Towards a Theology of Communication Rights

A conspicuous absence in the field of communication and theology presents a challenge to theologians and communicators alike. It is the absence of a theology of communication rights, which this chapter seeks to address by identifying “pointers” drawing on the theory and practice of communication for development, the “capability approach,” and the right to communicate debate. It argues that, if globalization is to have moral validity, it must bring with it an enhanced sense of globalized humanity. As such, we must ask if we are willing to live in a world with disenfranchised people – the “new slaves” of society. If not, we are obliged by our faith and our common humanity to take responsibility for the world’s failings. Unless we work to understand the structures and inadequacies that enable marginalization and oppression to persist, and unless we take action to change them, we are complicit with injustice.