Day of Prayer planned for British media

The Church and Media Network (CMN) have organised the first ever Day of Prayer for the Media, which will take place on 20 May.

The charity is encouraging churches to take time on that Sunday to pray for local, regional and national media. CMN also wants them to 'befriend' the media, by telling them about the day of prayer and asking what they would like prayer for.

Andrew Graystone, Director of CMN, explained: "This call to prayer is part of our response to the intense discussion of media standards over the past twelve months. The media is under pressure as never before with financial constraints and many illegal and dubious practices being rightly brought under the spotlight by the Leveson Inquiry and elsewhere. We certainly do not condone any of these practices.

"Yet at its best the media performs a vital role in our society, giving a voice to the voiceless, holding the powerful to account, keeping people informed and highlighting wrongdoing. As Christians, we want to affirm the vast majority of journalists and others who work in the media who are doing their best to work to high ethical and professional standards, and to pray for them."

CMN stresses the importance of engaging with local media regularly, keeping them informed about what local churches are doing, supporting charities and campaigns launched by the media and giving feedback on what they broadcast, print or publish online.

Andrew: "In the past, Christians and the media all too often held each other at arms length. Recently however an openness to dialogue has become apparent. The Day of Prayer will, we hope, further improve that important relationship."

Senior Minister Revd Mark Meynell of All Souls Church, Langham Place – which stands next to the BBC's Broadcasting House complex – said: "If anyone needs divine wisdom in our generation it is all those involved in communicating with our generation. They need all the prayers they can get!"

Steve Cole, founder of Artisan – a network of Christians involved in the media, arts and fashion industries – has also welcomed the initiative: "There are now a great number of people working out their Christian faith in the media. It is vital that we pray for these people and support them in their calling and influence."