EFFECTIVE USE OF MEDIA IS ESSENTIAL FOR EVANGELIZATION

VATICAN CITY, SEP 7, 2004 (VIS) - Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, spoke today in Rome during a seminar for bishops who have been ordained less than five years ago who speak French, Spanish or Portuguese.

  In his speech, on "Bishops and the use of the media," Archbishop Foley expressed his conviction that "the effective use of the media is essential for evangelization and for the episcopal ministry in today's world."

  "Listening to the Good News of Jesus Christ is the most important type of communication that human beings can receive; therefore, our first responsibility is precisely to communicate this news in the most effective way possible. … How can we communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ? Obviously with good example, … through the preaching and teaching of the basic truths of faith, knowledge of the Bible and by helping people to pray."

  The president of the council indicated that "we communicate the Good News of Christ through the positive work that the Church does in His name" and through the media.

  After recalling that the pastoral instruction "Aetatis novae" on communication was published in 1992, Archbishop Foley said that this document "suggests that a pastoral plan for communication develop in each diocese and that communication be part of  pastoral plans."

  Referring to radio and television programs and to print publications, the archbishop emphasized the importance of a high quality product. "That mark of high quality  must come from our authenticity, our credibility as representatives of the Gospel of Christ."
CON-CS/BISHOP:MEDIA/FOLEY                        VIS 20040907 (270)