Singapore hosts the Meeting of Franciscan Communicators from Asia-Oceania

From 7 to 10 April, representatives of communications offices within the Franciscan Conference of Asia and Oceania (FCAO) met at St Anthony Friary in Singapore with the aim of creating a network to foster mutual collaboration, unify efforts and share experiences. Twelve people attended in person and four virtually.

On Tuesday, following morning prayer, participants presented the work of their communications offices and their challenges, which included limited resources, the need for translation, internal coordination and digital presence. Also discussed were best practices that included the development of shared editorial calendars, the creation of shared libraries for photo and other resource material, the establishment of protocols for source verification and internal approval, the use of style guidelines to ensure consistency across languages, and the regular review of metrics to adjust content and publication schedules.

In the afternoon, consultant Ms. Karen Goh led a workshop on brand identity and message consistency. She said that being clear and consistent helps to build trust and uphold the mission and presented criteria for clearly defining and communicating an organisation’s identity and applying these across different channels and contexts. She also stressed the importance of reviewing communication messages and channels regularly to ensure consistency and that these remain appropriate to the entity’s communication objectives. Under her guidance, the group developed a set of draft messages to describe FCAO and its common projects.

On Wednesday, 8 April, the assembly examined in depth the document “Incipe Iterum” through a dialogue aimed at discerning criteria for an authentically evangelising digital presence. During his presentation, Br. Byron Chamann, OFM, emphasised that these guidelines approved at the Order level were a framework of reference and that each entity is called to develop its own protocols, sensitive to local culture and regulations, including working in teams that include lay experts. He also asked that the entities consider integrating digital formation into formation programmes.

On Thursday, the group discussed collaboration between the FCAO and the General Curia’s Communications Office, proposing concrete measures to strengthen the exchange of news, photographs and resources between entities and conferences. The discussion, led by Br. Byron, highlighted the importance of institutional communication, the need for careful verification of sources and coordination with superiors, as well as the importance of strengthening links and references to the Order’s official channels.

Br. Angelito Cortez, OFM, then gave a presentation on proposed communication collaboration among the FCAO entities. Franciscan digital presence is weakened when voices remain fragmented and capabilities are uneven across the entities, he said. He proposed moving from simple cooperation to deeper collaboration, with clear projects and shared criteria, and encouraged the strengthening of networking, including through the improvement of common platforms and channels of exchange.

On Friday, 10 April, the discussion focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism and social media, with a session led by Br. John Sekar, OFM. He pointed out that, alongside the opportunities AI offers for daily work, there are also ethical risks such as disinformation, the loss of critical thinking, the protection of privacy and image rights, and the ecological impact of technology. The discussion encouraged the promotion of responsible and transparent use in the service of truth and the common good. 

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue strengthening the FCAO network of Franciscan communicators, to share resources in a coordinated manner, and to uphold a form of communication that, with sobriety and hope, reflects the fraternity and mission of the Friars Minor within local Churches and in the care of our common home.