---
title: Bishop Maralit Urges Church to Be Witnesses on Digital Highway
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/bishop-maralit-urges-church-to-be-witnesses-on-digital-highway
published: 2026-09-16T20:21:21+00:00
language: en
section: World Church
source: https://www.mirifica.net/dari-algoritma-ke-altar-uskup-maralit-ajak-gereja-menjadi-saksi-di-jalan-raya-digital/
organizations: Radio Veritas Asia
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Bishop Maralit Urges Church to Be Witnesses on Digital Highway

Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr called for the Church to act as witnesses rather than influencers within the digital space. He delivered this message during a keynote speech titled From Algorithm to Altar: Weaving a Synodal Network of Witnesses in the Digital Peripheries of Asia at the First Asian Catholic Digital Missionary Assembly on September 11.

The event took place at the Pope John Paul II Auditorium within the Radio Veritas Asia complex in Quezon City. Bishop Maralit stated that the debate over whether the Church should be present in the digital world is over, as the Church is already there. He emphasized that the primary concern should be the nature of the Church that people encounter in digital spaces.

According to Bishop Maralit, the digital world should be viewed as a place inhabited by humans, including young people and those who are lonely or marginalized, rather than just as technology or platforms. He described Asia as a symphony of stories, suggesting that digital missions must be rooted in dialogue with the poor, different religions, and various cultures.

He urged the Church to move away from a broadcasting model focused on views, likes, and followers. Instead, he advocated for immersion, which involves understanding the language and habits of young people and listening to their struggles. He noted that while algorithms prioritize speed and controversy, the Gospel operates through patience, compassion, and authentic relationships.

Regarding artificial intelligence, Bishop Maralit argued that technology has limits because it cannot pray, love, or sit in silence with those who are grieving. He stated that the Church needs missionaries who are holy, present, and human.

Bishop Maralit proposed five directions for change for the Church in digital Asia: moving from content to encounter, from audiences to community, from virality to faithfulness, from competition to collaboration, and from influence to witness. He concluded that the goal of digital mission is not to make the Church famous, but to lead people to an encounter with Christ.