Bishop warns Roman Catholics against 'inane' internet Twitterings
Social networking websites such as Twitter and Facebook are full of "inane chatter" and are no substitute for real friendships, a leading Roman Catholic bishop has warned.


By John Bingham
Last Updated: 7:50AM BST 20 May 2009

In a message to be read out at mass in every Catholic parish in Scotland this weekend, the Bishop of Paisley, Rt Rev Philip Tartaglia, speaks against the "obsessive" reliance on new technology.

In a pastoral letter to Scotland's 500 Catholic parishes, Bishop Tartaglia, president of a Bishops' Conference of Scotland communications group, praises the benefits of the internet but also warns of the dangers such as so-called cyberbullying.

"In dialogue with others we need to be wary of the inane chatter that can go on in the digital world which does nothing to promote growth in understanding and tolerance," he wrote.

Echoing a message on the same theme from the Pope, he said it would be "profoundly sad" if online friendships became a substitute for the real thing.

"The fact that we can instantly communicate doesn't mean that we must," he added.

"We should avoid an obsessive need for virtual connectedness and develop primary human relationships, pursuing true friendship with real people."

Recognising the "wonder and no little envy" felt by many older people at the ease with which children can access the internet, he went on: "Yet with opportunities, come dangers.

"What parent has not wondered what their child is doing on the internet? What material are they accessing?

"Who are they talking to in social networking sites?"

His warning comes despite growing enthusiasm for the internet and mobile communications within the church, which has even seen the introduction of a dedicated Vatican channel on the video sharing website YouTube.

Last month the leader of Ireland's Catholics, Cardinal Sean Brady, suggested posting prayers on Twitter, the popular "microblogging" site, or sharing them with other believers by email or text message.

Fr Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican's radio and television operations, delivered a lecture to media executives in London on Tuesday entitled 'Blessed be the Net?'.

Meanwhile the Pope has made high profile efforts to connect with what he called the "digital generation".

During World Youth Day celebrations in Australia last summer he sent out daily inspirational text messages to thousands of the faithful.

He also gave his blessing to a dedicated Catholic social networking site called Xt3.com, which was set up on the model of Facebook and MySpace.

But the church's enthusiasm for the all things digital has met resistance in some quarters.

Eyebrows were raised at reports that French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, had been seen glancing at text messages during an audience with Benedict XVI.

Bishops in Italy issued an unprecedented call for believers to give up text messaging and social networking for Lent earlier this year.

The church is marking "Communications Sunday" this weekend with messages urging believers to embrace new technology as a "gift to humanity".