Bihar Church Communicators Explore AI for Digital Evangelisation

BHAGALPUR, November 11, 2026: Church communicators from dioceses across Bihar explored the use of artificial intelligence in media outreach and evangelisation during a two-day regional seminar held in Bhagalpur on November 10 and 11.

Titled “ChurchCom AI 2027”, the seminar was organised by the Diocese of Bhagalpur at the R.C. Bishop’s House under the theme, “AI for Mission: Transforming Church Communication in the Digital Age”. It brought together diocesan social communication representatives, youth leaders, religious sisters and seminarians.

Bishop Kurien Valiakandathil of Bhagalpur, Chairman of the Media Commission of the Bihar Regional Bishops’ Council (BRBC), inaugurated the seminar. He called for the ethical and responsible use of technology in pastoral ministry, stressing that Church communication must go beyond adopting digital tools to building relationships and sharing the Gospel.

Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director of the Canara Communication Centre of the Diocese of Mangalore and a Google-certified AI coach, conducted the training sessions. He introduced participants to AI-powered content creation, digital evangelisation strategies and the application of artificial intelligence in pastoral communication.

The practical sessions familiarised participants with tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Canva, demonstrating their use in producing content and strengthening Church media initiatives.

Urging the participants to become active evangelisers in the digital space, Fr Fernandes said mobile phones could serve as instruments of faith, hope and social transformation rather than merely entertainment devices.

He emphasised that AI-generated content should complement, not replace, personal relationships and human engagement. “Create content using AI, but build connections from the heart,” he told the participants, calling for technology to remain at the service of humanity and the Church's mission.

The programme also included a screening of the film Face of the Faceless, followed by group discussions in which participants reflected on its message and shared their perspectives on the role of artificial intelligence in their personal, professional and pastoral lives.

Very Rev. Fr Andreas Marandi and Fr Sijo Joseph supported the initiative, which was coordinated by Fr Rijesh Sebastian, Regional Secretary for Social Communication.

The seminar concluded with participants developing action plans to integrate AI into their respective communication ministries. The discussions emphasised the need for Church communicators to combine technological competence with ethical responsibility, creativity and meaningful human engagement in advancing digital evangelisation.

By Fr. Rijesh