News that the  Macau bishop has told a diocesan weekly not to write on political issues but concentrate on Church and cultural news instead has drawn varied reactions.

The Portuguese weekly O Clarim reported that Florinda Chan, secretary for administration and justice of the Macau government, allegedly intervened on a cemetery allotment for her late father.

Chan, a Catholic, reportedly complained to the bishop over the report. However, she has denied abusing her power or putting pressure on the diocese regarding the matter.

Bishop Jose Lai Hung-seng Lai told ucanews.com he does not ban diocesan weeklies from reporting political issues. However, he feels that a Church newspaper does not need to give too much coverage to political news, and that he has given such guidelines to editors before.

Diocesan weeklies should concentrate more on Church mission, information and doctrines, he said.

The Church has the responsibility to monitor the government. “But this time, O Clarim is reporting gossip before knowing if there is evidence to support its claim,” he added.

O Clarim director Father Albino Bento Pais has declined to comment on the incident.

The bishop’s instructions have also sparked media discussion on freedom of speech and the right to information.

Chan Wai-chi, director of the lay-run Observatorio de Macau, says he accepts the bishop’s instructions.

He said he would try to be balanced and objective in reporting social issues.

Layman Luis Leong agreed that there should a dimension of Church teachings when reporting social issues.

However, he said he does not see this in diocesan papers. “Many times, such as in cases of serious corruption or human rights issues, the Church did not make its voice heard,” he said.

Maria, a laywoman, says it is good for diocesan papers to concentrate on Church affairs and regrets that people outside the Church have misunderstood the bishop.

Related reports
Bishop Takes Aim At Corrupt Officials
Catholics Want Diocesan Weekly To Strengthen Social, Formative Role

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