Facebook Banned for Priests by Macedonian Orthodox Church

Macedonian Orthodox Church has ordered its priests and nuns to avoid using Facebook

Macedonian Orthodox Church has ordered its priests and nuns to avoid using Facebook.

"Everyone among the clergy will face sanctions if using Facebook," the church's spokesman, Bishop Timotej, told reporters.

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The bishop did not reveal the reasons for the ban, but sources from the church said the measure would be "imposed especially for those expressing personal attitudes on Facebook."

Local media reported that the decision was proposed by one of the senior bishops, Petar, who defended the move saying it was meant to "protect (the faithful) from misleading and manipulations."

The ban seemed to show the rift between senior and junior priests, who have often used social networks to attract younger generations to the church by offering them religious education and advice.

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However, some of them also expressed their personal views on the political situation in the country, sometimes criticising the government.

Although they are officially separated, the church has gradually increased its influence in state affairs since Macedonia proclaimed independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991.