Manila, Philippines—In a significant move signaling a renewed focus on digital evangelization, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has appointed Edwin Lopez, a veteran executive from the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), as the new executive secretary of its Commission on Social Communications. This appointment, announced during a recollection of CBCP personnel and volunteers in Manila, is particularly noteworthy as Mr. Lopez is the first married layman to serve in this crucial operational and coordinating role.
Lopez brings a wealth of experience, having served for more than two decades as EWTN’s regional manager for Asia-Pacific, a tenure spanning over 25 years with the global Catholic media organization. His expertise is expected to be instrumental in translating the bishops’ pastoral goals into practical, modern communications projects and activities, especially in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the Philippines.
The Lay Vocation in the Digital Age
The appointment of a married layman to this position underscores the Church’s commitment to the lay apostolate and the call for greater lay participation in the Church’s mission, a theme strongly emphasized by the Second Vatican Council and Pope Francis’ call for synodality.
Mr. Lopez, who will continue his Asia-Pacific management role at EWTN, articulated a clear vision for his new responsibility, one that prioritizes authentic human connection over mere technological efficiency.
“I hope to contribute what over 25 years in social communications across the Asia Pacific region has taught me: Digital tools can broaden contact and strengthen connection, but they cannot replace relational communion,” Lopez told the Catholic News Agency.
He further emphasized the theological foundation of all Church communication: “God did not merely send a message, he sent himself — in person. When we confuse means and end, we deepen the crisis of intimacy; when communion remains the end, even AI and digital media become faithful servants that lead people back to relationships, communities, and the Eucharist”. This perspective aligns with the Church’s teaching that all media must serve the dignity of the human person and the ultimate goal of salvation.
A Background of Faith and Academia
Mr. Edwin Lopez’s qualifications extend beyond his media executive experience. He is also a respected professor in the philosophy and theology department of San Carlos Seminary in Makati City. His academic background includes graduate degrees in business administration, international management, and development communication, providing a unique blend of spiritual, academic, and corporate expertise to the CBCP.
The executive secretary of a CBCP commission serves as its chief operating and coordinating officer, a role that requires not only administrative skill but also a deep understanding of the Church’s mission. Lopez succeeds Father Ildefonso “Ilde” Dimaano, who was recently appointed as the spokesperson for CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa.
The appointment has been widely celebrated, with EWTN Chairman of the Board and CEO Michael Warsaw noting that Lopez’s experience and expertise are an “extraordinary gift to both the Catholic Church and our global mission”. This collaboration between a global Catholic media giant and the local bishops’ conference is poised to significantly strengthen the Church’s voice in the Philippines, a nation of over 80 million Catholics.
A Spiritual Resolution: Communicating the Truth in Charity
The Church’s mission to communicate the Gospel is more vital than ever in a world saturated with information. The appointment of a seasoned lay professional like Edwin Lopez is a powerful reminder that the work of evangelization belongs to all the baptized.
To support this mission and to live out the call to be effective communicators of the Truth, the faithful are encouraged to deepen their spiritual life:
- The Holy Eucharist: To participate fully in the Holy Mass, receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, which is the ultimate source of all communion and the foundation of all authentic communication.
- The Holy Rosary: To pray the Rosary, asking for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is the perfect model of communication, having perfectly received and responded to the Word of God.
- Sacred Scripture: To regularly read and reflect on Sacred Scripture, allowing the Word of God to purify our intentions and guide our words, ensuring that our communication is always rooted in charity and truth.
- The Sacrament of Confession: To humbly seek God’s mercy, ensuring that our hearts are free from the noise of sin, allowing us to hear and transmit the clear voice of the Holy Spirit.
May the Holy Spirit guide Edwin Lopez and the entire CBCP Commission on Social Communications as they work to bring the light of Christ to the digital continent. For more information on global Church developments and the beauty of our Catholic faith, visit www.ewtnasiapacific.com.
