Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – The relationship between information and poverty, communication and social emergencies: these were the topics of discussion for the 8th Catholic Journalists’ Form that recently took place in Seoul, sponsored by the Social Communications Commission of the Korean Bishops’ Conference.
The event was attended by nationally-acclaimed sociologists, theologians, and academics who showed the dynamics, sources, and root causes of what is defined as Korea’s “vicious circle of poverty.” The talks were followed by intense discussion, involving journalists, communications media workers, and diocesan leaders of mass media. The discussion focused on the relationship and the task of informational material, especially Catholic material, in light of the situation of poverty and marginalization, as well as social emergencies.
The information and the capacity to bring the most serious situations into the public light, soliciting political intervention, are fundamental means in finding solutions to these emergencies, the assembly affirmed. A particular emphasis was given to the need for educating children from poor families, especially, and thus helping them to rise above their state of destitution.
The Church in Korea has sponsored this Forum as an effort to strengthen their commitment to the mass media, giving a new impulse to the evangelization effort.
The Social Communications Commission seeks to help journalists and communications workers in their relationship with the Christian faith and in proclaiming the Gospel, reminding them of their role in building a harmonious society, of defending and proclaiming the truth. The Commission collaborates with various organizations such as: the Catholic Journalist Association (CJA), the Catholic Union of the Press/Seoul (UCIP), and the Catholic Association for Communication/Seoul (SIGNIS).
The Church in Korea has spent several years now reflecting on the need to improve their presence in the area of mass media and in the new technologies. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/6/2008)
