This is so true.
I know I myself need more patience with those who call themselves “Catholic” yet write (put out public material) whether on their own site or someone else’s - things that are contrary to Church teaching to further their own desires or their own lifestyle.
Four of the Spiritual Works of Mercy are: Admonish Sinners, Instruct the Uniformed, Counsel the Doubtful, and be Patient with those in error.
When writing on a Catholic site or using the name of Catholic, we must strive to be truthful and accurate. We never know who will be reading the material written, since we are representing the Church as far as readers may be concerned.
All writings from Catholics should conform to the following, as appropriate:
- The “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition” revised in accordance with the official Latin text promulgated by Pope John Paul II,
- The Code of Canon Law which can be found on the Vatican web site.
- The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) regarding the Liturgy of the Ordinary Form of the Mass, which can be found on the USCCB site.
- And of course a Catholic Bible.
Resources such as the Vatican Web site, and books with Imprimaturs and/or Nihil Obstats can also be used as Catholic resources.
In a sense we are all journalists, and the truth is critical.
There is a section in the CCC which includes: "The “Use of the Social Communications Media” which includes and is not limited to:
CCC -
" 2494 The information provided by the media is at the service of the common good. Society has a right to information based on truth, freedom, justice, and solidarity:
The proper exercise of this right demands that the content of the communication be true and -within the limits set by justice and charity - complete.
Further, it should be communicated honestly and properly.
This means that in the gathering and in the publication of news, the moral law and the legitimate rights and dignity of man should be upheld."
Three cautions would be:
- not to give very specific advice when we do not know the specifics of each situtation;
and never when we are unsure the correct Catholic answer;
- be careful when giving advice to those in other Countries regarding Liturgy, etc. There may be some minor differences depending on approved “indults” (permission for changes) for various Countries from the Vatican;
and their political/living circumstances may be different from the USA (ie laws of the Country, etc).
- provide a link to the Catholic source of your material if appropriate; be prepared to back up what you are writting;
and don’t hesitate to ask for the source (link) of another writer, when you know something is wrong or being misrepresented, or you just want to learn more.
