Media being less than fair

Supporters say 'partisan' charge misses point of bishops' efforts

Dr. Matthew Bunson

Catholic News Association is pointing out in this story that U.S. media do not seem to be totally impartial.

Critics who accuse the U.S. bishops of "partisanship" have misunderstood their motives by viewing religious questions in secular terms, supporters of the Catholic hierarchy say.

"The media has no quibble at all when the bishops issue a statement questioning some aspects of Paul Ryan's budget, or when they express their support of recent decisions on the part of the Obama administration relating to immigration," Church historian Dr. Matthew Bunson told CNA.

"It's only when the bishops decide to exercise their authority in areas the media disagrees with," such as marriage, sexuality, or theological orthodoxy, "that the bishops are suddenly 'reactionary.'"

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.