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Positive and effective
communication is essential to successfully carrying out the ministry we do as a
Church through the power of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is the policy of the
Florida-Bahamas Synod, ELCA, to make every effort to effectively drive
communication in every media form available to them. This includes face-to-face,
print, email, online, telephone as well as other forms of communication that use
the synod's resources wisely both in terms of time and money.
Review the official communication standards and publishing
guidelines of the ELCA 
(Endorsed by the Communications Office of the Florida-Bahamas
Synod, ELCA)
Inclusive Language - We avoid exclusive or excessive
use of masculine images for God and of gender-specific pronouns in reference to
God, except in direct quotations from the Bible or other primary sources.
Email
- Email is
an effective and efficient means of communication, saving time and money.
Periodic emails will be distributed to the rostered leaders, churches, and
friends of the synod while being conscientious of the number of emails being
distributed as to prevent unnecessary or abusive communication practices. We
also recognize that not all people use email as a primary means of
communication. Therefore, we will continue to be conscience of information that
needs to be distributed via traditional postal services (USPS) rather than
electronic mail. Emails being distributed to the synod-wide network must be
directly related to the synod. Persons wishing to use email communication
through the synod are encouraged to utilize
E-Cross Currents, the email
newsletter of the synod that is distributed monthly.
Synod Newsletter
- Both the monthly E-Cross Currents and the quarterly Cross Currents News are
vital to maintaining positive relations with the entire synod and to
facilitating healthy relationships. Information from the synod congregations,
rostered leaders, lay members, ELCA Churchwide Organization, Region 9,
Seminaries and ELCA Colleges, and other affiliated agencies with the synod are
encouraged to submit stories and event information for publication in these
media forms. The Florida-Bahamas Synod, ELCA, does, however, reserve the right
to refuse to publish information based on content, space limitations,
theological or moral grounds, or any other reason it sees fit.
Those wishing
to submit information are encouraged to do so through this website in the
communications section.
Media/Public
Disclosure of Information - The Florida-Bahamas Synod encourages media
outlets, secular and religious, to report on the actions of the synod, its
churches, its rostered leaders (while serving in official capacities) and the
bishop. In all cases where it is possible and permitted by law, the synod will
be open and honest regarding all actions taking place in the synod to the best
of its knowledge. Official spokespersons of the Florida-Bahamas Synod, ELCA are
limited to the current bishop of the
synod, the Communications Specialist,
the synod vice-president, and any person appointed by one of the three before
mentioned persons. Individual congregations, in most cases, are legally
considered separate entities from the synod and have the right and obligation to
speak or disclose information at their own pleasure. However, no one
congregation may speak for the Florida-Bahamas Synod in its entirety unless
authorized by the bishop and synod council.
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