A year after issuing a pastoral letter on the use of social media, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a new video series to help Catholics navigate social media with faith and integrity.

The series, part of a new webpage for the CCCB’s Pastoral Letter on the Use of Social Media,  contains new resources and materials inspired by the letter to help Catholics “unpack the observations” and apply guidance from the bishops on using social media from a Catholic social and moral perspective.

The main element of the resources is a five-part video series on YouTube that brings the letter’s key messages to life. Bishop Scott McCaig, CC, Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Canada, hosts the English version, while Bishop Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, OMI, of Hearst-Moosonee, Ont., presents the French videos.

The pastoral letter was published in January 2024 by the CCCB’s Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace. Entitled Let Your Speech Always Be Gracious, the letter explains the ethical and moral dimensions of digital communication.

The CCCB resources include the video series, a social media toolkit and a downloadable version of the letter to encourage Catholics to reflect on their social media use in a way that is consistent with Catholic values.

The pastoral letter “addresses the complex and rapidly evolving world of social media,” says McCaig in his video introduction to the series. “It offers guidance, reflections and insights for navigating these digital spaces in a way that aligns with our faith and values.”

The video series highlights seven key themes from the pastoral letter:

• Check for accuracy before sharing information.
• Seek greater perspective to avoid echo chambers.
• Value human dignity by treating others with respect online.
• Bring curiosity into conversation and engage with openness.
• Distinguish between intention and impact in communication.
• Privilege in-person encounters over excessive digital engagement.
• Tend to time spent online and balance social media with real-life relationships.

McCaig emphasizes the importance of verifying information before sharing it. In an era when misinformation spreads rapidly, “It’s crucial to ensure that what we share online is accurate and trustworthy.”

He also addresses the need to seek perspective, warning against the dangers of being limited to one-sided or biased perspectives. 

“We are encouraged to look beyond our own viewpoints and understand the broader context of an issue,” he says. 

“By doing so, we foster empathy and avoid echo chambers — spaces where people only encounter viewpoints similar to their own.”

The letter also presents a call to value human dignity in all online interactions. McCaig stresses the need for Catholics to treat everyone with respect, whether in person or online. 

“Our interactions should reflect our commitment to upholding human dignity at all times,” he says.

While social media plays a role in modern communication, McCaig encourages Catholics to prioritize real-life relationships over digital engagement. 

“While social media is a valuable tool, real-life interactions are irreplaceable,” he says, adding that balancing online and offline connections enriches personal relationships and overall well-being.

In addition to the videos, the CCCB has released a social media toolkit with graphics, sample posts and key messages to help parishes, dioceses and individuals promote faith-based digital engagement.

The bishops encourage Catholics to explore the new resources, view the videos and use the toolkit to foster healthier and more charitable conversations online. “By reflecting on the Pastoral Letter’s messages, we can help transform digital spaces into places for connection characterized by healthy conversations, charitable interactions and faith-filled witness,” the CCCB said.

The pastoral letter, video series, and additional resources are available on the CCCB website. The video series is available on YouTube.