Bishop Mar John Panamthottathil of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Melbourne urged every believer to strive to rebuild the Church through social media. He was speaking at the inauguration of a webinar organized by CnewsLive Australia on the topic 'Media Awareness is Essential for Christian Life.'
"Go and rebuild my Church" – this is what Jesus told St. Francis of Assisi centuries ago. After all these years, God is asking the same of us: 'You must build my Church; do not allow it to fall.' Bishop Panamthottathil called on believers to use media platforms like CnewsLive, which rely solely on God, to rebuild the Church.
"In the modern era, things that the Holy Scriptures teach as evil are now being promoted as individual rights. The media plays a significant role in propagating these ideas," said Bishop Panamthottathil. The Church has taught us that euthanasia, homosexuality, and abortion are evil. However, today these are being taught as individual rights, with the support of the media.
"When false ideas are repeatedly shown on social media, they can suppress the goodness within us. Media Channels like CnewsLive are trying to combat such evils. We must strive to discern the truth amidst the information spread by social media," the Bishop reminded.
"Secularism is spreading in Western countries and in nations like Australia and New Zealand. The stance is that God and religion are unnecessary. Though cartoons may appear attractive on the surface, their content often spreads the idea that God and religion do not exist. This negatively influences younger generations. In such a context, we must continuously raise our voices for good," the Bishop emphasized.
"There are three inventions that have greatly surprised me: television, mobile phones, and artificial intelligence. Things beyond our imagination are happening today. We are experiencing an explosion of knowledge. While we once had to search libraries for knowledge, today it is available at our fingertips. The knowledge we gain through media includes both good and evil. It is up to us to make the right choice."
"Evil has overshadowed good ideas. News is being systematically spread through social media to destroy the Church and individuals. When we examine this once, artificial intelligence presents the same news to us repeatedly, leading our brains to believe it.
We must recognize the importance of media in Christian life. Media should become a means to rebuild the bridge with God and impart Gospel values," said Bishop Panamthottathil.
The seminar was organized via Zoom. CnewsLive Chief Executive Officer Lizy K. Fernandes delivered the keynote address. Advisory Editor Prakash Joseph led a session discussing the persecutions Christians face worldwide in the name of faith. He pointed out examples such as Nicaragua, Nigeria, Manipur, Cardinal Pell, and the desecration of the Holy Eucharist at the Olympic opening ceremony. He also explained how Christians should respond collectively to such persecutions.
Sherin Joseph (CnewsLive National Executive Member, Wellington, New Zealand), Shaji Srambrikkal (CnewsLive National Coordinator, Auckland, New Zealand), Johnson George (Melbourne Eparchy Finance Officer), Johnikkutty (Catholic Congress National Coordinator, Australia), John Stephen (Australian Christian Confederation), Anto Joseph Kannampally (Brisbane) also offered their greetings at the seminar.
CnewsLive Readers Forum National Secretary Jolly Raju welcomed the gathering, and CnewsLive Readers Forum National Coordinator Mathew Mathai delivered the vote of thanks. The closing prayer and blessings were given by Fr. Thomas Areekuzhi, Chaplain of St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Mission, Toowoomba, Brisbane.
Manesh James, Raison Jose, Abhilash Thomas, Royce Joseph, Janosh Sebastian, and Simi Janosh led the event. Jaimaol Manesh led the prayer song.