Facebook has denied Family Life International NZ’s attempt to run advertising for their LifeFest Youth Conference on 4 October. The youth event will feature His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke and Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla, the daughter of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla.
According to Facebook, the event, hosted by Next Generation, the youth programme of Family Life International NZ, “does not follow advertising policy”.
The ‘not approved’ message sent by Facebook states that “we do not allow ads that promote adult products or services, such as sex toys, sexual enhancement products, or sexual videos and publications as well as videos or images that show nudity.”
As the ethos of LifeFest is to protect young people from the very culture that embraces the sexual revolution, the reason given by the social media giant is out of keeping with the event purpose.
The image provided with the post, shows a joyful picture of young people, the LifeFest logo and event details and an image of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla. The text on the image invites people to hear Dr Gianna Emanuela’s testimony of her saint-mum’s life, faith and heroic virtue and the call of each person to sainthood.
Facebook was asked to review the decision but didn’t rescind, upholding the original ruling.
Facebook has not removed the event however, it cannot be boosted on the platform.
While Family Life International believes the policy as stated is commendable, they are perplexed as to how this applies to a youth event celebrating the gift of human life and equipping young people to be defenders of the dignity of the human person.
LifeFest is a bi-annual event engaging youth aged over 13, in interactive activities and interesting presentations discussing life issues. The upcoming LifeFest will have a particular focus on life before birth, protecting the pre-born and serving pregnant women. New Zealand currently has legislation before the House that would legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide if passed and therefore end of life issues will be addressed.
The event features informative, engaging talks by respected international Catholic speakers, life affirming, fun, hands on activities and Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.
More information about LifeFest 2018 can be found at fli.org.nz/lifefest2018
I am relying less and less on Facebook, it is a site for the left.