By Russell Shaw, EWTN News, September 12, 2023
Russell Shaw Russell Shaw is a veteran journalist and author of more than 20 books. He was secretary for public affairs of the U.S. bishops’ conference from 1969 to 1987 and director of information of the Knights of Columbus from 1987 to 1997. He has BA and MA degrees from Georgetown University and an honorary doctorate from The Catholic University of America.
COMMENTARY: The Vatican spokesman has said media will have limited access to Synod on Synodality’s sessions in keeping with past synods, and information reports on discussions will keep participants comments anonymous.
One day 30 years ago, a priest engaged in media work for the Church and I stood chatting outside the Vatican’s massive, modernistic audience hall, the place where synods are held, when I had what I thought was a good idea: Why not a synod on communication?
“Bad idea,” my companion corrected. “The media would tear us to pieces for holding a synod on communication behind closed doors.” …