According to Bishop Frantisek Tondra, Bishop of Spis (East Slovakia) the defence of Gospel values against an increasing influence of Western Liberalism is “a major task of the Church.”

During his June 27th visit to Aid to the Church in Need, the prelate, who is Chairman of Slovakia’s Bishops’ Conference, explained: “Liberalism is predominant in Slovakia’s mass media, thus infiltrating and subverting Christian values, family values and the values of life in the public opinion. This happens in particular via private TV and several of the most widespread newspapers.”

He added: “On the other hand, there are Catholic media as well: In May 2006, the Catholic TV station ‘Noe’ (Noah) has been established in cooperation with Czech Catholics. Furthermore, the Slovak Catholic weekly ‘Katholicke Noviny’ (Catholic News) sells an average of 80,000 copies.”

Assessing Slovakia’s membership in the European Union, Bishop Tondra said: “In principle, this is a good thing. Liberal circles, however, are pushing the state to legalise euthanasia or homosexual civil unions - under the pretext of compliance with EU regulations.”