Catholics Asked to Use Social Networks As a Gate-Way for Truth and Faith

Zomba — Catholic National Communications Secretary Father Andrew Kaufa has advised Catholic faithful, especially the youth, to be personally committed to responsible use of computer or mobile phone based social media such as Face book, Tweeter including short message service (SMS).

Kaufa gave the advise Sunday by during the commemoration ceremony of the 47th World Communications Day which was graced by Minister of Information, Moses Kunkuyu, at the Zomba Cathedral.

Delivering the 2013 Pope's message concerning the social networks under the theme "Social networks: portals of truth and faith; new spaces for evangelization," Kaufa said Catholics must use social networks to communicate values that are inspired by God's love and Jesus' Gospel.

"People can use these social media as an opportunity for enhancing their life of prayer, personal meditation and sharing of the word of God in order to promote peace, justice, unity and love among us all," he said.

He also appreciated the role played by all the social media infrastructure that the Catholic Church has in Malawi such as Radio Alinafe in Lilongwe Archdiocese; Radio Maria Malawi in Mangochi; and Tigabane in Mzuzu Diocese among others as being instrumental in the church's pastoral mandate.

He, therefore, acknowledged a large number of Catholics who were contributing through various secular and relevant media in the Church's task of spreading the Good News, especially the good works that the Catholic Church is doing to serve God and humanity in the country.

In his speech, Kunkuyu said the relationship between the church in particular Catholic Church dates back to the colonial era.

He also stressed the importance of coming together to reflect on social communication for the development of the country.

"Today, the Catholic Community in Malawi is recognizing the role that social communications, especially social networks play in our daily lives. Indeed, social communication remains crucial to both the church and the government," he said.

He however, cautioned that the social media such as Face book, Twitter and short message service (SMS) while recognized as crucial in our daily lives, wear two faces-bad and good.

Realizing its crucial role in development, Kunkuyu said various sectors including the church should engage in collaborative efforts to ensure sustainability and proper use of the social media.

"There is a need for government, the church and the private sector to jealously guard against any abuse and misuse of the social media to avert catastrophic media effects for the youthful generation," Kunkuyu appealed.

The Information Minister also called on the congregation to register for the 2014 tripartite elections, saying it was a constitutional right of every Malawian to participate in voting of leaders of their choice.
BY JOSEPH DZUWA