Facebook Blocks Accounts of Priests When They Use Title 'Father'

Call No Man Your 'Father,' Especially on Facebook

Father Peter West has been a priest for almost 25 years, but this week he became simply "Peter West" again.

At least on Facebook.

Father West, if we may call him that, said he went to log on to the social media site Tuesday and was blocked because his user name included the title "Father."

In truth, Facebook has long had a policy restricting members from using professional titles.

"Facebook is a community where people use their authentic identities," its policy explains. "We require people to provide the name they use in real life; that way, you always know who you're connecting with. This helps keep our community safe."

The policy goes on to ask users to refrain from adding to their names "titles of any kind (ex: professional, religious)" as well as a host of other items.

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