By Evelyn Jock
The Episcopal Regional Conference for Social Communication (ERCSC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) brought together delegates from the various Archdioceses and Dioceses of Semenanjung Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei on 11th -14th June 2024. The participants included 6 clergies, a religious from the Daughters of St. Paul, and 3 editors of Herald Catholic Weekly, Catholic Today and Catholic Sabah respectively. Hosting this event, which was held at Wisma Laudato Si in Sibu, Sarawak was the Soccom of the Diocese of Sibu.
The AGM was officially opened with the celebration of morning mass by His Eminence, Cardinal Sebastian Francis who is the Chairman of Social Communication of FABC (Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference). The Social Communicators meet once a year to create a bond and build sustainable relationships. His Eminence informed the delegates of several forthcoming and important events such as the ‘Perjalanan Salib Malaysia’ in April 2025. He reminded the communicators to manage their time and focus on the Opening of the Holy Door of Jubilee of Hope in December 2024 as well as the Malaysian Pastoral Convention in 2026. The delegates were also introduced to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how communicators were to embrace humanity amidst AI evolution. Fr. George Plathottam, FABC OSC Executive Secretary, gave an insight on the history of communication, the functions of FABC, the use of media and visual images as medium of communication. Miss Anna Faustina Ding assisted the delegates expressed themselves through Plant Art Journal Workshop.
Cardinal Sebastian stressed that the delegates were not only reporters but that they are Prophets and Teachers just like Peter and the rest of the apostles on Pentecost Day. Peter emerged from the Upper Room and dare to interpret the good news to the people. His Eminence reminded the delegates to provide the parishes downwards with everything that they are producing and that another avenue was to go online and be in touch with realities on the ground. At the same time Soccom should respect the boundaries of other ministries and work within its own boundaries. All the other ministries in the diocese are to assist the bishop as he cannot be everywhere. Soccom’s first responsibility is to have a relationship with their Diocese Bishop. He also reminded them that social communicators have direct access to children and young people, beyond the church, therefore they are to provide to a wider audience rather than just people who come for Sunday Mass. They should also get in touch with NGOs, the media, Malaysia Kini, Malaysia Today, Bernama and also the BECs.
Mdm. Evelyn presented the report for Sandakan Diocese
Fr. George Plathottam, FABC OSC Executive Secretary gave an insight on the history of communication.
Cardinal Sebastian praised Sabah and Sarawak for sending their young people to colleges and universities in the tens of thousands to Semenanjung Malaysia. There are Sabahans and Sarawakians engaged in the armed forces, navy, fire brigade, police, nurses and many more. These young people have brought new live and are a breath of fresh air to the churches in Semenanjung Malaysia.
Representatives of Diocese of Sandakan with His Eminence, Cardinal Sebastian Francis.
The ERCSC AGM was a great way for fostering good relationship among the Social Communicators. Some were meeting each other for the very first time. The sharing sessions were very interactive and was a humbling experience.