Representatives from the communication offices within the Franciscan Conference of Asia and Oceania (FCAO) gathered in Singapore in April to discuss how they can become a network of communicators serving the Franciscan mission.
From 7 to 10 April, the 16 participants – attending in person and virtually – discussed topics including brand identity and messaging, the use of social media for entity and personal communication, collaborating on FCAO communications, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
The meeting, held at St Anthony Friary, began with each friar sharing the communications work of his entity and the challenges faced. Several common challenges emerged, including limited resources, multilingual work, internal coordination and digital presence. The discussion that followed revealed potential synergies that could be achieved through cooperation and collaboration.
In the afternoon, consultant Karen Goh led a workshop on brand identity and messaging. She outlined criteria for defining and communicating an organisation’s identity effectively across different channels and contexts, stressing that clarity and consistency are essential for building trust and upholding the mission. In an exercise she facilitated, the group developed a set of draft key messages to describe FCAO and its common projects.
On 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, Friar Byron Chamann emphasised that these guidelines approved at the Order level were a framework of reference and asked each entity to develop its own protocols, sensitive to local culture and regulations, including working in teams that include lay experts. He also asked that they consider integrating digital formation into their formation programmes.
The following day, 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. Led by Friar Byron, the discussion highlighted the importance of institutional communications, the need for verification of sources and coordination with superiors, as well as the importance of strengthening links and references to the Order’s official channels.
In the afternoon, Friar Angelito Cortez spoke of the need for collaboration among the communications offices within FCAO, pointing out that the Franciscan digital presence is weakened when voices are fragmented and capabilities are uneven across entities. He proposed moving from simple cooperation to deeper collaboration, with clear projects and shared criteria, and encouraged stronger networking, including the improvement of common platforms and channels of exchange.
On the final day, Friar John Sekar led a discussion on the use of AI in journalism and social media. He highlighted that alongside the opportunities AI offers for daily work are ethical risks such as disinformation, the erosion of critical thinking, the protection of privacy and image rights, and the ecological impact of technology. He urged 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 foster 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.
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