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CHURCH LEADERS have discovered the paradoxical nature of technological advancements in religious freedom, which pose significant threats while creating new opportunities. Dr Nelu Burcea, associate public affairs and religious liberty director of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church, one of four panellists, discussed the topic, ‘The Intersection of Religious Freedom and New Technologies’, during the afternoon segment of the Religious Liberty Summit’s panel discussion on January 30. “First, we need to be aware that we live in a world where technology is a double-sided sword,” informed Dr Burcea. “In some countries, religious groups can leverage technology to spread their faith. However, there are instances where technology is used to suppress religious activities. Governments monitor online religious content, restrict access to digital Bibles, and disrupt virtual gatherings.”

DIGITAL SURVEILLANCE AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Chairman of the panel discussion, Brendon Coleman, assistant to the communication director of the Jamaica Union Conference, dug deeper into the growing concerns of digital surveillance, noting that various governments use technology to monitor religious practices and suppress freedom of expression. “In some countries, you may do nothing,” Burcea responded. “Because they shut down the Internet, and you don’t have access to your digital library, making it nearly impossible to access digital religious materials. In other countries, you may do a lot of things to protect your data.” Beyond surveillance, Burcea discussed cybersecurity threats that pose another risk to religious institutions. For example, “Unauthorised data collection exposes religious groups to discrimination, financial fraud, and privacy breaches.“ He also said, “Biometric data is increasingly being misused, with some governments requiring fingerprint scans and facial recognition for entry into places of worship, which could later be weaponised against certain groups.” Dr Burcea invited the audience to visit the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights web page. “You will be surprised to see all this detail, and more, of what I’m saying now.”

‘A CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS’

Pastor Glen Samuels, president of the West Jamaica Conference, drew attention to the transformative impact of technology in spreading religious messages globally. “COVID-19 opened doors of opportunities,” he stated. “Technology has created ‘a church without walls’, allowing faith communities to reach millions beyond their physical space.” However, he also warned of the dangers that come with such advancements. “While technology enables free expression of faith, it also presents a challenge — perhaps greater than traditional restrictions on religious freedom,” he cautioned. Pastor Samuels referenced Pegasus, an Israeli-developed spyware which certain governments have reportedly used to track and suppress religious minorities. “It can be remotely attached to devices, monitor communications, and record without consent. This poses a serious threat to religious liberties.”