In 2015, the General Synod as governing body of the Church of Ireland adopted the Dignity in Church Life Charter which articulates the Church’s commitment to harmonious relationships in Church life with reference to the Christian principles underpinning those relationships. The Dignity in Church Life Charter and related policies can be accessed in this section.
Dignity in Church Life Charter In 2015, the General Synod as governing body of the Church of Ireland adopted the Dignity in Church Life Charter.
Dignity in Church Life – Clergy Illness Policy
Dignity in Church Life – Clergy Illness Guidelines
Dignity in Church Life – Clergy Grievance Procedure
Dignity in Church Life – Clergy Grievance Guidelines
Dignity in Church Life – Prevention of Bullying & Harassment Policy
Dignity in Church Life – Prevention of Bullying & Harassment Guidelines
The Church of Ireland safeguarding policies and procedure applies to all clergy, staff and volunteers but especially those who have regular contact with children or adults who may be more at risk of harm or abuse because of their personal or life circumstances.
For more information on Safeguarding, including forms, please visit www.sg.ireland.anglican.org
Adult Safeguarding (NI) – Full Policy Document This is the new provisional policy on Adult Safeguarding for the Church of Ireland. This policy is subject to change and will be reviewed regularly.
Safeguarding (Child) – Northern Ireland Full Policy Document The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice for Ministry with Children. Approved by the Standing Committee of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland, September 2007 and updated in 2018.
Adult Safeguarding (RoI) – Full Policy Document This is the new provisional policy on Adult Safeguarding for the Church of Ireland. This policy is subject to change and will be reviewed regularly.
Safeguarding (Child) – Republic of Ireland Full Policy Document The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice for Ministry with Children, approved by the Standing Committee of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland, 2008 as updated in 2018.
Social Media Guidance & Resources Our guidelines seek to help all members of the Church to use social media in the best way and to help prevent its misuse.
GDPR – Data Protection & Photography Guidelines These guidelines have been developed by the RCB and the Central Communications Board to support each diocese or parish in being compliant with data protection legislation when using photography. Sample formats for invitations and notices are enclosed.
GDPR – Data Protection & Mailing Lists Guidelines These guidelines have been developed by the RCB and the Central Communications Board to support each diocese or parish in being compliant with data protection legislation when using mailing lists.
GDPR – Live Streaming & Recording Checklist This checklist has been developed by the RCB and the Central Communications Board to support parishes in being compliant with data protection legislation when planning to live stream or film a church service.
Guidance for Online Services & AV Content This advice seeks to assist parishes and dioceses which are providing or considering online worship opportunities or other videos featuring parishioners and others (including children and young people).
Keeping your video conference secure Parishes are strongly advised to follow this advice regarding security for video conferencing.
Avoiding advertising and external content It is strongly recommended that online videos are hosted on an advertisement–free hosting site.
Copyright and online worship Streamed services have been widely used as a result of the pandemic lockdown and will continue to play a role in making worship widely available in future. This guide provides answers to some frequently asked questions relating to streaming and copyright.
Organising an online service A live streaming and recording checklist, photography guidelines, and information on setting up and running online services.
A simple, step–by–step programme designed to support parishes in connecting giving with faith and in so doing, enable fresh mission and ministry. The programme helps parishes to achieve a realistic financial picture and aims to change the focus from paying bills to growing God’s Kingdom.
‘Live to Give’ youth generosity resource Live to Give is a Church of Ireland Youth Department resource on generosity, giving and money, and what the Bible has to say about those issues. It seeks to help young people to think seriously about how they give their time, talents and money, to carefully and prayerfully consider how their decisions may affect others, and to learn more of God’s generosity.
Church members faithfully give their time, talents, skills and money to support the Church of Ireland. The information, tools and resources in this section aim to equip parishes to build on this foundation and nurture generosity.
Annual Review of Parish Giving
Run a Generous Giving Programme
Vision connects Mission and Ministry
‘Live to Give’ youth generosity resource Live to Give is a Church of Ireland Youth Department resource on generosity, giving and money, and what the Bible has to say about those issues. It seeks to help young people to think seriously about how they give their time, talents and money, to carefully and prayerfully consider how their decisions may affect others, and to learn more of God’s generosity.
Resources to support the people of the parish
Inside Out Outside In – 101+ ideas for churches to engage with community This short resource is a collection of ideas to help churches think about different ways to engage with the community.
COVID–19: It’s Still Open (template signs for churches) The buildings may be closed but Church is still open. These sample signs may be helpful for displaying at the front of church buildings at this time.
Covid–19 Guidance for Parishes Links to current state public health guidance for places of worship and other activities, including posters for printing and display. Guidance is subject to further approval or other advice that may be considered appropriate by the diocese.
Template for a Parish Social Media Policy The Central Communications Board has produced a template document which may be used by a Select Vestry for drawing up a brief social media policy for its parish.
Return to In–Church Worship Protocols for RoI and NI The Church of Ireland return to in–church worship protocols have been prepared to provide guidance to parishes in relation to the reopening of places of worship that have been closed due to the COVID–19 pandemic.
Organising an online service A live streaming and recording checklist, photography guidelines, and information on setting up and running online services.
Copyright and online worship Streamed services have been widely used as a result of the pandemic lockdown and will continue to play a role in making worship widely available in future. This guide provides answers to some frequently asked questions relating to streaming and copyright.
Avoiding advertising and external content It is strongly recommended that online videos are hosted on an advertisement–free hosting site.
Keeping your video conference secure Parishes are strongly advised to follow this advice regarding security for video conferencing.
Activities for Children & Families The Church of Ireland is keen to support families in growing their Christian faith at this time. We hope that some of the following resources will be helpful for you.
Disciples – Resources for the Road to Discipleship
Guidance for Online Services & AV Content This advice seeks to assist parishes and dioceses which are providing or considering online worship opportunities or other videos featuring parishioners and others (including children and young people).
GDPR – Live Streaming & Recording Checklist This checklist has been developed by the RCB and the Central Communications Board to support parishes in being compliant with data protection legislation when planning to live stream or film a church service.
GDPR – Data Protection & Mailing Lists Guidelines These guidelines have been developed by the RCB and the Central Communications Board to support each diocese or parish in being compliant with data protection legislation when using mailing lists.
GDPR – Data Protection & Photography Guidelines These guidelines have been developed by the RCB and the Central Communications Board to support each diocese or parish in being compliant with data protection legislation when using photography. Sample formats for invitations and notices are enclosed.
Financial assistance towards education for Church of Ireland children in the Republic of Ireland PDF of Grant Awarding Bodies – updated March 2019
Minibus transport in Northern Ireland Clergy, youth workers, children’s workers, and others who are employed by parishes in Northern Ireland are no longer allowed to drive a minibus for the church without passing a test for a D1 licence. This notice provides information on new guidance from the Department for Infrastructure.
Social Media Guidance & Resources Our guidelines seek to help all members of the Church to use social media in the best way and to help prevent its misuse.
Spiritual care in dementia A leaflet from the Church and Society Commission providing guidance for ministers, church visitors and family members.
Responding to the cost of living crisis Sources of support for families and individuals facing rising inflation and pressures from the cost of living. This includes key contacts for support and advice from public services and Christian charities working to respond to need, in both jurisdictions.
Gifts in Wills are a natural part of Christian giving and legacy gifts of whatever size can have a significant impact on the life and work of the Church. This section contains information and advice on making planned gifts to the Church.