CBMP Strengthens Church Communication Through Annual PROs' Training in Bhopal

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, July 11, 2026: The Regional Public Relations Office of the Council of Bishops of Madhya Pradesh (CBMP) convened its Annual Public Relations Officers' Meeting and Training & Strategy Session 2026 at Seva Sadan, Bhopal, on July 11, bringing together Church communicators from across the state to enhance media engagement and support the Church's synodal mission.

The programme, themed "Strengthening Synodal Mission through Media and Public Relations," was attended by diocesan and parish public relations officers, representatives of religious congregations, communication coordinators, media professionals and Church leaders from across Madhya Pradesh.

Delivering the keynote training sessions, Dr. Fr. Nigel Barrett, Director of the CCBI Public Relations Office, focused on contemporary media practices, crisis communication, evangelisation and institutional public relations. He emphasised the need for transparency, credibility and proactive engagement with the media, particularly in the Hindi-speaking regions, and urged Church communicators to counter misinformation by highlighting the Church's contributions to education, healthcare, social service and the promotion of human dignity.

The programme began with a prayer service, followed by a welcome address by Regional PRO Fr. Alfred D'Souza. In his inaugural address, Archbishop Durairaj SVD called on every diocese and parish to strengthen its communication structures in keeping with the vision of a synodal Church founded on communion, participation and mission. Participants also presented communication initiatives undertaken in their respective dioceses.

A workshop on storytelling encouraged participants to communicate the Church's pastoral and social initiatives more effectively through print, digital and social media platforms. Through group discussions and practical exercises, participants explored ways to present stories of faith, charitable outreach, youth ministry, environmental stewardship and community development to foster greater public understanding of the Church's mission.

Interactive sessions also addressed effective communication of the Catholic faith in a pluralistic society and strategies for responding respectfully to challenging media questions. The concluding technical session examined the legal context surrounding anti-conversion legislation and discussed responsible communication during sensitive situations through practical case studies.

The meeting concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the Church's communication ministry across Madhya Pradesh through greater collaboration, professional media engagement and effective public relations in support of the Church's evangelising mission.

By Catholic Connect Reporter