The Wednesday E-Mail gives me an opportunity to tell you about the various activities in which I'm involved outside the archdiocese. As you read this, I am in Rome attending the annual meeting of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, of which I have been a member since 1995.
The Council’s history dates back to 1948 when Pope Pius XII approved the Statutes of the Pontifical Commission for educational and religious films. The name and the mandate of the organisation have changed several times over the years in view of the rapid changes seen in the world of communications. In 1988, the Pontifical Council for Social Communications is created with the following mandate: to consider questions related to social communication technologies so that they may contribute better to the growth of civilization and of morality.
Each year presents an opportunity to take part in the Council’s meeting. This allows me to keep abreast of the activities of the various world organizations, set up by the Church to deal with the full range of communication media. For example, film is one of the preoccupations of SIGNIS; it has linkgs with all the great film festivals around the world, including those of Cannes and Montreal. These film festivals recognize the spiritual value of certain films by handing out Ecumenical Jury Awards.
Many Catholic newspapers exist throughout the world. The Council reviews the work that they do via the International Catholic Union of the Press. It’s interesting to note that this organization’s next world congress will take place this June, in Sherbrooke.
The Council also looks into radio, television, Internet and wireless phone technology. Furthermore, the Council places great emphasis on what is being accomplished in developing countries. Catholic organizations are instrumental in setting up information and communication technologies, in promoting literacy and in encouraging meaningful exchanges between the Church of the North and of the South.
Finally, the Council studies the pressing issues arising from the complex and rapidly evolving world of communications. It regularly publishes Christian reflections on certain aspects of media, such as publicity, the Internet, and violence and pornography in the media. I have learned much from participating in this world forum. I could say it has converted me to the world of the Internet.
I will be back in Montreal in a few days. Have a good week.