Variance In Synod Views On Radio Coverage Of Churches

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22948, 17 May 1949, Page 6

Variance In Synod Views On Radio Coverage Of Churches

(PA.) WELLINGTON, May 17Speakers last night at the General Synod of the Church of England in New Zealand expressed opposition to the tendency, which it was said existed, to transfer religious broadcasts from the churches to the studios of broadcasting stations. The debate, which was on a motion to ask diocesan committees to cooperate with the broadcasting service and with the committee on broadcasting appointed by the previous synod in the technical improvement of religious broadcasts, raised the question as to whether the broadcasting of normal church services won people to Christianity, as well as catering for church adherents who were unable to attend the services. On this point there was a division of opinion.

Expressions of opinion on whether studio broadcasts were preferable were invited by Archdeacon E. J. Rich. Wellington, the chairman of the committee on religious broadcasting appointed by the previous synod, who moved the motion. He said that great developments in broadcasting were impending. With an increase in the supply of labour and materials stations were being increased in power and new stations were being built. Challenge by Section

The broadcasting service had favoured the broadcasting of normal church services if the broadcast originated in the studio, but that policy had been challenged by a section of the people interested in the subject. Anglican services were more difficult to broadcast than some others, but he believed the difficulty would be overcome with the use of additional equipment.

Archdeacon Rich praised the interest which the former director of broadcasting, Professor Shelley, had taken in religious broadcasting. Dean 0. S. O. Gibson (Waiapu) said that under an apparent indifference of the community to religion was a great longing. Many eagerly listened to services Sunday after Sunday. Dean G. H. Gavin (Waikato) urged a change of policy, saying that the church was not evangelising as it should- Forceful radio speakers were required and he suggested that records of great speakers dealing with questions of the day be obtained from England for broadcasting In New Zealand. The Rev. K. Scoller (Polynesia) also asked for records from England. Short Evening Service

A suggestion that a short service, such as that given in the morning, be broadcast at night when more people could hear it was put forward by Mr. J. N. Stephenson (Nelson). “I do not really believe you can do evangelistic work with these services because the people you want to evangelise are not listening,” said the Bishop of Dunedin, Dr. Fitchett. What was wanted was a broad, normal service with the true religious atmosphere.

Bishop Lesser (Waiapu) said that he did not much like the idea of records. There must be men in the church in New Zealand who wanted to speak of their own vital experience of God. The motion was carried and the following broadcasting committee was appointed for the ensuing three years: The Bishop of Nelson, Dean A. K. Warren, Dean Gibson, Archdeacon Rich, Archdeacon T- N. C. Partridge, Canon W. A. Curzon-Siggers and the Rev. A. C. F. Charles.