Zehn ideengeschichtliche Beobachtungen zur Pastoralinstruktion „Communio et Progressio"

Abstract

Die Pastoralinstruktion „Communio et Progressio" über die Instrumente der sozialen Kommunikation (Instructio Pastoralis ad Decretum Concilii Oecumenici Vaticani II
de Instrumentis Communicationis Socialis rite applicandum de mandato eiusdem
Concilii exarata) ist nach mehrjähriger Arbeit der Päpstlichen Kommission für die
Instrumente der sozialen Kommunikation unter dem Datum des 23. Mai 1971 am
3. Juni 1971 veröffentlicht worden, d. h. siebeneinhalb Jahre nach dem Konzilsdekret
„Inter mirifica", zu dem sie gehört. Ihr Erscheinen löste, was den Zeitpunkt
angeht, unter Fachleuten keine Überraschung mehr aus, - man hatte sich an die
Verzögerungen gewöhnt; vom breiten Publikum wurde es kaum wahrgenommen. (...)

English

To communication experts many points of the new Pastoral Instruction "Communio et Progressio" were a surprise. This instruction took new positions in some formerly important catholic traditions versus mass media. New constructive ways and means are proposed. Only a few 'islands of tradition' are kept. Dr. Sehmolke describes this development in 10 observations: 1. the wellknown usual demand to read the catholic press was kept; this is also true for radio, TV and film. 2. The instruction changes the former basically anti-position towards mass media. 3. A new motivation for responsable action is the individual conscience. 4. Measurement for this are public welfare, human dignity and objectivity. 5. The special conditions of mass communication are recognized. 6. The profession of the journalist is rehabilitated. 7. Mass media are no more reason for a decrease of morality. 8. The concept of the media as powers is diminished. 9. Promotion of media education (as transmission of
knowledge) and scientific communications is duly recommended. 10. The commentary to the German edition of the instruction is more conservative than the document itself.