Digital and social media are powerful tools to share news, especially the Good News. But using those tools wisely and effectively isn’t always easy. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron both have written on the subject in pastoral letters — Archbishop Vigneron’s “The Beauty of Truth: A pastoral Note on Communicating Love and Truth in the Digital Age” and Bishop Burbidge’s “In Tongues All Can Hear: Communicating the Hope of Christ in Times of Trial.”
The two men sat down for a video podcast discussion about digital transformation and the Catholic Church. In the second part of the collaboration, the conversation continued with Catholic media professionals: Father Charles Fox, vice-rector of Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit; Al Kresta, president and CEO of Ave Maria Radio; Teresa Tomeo, a host on Ave Maria Radio; and Greg Erlandson, editor-in-chief of Catholic News Service. Both discussions were moderated by Billy Atwell, Arlington diocesan chief communications officer.
Here are five takeaways:
- Social media allows the church to tell its story.
“We have the tools and means to be a voice in the public arena, which is our sacred duty and our sacred obligation, and we better be prepared to use every resource possible rather than allowing the faithful to hear only one perspective or one side,” said Bishop Burbidge. - Social media can drive an immediate need for information, rather than thoughtful reflection or the gradual uncovering of truth.
“It used to be, a news event would happen on Day One, you reported it on Day Two, and you analyzed it on Day Three. Now, on Day One you better have your analysis ready, which is one of the problems. Journalism has less time to be reflective, less time to do research,” said Erlandson. - Inflammatory content engages users, but can lead to division and negativity.
“Outrage has an addictive quality to it. I think (inaccurate, uncharitable reporting) is devastating to the church’s witness,” said Kresta. - Christians are called to be responsible and charitable users of media.
“We’re accountable to God for the virtuous way we use media. Names do hurt. Speech is one of the most important services we can give to one another, it’s the way we share the world. Speech is an act that should be enlivened, made alive, by love, by charity,” said Archbishop Vigneron. “We need to set the example. We communicate the truth, we engage with others, even those who disagree with us. We cannot fall into the same trap of adopting a tone that is contrary to what it means to be a follower of Christ,” said Bishop Burbidge. - Use social media as a means of evangelization.
“Know that as a disciple of Christ you are to evangelize, to spread the good news, and many of you have the opportunity to do so with your own social media platforms. Use it always for the glory of God, use it in service to others and always with a respectful tone, conveying the love we have for one another as members of God’s family,” said Bishop Burbidge.
Credit: Source link