Chris McDonnell, UK
chris@mcdonnell83.freeserve.co.uk

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March 1, 2017   How free is free? 
 

It is a simple phrase really, ‘freedom of speech’, claimed by so many as a pillar of their democracy and protected by the First Amendment of the American Constitution. It is a phrase that many value and only a few blatantly ignore.

 The freedom we give to the Press is born out of a recognised right, often hard-won, to be critical of those elected to political power, both locally and nationally. But of course it is a freedom that comes with responsibility. When that responsibility is abused, the loss is significant.

 Back in the 70s, when the Watergate scandal broke in the US , it was down to the graft and honesty of two journalists from the Washington Post, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward. Backed by an Editor, Ben Bradlee, whose professionalism was never in question, when they brought him new evidence of malpractice, he wouldn’t publish until they found a second source to support their claim. Those surrounding the President, Richard Nixon, lied and lied again in an attempt to cover their tracks, with the continual question hovering in the background ‘What did he (Nixon) know and when did he know it?’. That is why an informed challenge to the current holder of that office is so necessary, for his grasp of what is meant by the truth is uncertain to say the least. Bernstein has recently suggested that he is more dangerous than Nixon.

 The demand for an answer, issued by Pilate at Passover time could well provide the keynote for our Lenten meditation –‘What is truth?’ - three small words, brimful with meaning. Honesty in both word and action is precious. It accounts for our own reliability in the perception of others, for our personal integrity does not come cheap.

 If we are free to write and speak, with respect for others who may not agree with us, then we must also have an inner freedom, the freedom of conscience. That freedom  is inviolable. Over the years it has been challenged time and again when conformity was demanded, whether religious, political or national. History is littered with the names of those whose faithfulness to their conscience has led them into immense difficulty, with imprisonment and death the final outcome for many. Our Church is not without criticism in regard to such malpractice.

 In 1975, with the Troubles in Ireland growing by the day, Seamus Heaney wrote the memorable line “Whatever you say, say nothing”.  His poem opens with the words,

 “I'm writing just after an encounter
 With an English journalist in search of 'views
 on the Irish thing' “

 For many people in countries across the world, talking to the press is dangerous and if it is done, then there is a degree of subterfuge in the encounter. That emphasises the ever-present risk we take when freedom is a principle in our lives.

 Conscience is the touch-stone, but we have a responsibility to ensure that our conscience is informed. We should seek out facts behind an argument, weigh the pros and cons and then act accordingly. We may seek the advice of friends and those whose opinions we respect, whose experience is such that they have something to contribute. In the end, we have to stand tall in our opinion.

 Listening is much more than hearing a pattern of background noise. It demands attention to detail before a response is made. Listening is also a courtesy that we should offer to those who engage us with their views, whether we agree with them or not. Without listening, that cannot be achieved.

 We live in a time when Francis is asking for ‘a listening Church’. How are we to respond to his challenge? How do we listen to each other within our parish community and beyond? Further, how do we listen to those whose faith and culture is different to ours? How do we welcome the stranger?

 This is why the nature of our response to the chaos of the early weeks of a new Presidency in the US is so critical. Important moral issues are at stake. The attack on a free Press, by taking them to task for every critical comment, is a worrying development. It has of course given a new impetus to satire, both written and networked. Very often poking fun at pretentious arguments can be a highly successful way of combating stupidity.

 When we have differing opinions and views within the Church, we should listen to each other with charity and act with care and consideration. Walking the weeks of Lent together, appreciating the challenge thrown at the Lord by Pilate may well offer a daily reminder to all of us in these troubled days.

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