Divine Word Missionaries Reflect on Evangelisation in the Digital Age

September 6, 2025: The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) gathered around 200 scholars, missionaries, and media professionals on 5 September for a global reflection on “Evangelisation in the Digital Age.” The event, held under the theme “Evangelising in the Digital Continent: Towards Full Presence and Meaningful Engagement — Reimagining Mission, Dialogue, and Impact in the Digital Age,” brought together distinguished voices to explore how faith communities can meaningfully engage in today’s rapidly evolving digital culture.

Two compelling keynotes set the tone for the discussion. Dr. Michael Unland, Director of CAMECO, explored “Full Presence in a Fragmented World: Evangelising in Digital Culture,” urging the Church to see relationships, not technology, as the heart of mission. Dr. Daniela Zsupan Jerome, Professor and Director of Sustaine Encuentro, followed with a reflection on “Digital Discipleship and Ecclesial Presence,” emphasising the need to form genuine communities of faith online. Their insights were further deepened by responses from Fr. Christian Tauchner, SVD, a seasoned media professional, and Dr. Andre Joseph Theng, who highlighted the subtle ways digital culture shapes human interaction.

Dr. Unland, who emphasised that the heart of evangelisation in the digital world lies not in tools or platforms but in relationships. “The important thing is not the technology itself, but the spaces where relationships happen,” he said, underlining that engagement with digital culture is no longer optional.

He urged participants to rethink the division between “virtual” and “real,” noting that online interactions are both personal and public. Drawing on the parable of the Good Samaritan, he described today’s digital world as a “digital highway” where wounded people await compassion and care. While acknowledging dangers such as commodification and discrimination online, Dr. Unland stressed the Christian call to create spaces of silence, education, and authentic encounter. His proposals included: i) Relearning the Digital Space – approaching it as a place for meaningful human interaction. ii) Seeing Others as Neighbours – recognising the other as part of oneself.

Responding, Fr. Christian Tauchner, SVD, highlighted the borderless nature of the digital world compared with traditional geographic limitations. He cautioned against oversimplifying digital engagement, pointing to challenges such as global policies, the energy demands of artificial intelligence, and the temptation to commodify the Gospel. Participants raised critical questions on how the Church can collaborate with the papacy, local bishops, and communities amid digital transformation. Fr. Tauchner emphasised the need to view the Church’s mission through a sacramental lens and to begin evangelisation from the margins.

Stressing the role of storytelling in digital evangelisation, Dr. Zsupan Jerome asked, “What kind of stories are we telling in the digital age?” She reflected on Pope Francis’ description of Mary as the “first influencer of God,” underscoring how faith-filled narratives can shape digital discipleship. She reminded participants that vocation is both personal and communal, urging online communities to become spaces of spiritual discernment. This, she said, requires creativity and a contemplative posture — the capacity to listen, remain silent, and allow God’s Spirit to guide engagement.

Her presentation invited participants to consider:

• How strangers might be welcomed as guests in online communities.
• What metaphors and language best communicate faith digitally.
• How Christian communities can invite others into their stories with authenticity and hope.

Dr. Andre Joseph Theng observed that even seemingly simple elements, such as language and imagery on social media — or even on a T-shirt — affect relationships and community building. His response highlighted the subtle but powerful ways digital culture shapes human interaction.

The SVD webinar underscored a central message: while technology continues to fragment and commercialise human interaction, the Church is called to foster authentic presence, meaningful storytelling, and communities of witness and faith.

The gathering carried a spirit of urgency and hope, calling the Church to respond boldly to rapid technological change. Urgency arises from the fast pace of digital transformation, while hope rests in the Gospel’s power to inspire creative responses. Participants were reminded that evangelisation is not about chasing trends but about credible presence in faith, love, and justice. As one reflection affirmed, the digital world is not just a tool — it is mission territory itself.

Fr. Anthony Swamy SVD