“Digital evangelization must lead to social transformation”: African Faith Influencers Told

Professor Gideon Maina J.K. urged 109 digital faith influencers to use online platforms to promote social change and address societal challenges during a graduation ceremony on Friday, September 25. The graduates completed the second cohort of the Africa Digital Faith Influencers formation program organized by the Pan African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN).

The participants represent 21 African nations. During his keynote address, Maina, the Vice Chancellor of Pioneer International University in Kenya, told the graduates to complete the community projects they designed during their training. He stated that while a social media post can inspire a village, a physical project can transform it.

Maina advised the graduates to stay connected to their bishops, parishes, and other digital missionaries to avoid becoming detached from the Church. He distinguished between influencers and missionaries, noting that while an influencer may build a personal brand, a missionary is an envoy sent to proclaim a message belonging to a higher authority.