To encourage responsible and respectful use of the Internet for “Proclaiming the Joy of the Gospel”, SCES has produced a poster to illustrate the “10 Commandments for Proclaiming the Joy of the Gospel on-line“. (NB This material is adapted from material created by Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh.)
It is hoped that these will encourage both young people and adults to use the opportunity provided by social media to tell the ‘Good News’ of Christ.
- Be positive and joyful. Offer ‘digital smiles’ and have a sense of humour. As Pope Francis says, ‘no “funeral faces” or “sourpusses”’!
- Never bear false witness on the internet. Never ‘like’ a lie!
- Fill the internet with love. Seek to include a sense of solidarity with the in the world.
- Avoid aggression and ‘preachiness’ online; try not to be judgemental. Instead, try Pope Francis’s approach of ‘tenderness’.
- Have a broad back when criticisms and insults are made. When possible, gently correct.
- Pray in the digital world! Establish sacred spaces, opportunities for stillness, reflection and meditation online.
- Church has always been about ‘gathering’. Create connections and build community. Share posts that have a powerful Gospel witness.
- Promote online behaviours that keep everyone safe. Use the internet responsibly!
- Respect your dignity and the dignity of others in all that you do online.
- The internet has the power and potential to bear witness — share the Good News online!
