Religious views on gossip

[Rebecca Lowe]

I'm writing an article on gossip. I'd be really interested to know of any views from the various different religious persepctives on the subject of gossip and 'right talk'.

Is gossip always a bad thing? Can it serve a useful social purpose? What are the dangers of gossiping about others? What do the different faiths have to say on the matter?

Any advice/ links or opinions would be gratefully appreciated!