The Catholic Church in Latin America and the Caribbean announced on July 31 the creation of the Ecclesiastical Network of Communicators of Latin America and the Caribbean (Reclac), an organization that will seek to integrate joint work between CELAM, the Episcopal Conferences and other ecclesial organizations of the continent in the area of communications.
This is a dream that was materialized during the development of the Latin American and Caribbean meeting , held in Bogotá from July 29 to 31 at the headquarters of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM), attended by 45 participants representing 16 Episcopal Conferences and 10 ecclesial organizations.
Gathered for three days and after work of reflection, discernment, exchange of significant experiences and debates , the participants recognized that with the coordination of efforts it is possible to contribute to the construction of a better society, with prophetic boldness and from the experiences, knowledge and expertise of each one, through collaborative work in a network.
Promote networking
Regarding the creation of the Network, Oscar Elizalde, director of the CELAM Communications Center, expressed his gratitude for the willingness and work carried out during the days of the meeting, encouraging its members to “decisively commit to this nascent project that offers us new opportunities for communicative influence, based on synergies in a synodal perspective, and from an attitude of service and dedication to the Church, heeding the call of Pope Francis to be a Church in communion, participation and mission .”
A call that, he said, “comes from the awareness of the need to articulate the pastoral action of communications, promoting networking ”, in such a way that it is enriched and projected with the different initiatives that arise in the realities of each country. “It is about valuing all the wealth that we have, but in an articulated way, and not as islands.”
For his part, Monsignor Daniel Francisco Blanco, auxiliary bishop of San José, Costa Rica and coordinator of the Council of the CELAM Center , was in charge of giving the blessing to this Catholic network , emphasizing the important role that this project will play in the evangelizing mission of the Church. He also affirmed that ” it will be a voice of hope for the harsh reality experienced by many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Thematic cores
In order to continue advancing in the reflection of the Reclac network, its members identified six core areas that will mark the work route to follow. They are : Communication and ongoing training; territorial communication, communication crises; strategic communication and impact; pastoral care of communication; and financing and support for communication.
In this way, the Church adapts to the new changes demanded by the digital world, sharing and discussing issues of faith, life and society. New members of Episcopal Conferences and Church organizations related to the mission of the Church can join the network.
