal of authorization
• Ecclesiastical disciplinary measures

This policy shall be:
• Reviewed every 3–5 years
• Updated to reflect technological and societal changes

The media is not merely a tool; it is a pulpit.
Therefore, its use must reflect the sacred responsibility of proclaiming Christ faithfully, clearly, and consistently.