[ga] On the Day of the Pope's Funeral...

["Richard Henderson" <richardhenderson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Apostolic Letter from Pope John Paul II sent on 24th January 2005 "to those responsible for communications":
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20050124_il-rapido-sviluppo_en.html

"I would like to recall our attention to the subject of media access, and of co-responsible participation in their administration. If the communications media are a good destined for all humanity, then ever-new means must be found - including recourse to opportune legislative measures - to make possible a true participation in their management by all. The culture of co-responsibility must be nurtured.

"Finally, there cannot be forgotten the great possibilities of mass media in promoting dialogue, becoming vehicles for reciprocal knowledge, of solidarity and of peace. They become a powerful resource for good if used to foster understanding between peoples; a destructive "weapon" if used to foster injustice and conflicts....

"The great challenge of our time for believers and for all people of good will is that of maintaining truthful and free communication which will help consolidate integral progress in the world. Everyone should know how to foster an attentive discernment and constant vigilance, developing a healthy critical capacity regarding the persuasive force of the communications media.

"To those working in communication, especially to believers involved in this important field of society, I extend the invitation which, from the beginning of my ministry as Pastor of the Universal Church, I have wished to express to the entire world "Do not be afraid!"

"Do not be afraid of new technologies! These rank "among the marvelous things" - inter mirifica - which God has placed at our disposal to discover, to use and to make known the truth, also the truth about our dignity and about our destiny as his children, heirs of his eternal kingdom.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I don't ask members of the list to acknowledge the Pope's religious beliefs, or indeed to endorse any religious belief at all. However, I find these words worthy of reflection, particularly with reference to ICANN's mission:

The Media: "co-responsible participation in their administration".

"If the communications media are a good destined for all humanity, then ever-new means must be found - including recourse to opportune legislative measures - to make possible a true participation in their management by all. The culture of co-responsibility must be nurtured."

A true participation in the media's management *by all* ...

That sounds like the case for the At Large, and its restoration to the ICANN Board?


Yrs, in Jesus Christ, and with respect to other faiths, and those with none,

Richard H