Australian Synod Acts to Rein In Clergy Influencers
The Australian Synod is pushing back against clergy influencer culture to preserve the Church’s spiritual mission.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese of Australia has concluded its April 14–16 session with a decisive move to curb the growing trend of clergy acting as social-media influencers. Meeting under the presidency of Abp. Makarios of Australia, the Synod addressed concerns about the changing public presence of clergy in the digital age.
Hierarchs expressed alarm that some priests and monastics increasingly present themselves online as preachers and teachers, at times appearing more focused on personal recognition than pastoral responsibility. The Synod warned that such behavior risks distorting the Church’s mission and contributes to secularization, which it said compromises rather than promotes authentic ministry.
In response, the Synod will circulate a formal encyclical to clergy and monastics outlining expectations and boundaries. It emphasized that preaching and teaching are fundamentally the responsibility of the bishop and called for renewed spiritual focus. The Synod also concluded with prayers for peace worldwide and for the salvation of souls.
Previously, the UOJ reported that France moved to ban social media for children under 15.
