Effective Communication Practice in a Religious Environment
On 30th September and 1st October 2023, 31 theologians from Mill Hill gathered at Rosa Mystica for an impactful workshop on Effective Communication Practice in a Religious Environment. It was facilitated by LCMC team. Participants were from diverse nationalities and back grounds and as such this workshop aimed to enhance their communication skills within their religious community and in their apostolates.
Dr. Elias Mokua, SJ was up to the task. On the first day of the workshop, he guided participants through communication & conflict, communicating grievances, interpersonal and group communication with a focus on the Actors and Non-Actors. This was followed by two sessions; deconstructing modern music among young people and introduction to AI tools for evangelization by Joy and Susan (members of LCMC staff). Participants learned techniques to communicate effectively amongst themselves and to the different age groups in their apostolates, especially teens and youth.
Day two was facilitated by Dr. Zachary Chiliswa who guided participants to explore strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully and constructively. Participants were introduced to the importance of cultural sensitivity and how it relates to effective communication in a religious environment. They learned to appreciate and respect the diversity within their communities.
The workshop received positive feedback from participants through evaluation interviews conducted by LCMC staff. Interviewees shared some thoughts of what they appreciated most, including increased cultural awareness, appreciation of cultural diversity, approaching disagreements with empathy and understanding and the amazing power of AI tools.
