Subject: 'austraLasia' #335

NEW WORLD CATHOLIC MEDIA BODY PROPOSED

Julian Fox

SUVA: 28th April -- After 70 years of existence of three Catholic world-level media organizations (UNDA, OCIC and VCIP), the proposal was announded today in Suva, Fiji Islands, of a single new Catholic media organisation which would be far more embracing than the areas of radio, cinema, video that are presently covered in the separate organizations. A new body, then, not a simple amalgam of older entities.

The new world association has been proposed as part of a three year process of reflection. It will consist of voting and non-voting members as well as affiliate members. The new association is slated to commence in November 2001 in Rome. It will consist of a general assembly of six members of each region as well as six members from the International Congregations. This is, naturally, an opportunity for active Salesian participation.

The new association would continue and indeed expand its efforts to fund training programmes around the world relating to social communication from the Church's perspective, and the human development of persons. Member countries have the possibility of presenting their projects for scrutiny and inquiring into possibilities of grants for future projects. Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB, is already exploring possibilities for the diocese of Guadalcanal where he has been appointed director of Catholic Communications.