The United Methodist Church (UMC) has a online social network (with some funny URLS). The network is similar to other social networks: create a profile page, make your blog, link to friends, etc. The difference, as explained on the site:

What makes the UMC.org Community unique is our needs registry, allowing you to reach beyond your immediate communities to a global audience. The needs registry allows you to share your gifts and share how you personally want to help make the world a better place. The idea here is to connect those with needs with those that are equipped to help.

By working in a community of faith like this, we are able to share knowledge, resources, and content with one another, all in an effort to grow as a global community, as leaders, and in faith. Join the UMC.org Community and meet others who are committed to making a difference in their communities and across the globe.

From UMC.org Community - UMC.org
Referenced Mon Feb 05 2007 20:48:34 GMT-0700 (MST)

I think this kind of innovative use of technology in religious discussion is noteworthy and laudable. Still, you have to wonder how you can manage the content so that it's consistent with the religious principles espoused by the UMC. There is a code of conduct that is fairly specific about what's allowed and what isn't. I suspect that the community can police itself very effectively where these issues are black and white. There will be more trouble at the edges and someone will have to make a judgment and that's when the trouble starts.