CHRIST IN THE MEDIA IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM

VATICAN CITY, JAN 24, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today in six languages was Pope John Paul's Message for the 34th World Communications Day, which falls on June 4, 2000. French, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese were translated from the original English. Following are excerpts:

"The theme of the thirty-fourth World Communications Day, 'Proclaiming Christ in the Media at the Dawn of the New Millennium,' is an invitation to look ahead to the challenges we face, and also back to the dawn of Christianity itself, for the light and courage we need."

"The early chapters of the Acts of the Apostles contain a moving account of the proclamation of Christ by his first followers - a proclamation at once spontaneous, faith-filled, and persuasive, and carried out through the power of the Holy Spirit."

"It goes without saying that circumstances have changed enormously in two millennia. Yet the same need to proclaim Christ still exists. Our duty to bear witness to the death and resurrection of Jesus and to his saving presence in our lives is as real and pressing as was the duty of the first disciples. We must tell the good news to all who are willing to listen."

"Direct, personal proclamation ... is essential; so are other traditional forms of spreading the word of God. But, alongside these, proclamation today must take place also in and through the media."

"The impact of the media in today's world can hardly be exaggerated. ... Through the media, people come into contact with other people and events, and form their opinions about the world they live in - indeed, form their understanding of the meaning of life. ... The proclamation of Christ must be part of this experience."

"Naturally, in proclaiming the Lord, the Church must make energetic and skilful use of her own means of communication. ... And Catholic communicators must be bold and creative in developing new media and methods of proclamation."

"Already the media contribute to spiritual enrichment in many ways - for example, the many special programs being carried to worldwide audiences through satellite telecasts during the year of the Great Jubilee. In other cases, however, they display the indifference, even hostility, to Christ and his message that exist in certain sectors of secular culture."

"Media presentations which call attention to authentic human needs, especially those of the weak, the vulnerable and the marginalized, can be an implicit proclamation of the Lord. But besides implicit proclamation, Christian communicators should also seek out ways to speak explicitly of Jesus crucified and risen."

"To do this well demands professional training and skill. ... (and) a personal relationship with (Christ) through prayer."

"To proclaim Christ is not only a duty but a privilege."

"To proclaim Christ in the media at the dawn of the new millennium is not only a necessary part of the Church's evangelizing mission; it is also a vital, inspiring and hope-filled enrichment of the media's message. May God abundantly bless all those who honor and proclaim His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the vast world of the means of social communication."

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