Lay Catholics approaching a Crossroads? Pope raises key questions

Last week (January 24th) Pope Benedict XVI published his message for World Communications Day. The theme is “The Media: At the Crossroads between Self-Promotion and Service. Searching for the truth in order to share it with others”.

Through this year’s message Pope Benedict draws attention to the force of suggestion that modern day media possesses and calls for high ethical standards across the sector. The impact media is having, he suggests, permeates all key dimensions of human life – moral, intellectual, religious, relational, affective and cultural – and in consequence, raises unavoidable questions. More specifically he asks if the time has come to introduce “info-ethics” just as developments in medicine have necessitated the introduction of “bio-ethics”.

“There is no denying the contribution media makes to the diffusion of news, to knowledge of facts and to the dissemination of information” he says. Media, for example, has played a decisive part in the spread of literacy and in socialization generally, as well as the development of democracy and dialogue among peoples. “Without their contribution it would truly be difficult to foster and strengthen understanding between nations, to breathe life into peace dialogues around the globe, to guarantee the primary good of access to information, while at the same time ensuring the free circulation of ideas.”

The Pope also commends the many fine publications and programmes which acknowledge and favourably present “the truth, beauty and greatness of the human person”. Quoting Christ in St. John’s Gospel, “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free” (Jn 8:32), he suggests that all who have enthusiastically welcomed Christ’s message experience the irrepressible desire to share and communicate this truth.

He concludes by encouraging people to ask God to raise up more courageous communicators who will “interpret modern cultural needs” and give generously of themselves in “developing communion between persons and peoples”.

Among those to welcome the pope’s message are Elphin diocesan priest, religious affairs broadcaster and Shannonside Radio Board member, Fr. Eamonn O’Connor. “This message affirms the good work being done by many local radio and print media personnel. I am also delighted to see both the integrity and challenge of working in this sector acknowledged. Pope Benedict indicates a tension between self-promotion and serving the community. We need to strive everyday to serve the causes of truth, justice and integrity and to help each other to do so”.

Another person to welcome the Pope’s message is Justin Harkin, the Elphin diocese’s Director of Pastoral Development. “This message invites each of us to reflect on our relationship with media and what its shaping influence is. I particularly welcome his emphasis on the need for further interpretation of modern cultural needs. This dovetails poignantly with the Health Services Executive’s advertising campaign encouraging care of our mental health and a number of initiatives that aim to challenge the scourge of suicide. At the moment many of the related dialogues are advancing without due recognition of the spiritual and religious aspects of every human person. I hope we will soon see more holistic explorations, and appropriate engagement by suitably qualified lay Catholics.”

Bishop Christopher Jones has also welcomed the publication. “We are approaching a series of cross roads” he suggested. “Increasingly there is need for women and men to be more public in expressing Christian principles and values through local media outlets. All hesitancy needs to be overcome. The younger generations need to encounter the conviction and wisdom of older adults in person and through local radio and newspapers. I thank and commend all local media personnel whose work is imbued with high standards and Gospel values. May we continue to be blessed through their service” he said.

Pope Benedict XVI’s message is available on the Vatican web site, i.e. www.vatican.va.