Challenges of the Religious Leadership in the Era of Digitalization and Information-Communication Technology: The Example of North Macedonia and Serbia

Authors

• Vesna Zabijakin Chatleska, Institute for Sociological, Political and Juridical Research, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in SkopjeFollow
• Marijana Maksimovic, Institute of Social Sciences, BelgradeFollow
• Ruzhica Cacanoska, Institute for Sociological, Political, and Juridical Research (ISPPI) at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, SkopjeFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

Vesna Zabijakin Chatleska:

ORCID ID: 0009-0009-5174-0731

Marijana Maksimović:

ORCID ID: 0000-0002-6420-8869

Ruzhica Cacanoska:

ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7729-4073  

Abstract

Abstract

The rapid development of the digitalization and the information-communication technology resulted in their wider use in the everyday professional and personal life, via various forms of its manifestation, such as, social networks, podcasts and artificial intelligence. The willingness and the capability of the religious leaders to accept information and communication innovations, and to adjust them to the existing specific structure of the religious communities, presupposes a strategic re-thinking of the religious practices and the relations with the believers in the online space. New technologies have enabled simpler and faster communication in religious communities, but with the use of digital technologies, religious leaders as spiritual authorities and preachers of faith, enter the virtual space that is subject to public oversight. This research is pointing out the challenges that religious leaders face when using the digital technologies. The paper presents findings from a qualitative study on the perceptions and the experiences of the religious communities’ representatives, in regard to the religious leadership practices and the communication with the believers in a digital context, by using the example of North Macedonia and Serbia. The main findings reveal that the digital tools are considered a necessity for maintaining visibility, communication and relevance in the rapidly changing social environments, but at the same time, cautiousness about the integration of the digital technology is being expressed, with a strongly emphasized affirmation of the traditional theological boundaries.

Recommended Citation

Chatleska, Vesna Zabijakin; Maksimovic, Marijana; and Cacanoska, Ruzhica (2026) "Challenges of the Religious Leadership in the Era of Digitalization and Information-Communication Technology: The Example of North Macedonia and Serbia," Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe: Vol. 46 : Iss. 4 , Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55221/2693-2229.2759
Available at: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/ree/vol46/iss4/5