THE NIGERIAN BISHOPS CONFERENCE EXPRESSES WORRIES ON THE MISUSE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE PROLIFERATION OF PRIVATE MINISTRIES AMONGS CATHOLIC PRIESTS.

Addressing representatives of the Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, expressed the Church’s concern over the alarming rise in private ministries and the misuse of social media among priests.

Speaking at the ongoing CBCN plenary meeting in Auchi, Archbishop Ugorji emphasized that the emergence of private ministries poses significant distractions for priests and risks scandalizing the lay faithful due to deviations from established ecclesiastical practices. He also highlighted that the increasing misuse of social media by priests is causing considerable embarrassment to the Church.

“We are concerned about the growing number of priests involved in private ministries today. Regrettably, we observe that these ministries often tend toward unorthodox practices, causing scandals among the laypeople they are supposed to lead to the truth, thereby bringing shame to the Church. Additionally, many of the priests involved become too distracted from their primary duty as pastors of souls.

“The rising misuse of social media among priests is causing significant embarrassment to the Church. While this rapidly advancing technology is still developing, the negative effects of their actions are inexcusable, especially coming from priests who are educated and are leaders of the people.”

Introducing the seminar on the topic: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Its Implications for Pastoral Ministry,” the CBCN President stated that the seminar is part of the Church’s ongoing responsibility for the formation of priests. He noted that while AI can make tasks easier and life more comfortable, it also poses serious moral challenges to the faith if not ethically utilized.

The Conference President called on all priests to collaborate closely with the National Directorate of Social Communications to effectively implement the seminar’s recommendations on AI.