Justin Welby will publicise the new guidelines during a live Q&A with a Facebook executive today

The Church of England is to issue its first set of digital commandments to combat “cynicism and abuse” on social media.

They will be outlined today by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, in a live video message from Facebook’s British headquarters.

The church has drawn up a “digital charter” reflecting five Christian values that it will push to see honoured online and ten “community guidelines”, aimed at all internet users. People will be asked to post a link on social media to say that they pledge to abide by them.

“One of [social media’s] many joys is that it’s immediate, interactive, conversational and open-ended,” the guidance says. “This comes with downsides if users do not apply the same common sense, kindness and sound judgment