SOCIAL COMMUNICATION comprises all ways of communicating in human society. It includes the mass media as well as other communication forms. In its deepest sense, it is "giving of self in love." (Communio et Progressio, 11)

The mass media are powerful communication tools, which are further enhanced by digital technologies e.g. the internet and satellites. They provide interactive possibilities that can build communities, but can foster individualism as well. The mass media provide news and entertainment, but they also have been said to promote a "culture of death."

The varied communication channels accessible to some parts of Asia today makes the questions of "choice" and "selection" crucial. In areas where access is limited to only a few, the disparity between the rich and poor becomes ever more pronounced.

On the other hand, new communication technologies provide opportunities and challenges extending beyond national and continental borders. Bishops and Church leaders should not neglect this. Neither should they neglect the fact that the whole life of the Church is communication. In all of its ministries, communication is central.

The Church is a minority in Asia, operating in a multiplicity of religions and cultures. The Church's use and approach to communication could foster interreligious and intercultural dialogue and cooperation.

We commend the various communication enterprises working for the Church in their struggle to promote Gospel values and human development, despite limited resources and political restrictions. Some examples are Catholic publishers, radio stations, news agencies, institutions involved in training and production, especially those serving the faithful in remote areas.

Radio Veritas Asia, an FABC project that has served as Asia's "missionary voice" for 30 years, needs special mention. We ask the Bishops of Asia to renew their commitment to support this continental radio station. (cf. Ecclesia in Asia, 48)

We also commend the FABC-Office of Social Communication for its efforts to clarify concepts and develop understanding of "social communication" among Asian Bishops. We commend its initiative to encourage and facilitate research through the Asian Research Center (ARC) for Religion and Social Communication.

At the same time, we urge the office to:

• Develop closer collaboration with and facilitate networking among Catholic media professionals and young media users so as to enrich the Church's understanding of social communication with their input;
• Take initiatives to demonstrate innovative communications that can inspire and encourage local Churches of Asia to develop their own effective communication activities;
• Provide useful practical referrals to the local Churches as they try to develop their social communication activities.

1. Bishops and other Church leaders should be trained in communication skills and media relations.   New Bishops, in particular, may be trained in conjuction with the leadership seminar conducted for them by the FABC.

2. The Church should make use of all means of communication available at her disposal.  Beside Radio Veritas Asia and the other mass media, it should explore the possibilities of utilizing cyberspace as well as traditional forms such as dance, songs and poetry in which the cultures of Asia are so rich.

3. Communication training should be an integral part of the formation of priests and religious.  An appropriate syllabus should include the theology, theory and practice of communication.

4. The Church should recognize and encourage media productions that promote Gospel values and human development, as well as the active involvement of Christians in the secular media.

5. Central to all communication is the "witness of life."  The more we are in communion with God in prayer and in action, the more effective is our communication.  Because God himself communicates through us, we are better able to dialogue with the world.

"It is not enough to use the media simply to spread the Christian message and the Church’s authentic teaching. It is necessary to integrate that message into the ‘new culture’ created by modern communications."

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