Makati City, June 18, 2025 — CFC launched its 44th Anniversary Week with a groundbreaking event that bridged faith and innovation: the Veritas Forum 2025, held at SPACE at One Ayala.
With the theme “Ethical Use of AI and Social Media in Evangelization,” the forum explored how artificial intelligence can be responsibly harnessed to proclaim the Gospel in today’s digital age.
Opening Worship: A Heartfelt Beginning
The day began with a worship led by Aerol Arbues, full-time pastoral worker for CFC Youth for Christ. His exhortation reminded the community of the human essence behind every digital interaction. “Our network is not of wires but of people,” he said. “On the other side of our screen are real people, with sufferings, dreams, and expectations. And as CFC, we are after these people.”
Welcome and Vision: Grounding the Mission
Joe Yamamoto, CFC Chairman/President, then welcomed the attendees warmly. “We are here not to marvel at what AI can do,” he said, “but to reflect on what it should do. AI must be a servant of the truth, and not substitute for authentic human encounter.”
To set the tone for the day’s discussions, Jimmy Ilagan, CFC Executive Director, offered an overview of the forum’s purpose. “We embrace the challenges,” Bro. Jimmy said, “to put in writing the why, the who, the what, and the how—as we navigate this new terrain set before us by the Lord.”
Keynote Perspectives: Technology and Theology
Two keynote speakers provided compelling insights from their respective fields:
Mr. Francisco “Cocoy” Claravall, Vice President for wholesale, Gobe Business, spoke on the ethical use of technology in communication and evangelization. “A rosary in one hand, and a smartphone in another. These two tools are shaping the soul in very different ways. One invites silence and contemplation, the other, constant noise and stimulation.”
Rev. Fr. Norman Melchor R. Peña Jr., SSP, PhD, Dean of St. Paul Seminary, explored the theological implications of AI. “We have the capacity to change what is utterly evil, to what is utterly good.” said Fr. Norman.
Plenary Sessions: A Multidisciplinary Lens
Moderated by Rev. Fr. Jayson Gonzales, OP, and Prof. Dr. Eunice Mareth Querol-Areola, the plenary sessions brought together three experts to explore the role of artificial intelligence in evangelization through a multidisciplinary lens.
Dr. Bernardino C. Ofalia of Mapúa University offered a psychological perspective, highlighting how AI systems are designed to capture human attention. “There are many techniques to get your attention,” he noted, “and they are all psychological in nature.”
From the field of economics, Prof. Cielo Magno of UP Diliman examined the impact of AI on media and communication ethics. “In journalism, you have ethics to practice. In social influencing, you don’t,” she explained. “Because traditional media competes with social influencers, the tendency is to resort to the same strategy. The result is a polarization of opinion.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Jhennie C. Villar of UST Legazpi addressed the communication angle, emphasizing the responsibility behind digital content. “Every post is a proclamation, but not all proclamations evangelize,” she said. “Some posts distort truth. We must make sure our intentions are rooted in Christ, and not for clout.”
Together, the speakers provided an insightful and thought-provoking look at how AI can shape, challenge, and support the Church’s mission in the digital world.
Workshops: Formation in Action
In the afternoon, participants engaged in three focused workshops aimed at deepening both understanding and application of the day’s insights. Each session explored a key dimension of evangelization in the digital age:
- HOW: Anchoring evangelization in spiritual discernment
- WHAT: Identifying tools and platforms for ethical AI use
- WHO: Defining the values of a CFC member as a responsible digital citizen
These workshops culminated in the Ceremonial Submission of the Response Sheet to the CFC International Council. Senen Reyes, Region Head of North Western Luzon, underscored the importance of this collective effort:
“What comes out of these submissions will be the ethical guidelines of CFC for the use of AI and social media—not only in our evangelization, but also in formation, mission, and everything we do as a community.”
The response sheets represent the community’s shared discernment and commitment to shaping a future rooted in faith, integrity, and responsible digital engagement.
Eucharistic Celebration: A Solemn Closing
The forum concluded with a Mass presided by His Excellency, the Most Rev. Siegfried Mandla Jwara, CMM, Archbishop of Durban, South Africa, and was concelebrated by some guest priests. In the homily, Rev. Fr. Jason R. Gonzales, O.P. said, “God gives meaning in our lives, and this meaning cannot be found in AI. It is the Lord who will give you direction to be able to appreciate our life. Without God, we will have no direction.”
Archbishop Siegfried reminded the faithful that while tools and platforms may change, the mission remains: to proclaim the Gospel with truth, love, and integrity.
The CFC Veritas Forum 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the community’s journey—embracing innovation while remaining anchored in faith. As St. Paul once preached in the Areopagus, so too must CFC proclaim the Good News in today’s digital arenas, guided by the spirit and truth of Christ.