I’m privileged to be collaborating within the first-ever Global Day of Prayer for the Media this Sunday, October 27.
Christians who work in and with media in all its forms might be joining in a global live-streamed event, to be shown on www.prayformedia.com and on YouTube.
The event is the brainchild of co-operation between Christians in Media UK, Christian Media and Art Australia, the Christian Broadcasting Association of New Zealand, and the Hollywood Prayer Network within the US.
In a joint declaration, they are saying: “Individually, we’re organisations keen about supporting those called to serve within the religious and secular media, arts and entertainment industries. As Christians, of all denominations, we feel called to face for truth, integrity and justice in a world crying out for God’s love, grace and compassion.”
They explain the day’s outline: “Hosts from around the globe will take turns to steer us. And guest speakers representing the various media arena and Christian denominations across the continents will encourage and encourage our prayers.”
The organisers quoted the late South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who said: “In a world inundated with information, the media has the responsibility to discern truth from falsehood, to make clear injustice, and to encourage hope. Its potential for positive change is boundless.”
Increasingly – and sadly – people internationally have turn into more cynical concerning the media, especially those reporting on controversial issues, like wars and elections. Trust in journalism is falling. And yet, without truth-seekers and people committed to reporting with integrity and impartiality, we have now no basis to make informed decisions. Truth matters.
I shall be amongst UK Christians praying and speaking on the livestream between 12 noon and 3pm London time on Sunday, in support of the Christians in Media involvement with the international initiative.
I’m welcoming this project. Some years back, I used to be involved in helping to launch a UK Day of Prayer for the Media, encouraging churches, groups and individual Christians to commit to wish for the media on a Sunday in October. That idea, that vision, has now grown into a world movement, and I feel will proceed to grow.
In my slot, I’ll be focussing on the essential role of the local media in all our communities, and the way we’d like skilled journalists helping to maintain people informed, and holding decision-makers to account. Many local media outlets have needed to close or reduce, due to promoting logging on to big web corporations.
But recently, we have now seen a latest generation of progressive community-based journalists fighting back against the trend. Churches are essentially local organisations – so we should always be supporting these vital latest initiatives.
I’m also keen that young Christians – and people of all ages – will see a profession working in media as a vocation through which God’s Name might be made known, and His Truth set forth.
The organisers of the Global Day of Prayer are calling for Christians to:
• Give due to God for all those called to serve Him in this important public space in your country and internationally.
• Ask for opportunities to construct positive relationships together with your local media to share stories of how your church is serving the community.
• Ask for wisdom and creativity for those in your church who create and manage your social media platforms, that through their content they engage people.
• That all of us think before we post on social media: to be people of affection, not hate.
• That the powerful are held to account, ensuring that those with influence and resources in our society have their actions and motivations scrutinised and challenged. And that a good, balanced media brings true facts and data to our attention.
• For strength and wisdom for journalists, reporters who face persecution in lots of parts of the world, as they seek to bring truthful facts and data.
• For a healthy balance of labor, friendships and family life for all media, arts, and entertainment professionals.
• That the content of movies, TV shows, podcasts, video games, art, dance and songs – all creative expressions – glorify God and are reflections of His truth, goodness and wonder.
• That there’s mercy and compassion for storytellers all around the world. That He would touch their hearts to know His grace. And that He would infuse them with imagination, ideas, collaborations, open doors, skilled teams, and for creative teams that work in unity.
Extracts from a Prayer for the Day reads: “We bring before you all those around the globe who work inside the media. We ask on your blessing on the producers, directors, presenters, managers, writers, journalists, editors, technicians, and the vast array of others who make up the media.
“By Your grace, we pray for media around the globe to be raised to its highest purpose; to be a vehicle for good, for edification and truth, for dignity and courage, and the flourishing of your world. Lord, make our media a blessing to all people.
“We pray all this within the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Rev Peter Crumpler trained as a journalist and worked in international corporate communications. He later became communications director with the Church of England. He is now a CofE minister in St Albans, UK, and continues to write down and broadcast.
