Proposed Code for Filmmakers

You misunderstood my call for greater leadership on the part of the creative and production segments of the film and television industries to halt the increasing violence, sexual exploitation, and the lessening of moral and family values found all too often in today’s movies and television programs.

You placed my picture within the excerpts from the new movie code offered by the Christian Film and Television Commission and as presented at the forum by Ted Baehr. That placement was misleading and incorrect. I made it clear in my presentation that “one response” to the current absence of moral standards in the production and distribution of films and television programs was that proposed code.

I did not endorse that particular code, and I called upon the leaders of the industry to initiate efforts to help come up with their own code. I pointed out that we in the religious community stand ready to assist them in developing a code at the creative and production end of the film-making process that would enhance family and moral values.

CARDINAL ROGER MAHONY

Archbishop of Los Angeles