Editorial:  Facebook Bans Vineyard Christian Bookstore Without Explanation

by Johnny Kincaid-City County Observer

 OCTOBER 21, 2024

The recent suspension of The Vineyard Christian Bookstore’s Facebook account for allegedly violating the platform’s community standards is a stark reminder of the increasing tension between social media giants concerning possible religious expression.

Another local Christian organization, the Trotter House, received a notification from Facebook recently telling them they would be suspended if they didn’t file a grievance with Facebook. The notification did not specify how the group violated Facebook’s standards.

The notices are not sent by Facebook employees but by bots that constantly scan every post on the platform. The bots are programmed to look for specific keywords or combinations of words, and when they find what they are programmed to see, they will take action on behalf of the platform. These electronic nannies are meant to reduce the amount of misinformation or hate speech we are exposed to. Unfortunately, religious expressions are tagged by some as hate speech.

Digital platforms dominate the public square, and the censorship of religious voices raises critical concerns about free expression, religious freedom, and the role of faith communities in the public square. As a nation founded on principles of liberty and tolerance, we need to defend the bookstore’s right, and by extension, the rights of Christians, to freely express their beliefs on platforms like Facebook.

The Digital Public Square

Social media is more than just a place to share photos, updates, and personal stories. With billions of users globally, platforms like Facebook function as the primary public forum where ideas are exchanged, opinions are voiced, and communities are built. For small businesses, including local bookstores, social media provides a lifeline—a way to connect with customers, share events, and promote content. For faith-based organizations, it’s a way to spread messages of hope, engage in meaningful dialogue, and connect with believers and seekers alike.

This is not just a matter of business being hindered—it is a limitation on free expression and a blow to religious communities whose voices deserve to be heard in the same space as any other group or individual.

Religious Expression as Free Speech

Religious expression is not an afterthought in free speech but central to it. The United States was built on a foundation emphasizing freedom of religion, enshrined in the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and religion. This foundational right ensures that individuals and groups, including Christians, can express their beliefs without fear of retribution or censorship.

While Facebook, as a private company, has the legal right to set its own rules for content, it must recognize the responsibility that comes with its immense influence. When Facebook suspends accounts for “violating community standards,” it must provide clear, transparent reasoning and apply policies fairly and consistently.

The Need for Fair Standards

If Facebook is to serve as a fair and neutral platform, it must apply its community standards evenly across all users, regardless of their beliefs. Vague rules about “harmful content” or “hate speech” must be clearly defined to prevent subjective interpretations targeting specific groups unfairly. Christian organizations and individuals should be able to share their faith-based perspectives without the constant fear of suspension.

A Call for Dialogue and Respect

Like members of any faith or community, Christians can express their beliefs, share their messages, and participate in public discourse. In defending the Vineyard’s right to post on Facebook, we are not just defending one small business—we are defending the right of all individuals and groups to participate in the marketplace of ideas without fear of censorship.