Today, on the liturgical memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, and with the approval of the Permanent Council, the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) releases its Pastoral Letter on the use of social media titled: “Let Your Speech Always Be Gracious.”

Acknowledging the prominent role social media has come to play at an individual and societal level, this timely Pastoral Letter 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 Pastoral Letter concludes with Discussion Questions to stimulate deeper reflection individually or in group settings.