Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Fides Service) - “Do not be afraid of new tehcnology!”: said Pope John Paul II in his letter for Communications Day this year “Rapid development”. The Church in Korea intends to respond to this challenge by increasing efforts to employ the new means of communication for promoting the Gospel.
The Korean Bishops may set up their own special Information Technology Commission, since they realise the need to increase efforts in this field in Korea, while they are satisfied with progress made in the formation of the laity as active participants in pastoral life and activity.
According to Bishop Ignazius Kim Min-su secretary of the Bishops Commission for Communications, the new commission would focus on relations with other media, issue statements, supply information, coordinate with diocesan offices, oversee the sector of new technology and their possible application as channels of evangelisation. In this framework the Commucations Commission will continue its activity of formation and study at both national and local level. The Bishops will decide in September whether or not to set up the new commission.
Various dioceses are starting to take a more active part in the field of new technology: Uijeongbu diocese has launched a Catholic YV on the Internet, UTV, for “cyber-mission”. This is the first experiment of its kind in Korea and is already proving very popular .
UTV will deal with social and cultural matters from a Christian point of view. One major subhject will be the family, which needs to defend itself from the present day culture of selfishness and consumerism. UTV will broadcast five hours a day with programmes of information and formation and special sectors for liturgy, culture and religious music. It will also have an e-mail address and chat-line welcoming inter-active viewers connected by TV or PC. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/7/2005 righe 27 parole 271)
