Bishops from the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) have taken to the Twittersphere to spread the word of peace ahead of Zimbabwe's elections planned for later this year.
In a two day 'Get Media-Wise' workshop in Johannesburg, the Bishops learnt amongst other media tools, how to use Twitter as a means of communicating their messages. Father Richard Menatsi [IMBISA Director] said:"This is a brilliant opportunity for the Bishops to take the good news of peace and reconciliation beyond the pulpit and into people's lives and homes."
The Bishops recently published an open letter in response to Zimbabwe's referendum and the planned elections for later in the year, calling for: 'peaceful elections, free of violence and intimidation'.
Bishops attending the workshops agreed that all too often the Church can seem out of touch. Learning these news skills bring them up to date and better able to communicate their messages to the faithful.
Father Richard continued: "We draw inspiration from Pope Francis whose commitment to the poor and to peace, has made a strong impression on us with regard to our own responsibilities as people of faith. So, in collaboration and in solidarity we will look to use the media more widely in urging our messages of peace."
Notes to Editors:
IMBISA is made up of Bishops from the following countries: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Sao Tome e Principe, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
IMBISA's recent press statement on Zimbabwe's forthcoming elections can be found here [http://www.scribd.com/doc/130120927/IMBISA-Press-Statement-Zimbabwe-Elections]
IMBISA on Twitter @IMBISA
Bishop Giuseppe Sandri @sandrijoe
Bishop Jose Luis @bpbhubesi
For further details please contact Mr Simon Jeffery on email bpministry@imbisa.com
