Religious Broadcasts

Northern Advocate, 6 September 1947, Page 6

Religious Broadcasts

The Anglican Bishop of Waikato, the Rt Rev. A. C.< Cherrington, raised a subject of debate when, speaking at the Dominion conference of the Church of England Men’s Society this week, he declared that the radio is not suitable for the broadcasting of religious doctrines. The bishop considered that people are not interested in listening to religious sessions, and that when they hear them they immediately switch over to jazz music. It is safe to say that the bishop’s opinion will be challenged not only by a large section of the general public but by many church leaders, who realise that, even though the broadcasting of religious services may give some parishioners excuse for staying away from the churches to which they belong, it is preferable that they should listen in rather than deprive themselves entirely of contact with the holy verities.

The broadcasting of church services gives an opportunity to members of all denominations to take part in those services, a boon particularly appreciated in remote country districts.

It may well be that sick folk, the aged and many who are detained at home by ties of parenthood appreciate the boon provided by radio broadcasts of church services from which they are unavoidably shut out.

If the Church's message is brought to some people who would otherwise not hear it, broadcasting of services must be accounted a good thing.

Bishop Cherrington’s views are not endorsed by a high dignitary of the Church of England, who, according to Professor Shelley, wrote to a fellow churchman in New Zealand that he regarded the BBC church service broadcasts as the only hope of bringing the Church’s message home to the people. This is a serious statement, which should move church authorities to investigate very closely and sincerely the reasons why attendance at church services is not as large as it should be. In the meantime, the Church should welcome one means provided for reaching at least some of those who, for various reasons, do not occupy the pews.