The use of Digital Social Media in Communicating Freedom of Religion or Belief: Child Protection and the Christian Family

Abstract

In this article we will attempt to highlight the uses of social media by religious organizations (churches, associations, etc.) and believers of various Christian denominations to militate against the placement of five children of a Romanian-Norwegian Pentecostal Christian family by the protection of Norwegian CPS Barnevernet in foster families due to religious indoctrination and physical abuse suspicions. The aim is to illustrate through what became “the case of Bodnariu family” how the evolution of religious digital communication has impacted favorably on this case causing not only a major public emotion, but an unprecedented multi-faith and political mobilization.