By C V Joseph
Bengaluru: Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore has urged Catholic journalists to speak for God and stand by truth.
“You are our eyes, ears and even heartbeat,” the prelate said February 14 while talking to some Catholic journalists who had assembled at the Archbishop’s House.
Stressing the importance of media, Archbishop Machado said Christian media and journalists should not only carry messages but convey them truthfully and without bias.
The archbishop, who has initiated a number of spiritual and developmental activities in the archdiocese, also exhorted the media people to remain in their faith unlike politicians who change their parties. “Do not feel an inferiority complex when it comes to your convictions,” he said.
Archbishop Machado exhorted the press people to speak for the voiceless and to take up human rights issues. The basis of all human rights is God, he observed.
He also said since the archdiocese does not seek publicity for its pro-poor activities the outside world is ignorant about them.
As the president of the Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights, Archbishop Machado has initiated dialogue with various sections and groups in society. As part of such initiatives, he recently visited Iskcon Temple in the city.
The archbishop, head of the Catholic Church in Karnataka, encouraged the laity to join politics as the southern Indian state now prepares for corporation elections.
The archbishop informed the journalists about his plan to start a health clinic in Kolar Gold Field, the third poorest district in India. The 80-million rupee project will have two doctors and as many nurses in the beginning. “Most people there die by 50 years of age,” he noted.
The journalists present represented India Today TV, Republic TV, Times of India, The New Indian Express, City Heights, journalism teachers, freelancers and others.