It is not quite so clear in an age such as ours, which cherishes the values of freedom of expression, dialogue and the open exchange of ideas. Must be addressed. The question is even more complex due to the fact that in this time of information revolution, i.e., the electronic age, there are many who have the means to shape public opinion on matters of Catholic faith and life but lack the competence to do so. In the life of the church there are many who have access to highly effective means of communication and give the appearance of speaking for the church. We live in an age of images, images that convey great power.
Images sometimes speak louder than words.
Many of our Catholic people and others as well often assume that a Catholic who has access to public media is ipso facto competent to speak on all matters Catholic. In some instances, those who have access to the public media but have little or no competence in Catholic theology or church doctrine assault the legitimate authority of the church. There have always been differing voices in the church. The open exchange of ideas, commitment to dialogue and freedom of expression characteristic of our age are gains to be celebrated even in the face of some notable abuses. But if those gains are to be brought to serve the task of being and building the body of Christ, the church, then they must be cultivated and used responsibly and wisely.