UNITED KINGDOM
Text messages on cell phones for keeping Catholics informed of the latest news: the idea is that of the Catholic Church in Scotland, which has sent over 100,000 letters to each parish in the country to recruit at least 20,000 subscribers to the new service. “Texting is a rapid and modern way of sending information of vital importance to the faithful – explained a spokesman of the Scottish Bishops’ Conference -. By text messages we could invite Catholics to listen to or participate in radio programmes or television talk shows in which such issues as euthanasia or abortion are discussed. In this way we will be able to let people know where and when and what number to call. It’s an ideal way of mobilising people. Catholics, though they are a tiny minority, wish to emerge from anonymity and make their voice heard on crucial issues of life”. With the new system, the Scottish Catholic Church will also ask Catholics to pray for delicate situations. News on new appointments within the Church or important events will also be sent by text messages. The Scottish Church is also preparing weekly services, audios and videos that the faithful can download from their personal computers for watching or listening to. “With the disappearance of terrestrial religious programmes, we are convinced that these programmes will become very popular”.
