Inter Mirifica (“among the wonderful“), the Decree on the Media of Social Communications, was one of the first decrees which emerged from Vatican II. Promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 4 December 1963, the decree highlights the role and responsibility of Catholic Communicators emphatically stating, “Now clearly this has become most useful and very often necessary for the progress of contemporary society and for achieving closer links among men. The prompt publication of affairs and events provides every individual with a fuller, continuing acquaintance with them, and thus all can contribute more effectively to the common good and more readily promote and advance the welfare of the entire civil society. Therefore, in society, men have a right to information, in accord with the circumstances in each case, about matters concerning individuals or the community. The proper exercise of this right demands, however, that the news itself that is communicated should always be true and complete, within the bounds of justice and charity. (#5) and further, “First, a good press should be fostered. To instill a fully Christian spirit into readers, a truly Catholic press should be set up and encouraged. Such a press-whether immediately fostered and directed by ecclesiastical authorities or by Catholic laymen-should be edited with the clear purpose of forming, supporting and advancing public opinion in accord with natural law and Catholic teaching and precepts” (#14).
Interestingly, exactly fifty years later (21 September 2013), the Golden Jubilee of ‘Inter Mirifica’, addressing the participants at Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications Pope Francis reiterated this responsibility saying, “Are we able to communicate the face of a Church which is “home” to all? We sometimes speak of a Church that has its doors closed, but here we are contemplating much more than a Church with open doors, much more! . . . We need to bring Christ to others, through these joys and hopes, like Mary, who brought Christ to the hearts of men and women; we need to pass through the clouds of indifference without losing our way; we need to descend into the darkest night without being overcome and disorientated; we need to listen to the dreams, without being seduced; we need to share their disappointments, without becoming despondent; to sympathize with those whose lives are falling apart, without losing our own strength and identity (cf. Pope Francis, Address to the Bishops of Brazil, 27 July 2013, n. 4). This is the path. This is the challenge.”
It is almost 57 years ago since ‘Inter Mirifica’ was promulgated; but it still serves as a foundational and directional document for Catholic Communications today. At that time, the scope of the document included all existing forms of media besides the press, like the TV and the radio; today with the advent of the internet and therefore, social media, Church social communications necessarily includes that, as is evident in some of the recent messages for the World Day of Social Communications issued annually by the Holy Father.
Catholic Communications in India seemed to have made a breakthrough when in January 2004, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) published their path-breaking statement ‘Called to be a Communicating Church’ – as the outcome of the CBCI General Body Meeting held in Trichur. In that document they unequivocally emphasized the responsibility of the media stating, “We are happy to note that the mainstream mass media in India, by and large, have contributed greatly to uphold democratic and secular values. In the fact, at times, of intense pressure from opposing forces, they have striven to safeguard the rights of citizens, particularly of the weaker sections and the minorities. We express our gratitude to the media for contributing substantially to liberate our society from the dark forces of caste & communal hatred, corruption and crime. We salute those who have stood firm in a world of market forces, refusing to surrender to sensationalism, trivialization or to the fanning of social hatred. They have demonstrated that media have a prophetic role, indeed a vocation: to “speak out against the false gods and ideals of the day – materialism, hedonism, consumerism and narrow nationalism” (#2).
The statement also called for a Pastoral Plan for Communications which was meant to be formulated and implemented in every Diocese in India!
Looking back these past 16 years, one needs to acknowledge with honesty and humility that the call ‘to be a Communicating Church in India’ has hardly materialised. There has been a miserable failure to translate the ideals and the directions given, into substantial and impactful action. There are several ‘Catholic Communication Centres’ (mostly owned by the Dioceses and by religious congregations; very little by the laity) with heavy investments. There are ‘plenty’ of publications and other productions- no doubt about that! There are trained (often foreign) media professionals among the clergy and the religious; all this and much more!
Indian Catholic Communicators however, need to do a reality check and answer some soul –searching questions; these include:
- How many of the Dioceses have a communication office? An empowered Diocesan Communication Commission (not a so-called ‘cosmetic committee’ that meets once year!)? What about Church spokespersons (national and locally), both in the vernacular and English (particularly laypersons) – who are they? Is there an official list?
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When there is a crisis in the Church – how does one respond? If it concerns Church hierarchy, clergy or personnel (as is seen in quite a few recent cases), does one tend to sweep it under the carpet? Are there timely rejoinders (press releases) and the contact to make sure that it is covered by the local media? Does one at least ‘take in’ the crisis as a news item in Church publications/ portals? Do empowered crisis response teams exist?
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Is it true that most Catholic Communicators toe the line of the establishment, curry favour with the powers, prefer not to rock the boat or disturb the status quo?
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Is there sufficient coordination among Communication Centres in a Diocese? And what collaboration with other communication centres and professionals
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Are catholic communicators responding to the realities of the country (e.g. the citizenship issue, communal violence, the erosion of the Constitution; the plight of the migrant workers; the destruction of the environment by the Draft EIA etc)?
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In the light of the CBCI mandate, is there any serious evaluation done these past years of ‘catholic communications’ both nationally and locally?
The above are just some pointed questions; there are certainly many more. It would certainly be a miracle if honest responses are in the affirmative!
In view of the above and particularly, with the very clear mandate from the Church, Catholic Communicators have a responsibility:
- To always take a stand for Truth and Justice
- To be visible and vocal in communications ( no amount of ‘diplomacy’; side-stepping/ evading the issue; or burying ones head in the sand, will help)
- To play a prophetic role; these include:
– An unwavering Commitment; as Catholics, always to the person and message of Jesus; to announce the ‘good news’; one should never doubt this
– Being Courageous; to stick one’s neck out, to take a stand and in denouncing all that is evil in society, to be ready to be beheaded, like John the Baptist; to fear no one!
– To be wedded to the Context: to read the signs of the times, study, understand and respond to the realities.
– To Conscientize all sections of society: those who heap heavy burdens on others and those who need to be awakened from their slumber, from their apathy; their fears
– To be Collaborative, being inclusive, working together with other women and men of goodwill
– To move out from the comfort zones and engage in the crucial issues of our times
- To put into practice clear directives given by the Church on communications
To put things in perspective however, there are in India today, some exemplary Catholic Communicators; these have played a prophetic role and despite great risks, have been resolute in their conviction to uphold all that is sacred in communications, by taking a consistent stand for justice and truth. Sadly, these can be counted on one’s finger tips! One such great team is the Catholic Media site Indian Catholic Matters, who today is ranked 51 out of the top 100 Catholic websites in the world. Given the fact that the ICM is just about to celebrate their third birthday, this is no small achievement. Congratulations to all at ICM and wish them all God’s blessings in the journey ahead!
Finally, Catholic Communicators in India have the responsibility to get their ACT together now – on matters that are Indian and Catholic!!!
Fr Cedric Prakash SJ (GUJ) is a well-known human rights and peace activist /writer. He is the recipient of several international and national awards for his work. Contact: [email protected])