Media Policy

Christ Church, Oyster Bay (CCOB) values the way in which photos, videos, and other media help create connections within our community and better communicate our mission within and outside our parish. In addition, our weekly livestreamed services are an important ministry of the church for homebound and travelling members and as a form of outreach.


Photography, videography, live streaming and other recording may be in progress at our services, ministry activities, classes, programs, special occasions and other church events. Attendance at church events implies permission for CCOB’s use of such technology. Accordingly, CCOB may use the media generated at these events in materials produced by or for the church, including but not limited to our bulletins, newsletters and other printed and electronic materials and digital media, such as our website, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube (collectively, the CCOB Accounts).


We strive to ensure that any media we create is used in safe and positive ways. The following principles guide our approach to media generally, and our online presence:


Media Generally

  • All media we post to the CCOB Accounts will be consistent with the mission, purpose, and values of CCOB.
  • We will not knowingly and intentionally post any photo, video or other recording that does not respect the dignity of every person depicted.

Media Accounts

  • CCOB’s online presence is only through accounts “owned” by CCOB (including our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, our website, and our YouTube page). CCOB does not utilize the personal accounts of any of its staff or parishioners.
  • A limited number of individuals have access and permission to post on CCOB Accounts; such access is reviewed periodically.
  • CCOB reviews comments posted to the CCOB Accounts, and at CCOB’s discretion, will hide/block/delete inappropriate comments where necessary.
  • CCOB does not have a responsibility to review or monitor social media post shares to personal pages, or posts from personal pages.
  • Any person may request that we remove media posted to the CCOB Accounts that includes themselves and/or their child(ren) by e-mailing office@christchurchoysterbay.org.

Livestreamed Services

  • Notice of video recording and livestreaming of services shall be posted in the church bulletin relating to that service.
  • The camera for our livestream is generally directed toward the front of the church and may capture images of those coming forward for communion or other ceremonial reasons. For anyone who wishes to receive communion off-camera, please let an usher know.

Special Considerations Regarding Our Parish Youth

  • CCOB endeavors to obtain parental consent prior to displaying, posting or publishing media in which children are visible, however we may not always be able to do so.
  • Parental consent forms will be distributed annually at the start of the school year and on other occasions as needed.
  • CCOB endeavors not to include in any media posted to the CCOB Accounts any identifying information of anyone under 18 years of age except for rare occasions, and only with additional parental permission.
  • The CCOB Accounts will not knowingly engage with the social media accounts of anyone under 18 years of age. In particular, children and youth will not be:

        * 

contacted on their own personal social media accounts via direct messages or


            comments on posts;


        * 

“tagged” in CCOB Account posts; or


        

*  

sent connection requests to their own personal accounts (“friend”, “add me”,

  1.             “follow” etc.).

            “follow” etc.).



Adopted April 10, 2025