In our continuing discussion of journalistic standards or lack thereof, here's a good starting point for what the "means of communication" (why can't the Vaticanisti just say "media" like everyone else?) ought to embody. From Archbishop Foley's address to an ecumenical meeting. Read this first, and then I'll have more in the next post.
ROME, JUNE 12, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Truth and justice are the two criteria the Church proposes to professional communicators so that the media will be at the service of understanding among peoples, says a Vatican official. Archbishop John Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, made this proposal Friday when receiving the participants in the ecumenical meeting on "The Church in the Digital Society."
The meeting, which ended today, marked 10 years of activity of the European Christian Internet Conference. "Truth and justice are two criteria that do not represent an ideology or a specific confession, but belong to the sphere of the whole of humanity and are a necessity for which every corner of the earth cries out," Archbishop Foley said. "And the Church wants to cross this threshold which leads to a new age, valuing the instruments given by God to man, capable of maintaining open the dialogue between persons, becoming an instrument of knowledge, reciprocal understanding and solidarity," he added.
Pope John Paul II had dedicated his message for the 2005 World Communications Day to understanding among peoples. Archbishop Foley said: "The Church is with these men to pull down walls and build bridges, without allowing oneself to be influenced by prejudices, in order to consolidate bonds of friendship among peoples, necessary and indispensable for peaceful coexistence."
