Editorial

The other day The Times published an exclusive report about a consultation document bearing the title The Digital Face of the Lord. The study takes the form of a programme proposing the implementation of the decisions that had been taken by the Diocesan Synod for the sector of pastoral work with the media. The "practical" part of the document puts across for discussion eight different sub-sections, each presenting a number of initiatives.

The document about the Church's communication structures and strategy had not been made public but was being distributed for consultation within restricted circles. The Times decided to report on its contents in the belief that what it speaks about is of considerable public interest. Indeed, the Church itself should have published the document as part of the consultation process. The views of the media and the public should be of importance to the Church. Unfortunately, it did not do so. On the same day the report about the document appeared in The Times, the press office of the Archbishop's Curia issued a clarification to point out that the proposals contained in the document in question were still at a consultation stage. It also added that the document was simply a compilation of alternative ideas and that nothing had yet been decided about it. The document remained unpublished.

The attitude taken proved the document's point that the Church is generally re-active in this area. The proposed setting up of a communications office instead of the present press office could be a good step to remedy this situation and have a pro-active Church that plans and executes professionally its communication strategy.

The document also proposes the exploration of the possibility that the two dioceses - Malta and Gozo - should put their resources together to adopt a common media Pastoral Plan and also a unified communications office. It is unfortunate that the work of the Church in this area is characterised by fragmentation. One hopes an end will eventually be put to all this waste.

The consultation document is quite strong on structures, the broadcasting media and media education but it leaves out the new media. It will now be the task of those who will eventually be entrusted with the formulation of the Pastoral Plan to do so. One cannot not emphasise the urgency for the Church to establish a credible and effective presence in these media. It simply cannot afford to lag behind as, alas, it did in the traditional media, bar, perhaps, radio.

Importance is given to media education. The Church was a pioneer in this sector but, unfortunately, in recent years initiatives and activities have slackened quite a bit. The document aims at kick starting the process and proposes how this can be done even outside of the school environment.

A lengthy analysis of the role of the media in Maltese society is also being proposed and the document outlines the pastoral implications of media developments. It also proposes a very innovative and creative vision for the Church to follow in this area. The document moves away from the siege mentality that many Catholics adopt. It evaluates the role of the media and respects their autonomy. It suggests that the Church would be a critical voice and an active agent working for the empowerment of media audiences.

The role of the Church in this sphere is always looked at as a service towards the enhancement of human dignity and the spreading of the Good News. It only very secondarily looks at the media as instruments at the service of the needs of the Church as an institution. If this vision is adopted and internalised by the rest of the Church, one can look forward to a new era in the relationship between the Church and the media in this country.