Renewing the Mind of the Media - you can make a difference!

The weekend of May 17-18 is also World Communications Day. The theme chosen by Pope John Paul II for World Communications Day is particularly timely: "The Communications Media at the Service of Authentic Peace in the Light of Pacem in Terris." In this landmark encyclical written 40 years ago, Blessed John XXIII wrote that peace will be only "an empty-sounding word," if it is not founded on truth, justice, love and lived out in freedom(cf.#167). He also pointed out the influence of the media, "which enable the nations to know each other better."

Thirty-five years later in Renewing the Mind of the Media: A Statement on Overcoming the Exploitation of Sex and Violence in Communications, the United States Bishops remind us that the media are not beyond the reach of our influence. At the June 2000 meeting, the Bishops approved a five-year effort to get Catholics involved in "renewing the mind of the media" by means of a pledge and a number of attitudes or actions Catholics may choose to implement the pledge practically.

In November, 2002, at the request of Bishop John C. Nienstedt, The Renewing the Mind of the Media Pledge was taken up in parishes throughout the New Ulm diocese.

For further information about Renewing the Mind of the Media Campaign/pledge, contact the diocesan Office of Communications, (507) 359-2966 or visit www.renewingmedia.org.