The idea to
establish a communications office for CAPA was first mooted in
Mbabane, Swaziland, in 1991 during a Communications Conference
for Anglican Communicators in Africa. It was strongly felt that
for the recommendations of that particular meeting to be effected,
it was crucial that a coordinating communications office is established
at CAPA secretariat. This proposal was given further impetus in
the year 2000, after CAPA Standing Committee noted communications
as a major challenge for the rapidly growing Anglican Church in
Africa.
Thankfully, new communication technologies were becoming increasingly
widespread and it was thought the Church would tap into this technology
to improve interaction through communications.
The Unit began full operations in 2002 and is now a focal point
for mobilizing information and enhancing relations between Provinces.
The Unit is also involved in the following key activities:
*Training communicators, clergy, bishops and other church workers
on communications. Communication is an integral part of growth
and development of any community, including the Church. Paul,
the Apostle, had a clear revelation of the critical role that
communication plays in the Kingdom of God when he wrote: “How
then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And
how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? (Romans
10:14). The capacity of the Church to communicate effectively
to its audience and the community needs to be enhanced today,
more than ever before, because people are looking to the Church
for direction and leadership.
? HIV/AIDS awareness. An elaborate programme is now being undertaken
by CAPA to help Church leaders and members better understand and
manage HIV/AIDS in their communities. This includes discarding
stigma towards those who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS,
offering home-based care to people living with HIV/AIDS, encouraging
behaviour change as well as taking a leadership role in the fight
against the disease. Communication is an important element in
this initiative.
? Advocacy. The Communications Unit of CAPA plays an advocating
role for the millions of Anglicans in Africa who are most politically,
socially and economically insecure. This is done mainly through
campaigning for social and political change in conjunction with
Dioceses and Provinces.
? Support to peace and justice initiatives. CAPA Communications
Unit plans to tap into the potential of the transformational power
of the media and the church to bring peace in conflict-hit areas
by facilitating consultations between church leaders, journalists
and peace workers on their role as crusaders for peace and justice
in their communities.
? Information re-engineering. Through strategic sensitization,
support and training from CAPA, African Provinces are now increasingly
becoming aware of the critical role that Information Technology
tools can play in the development and integration of their churches.
This is particularly so in accessing and sending information through
e-mail and the Internet, publishing, and enhancing administrative
efficiency.
Provincial
Communications Workshop
Since 1991, Anglican Communicators have not come together to evaluate
the emerging changes in the field of communication especially
in information technology. The Unit organized a four-day workshop
in Nairobi in October 2002 for all Communication Directors from
the entire Continent. Click here for
the full Workshop Report.
