The organisation Christians in Media encouraged churches on Sunday to pray for their brothers and sisters in the media industry, that they uphold truth, integrity and justice and for them to be key influencers for Godly principles.
Steve Cox, who chairs the charity, told Premier: "As followers of Christ, we are called to pray for our world and our society and the media in all its forms plays an important role in framing the way we see the world, but my heart is actually to see a media which gives a voice to the voiceless, holds the powerful to account, highlights unjust practices, calls for justice and keeps people informed so we can all participate in our democracy.
"I pray that they do see it as a calling. I also pray specifically for younger Christians, millennials, who are considering entering media - to see it as an honourable profession and therefore actually be representatives, be beacons of light, for the kingdom of God."
When asked if it even was an honourable profession, Mr Cox replied: "I think most journalists when they enter into media - whether it's TV, whether it's radio, whether the printed press - enter with the highest motives and more often than not those motives are to highlight injustices, ensure that we, the public, know what's going on behind the scenes and hold the power to account.
"I do appreciate that along the way sometimes external pressures can get in the way of that, whether they're political, whether they're financial or pressures even of time but, more generally speaking, the media is a place which we should able to support. I know that sometimes its rating in terms of trust has been even below estate agents but that is why I am praying for more Christians to enter media - so there is this sense of bringing God's principles into a part of life which is a crucial part of public life."
Prayers from church leaders and people of faith in the media were written for the day, including one from St Bride's Church, also known as the Journalists' church, on Fleet Street.
'Almighty God, strengthen and direct, we pray, the will of all whose work it is to write what many read, and to speak where many listen. May we be bold to confront evil and injustice: understanding and compassionate of human weakness; rejecting alike the half-truth which deceives, and the slanted word which corrupts. May the power which is ours, for good or ill, always be used with honesty and courage, with respect and integrity, so that when all here has been written, said and done, we may, unashamed, meet Thee face to face. Amen.'
ITV's journalist Julie Etchingham wrote:
'Lord Jesus
You are the word made flesh
You are both the great communicator and the great communication.
Lord, we thank you for all those you have called to serve in the world of media.
We recognise the strategic and important role that media has in our world.
Lord grant to each one
Discernment to hear your voice Wisdom in what to share
Integrity in how to share
Creativity in their sharing
Courage to stand for truth
Grace in Serving you and others
May your peace, presence, light their way.
In the amazing name of Jesus
Amen'
Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Gorton and former BBC radio presenter Wayne Clark told BBC Manchester's Thought for the Week he felt challenged to think about his own integrity as he uses social media and speaks to others.
Today is Day of Prayer for the Media #pray4media . Here's my Thought for the Week on @BBCManchester. pic.twitter.com/unfs96KntO
— Wayne Clarke (@WayneAClarke) November 3, 2019
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