In India, media should promote communal harmony says Bishop Mariadas of Thanjavur.

(March 10, 2006) : "The mass media have the duty to bring about communal harmony, universal brotherhood and tolerance", said Bishop of Thanjavur, Mariadass Ambrose on Wednesday while inaugurating the General Assembly of Signis India. The two-day Assembly is being held at the world famous Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health at Vailankanni, in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Signis India is the Catholic media organisation for radio, TV, Film and Audio-visuals. "We know more people have died in the name of religion than any other single cause. Religion has become a sensitive area and religious tolerance is urgently needed" said Bishop Ambrose. Stressing on the need of media giving hope to the society, the former seminary professor stated, "Media should bring hope for the hopeless, love for the unloved, freedom for the oppressed”. Voicing his concern over a section of the media "Often interested in profit, the bishop said, we have a moral obligation to be the conscience of the people and bring forth the truth. It is not easy and we are called for what is difficult but possible," said Bishop Mariadass.