Rules for all using this forum

[reachout]

We have made this forum available to give all the opportunity to say as much or as little as they wish and to have the right to hold a different view to 'me' even if we both claim to be Christians.

There are no favourites on this board and all contributors whether on the Reachout Team or known to the leadership of Reachout, are expected to abide by these rules.

It is accepted that contributors have the right to question and challenge the views put forth on this forum but this must be done in a respectful way and accepting that the other person genuinely holds a belief or practice different to mine.

Any posts that recommend something that is illegal or breaks the laws of the land in anyway will be removed as soon as it is found and the contributors account suspended immediately.

There have been too many instances lately of name calling and dismissive remarks because someone does not agree with a particular viewpoint. This must stop and will not be tolerated in future. Any such posts that come to our attention will be removed immediately.

Here are some individual points that you accept by using this forum.

Everyone has the right to use their "sign-in name" only and be anonymous; if you know someone's identity on the board and their "sign-in name" is not their real name please respect their right to keep their identity hidden and only use the name they post under.

Please do not mention the names of people not involved in the discussion, unless their names are know in the public domain and are relevant to the discussion.

Never use derogative names or typecast any other contributor simple because they are putting a certain point forward. If you feel they are Biblically wrong in their stance calling them names will not help put forward constructive arguments.

Allow people to explain their own views; do not tell them what their view is. If it is not clear feel free to question and challenge their viewpoint.

If someone does not answer points you make do feel free to continue to ask them but remember no one can force them to answer if they do not want to.

Never, however, make any claims that are not substantiated by clear facts. All such posts will be removed.

Please take into account that even someone who is a genuine Christian may have a very different view on secondary Biblical issues than you. If you cannot accept this, we suggest that contributing on this forum is not the place for you.

Please use quotes sparingly; this includes either material that is cut and pasted from other posts or other reference material. We would suggest that such should not take up more than 15-20% of the post at the most. When you "quote within 'a quote "within a quote"'" it gets very confusing and no one really knows what is being said.

We believe these few rules will not restrict in any way what can be said but the way it is said will be loving. They will also enable all to express their views on significant subjects without the danger of having their views, which they may hold dear, being ridiculed in a public environment.

Any posts that clearly fall without these rules will be removed and this will be a warning to the contributor. Any contributor that persists in breaking this rules will have their account suspended and will only be allowed to come back on once they have agreed in writing to these rules.

Please have great discussions and I hope we can all learn from each other.