Communication must be marked by speed, accuracy and completeness: Cardinal Oswald Gracias

NEW DELHI, Jan. 08, 2010, 11:30 Hrs:(CBCI News)

Communication is an essential dimension of the Church and our communication should be marked by speed, accuracy and completeness, said CBCI President Cardinal Oswald Gracias. He was addressing the chairman bishops and secretaries who hold responsibilities for coordinating and directing communication ministries in the 13 regional bishops councils of the CBCI, at Don Bosco, The Citadal, Chennai, January 3-5 at the conclusion of a 3-day meeting, January 5.

He said everyone looks to the media for news and information, but in recent events have shown how media itself has feet of clay and is vulnerable. The church, he said needs to step up its efforts to become more professional. He recalled how the Bishops Conference had stressed the importance of communication by choosing it as the theme for the 2004 Plenary Assembly of the CBCI and subsequently drew up a national pastoral plan. He also lauded the formation program launched by the CBCI for the formation of seminarians and pastoral workers in social communication.

The Cardinal said in recent times the media has been looking to the church for news and also focusing a lot of attention on her, the church has nothing to hide, and we are open to truth and want transparency. He stressed the importance of presenting the true image of the church rather than let falsehood circulate as news. While thanking those who are making significant contribution to improve communication in the church in India, he urged those who hold responsibility for social communication in the regions and the country to intensify and strengthen professionalism and networking so that our fruits our efforts may reach everyone.