The media in the post-Vatican II Diocesan synods of Malta and Gozo

Abstract

Two Diocesan Synods - the Second Gozo Synod of 1992/93 and the Malta Synod of 1999/2003 - were conducted and concluded over a period of ten years which were extremely important to the Maltese mediascape. The conclusions of both synods included various references to the media. This dissertation will attempt to carry out an analysis and evaluation of the synods' references to the media. The dissertation reviews post-Vatican II documents and theological/pastoral literature reflecting on them. The dissertation explores the local mediascape and studies conducted about it. In the light of the conclusions reached from these reflections, the dissertation analyses the local synods' decisions on the media and the pastoral strategy contained therein. The final chapter presents the conclusions of the study and proposes further measures which may be necessary.