The executive director of the Asian Research Center for Religion and Social Communication (ARC) has called on Catholic communicators to ensure that their efforts go beyond words.
“Most importantly, communication must be accompanied by action, with Catholic communicators living out the Gospel in their daily lives,” said Fr. Anthony Le Duc, SVD, during a talk titled Catholic Social Communication in a Wounded World on Jan. 24.
Nearly 500 participants attended the talk, which was delivered via Zoom and hosted by Indonesia’s Ledalero Institute of Philosophy and Creative Technology (IFTK Ledalero).
Le Duc discussed how the Church’s role in social communication can address the pressing challenges of a world grappling with social inequities, environmental degradation, mental health crises, and internal Church issues.
The priest introduced the idea of a “wounded world,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of these crises that transcend borders and affect humanity at personal, communal, and institutional levels.
Drawing from Pope Francis’ teachings, he urged Catholic communicators to engage actively in offering healing and hope.
“Communication should also be inspirational, offering hope and transformation, and denounce societal evils, like materialism and inequality,” he said.
Rooting his discussion in theology, Le Duc explained that Catholic Social Communication is based on foundational Christian principles such as the Trinity, Revelation, and the Incarnation.
“The Trinity shows God as relational and a model for communication centered on love and mutual exchange,” he said, adding that Revelation and the Incarnation highlight God’s profound desire to connect with humanity.
During his presentation, the priest outlined six principles for effective Catholic social communication.
He highlighted the need to address injustice prophetically, adapt creatively to diverse contexts, and engage deeply with real-world struggles, including in digital spaces.
He also urged all Catholics to recognize their role as social communicators. “All of us are Catholic social communicators,” he said.
“Whether we are giving a homily, teaching catechism, counseling, or posting on social media, our words and actions reflect our mission as members of the Church. Our communication must always strive to unite, inspire, and bring hope to others,” he added.
The event reinforced ARC’s mission of promoting research and inter-religious dialogue in Asia’s unique cultural and religious landscape.
Founded in 1999 at St. John’s University in Bangkok, ARC fosters collaboration through conferences and its publication, Religion and Social Communication.
IFTK Ledalero, the host institution, is recognized as a hub for Catholic education, producing clergy and lay leaders worldwide.
With over 2,200 students, its graduates include 21 bishops, nearly 2,000 priests, and thousands of professionals serving the Church and society globally.