CEPACS NIGERIA: Church Called to Embrace Digital Communication Technologies
By Luke Bisani
Bishop of Xai–Xai in Mozambique, Rt. Rev. Lucio Andrice Muandula has urged the Church to embrace digital communication technologies for a fundamental change in the way Christians conceive reality and consequently relate to themselves, one another, their surroundings, and even to God.
In his presentation titled “The Role of Media in Promoting Inclusivity and Enhancing an Ecclesial Outreach to Members of the Church Who Feel Marginalized” at the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of CEPACS in Lagos, Nigeria, Bishop Muandula the first Vice President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) said digital communications technologies have changed the learning processes as well as the perception of time, space, bodies, and interpersonal relationships.
“Whether we call the new digital forms of media “environment” or “culture,” the fact remains that it offers the Church both a powerful tool and an opportune moment for promoting inclusivity and enhancing an ecclesial outreach to members of the Church who feel marginalized, especially in Africa,” said Bishop Muandula.
While citing Pope Francis’ address at the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, on September 21, 2013, Bishop Maundula who was appointed a member of the preparatory committee of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops said that digital communication has now become an environment for people.
He added that digital communication is now an oasis of comfort to millions of young people in Africa amidst the midst of widespread political dysfunctionality, economic crises, cultural isolation, and social dislocation, including war and violence, just to name a few.
The Mozambican Prelate further urged the Church to harness the media to reach out to Africa’s youth in new and innovative ways.
Established in 1973 by SECAM in Ibadan, Nigeria, CEPACS is holding its five-decade celebration under the theme “Towards Promoting a Synodal Church in Africa through Social Communications.”
