How Catholic is your media?
The offices of U.S. Catholic got a call from a local reporter after Cardinal Francis George's opening address to the bishops, specifically about this line: "[Bishops] have recently begun discussions on how we might strengthen our relationship to Catholic universities, to media claiming to be a voice in the church, and to organizations that direct various works under Catholic auspices." The reporter wanted to know if USC was "concerned."
Our immediate answer was, quite frankly, no: We see our role at USC as journalists within the structure of the church, and we make great effort to present the teaching of the church while we also report the conversations of American Catholics around issues of concern, including when there is disagreement.
There are many readings of George's statement: Some think it directed at newspapers such as the National Catholic Reporter, which is not directly connected to the hierarchy. Others think he might also be talking about loud voices on the right, such as Bill Donohue's Catholic League, which is also independent of the hierarchy but claims to speak for Catholics.
But it begs the question: What is the role of media in the Catholic community? House organ for the bishop? Cheerleader for being Catholic? Watchdog? And who is doing a good job?
Comments (3)
I think there should be
By Renee Schafer Horton (not verified) on Thursday, November 19, 2009I think there should be differentiation. There appears to be a need on the part of some Catholics and the hierarchy to have a "orthodox" Catholic papers that do things such as teach the faith, explain doctrine, promote the local bishop and positive news of the Church/local diocese.
But there are also Catholics who want a NEWSpaper from their diocese - with NEWS, good, bad, ugly, but, primarily, news. With that news, there should be a very open and vocal op-ed page because, after all, Holy Mother Church claims to be the Church of faith AND reason and therefore, should not be afraid of discussions of either.
The problem seems to be that some bishops (many?) are afraid/concerned about Catholics being led astray. It is true some Catholics have the understanding of a slug when it comes to the teachings in their church (this can be said of the slugs on the right and the left). What is intriguing, IMHO, is that bishops will support events such as Theology on Tap to have outreach to the young and at those events sometimes the discussions get pretty feisty, and the bishops are ok with that.
And, face it, when you've got Catholics for a Free Choice saying they are Catholic (when the leader I interviewed wasn't even a nominally practicing Catholic) and guys like BDonohue using the term Catholic even though he's hateful with some of his brethren, maybe the Bishops have had enough.
Vatican II on Catholic media
By Jeffrey Pinyan (not verified) on Thursday, November 19, 2009First, a good press should be fostered. To instill a fully Christian spirit into readers, a truly Catholic press should be set up and encouraged. Such a press - whether immediately fostered and directed by ecclesiastical authorities or by Catholic laymen - should be edited with the clear purpose of forming, supporting and advancing public opinion in accord with natural law and Catholic teaching and precepts. It should disseminate and properly explain news concerning the life of the Church. Moreover, the faithful ought to be advised of the necessity both to spread and read the Catholic press to formulate Christian judgments for themselves on all events. (Inter Mirifica 14)
Diocesan newspapers
By Dennis (not verified) on Thursday, November 19, 2009Our new bishop came in and revamped our diocesan newspaper. Now it has no discussion of issues, no news about what is happening in the church and worst of all no letters to the editor where we the laity can have a public Catholic Voice. Just nice fluffy stories about the bishop.
