FaithConnect is a Christian relationship platform operated by Youth With A Global Vision (Company No. 05458750; Charity No. 1142251). This policy explains how we verify identity and Christian commitment, and how we protect the safety and wellbeing of our members during their journey on the platform.

A. Verification Requirements

To participate fully on FaithConnect, users must complete Reference Verification, which includes:

1 Religious Reference

A pastor, ministry leader, or spiritual mentor who can speak to your faith journey.

1 Character Reference

Someone who knows your personality, integrity, and intentions in relationships.

Reference Requirements:

• Must be genuine personal contacts
• Must be able to confirm your Christian faith and moral character
• Must be reachable by voice or video call

B. Verification Review Process

Verification is conducted by trained Courtship Mentors who may:

• Contact your references directly
• Request additional information
• Ask clarifying questions about identity, conduct, or spiritual background
• Temporarily limit account access during the review

We retain discretion over approval decisions, guided by safeguarding priorities.

C. Safeguarding Responsibilities

FaithConnect applies multi-layered safety measures to promote healthy and respectful connections:

• Three-way Guided Introductions — a Courtship Mentor joins your first conversation
• Controlled sharing of private contact details
• Behavioural monitoring to detect red flags
• Responsive intervention if boundaries are crossed

If risks are identified, we may:

• Pause a match
• Require mentoring before resuming contact
• Restrict or remove user access

D. Sharing of Personal Information

The following personal information is not shared publicly:

• Last name
• Church name
• Phone number

These may be shared only when:

• Both users become a FaithMatch
• Both users provide explicit consent

Reference feedback is never shared with other users.

E. Safety Assessments

We may conduct internal safety assessments in response to:

• Reports of harassment or inappropriate conduct
• Concerns about honesty or identity
• Negative patterns (e.g. no-shows, pressure, boundary issues)
• Feedback from references or church leaders

Possible actions include:

• Restricting certain features or matches
• Re-contacting your references or church leader
• Account suspension or removal

F. Prohibited Conduct During Verification

To maintain trust, users must not:

• Pressure or intimidate references
• Provide superficial or unfamiliar contacts
• Conceal relevant background issues (e.g. history of abuse or misconduct)
• Misrepresent Christian convictions or church involvement

G. Church & Authority Involvement

In safeguarding emergencies, FaithConnect may:

• Notify a trusted church leader
• Seek pastoral accountability or intervention
• Report serious concerns to authorities when legally required

H. Your Responsibility

You are responsible for:

• Exercising wisdom and caution in conversations
• Reporting any red flags, unsafe conduct, or dishonesty
• Maintaining healthy boundaries
• Seeking guidance from your local church and mentors in parallel with the platform

I. Reporting & Blocking Users

If someone makes you uncomfortable or violates our Community Conduct policy, you can:

• Report: Visit their profile and click the flag icon (🚩) to submit a confidential report. Select a reason and provide details. All reports are reviewed by trained safeguarding staff within 24-48 hours.
• Block: Immediately hide a user's profile from your account. They won't be notified and you won't see each other again. Manage blocked users in Settings → Blocked Users.

J. Safeguarding Contact

For urgent safety concerns or to report serious issues, contact us directly:

📩 safety@faithconnect.love

All concerns are handled confidentially, respectfully, and in accordance with our safeguarding commitments and legal obligations.