Rule of Welcome
Welcome. Whether you’re a long-time reader or just visiting for the first time, thank you for being here.
Sanctum Scotia is more than a newsletter — it’s a small digital sanctuary. This is a space of gentleness, reverence, reflection, and freedom. Here we honour each person’s faith, doubt, and desire to know God more deeply. These guidelines exist to help protect that space and ensure all who come here feel safe, seen, and welcome.
The Spirit of This Space
Here, we hold:
That theology is a holy act of listening and wondering, not judging and silencing
That all people carry the image of God, and no one is disposable
That your relationship with God — however it looks, however it has changed — is sacred
That there is room here for faith, questions, grief, silence, resistance, and joy
What’s Welcomed
Thoughtful engagement, whether you’re commenting or simply reading
Questions asked in good faith
Personal reflections on your own experience of faith or struggle
Offering encouragement or solidarity to others
Curiosity, reverence, and kindness
What’s Not Allowed
I hold a zero tolerance policy for any form of:
Homophobia or transphobia
Ableism or discrimination against disabled people
Racism, sexism, or xenophobia
Attacks on another person’s theology, faith tradition, or understanding of God
Shaming language — including mocking people’s liturgical preferences, spiritual practices, or personal devotions
Theological gatekeeping that implies someone doesn’t truly belong because of who they are or how they believe
Proselytising or using the space to convince others of your “right” view
A Note on Disagreement
We don’t all have to agree — in fact, we probably won’t. But disagreement must always be offered with humility, not hostility. If your comment is dismissive, domineering, or likely to silence someone’s story, it may be removed.
Moderation
I read all comments. Harmful comments will be removed. If someone repeatedly breaks these guidelines, they may be blocked from commenting or reading future posts. This isn’t censorship — it’s care. This is my digital home, and I want everyone who enters it to feel safe.
How to Help
If you see something that doesn’t feel right, you’re welcome to let me know
If someone shares something vulnerable, honour that
Assume good intentions — but don’t excuse harm
Above all, treat each other the way Christ treats you: with love, patience, and boundless mercy
If you’ve made it this far, thank you. These guidelines exist not to control, but to free us — to make room for tenderness, for truth, and for God to be met in one another.
You are welcome here. Fully.
With peace and courage,
Br. Andrew-Thomas