News
NEW PUBLICATION ENGAGES CHURCH WITH DIGITAL AGE
NEW PUBLICATION ENGAGES CHURCH WITH DIGITAL AGE
PASTORAL CARE IN THE DIGITAL WORLD
A REFLECTION FOR THE CHURCH OF THE THIRD MILLENNIUM
By Gordon Wynne and Lachlan Cameron
Church of Ireland Publishing has launched
an important new publication examining the pastoral implications of the new
digital era for the whole church. It
has been produced by the Social Justice and Theology Group (Republic of Ireland)
of the Church’s Church in Society Committee and is written by the chairperson
and deputy chairperson of the group, the Very Revd Gordon Wynne, Dean of
Leighlin, and Lachlan Cameron, a retired educationalist. There are also individual
contributions from users of new technologies, such as the Revd Ian Poulton,
a blogging Rector in Dublin; Shane Tucker from the Church of Ireland Youth
Department; and Jack Deacon, a student and net surfer.
The publication was launched by the Rt Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Bishop of
Clogher and Chair of the Church in Society Committee, at Church of Ireland
House, Dublin on Wednesday 1 April. Bishop Jackson said, ‘The digital
age has become a cliched phrase but the church, nonetheless, has the opportunity
to embrace technology responsibly. In terms of networking, many people are
now reliant on digital technology – and the same goes for their access
to information. I greatly welcome this timely analysis of the potential for
good and for sustaining community in digital communication by the Theology
and Social Justice Panel of the Church in Society. Dean Wynne is always careful
to consult locally when speaking into the wider church.’
Dean Wynne said, ‘The church is quick to use the evolving technology
of communication when it suits it. The church also sees many of the dangers
and risks inherent in the digital world, and the new balance of power it
implies. This booklet is an attempt to bring the whole pastoral dimension
into the open and to suggest ways of coping with it, bringing out the good
and dealing with the bad.’
The book is available from the Good Bookshop, Donegall Street, Belfast and
the Resource Centre, Rathmines, Dublin, price £5 or €6
The mission
of the Social Justice and Theology Group (Republic of Ireland) is: ‘To
provide where possible pro-active, as well as reflective theological comment,
on contemporary issues of social justice within the Republic of
Ireland, and where relevant to make suggestions on possible courses of action.’
www.cip.ireland.anglican.org
Date: 2nd April 2009