NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      PITTSBURGH (CWNews.com) - US bishops at their biennial meeting issued a statement on Friday calling on Catholics to limit their viewing of sensational television shows and movies, and said that even graphic content could be appropriate for adults.

      The National Conference of Catholic Bishops urged the entertainment industry to reduce the amount of violence and sex depicted in their offerings, but added that the industry does provide a contribution to society. "The media's dark side continues to obscure the value of their contributions," the statement said.

      The prelates also called on the news media not to sensationalize or trivialize news events, called on parents to reduce the amount of television viewing for their families, and addressed the problem of pornography. The document also rejected government censorship because of possibility of censorship of religious programming, and suggested that provisions for excessive violence be added to anti-obscenity laws in place in some communities.

      The bishops called on parents to discuss the use of the various entertainment media in their families. "Sharing the reasons why a video game is too violent or a particular show lacks good values about sex can contribute to a youngster's moral growth," the document said. "There ought to be occasions when the almost continuous sound of voices that come from television, radio, and through the telephone ... gives way to more silent times for family discussion, prayer, and homework."