Manila (AsiaNews / CBCP) - The Episcopal Commission for Youth Ministry (ECY) of the Conference of the Filipino bishops / CBCP) is inviting young people, in particular those who are computer savvy, to be "agents of peace" on the web.
It is their task to cultivate and promote a culture of respect and dialogue online and in real life. A different attitude compared to those, such as the Islamic State, who exploit the potential of the Web to promote a violent and criminal propaganda.
Interviewed by Radio Veritas CBCP-ECY executive secretary Fr. Conegundo B. Garganta told Church-run Radyo Veritas the young faithful must do their part in paving the way for a social environment that is more conducive to peace and harmony, and one which leaves no room for extremist ideologies.". He points out that social media are a useful tool for everyone in spreading policies and activities in favor of life and of human solidarity.
The defense of life and family, the support of programs and initiatives aimed at their defense and protection, says the priest, also affect adults, also called "to protect Christian values" and support those who "strive for unity and peace "in the world.
Fr. Garganta notes that this is one way to respond to the use being made of social networks by jihadists of the Islamic State for their criminal and terrorist propaganda, which is especially attracting young people. From the beginning, in fact, al-Baghdadi's terrorist movement has leveraged modern technology to reach militants in Europe, Canada, USA and Australia.
Internet and new media are a central concern for the Filipino bishops, who have identified the potential and resources of the web as a support the process of evangelization. In particular, the bishops see social networks like Facebook or Twitter as a way to "reach and be reached more easily by young people and all those who have difficulty in organizing a personal meeting but still want to learn more".
