
Delegates of the 2022 SIGNIS World Congress (SWC) have tasked Catholic Communicators to enhance truth telling in the social media to promote peace through digital communication and expedite action to protect the human rights of civilians caught up in war and conflict zones. In a statement issued at the end of their August 15-19 Congress held at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea, the delegates of SIGNIS, the Roman Catholic lay ecclesial movement for professionals in the communication media, including press, radio, television, cinema, video, media education, internet and new technology, horned in on the importance of truth-telling with particular emphasis on journalistic values that advocate for justice and peace. In a bid to satisfactorily fulfil the role of media practitioners toward the betterment and advancement of society, the delegates from several countries across the world called for continuous examination of ethics and practices bordering on technology as relates to the social media. The statement read in part: “We need to weave the web with truth and beauty of faith and hope. Technology has to be imbued with ethics and thoughtfulness.

“We believe that it is possible to build a new society by creating awareness that inspires us to work together in peace with people of different cultures, beliefs, religions and ideologies. “We affirm genuine interest in marginalised people and commit ourselves to communicate true and meaningful information to promote their struggles. “We urge media practitioners and citizens to take action to protect the human rights of civilians caught up in war and conflict zones. Media professionals especially are enjoined not just to report events but to engage actively in supporting the victims of war and working towards conflict resolutions. By doing so, we can pass unto the next generation the legacy of peace. “We need to cultivate the journalistic values of advocating for justice, holding authorities to account and establishing common ground through well-researched context and nuanced explanation, so as to provide a guiding light for our readers, viewers and listeners.” In the same vein, during the Mass in commemoration of the opening ceremony, Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, former Archbishop of Seoul, South Korea, said, “Catholic communicators are God’s apostles, proclaiming and bearing witness to the truth. Therefore, to make good use of the media, which is God’s precious gift, the religious solidarity and roles of Catholic Communicators are ever more vital.

“I believe this Congress will be an opportunity for global Catholic Communicators to unite and seek alternatives for the future and peace as the apostles of our Lord,” he said. “I hope that the SWC will act as a meaningful site for all of us to seek and share our hopes for the future. I feel confident that it will become a milestone that illuminates the true path for spreading the Gospel and heading towards a better world,” said the Cardinal. Every four years, the Assembly of Delegates of SIGNIS congregates for a World Congress, an opportunity to bring together SIGNIS members and associations from across the globe. The World Congress is designed to primarily renew and reinvigorate the members of SIGNIS as they meet faceto-face, to explore common themes, share experiences and are challenged to respond to the changes in society and the media. The SIGNIS World Congress 2022 was primarily held to build up peace in the digital world. The theme of the just ended SIGNIS World Congress was ‘Peace in a Digital World’ Among the key speakers at the SIGNIS World Congress (SWC) were 14 Korean and foreign experts, including Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communications; and Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Professor of Theological and Social Ethics.
The SWC offered two unique programmes: the “World Journalist Forum” on the theme of “Peace in the Digital World” and the “International Youth Forum” on “Evangelisation Strategy Utilising New Media”. Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung and Most Rev. Peter Chung Soon-taick, Archbishop of Seoul, were Joint Honorary Chairmen of the SIGNIS World Congress 2022. The organising committee was chaired by Daniel Han Seung-soo, former Prime Minister of Korea. As many as 96 participants from different countries all over the world, and over 232 participants from SIGNIS Korea, attended the event, while a total of 116 ex- and current Catholic journalists, communicators and various experts worked as organising committee members for the success of the Congress. At the SIGNIS World Congress, the delegates presented a vivid description of the current state of the digital world and highlighted its damaging effects. They said, “we live in a world where the ‘digital divide’ increases the gap between the rich and the poor leading to inequality in accessing the fruits of the digital revolution.

“We realise that as people become hyper-connected, they are also challenged with socioeconomic, cultural, political, religious, spiritual and ecological disconnections, leading to isolation, confusion and hopelessness. Online games, pornography addiction, overexposure to violence and contents of divisive nature in media lead to destructive behaviours.” Expressing concern over the catastrophic consequences of fake news, the delegates further said, “we recognise the devastating effects of fake news on contemporary society such as communal clashes among people. Vulnerable groups in the society are often the major victims of fake news.” SIGNIS members live and work in 100 countries around the globe and reflect the rich tapestry of the human family.
They are connected to one another in a digital world. Globalisation has increasingly characterised their means of communication. Within this networked world, SIGNIS strives to move us “from social network communities to human community.” In line with their aspiration for an integrated human community, the delegates stressed, “we realise that equitable digital access and infrastructure strategy can develop a ‘resilient environment’ and support ‘integral human development.’ We need to move from individual engagement to community building. As Pope Francis says, “God’s style is closeness, compassion and tenderness.