Canadian Bishops Release Pastoral Letter on Use of Social Media

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace has released a Pastoral Letter on the use of social media entitled: “Let Your Speech Always Be Gracious.” The release of the letter on January 24, 2024 was timed to coincide with the liturgical memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, who is invoked as a patron saint of writers, publishers and those working in the field of communications. 

Acknowledging the prominent role social media has come to play at an individual and societal level, this timely document considers the benefits and dangers of social media from the perspective of Catholic Social Teaching. It provides tools for moral reflection and self-examination, and suggests seven commitments by which to be guided for a more ethical use of social media:

• check for accuracy
• seek greater perspective
• value human dignity
• bring curiosity into the conversation
• distinguish between intention and impact
• privilege “in real life” encounters
• tend to our time spent online

The letter, which may be of particular interest to those working in youth/young adult ministry, is available in electronic format and can be downloaded from the CCCB website:

In English: https://www.cccb.ca/announcement/bishops-release-a-pastoral-letter-on-the-use-of-social-media

In French: https://www.cecc.ca/annonce/les-eveques-publient-une-lettre-pastorale-sur-lutilisation-des-medias-sociaux