Radio Not a Medium for Denominationalism

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 39, 5 April 1935, Page 44

Radio Not a Medium for Denominationalism

_To the Editor Sir-lI have read the interesting and suggestive article on broadcast church services, by Canon James in your issue of March 1, also later eontributions in the issue of March 15: I heartily agree with Canon James concerning certain sugges: tions which he makes, i.e,, services atranged at hours different from the ordinary church service hours; the necessity of shortening services; the selection of

preachers whose voice and style suits the microphone, ete. I note, however, that Canon James wants’ not merely shorter Services but a longer list of services for Anglicans. He states: "Out of 104 broadcast Services only 23 are allotted to the ’ Church of Wngland." That means that the remaining 81 services have to be shared by seven other denominations, two of which, the Presbyterians and Methodists, can be called major denominations from the numerical point of view. Has not the Church of England a reasonable share? I think go. It seems to me that it will be disastrous if broadcast services become a matter of denominational rivalry, for that has already worked untold harm to Christian causes and even to the Church itself. More and more the common people grow indifferent to denominational issues, believing that one is as good as the other-perhaps they are about right. Hlvery denomination has ils own peculiar genius, presenting Christian truth, providing Christian worship in its own way. I know of Romanists who listen to Protestant services with deep interest and appreciation, and I feel sure that the denominational issue does not concern the listeners, especially as by wise arrangement, different types of services are provided simultaneously, and these are available for all except erystal-set listeners, 1 _ would like to endorse the beauty and ef-

fectiveness of the practice of the B.B.C., which closes the Sunday sessions, about 10 pm. with an "Epilogue," or "The Silent Fellowship." As-for controversial matter, how can it be avoided in religious mnessages? If a preacher states ‘God is love," which seems so simple, he touches upon one of the most controversial of ali topics. I sincerely hope that the New Zealand Broadcasting Board will not allow the matter of broadcast services to become a controversial or. denominational matter.-I am, ete.,

ALBERT

MEAD

Dunedin.