Hyderabad: Emphasizing the growing influence of digital platforms on faith and society, Bishop Rayarala Vijaya Kumar has called on Church communicators to engage the digital space with responsibility, integrity, and a strong missionary spirit. Addressing a national gathering of media personnel within the Church, the bishop urged them to become “authentic witnesses of the Gospel” in an era increasingly shaped by social media.
The appeal came during the National Consultation of Communicators organized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India Office for Social Communications, held at St. John’s Regional Seminary from April 19 to 21. The event, conducted in collaboration with NISCORT, brought together regional secretaries representing 174 dioceses across the country, creating a platform for dialogue, reflection, and strategic planning.
In his inaugural address, Bishop Vijaya Kumar underlined the transformative role of social communication in contemporary life, noting that digital media has become a powerful force not only in shaping public discourse but also in influencing personal faith journeys. He pointed out that young people, in particular, are deeply impacted by the values and narratives circulating online, making the digital space a crucial frontier for evangelization.
He cautioned that while technology offers unprecedented opportunities, it also carries risks when misused. Stressing the importance of ethical engagement, the bishop called for communicators to uphold credibility, truth, and a sense of mission in their online presence. “The digital world must not dilute the message of the Gospel but strengthen it through authenticity and responsibility,” he affirmed.
The three-day consultation revolved around the theme “Using Technology and Social Communication in the Field of Evangelization.” Through interactive sessions, group discussions, and shared experiences, participants examined pastoral challenges in communication, exchanged practical insights, and explored innovative methods to enhance outreach in their respective dioceses.
As the consultation concluded, delegates expressed a renewed resolve to utilise digital tools more effectively in proclaiming the Gospel. Anchored in collaboration and guided by core Christian values, Church communicators reaffirmed their commitment to making the digital landscape a space of truth, hope, and meaningful engagement.