Terms of Service

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By accessing or using the Diaspora Shepherd™ platform ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"), the Safeguarding, Communication & Conduct Policy, and all applicable consent agreements.

If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

2. PLATFORM PURPOSE & LIMITATION

Diaspora Shepherd™ is a faith-coordination platform designed to facilitate pre-departure pastoral introductions and follow-up connections for Christians relocating between cities, states, or countries.

Diaspora Shepherd™ is a connector, not a controller.

3. ELIGIBILITY & USER CATEGORIES

You may use the Platform only if you are:

• A verified church or campus fellowship leader
• A parent or legal guardian with consent
• A student or traveler who has given consent
• An authorized institutional partner
• A platform administrator

Users must provide accurate and truthful information.

4. ACCOUNT REGISTRATION & VERIFICATION

• Certain features require verification
• Churches and leaders may be subject to manual approval
• Endorsement by existing verified leaders may be required
• Accounts may be suspended if information is false or misleading
• You are responsible for safeguarding your account credentials

5. CONSENT REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Student & Traveler Consent

No follow-up request may be initiated without explicit consent from the student or traveler.

Consent may be:

• Granted
• Limited
• Withdrawn at any time

Withdrawal of consent immediately halts follow-up activity.

6. COMMUNICATION & MEDIA TERMS

6.1 Permitted Communications

The Platform supports:

• In-app messaging
• Voice calls
• Video calls
• File uploads

All communication must:

• Be purpose-driven
• Respect boundaries
• Follow safeguarding policies

6.2 Communication Logging

By using the Platform, users acknowledge that:

• Communication metadata may be logged
• Content is private by default
• Content may be reviewed only in response to:
  • Abuse reports
  • Safety concerns
  • Legal or safeguarding obligations

Diaspora Shepherd™ does not engage in routine monitoring.

7. PROHIBITED CONDUCT

You agree not to:

• Harass, intimidate, or manipulate others
• Engage in inappropriate or romantic communication
• Solicit money or favors
• Misrepresent your role or identity
• Circumvent consent restrictions
• Abuse reporting mechanisms
• Use the Platform for non-pastoral purposes

Violations may result in suspension or permanent removal.

8. REPORTING, SAFETY & ENFORCEMENT

Users may report concerns related to:

• Safety
• Abuse
• Boundary violations
• Misrepresentation

Diaspora Shepherd™ reserves the right to:

• Temporarily restrict access
• Review reported materials
• Enforce corrective action
• Remove accounts that pose risk

9. DATA PRIVACY & USE

• Data is collected minimally
• Data is used solely for platform functionality
• Data is never sold or shared with advertisers
• Users may request data deletion
• Certain data may be retained for legal compliance

Please review the Privacy Policy for full details.

10. INTER-CITY, INTERSTATE & INTERNATIONAL USE

These Terms apply equally to:

• City-to-city relocation
• State-to-state relocation
• International relocation

No distinction in rights or protections is made based on distance.

11. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

The Platform may integrate:

• Mapping services
• Email or messaging services

Diaspora Shepherd™ is not responsible for third-party service availability or policies.

12. DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

Diaspora Shepherd™:

• Does not guarantee follow-up outcomes
• Does not control local churches
• Is not liable for actions taken by users

All spiritual relationships remain under the authority of local churches and individuals.

13. TERMINATION

Accounts may be:

• Suspended
• Restricted
• Terminated

At the discretion of the Platform for violations, safety risks, or misuse.

14. MODIFICATIONS

Terms may be updated periodically. Continued use constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.