Many Listen To Church Broadcasts

Northern Advocate, 6 September 1947, Page 7

Many Listen To Church Broadcasts

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “I have seen a letter from a very high dignitary of the Church in Britain, written to a churchman in New Zealand, saying he regarded the BBC church service broadcasts as the only hope of bringing the church's message home to the people,” said the Director of Broadcasting (Professor James Shelley) last night. He was commenting on the statement of Bishop Cherrington that religious broadcasts were switched off. Professor Shelley said he knew from correspondence and personal contacts that church services were listened to by quite a number of people. Broadcast services were specially needed by sick people and by those who could not get to church, such as people in remote country districts.

“I know from direct evidence,” continued the professor, “that a number of people not only listen to church services, but also select particular denominations and special churches in other towns.

“I do not think, as far as listening to broadcasts of church services is concerned, that many church dignitaries will agree with the Bishop of Waikato, but, of course, it is all a matter of proportion.”