For a new image of the Church
Atlanta, 18. At the General Assembly, which recently concluded in Atlanta, the U.S. bishops have launched a plan to better
communication.
The plan, now in its beginning phase, was at the center of the episcopate's
reflection, according to Reuters, addressing the need to change the image of the
Church especially regarding younger generations by way of utilizing social
networks including Twitter and Facebook. Various prelates underlined that the
ecclesiastical community is seen as being too slow in communicating their point
of view on delicate ethical and moral topics, which are at times controversial
for the rest of society.
Concerning various topics, among which the sexual abuse by clergy members was cited, Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston, underlined that our Church “does not do a good job of communicating”, adding that more help is needed in spreading their message. Bishop Blase J. Cupich of Spokane also stated: “We need to teach in a way that's not combative but inviting”. Other prelates suggested communicating their opinions directly to the public, bypassing the media. Bishop Gerald Frederick Kicanas of Tuscon urged the Assembly to remain open to all forms of communications. He pointed out: “We should not always be overly sensitive about criticism”. “It's important to engage people who have positions that are possibly different than ours, so we can be coalitions”.
