Churches are beginning to recognize the importance of having a presence with social media. Soon, if not already, they will experience pressure from members to “get with it” as some youth ministries are starting blogs, Facebook pages and twitter. Some staff members have their own page and or are commenting on others’ pages.
There is a legitimate concern about protecting the church’s good name. The best way to do that (and actually use social media) is to establish clear policies on the use of social media by staff and members. Accordingly, the Code of Canon Law contains numerous examples of the Bishop's right and duty in this matter. Among them are canons which relate to the role of Bishops' conferences in establishing norms for those who give radio and television talks on Christian doctrine (c. 772.2), and the requirement that the name Catholic not be assumed "without the consent of the competent ecclesiastical authority" (cc. 216, 300; cf. also c. 312).
Canon law urges the pastors of the Church "to endeavor to make use" of these contemporary means of communication (c. 822.1). They are to be among the means the Church uses for catechetical formation (c. 779). "Catholic religious instruction and education ... provided through the various instruments of social communication" are included in this area "subject to the authority of the Church," and it is the responsibility of "the conference of Bishops to issue general norms" in this area (c. 804.1).
Canon law urges the pastors of the Church "to endeavor to make use" of these contemporary means of communication (c. 822.1). They are to be among the means the Church uses for catechetical formation (c. 779). "Catholic religious instruction and education ... provided through the various instruments of social communication" are included in this area "subject to the authority of the Church," and it is the responsibility of "the conference of Bishops to issue general norms" in this area (c. 804.1).
The policies for social media need to be clear and enforced. When accepting comments from others—it is also good to have guidelines for those who make the comments. This allows the organization to exercise quality control and lets the employees, staff and members know the guidelines under which they may use social media.
As stated by Pope John Paul II “The question confronting the Church today is not any longer whether the man in the street can grasp a religious message, but how to employ the communications media so as to let him have the full impact of the Gospel message. “
Thomas Miner
Bartleby Press
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