Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Canberra (Fides Service) - Yes to new technology, but the use and immense cultural opportunities offered by the Internet must go hand in hand with protection of minors to save them from becoming victims of the web. This was affirmed by the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference which has warned parishes, associations and families of the dangers which cyberspace presents for children and young people. Pornography and violence must be blocked before they reach home computers said Archbishop Barry Hickey, chairman of the Bishops’ Committee for Media.
The Committee supports a move to have Internet Service Providers ISPs filer out web sites rated R or above in view of protecting minors.
In a recent Pastoral Letter on the media “Go, Tell Everyone”, the Bishops illustrate the Church’s commitment to using the means of communication of the third millennium for evangelisation. In the letter the Bishops say the use of the internet for pornography and other activities which attack human dignity is of the utmost concern and calls for constant vigilance and appropriate government regulation and they conclude: “We pray that this pastoral letter will serve to encourage a faith-filled examination of the role of the media in our individual lives, our family lives and in the life of the Church. Each of us is called to step forward in faith and with courage to play our part by using the media wisely and well in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth”. The Letter treats all the media from radio to print media, cinema, TV and the Internet. It also treats Catholic media and indicates the family as the ideal place for education to a correct use of the media. (Agenzia Fides 24/03/2006 Righe: 27 Parole: 271)
