Bishop Anselm Umoren warns digital distractions erode prayer silence

Bishop Anselm Umoren, an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Abuja, warned that digital distractions risk undermining the silence required for prayer and spiritual discernment. Speaking to ACI Africa on Sept. 25, Umoren urged Christians to resist the constant demands of social media, notifications, and online interactions.

During the seventh annual general assembly of the Archdiocese of Abuja, which focused on Christian faith and evolving communication technology, Umoren cautioned that digital noise should not replace quiet moments with God. He noted that while technology offers benefits, it must not displace sacramental life, authentic human relationships, or a person's relationship with God.

Umoren observed that the digital environment encourages constant communication and immediate reactions to trending topics, which can come at the expense of contemplation. He referenced the book of Ecclesiastes to remind listeners that there is a time for silence and a time to speak, contrasting this with a digital world that often demands constant speech.