CommWeek: Print,  Electronics, Internet Enhance Spread of Gospel – Hammawa 

By Andrew Ojih,  Jalingo. 

As the World selebrate communication Week, the Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese,  Bishop Charles Hammawa on Wednesday said radio, print, electronics, and the internet has greatly assisted in the spread of Gospel across the world. 

Hammawa,  who stated this in Jalingo during the commencement of this year’s communication Week said that the  Church’s mission is to proclaim the Good News in a way that promotes peace, solidarity and unity.

“Modern means of communication such as radio, print, electronics, the internet and mobile phones which  trace their development to the Second Vatican Council, have greatly enhanced communication and the spread of the Gospel.

Faithful must embrace these modern communication tools for evangelisation and must make use of it  responsibly.

Let’s embrace the modern means of communication to promote the Gospel. Let’s report and communicate,  not lies, not rancour, not hatred,” he said.

He noted that communication must remain truthful and guided by responsibility, especially in a fast-changing digital environment.

He  stress that  the Church supports modern communication tools but warns against their misuse.

He hinted that technological advancement should strengthen human relationships and uphold human dignity rather than create division in society.

Also speaking during Mass, the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Abraham Saumam, said communication should be guided by truth, peace, justice and the mission of evangelisation.

He highlighted that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) expanded the annual World Communications Day into a week-long programme known as COMWEEK to deepen reflection on the Church’s communication mission.

He added that this year’s theme, “Preserving Human Voices and Faces,” was drawn from the message of Pope Leo XIV for the 60th World Communications Day.

He added that the Pope stressed the need to safeguard human dignity and authentic relationships in an era increasingly influenced by technology and artificial intelligence.

“Technology must serve the human person, not replace it. Communicators must  ensure that media tools are used responsibly to promote human values and unity.

He also called on media practitioners and the faithful to uphold ethical standards in communication and avoid misinformation, hatred and division in society.