Catholic Primate of Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin said he is 'saddened when I see people of faith online who seem "armed to the teeth", and who persist in "othering" and accentuating difference'. Photograph: Tom HonanAggression by Christian commentators on social media has been described by the Catholic Primate of Ireland as “not of God”. In a new year message, Archbishop Eamon Martin expressed concern that social media may be influencing people to come to conversations and relationships as if “armed for battle”. He said he is “saddened when I see people of faith online who seem ‘armed to the teeth’, and who persist in ‘othering’ and accentuating difference”. It was “particularly disappointing when you see this from Christians online who label and dismiss others because of their race, religion or some other perceived difference.

Source: The Irish Times January 01, 2026 06:39 UTC