“Let us not be deterred by the pitfalls of digital communication,” says Malaysian bishop

"Let us be vigilant about the pitfalls of digital communication, but not be deterred by them,"   Bishop Sebastian Francis of Penang (Malaysia) told participants of a webinar on June 17.

The chairman of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences–Office of Social Communication (FABC-OSC) spoke at the two-hour event titled "The Church’s Call for Communication Formation."

"The mission of communication must go on despite challenges in adopting and learning the workings of modern communication technologies, he said.

"Communication is at the heart of the Church’s mission, and it is the way forward in the so-called media age." To be effective pastoral leaders, "we have to take communication formation seriously," the prelate said.

"The Gospel of Jesus Christ provides insights regarding the need for communication formation," he added.

Quoting the May 29 release of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, Bishop Francis said, “Today, we have to create a ‘digital ecosystem’ that is based on ‘sharing, collaboration, and belonging based on mutual trust.’”

The document entitled "Towards Full Presence: A Pastoral Reflection on Engagement with Social Media" describes the creative process as a movement from "awareness to encounter," to "community," and finally, to "sharing" as well as "witnessing."

"The Christian’s involvement in media should reflect his unity with Christ" and one another.

Recalling the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Bishop Francis said the question one should ask oneself is no longer "Who is my neighbor?" but "Who proves to be in solidarity with humankind?"

“In today’s digital milieu, we need to support one another, especially in the ministry of social communication,” he added.

FABC-OSC and its training arm sponsored the Veritas Asia Institute of Social Communication event, or VAISCOM.

VAISCOM offers an online course for priests, religious, and lay people entitled "Communication for Pastoral Leadership." Details are available at the VAISCOM portal at www.vaiscom.org.- Anthony G. Roman