Facebook: “Call no man Father – even if he’s ordained!”

Last month, social media giant Facebook cracked down on the Christian clergy by demanding the removal of the title “Father” from user profile names. Facebook administrators showed a lack of understanding that priests are actually called Father when others refer to them in real life.

The FB policy that requires the removal of titles does not apply to all professions. The title “Father” or “Fr.” was automatically removed and yet “Dr.” and “Professor” continue to be used. Does this mean that Professors are more real or necessary than members of the clergy? Furthermore, Greek Orthodox priests living in Greece continue to use the title Pater (π.) in their Greek FB accounts, however priests serving Greek communities abroad have been banned from using the title. While priests can no longer be called Father, Patriarchs and Archbishops can still use their titles on FB.

Greek Orthodox priests have let the slight slide, but Catholics have started a petition, titled “Tell FB: Allow Catholic Priests to keep the title “Father” in their FB name”.

FB was reached for comment on their policy but has at this time not replied to the request by Proto Thema.

Here is what one Greek-Australian priest said about this change: