The Internet in Mission and Ecumenism ... - Reformiert online

explore the possibilities of using Information Communication Technology for development. People
at the margins should be given a chance to communicate their own problems, among themselves,
and to the public. We have successful stories of such communication in Gujarat where SEWA has
done this with a video camera. Information technology can provide information to these people at
the margins about useful Government programmes. At the same time they can express
themselves to the outside world and bring their problems, and other issues, to the notice of the
government. Some NGOs are already involved in the net for such development 39 . Making a video
clip or an audio file in these systems is very easy, and then placing or sending it from one place to
another place is also made easy through the convergence technology.
7. Conclusion
I would like to conclude by saying that we need to have a holistic understanding of mission
where the tension between diverse views can be held together. Unless we try to challenge the
theology of mission the churches may not be able to interact with the Netizens and their culture.
The churches should also be encouraged to recognise the importance of using the Net in their
mission and ministry. Whatever criticism that we have about the information communication
technology, the Internet has come to stay here. It have made an impact on the users at intrapersonal,
interpersonal, group and mass communication level and has created a culture of fast and
interactive communication. A considerable number of people are engaged in such communication
where we need a new strategy of mission which I call ‘plurality of mission’. In such perspective a
holistic understanding of mission emerges without removing the old. Such understanding of
mission seems to recognise the tension between different perspectives on mission. It becomes
essential for me to bring the tension in the understanding of mission while considering the Net. I
find out that there are many opportunities for using the Internet. Through the net we may be able to
share the gospel, liberate people, bring about awareness, develop and build communities and
show the care for all. The convergent technology of the net helps to explore new possibilities in this
area such as audio-video conferencing. The above-suggested methods are not very expensive
rather they could be maintained at a normal local price. At times to establish website the churches
need some of the software for these programmes and texts.
The churches should also consider going beyond the way they communicate among
themselves and with others. The interactive culture of the net challenges the churches’ existing
practices of communication. ‘Being there’ is what makes the net users comfortable with the church.
The churches are called to participate, interact and bring about awareness about different social
issues. The churches’ presence and her listening is what going to do much in mission and
ecumenism. When I started constructing websites, using e-groups and participating in ongoing
discussions, I realised the fact there is a God’s presence in the Net and try to engage with other
communities and believers in their search for meanings of God and life. Ian Stillman’s release may
be an example of what had happened through the net. If we try to follow one of the above models
we might be able to carry out the tasks of mission with a spirit of ecumenism. By engaging
creatively with the Internet culture the churches and Christian institutions can change the society
and bear witness to God’s mission in the world.
39 MS Swaminathan Project in India – Pondicherry -Computers are used to supply useful information to the
fisherfolk. The NGOs encourage people to participate in using the net. People from marginalised
communities think that having access to computers means a step up in their status. Having computers in a
Dalit’s village means bringing non-dalits to their place. It also allows the Dalits to communicate to others.
They provide information about weather, pesticides, market prices, cost of seeds and fertilizer. Other
government schemes are also announced such as Women Public Welfare Schemes, low cost insurance and
health issues, Government provisions and applications online for benefits. Mailing complaints to officials and
to political leaders is also made easy in this process.
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