From the Revd Tony Miles
Sir, - The Revd Christopher Landau (Comment, 18
October) is right to encourage churches to appoint media
officers.
A further step of engagement with the local media could include
inviting local newspaper editors or radio-station managers to speak
and answer questions at regional synods, Churches Together
meetings, or interfaith gatherings.
Churches could include prayers for their local media in their
intercessions and even approach their editors for prayer
topics.
These ideas, together with prayers for the media written by the
Archbishop of York, Dr Sentamu, and the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt
Revd Nick Baines, are available on our website,
www.churchandmedia.net. We are encouraging churches to mark 1 June
2014 as a day of prayer for the media.
TONY MILES
Chair of the Church and Media Network
155 Grosvenor Drive,
Loughton, Essex IG10 2LB
From A. Wills
Sir, - Your article "Don't wait for the press to call the
parish" urged churches to be actively engaged with the local media.
This is good advice, which should be acted upon. I was a "press
correspondent" at a church Wives' Guild, and sent details of our
meetings to the local newspaper, which usually published the
information. This can attract people who are not regular
churchgoers.
It can even be difficult even for those who attend church to
find out what is happening in a local church other than their own -
and almost impossible to learn of Christian events in an adjoining
area. Often, interesting and imaginative church events are not well
attended simply because many people didn't know they were taking
place.
Also, tell the local newspaper and local radio station about the
community work your church is doing - such as running foodbanks, or
providing Street Angel volunteers to help people in trouble at
night. Raising awareness of Christian activities is something
churches could work together on.
A. WILLS
67 Dulverton Road
Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 9AF