Just as Ignatius integrated gospel values and traditional cultural values with the new culture of his time, Jesuits today are called "to understand the changes that are occurring" in the electronic media and the information revolution. This new culture "is nonlinear, image-oriented, intuitive, and affective in its understanding of the world."
Jesuits must "become critical consumers" and "critical practitioners of social communication." This new culture contains media and language that "are often used in manipulative and undemocratic ways" and that "often propagates a materialist or consumerist dominated mentality."
"Communication ... is a major apostolic dimension of all of our apostolates." Every Jesuit must be aware of "the language and symbols, strengths and weaknesses, of modern communication culture."
Jesuits can more effectively share faith in the proposed cultural renewal. The language of the culture must be shared by professionals and ordinary persons as well, and modeled on Christ.
The tool of communication can itself utilize authoritarian methods and unjust structures. Freedom of the press and information must be promoted. An equitable flow of communication must be established between industrialized and developing countries. All Jesuits should be conversant with communication ethics.
A goal is to develop "a critical understanding which gives people the ability to sift out distortion, to identify hidden messages, and to make informed choices about media consumption."
Use of the media does not have to be costly. Jesuits should learn to use alternative media.
The Society commits itself to continue serving the universal Church through Vatican Radio.
To understand and to speak the language. We must provide well-organized communication curricula for all Jesuits in formation and communication training as part of ongoing formation. This will ensure critical knowledge of the rhetoric of this new culture, foster an appreciation of its aesthetic dimension, develop the skills required for teamwork and for the effective use of media and information technology for the apostolate.