Filipino priest: Youth as online “agents of peace” to counter Islamic State violence
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".
08/11/2018 14:47