In his keynote speech at the opening of the 12th Assembly of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) in Trondheim (Norway), Kenneth Kaunda, founding President of Zambia, stated: "In most countries of Africa, communication is a major problem. Churches should help establish communication systems, which are essential for the development of human society."

Kaunda’s appeal has found a large echo in the hearing "Called to communicate – the Churches’ witness in the Information Society", organised by the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC). Rev. Randy Naylor, WACC General Secretary, presented their aims and
objectives, namely to promote and support participative and creative forms of information and communication which foster empowerment of people, especially those who are marginalized, such as indigenous people, the urban and rural poor, refugees, women and the unemployed.

Myriam Horngren, from the Campaign for Communication Rights (CRIS) spoke about the forthcoming United Nations’ World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), which will take place in Geneva in December 2003, with a follow-up session in Tunis in 2005. WSIS aims to "develop a common vision and understanding of the information society… and to draw up a strategic plan of action for successfully adapting to the new society". In view of the WSIS, CRIS – a coalition of non-governmental organisations – is lobbying to affirm the right to communicate as a means to enhance human rights and to strengthen democratic participation. During the WSIS session in Geneva, CRIS will organise a parallel event, the World Forum on Communication Rights.

Karin Achtelstetter, Director of Communications of the Lutheran World Federation, urged the Christian churches to become more involved in reflection and action on the issues related to "information ethics".

Gianna Urizio, President of the European region of WACC, moderated the hearing. She underlined the need for the churches and ecumenical organisations to closely monitor the WSIS process and to work for the recognition of the right to communicate as a basic human right. Equitable and affordable access to modern information tools (e.g. Internet) for all people should be ensured.

The World Association for Christian Communication (WACC), founded in 1975, works for human dignity, justice and peace. It sees genuine communication as the basis of understanding and co-operation between peoples of different faith and cultures. It promotes freedom of expression and information and the democratisation of communication. The Christian Principles of Communication, which WACC drew up in May 1986 to guide its work, emphasise the participatory, liberating and prophetic nature of Christian communication.

WACC is ecumenical in its membership and communication activities. WACC is made up of more than 850 corporate and personal members in 115 countries organised in eight Regional Associations. The administrative work of WACC is carried out at its office in London (United Kingdom). For further information on WACC contact: http://www.wacc.org.uk (Editor: Christian B. Schaeffler, member of WACC)