SYdenham Radio and Church link

[zac hunter]

What is the truth behind the new Sydenham Radio? At the meeting last Saturday they used a lot of examples from Peckham Radio which is supported by Forest Hill Church. I've got no problem if there is a connection with Sydenham Radio and the local church - just be open and honest about it. Otherwise it is being seen that the local church is using this Sydenham Radio idea as a whitewash - what is their real plan? Especially as the meeting was held in a church property. Yes the radio should have a religious programme but be open about the connection otherwise people will there is an undercover plot going on. Tell us the truth before it's found out.

[dickp]

er....newsflash: some people involved in one local community activity might just be involved in others too. So what?

I'm an atheist, but went to a Sydenham Society meeting held at the church. I wasn't stuck down by lightening or asked to leave.

Perhaps you'd like everyone involved in a community activity to disclose their religious beliefs, political voting intentions, etc, just so you "know where they're coming from". Or perhaps you could just calm down a little!

[simon]

I understand where you're cominmg from Zac, but I dont think there is a need for any concern just yet. FHCC gave up a room, which was nice of them and were there any decent venues available?, and some of its members gave up some time. I did notice that some of the people who reported back from the groups were church people, but equally some were not. I question the need for any religious programming, however, and that is where any problems may arise. For now I'm happy to give it my full support.

[Rebelmc]

What is the truth behind the new Sydenham Radio? At the meeting last Saturday they used a lot of examples from Peckham Radio which is supported by Forest Hill Church. I've got no problem if there is a connection with Sydenham Radio and the local church - just be open and honest about it. Otherwise it is being seen that the local church is using this Sydenham Radio idea as a whitewash - what is their real plan? Especially as the meeting was held in a church property. Yes the radio should have a religious programme but be open about the connection otherwise people will there is an undercover plot going on. Tell us the truth before it's found out.

As I understand it, the church are happy to help out in the initial stages with regard to meeting places etc., but want no major involvement with any community radio station which might come about as a result of those meetings.

In fact, if you investigate OFCOM's guidelines for religious broadcasting, you'll find it's actually quite difficult, if not impossible, for individual churches to be directly involved in the running of radio stations, and religious programming is very difficult to plan because, like political broadcasting, it has to be unbiased and every view needs to be expressed.

One thing you absolutely cannot do is have a programme that suggests that one form of religion is better than another, or one that attempts to convert the listeners from one belief to another.

I'm not entirely sure what your fears are Zac, but if it's something along the lines of the church using Sydenham community radio to broadcast it's beliefs and teachings, that simply can't happen, it's against the rules and if there were any suggestion that this might happen, a license wouldn't be granted.

I should also add that when the suggestion of a program strand based on investigating various religions came up, I inwardly took a very sharp intake of breath; religious broadcasting is so wrapped up in red tape, that series would be an absolute minefield to put together.