Digital Transformation of Church Services and Fundraising in Cyprus

Maria Christodoulou

Institute of Certified Specialists

Cite: Christodoulou M. Digital Transformation of Church Services and Fundraising in Cyprus. J. Digit. Art Humanit., 3(2), 69-70. https://doi.org/10.33847/2712-8148.3.2_6

Abstract. Nowadays Cyprus does not have academic traditions in Theology at the institutional level that go back that long. The argument put forward in this paper is that, there is not so many of theology around Cyprus, which has never been acknowledged. The jury is still out as to whether we can speak of Cypriot theology schools, derived from the conjuncture of global, regional and local factors and the dialectic of social/geopolitics, with the exception perhaps of the Cypriot strands which primarily address identity issues. In any case, theology has long transcended national or ethnic boundaries, but location and rooting still matters, as it provides perspectives from specific vantage points. We can see that trends derive from different traditions, and they have always been connected to and have co-existed with global or regional tendencies, although not necessarily peacefully with or in recognition of each other. This paper considers the development of Cypriot churches toward the use of digital technology in worship and fundraising. In the case of religious organisations, at first glance, support from their followers is the most obvious resource. However, the resources of a religious organisation are not limited to its electoral capabilities. It should be borne in mind that well established Cyprus churches have significant influence on the economic and social sphere, acting as a beneficiary or co-owner of economic enterprises and a founder of socially significant organisations (e.g., hospitals, schools, universities, colleges, charitable foundations, and orphanages).
Keywords: Theology, Cyprus church, fundraising, digital transformation.

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Published online 27.12.2022

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