CBCP prexy calls on media to develop the language of discernment

The president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on media to develop not only the skills of writing but the language of discernment.

In his keynote address during the opening of the 4th National Catholic Media Convention (NCMC), CBCP president Archbishop Romulo Valles said it is not enough that media have the skills in writing but they develop the skills in discernment.

In the advent of fake news in the social media and mainstream media outlets, the CBCP president, who is also the Archbishop of Davao, underscored the importance of looking deep into the facts and to discern the truth.

Archbishop Valles was the keynote speaker during the National Catholic Media Convention, (which opened August 6 with a Mass in San Pedro Cathedral), at Mergrande Resort in Dumoy, Davao City. Some 200 Catholic media people from all over the dioceses of the country attended the convention.

Archbishop Valles has also reminded the Catholic media to be very discerning as fake media has invaded the mainstream and social media. He cited the example of a news feed in another country that stated the Pope evaded arrest for a crime.

He called on the Catholic media to develop the language of mercy and compassion following the call of the Holy Father in his message during the 5th social communication year.

“Develop also the language of joy and humor,” the CBCP president said adding that media’s call is really to tell the truth.

Before he ended his keynote speech, Archbishop Valles reiterated his main message saying “social communication ministry develops the language of mercy and compassion. We are all called to holiness.”

The NCMC gathers Catholic media, clergy, religious and lay, all over the country to redefine their roles given the realities of the times.

The Davao Catholic Herald and DXGN Spirit FM Radio and the whole of the Davao Social Communications Ministry headed by Fr. Ritsche Gamaya hosted the convention. (Leah P. Ibanez)