Press release
For immediate release
Launch of Video Series and Resources for the Pastoral Letter on Social Media
Ottawa, January 20, 2025 – Today, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is launching a dedicated webpage for the Pastoral Letter on the use of social media, “Let Your Speech Always Be Gracious,” authored by the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace and originally published by the CCCB in January 2024. This webpage also contains new resources and materials, inspired by the Pastoral Letter, to help readers – individually or in group settings – to unpack the observations and apply the guidance provided by the members of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace on the use of social media in today’s world from a Catholic social and moral perspective.
The new resources now available on the dedicated webpage include:
1. Video Series
A newly launched CCCB video series brings the themes of the Pastoral Letter to life through engaging reflections by Bishop Scott McCaig, C.C., (in English) and Bishop Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, O.M.I. (in French). This video series covers seven key themes which are presented in the Pastoral Letter:
✓ Check for accuracy
✓ Seek greater perspective
✓ Value human dignity
✓ Bring curiosity into conversation
✓ Distinguish between intention and impact
✓ Privilege ‘IRL’ encounters
✓ Tend to our time spent online
Each episode explores practical ways to navigate and engage with social media in a way that reflects our Catholic values.
2. Social Media Toolkit: To facilitate promotion, distribution and wider discussion about the Pastoral Letter, the webpage includes a social media toolkit, that provides graphics, sample posts, and key messages. Dioceses/eparchies, parishes, or individuals can use these resources to spread the Pastoral Letter’s key messages online.
3. Downloadable Pastoral Letter: Offering helpful insights and practical guidance for living out its message in everyday life, the complete text of the Pastoral Letter can be downloaded.
The CCCB encourages all Catholics to explore the webpage, view the video series, and utilize the toolkit to promote thoughtful and faith-filled social media engagement. By reflecting on the Pastoral Letter’s messages, Catholics can help transform digital spaces into places for connection characterized by heathy conversations, charitable interactions, and faith sharing and witnessing.
For more information and to access the webpage, visit: https://www.cccb.ca/justice-and- peace/pastoral-letter-on-the-use-of-social-media/
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Media Inquiries:
Maribel Mayorga
Director of Communications
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) Email: communications@cccb.ca
Telephone: 613-241-9461, ext. 225