Cheon Seong Gyeong Ⅱ - 424. World peace through the media
19 The media wield overwhelming influence and power in society, to such an extent that after the executive, judiciary and legislature they are called the Fourth Estate. I believe that the media should use their immense power for good, and should contribute to world peace. Respected journalists, before you are professionals, you are essentially children of God. You are champions of peace who are called to the special mission of building an ethical world, the world of true peace that God desires.
The World Media Association is an open forum in which journalists such as you can discuss issues freely, with the hltimate goal of realizing an ethical world. At this point in time, as the people of the world head toward the ultimate world of true peace in God’s providence, God is calling the media to carry out an important mission for the realization of world peace. They should join forces with others who are yearning for peace and contribute their immense power of influence. They must play a leading role in making humanity one great family in the age of the global village, to realize the ideal of true world peace and ethics. Please advance bravely and boldly for the sake of this cause. (234-235, 1992.08.22)
20 The mass media have an educational function. They must take responsibility for society from a moral standpoint and thereby develop the nation. To do this, journalists should have personal integrity. I am fighting against the media of the United States, which dance to the tune of corrupt ideologies and beliefs. How have the media treated me? They have thought of me as their punching bag. And yet I did not utter even a word against them. One can manifest real capability even without speaking words. No one has yet adequately defined the role of the mass media.
No one has stated standards for media professionals, who will weave the record of history. That is why I am continually holding media conferences. I created the World Media Association to awaken journalists and all media professionals to their responsibility, and I have been working along these lines to this day. I am calling journalists and all media professionals to be responsible. As representatives of the media, you should go forward with conviction. You should stake your life as you shoulder this responsibility. (179-181, 1988.08.12) |