Mzuzu-Malawi, Esther Nyanja and Brenard Mwanza, VNA – The Episcopal Conference of Malawi ECM Communication and Research Commission chairperson, Bishop Montfort Stima who is also bishop for Mangochi diocese in the Eastern part of Malawi has challenged the Catholic journalists to reverse the accepted values of the society through writing the truth.
Bishop Stima made the call when he officially opened the 5th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Catholic Journalists, (ACJ) at Nkhata-bay Pastoral Centre under the Mzuzu Diocese which lies in the Northern part of Malawi.
He mentioned values like teachings that are against the Church doctrines like Corruption, Abortion, and right to demonstrations among others, which need the Catholic scribes to tell the nation the truth about them.
‘‘The country has accepted a lot of values which are against the Catholic church teachings, but because of some other influences they are being taken as normal and hence compromising the traditions of the church’’ he said, adding that, that is where the Catholic Journalists should come in and report the truth.
Bishop Stima further urged the journalists to put more emphasis on reporting issues about Laudato si which the Holy father has advocated for through his encyclical. He said society needs to know how best to care for the environment in order to prevent further changes in climate.
Making her presentation on the role of communicators in Synodality and climate change, In charge of AMECEA online news who doubles as Administrative Secretary Sister Jacinta Antoinette Okoth said ACJ members need to do more in reporting on the Synodality for lay people to be well acquainted with the issue.
She further urged the journalists not to be in a competition when writing stories but to bear in mind that what is important is to let the information reach the wider population by sharing with colleagues working with different organisations.
On his part, ACJ National chairperson Sam Kalinda said the rise in membership gives hope that the church’s agenda will be disseminated easily for the betterment of society.
‘‘We want our members to also align themselves and mainstream in Synodality issues with what is happening around the world. We also want the journalists to know more on what the church is talking about on issues of environment and climate change based on what bishops and other leaders have been discussing lately.’’ Kalimba stated.
The meeting has been held under the theme ‘The Role of Journalists in Synodality and Climate Change Resilience.