New book sets framework for Church’s digital outreach in India

BENGALURU, Karnataka (Indian Catholic News) — The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India has launched a landmark book on mission in the digital world, offering a strategic and pastoral framework for the Church’s engagement with social media in India.

The CCBI May 3 launched Mission in the Digital Environment: Social Media Engagement and SOPs for the Catholic Church in India.

Released during the National Synodal Assembly themed “Synodal Pilgrims of Hope,” the book presents a roadmap for digital evangelisation.

The publication “offers a comprehensive strategic and pastoral framework for the Catholic Church’s engagement with social media in India,” drawing from tradition and contemporary realities.

“Grounded in the Church’s rich communication tradition — from the teachings of Vatican II to the realities of the digital era — it demonstrates how the ecclesial mission can be authentically lived out in online spaces,” reads a press note from the CCBI.

It “provides practical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for clergy, religious, and lay leaders” to communicate effectively online.

Addressing challenges, it highlights engagement rooted in “dialogue, credibility, and authentic witness,” while confronting misinformation and polarisation.

The book described as “both a vision document and a hands-on practical guide, underscores “the importance of ongoing formation, strategic content planning, crisis communication, and clear ethical guidelines” to ensure “a consistent and unified Church presence online.”