Church Leaders Address the Dual Nature of Technology and Religious Freedom

Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders recently reflected on the paradoxical nature of technological advancements in religious freedom during a panel at the Jamaica Union Conference Religious Summit in Kingston, Jamaica, January 30. They explained how new technologies pose significant threats while creating new opportunities, as country officials, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness, discussed achievements and challenges of religious freedom in Jamaica.

The State of Affairs in Jamaica

Holness noted that Jamaica’s historical tolerance of diverse religions is the result of decades of deliberate effort to honor constitutional rights and foster mutual respect, a culture he said should not be taken for granted. He admitted that although religious tolerance is high, there is still work to be done.

“We recognize that despite our constitutional guarantees, some of our citizens continue to face challenges in freely practicing their faith, particularly in the workplace and educational institutions. We have heard the voices of those who may feel that their religious observances are sometimes misunderstood or disregarded. These concerns are legitimate, and as a society we must work together to find solutions that uphold both individual rights and institutional responsibilities,” he said.

The prime minister added that the freedoms must be pursued in a balanced way to maintain national stability. “Freedom comes with responsibilities. Oftentimes the conversation is one-sided in this regard. As we continue our journey to a rights-based society, which we have taken many steps toward, we must also, at the same time, become a responsible society. The journey to liberty without responsibility arrives at the destination of chaos.”

Holness commended the Adventist Church and other stakeholders for the unified approach, saying that the discussions are more than advocacy—they are a duty and an example to the nation.

Other government ministers followed suit in committing to defend religious freedom, and outlined the legal safeguards embedded in their ministries to this end.

A Double-edged Sword

Nelu Burcea, associate director for the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department of General Conference and one of four panelists, discussed the topic “The Intersection of Religious Freedom and New Technologies” during the afternoon segment.

“First, we need to be aware that we live in a world where technology is a double-edged sword,” Burcea said. “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

Brendon Coleman, assistant communication director of the Jamaica Union Conference and host of the panel discussion, dug deeper into the growing concerns of digital surveillance, noting that various governments use technology to monitor religious practices and suppress freedom of expression.

“Some Middle Eastern countries employ such tools to limit the activities of faith-based communities. This raises the critical question: How can religious communities protect their freedoms in an era of digital surveillance?” Coleman asked.

“In some countries you may do nothing,” Burcea answered. “Because [government officials] shut down the internet and you don’t have access to your digital library, it becomes 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. “Unauthorized data collection exposes religious groups to discrimination, financial fraud, and privacy breaches,” he said, adding: “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 weaponized against certain groups.”

Burcea invited the audience to visit the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights web page. “You will be surprised to see all these details and more of what I’m saying now,” he said.

A Church Without Walls

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 said. “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. Samuels referenced Pegasus, an Israeli-developed spyware that 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.”

A Call to Action

While religious restrictions exist in many regions, Dane Fletcher, director of youth and campus ministries at the Jamaica Union Conference, emphasized the importance of advocacy. “Those who enjoy religious freedom must not take it for granted,” he said. “We must use technology to amplify awareness and support those facing oppression.”

Stacey Mitchell, chair of the Jamaica Council for Interfaith Fellowship, echoed his sentiment. “We cannot wait until religious persecution affects us personally. We must advocate for others now, ensuring that global religious liberties are protected,” she said.

Samuels concluded by stressing the need for proactive engagement. “Democracy relies on informed representatives advocating freedoms, but without awareness, they may unintentionally suppress religious rights. Technology must be used to educate and protect religious liberties worldwide,” he said.

Lawrie Henry contributed to this article.

The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.