A Catholic priest warned the faithful that using Bible verses out of context to spread disinformation is “a mortal sin.”
“You can say that using the Bible to spread fake news is a mortal sin especially if the people doing it are aware that it’s wrong, and that despite knowing, they still chose to do it even if they know it’s a mistake,” said Father Roy Bellen of the Archdiocese of Manila.
The priest made the warning ahead on the eve of the observance of World Communications Day on Sunday, May 29.
“The eighth commandment says you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor,” said Father Bellen, adding that it “speaks about the truth that once you stand as a witness, you must say what’s true.”
The priest noted that disinformation, especially on social media, poses a “great challenge” to the Church. “Disinformation attacks human dignity and freedom, the very teachings of the Church,” he said.
Father Bellen said the Church will always stand for truth even if it was unpopular. “[The Church] did its witnessing even in difficult times. and at that I’d say it was faithful in propagating the truth,” he said.
He said the Archdiocese of Manila has been trying its best to boost efforts in spreading the truth across social media.
“Whatever statements that we have from the bishops and the cardinal are cascaded to parishes,” said Father Bellen. “We will maximize all social media platforms that we can use to spread the truth,” he said.
“It is the Church’s birthright to communicate the truth to the people, and it must do everything to do so,” said the priest.
