Press Releases
CASHEL AND OSSORY DIOCESAN SYNOD
Extract from Presidential address of the Right Reverend John Neill, Bishop of Cashel and Ossory
The Responsibility of the Media
The media has a vital role to play in establishing trust and facilitating reconciliation. We cannot underestimate the power of either the print or the broadcast media. There are moral issues to be faced as to the manner in which the media works. Unnecessary invasion of personal privacy may amount to nothing less than intimidation and irresponsible speculation may undermine the stability of national life. But there is a converse to this.
It is easy to blame the media which they do not give the particular "spin" to events that either the State or indeed the Churches might desire. We are very fortunate indeed that we have in this country a remarkably free press. There is a questioning throughout this State of the culture of "nod" and "wink". There is a widespread call for a real transparency about the way that those in public positions receive large donations, and accountability is now demanded.
There will always be a debate as to how much confidentiality is required in the running of any public institutions, but the cloak of confidentiality cannot be used to obsecure a realisation that either institutions or individuals are promoting one agenda whilst pursuing another behind closed doors. It is the duty of the media to probe and to expose. In doing so they will not always be popular, and mistakes will be made too for which they will have to carry responsibility. Nonetheless it is very important that we recognise the value of a free press, that we urge a real sense of responsibility on those who serve in the media, and yet that we need their probing and searching attitude. Truth is too valuable to be hidden for the sake of comfort. Without truth there cannot be trust.
Further information from:
THE CHURCH OF IRELAND PRESS OFFICE
Church of Ireland House
61 - 67 Donegall Street
Belfast BT1 2QH