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Media 'can bring hope to the world'

The media could bring hope to the world by reporting more good news stories, the Moderator of the Church of Scotland said.

The Right Reverend Sheilagh Kesting used her Christmas address to suggest that journalists could be the angels of a modern-day nativity.

Giving her sermon at Greyfriars Church in Edinburgh, she said: "For in telling us what is happening in the world ... do they not also ... the best ones anyway, cast a light on the often little acts of bravery and selflessness that speak of love and hope and dignity that defy the crushing effects of poverty, violence and despair.

"We are gifts of God to the world, each one of us, capable of making a difference, however small, as together we broadcast the growth of hope through justice and peace and goodwill to all people on earth until that is what becomes the norm."

She recalled a recent conversation with a journalist who retold the Christmas story in contemporary fashion, using people in identical roles to play the parts.

The journalist asked Miss Kesting, along with Cardinal Keith O'Brien and Islam representative Mohammed Aslam, to give their opinions in place of the three wise men.

However, she was perplexed by his choice of angels: "Oh, yes, he said - nurses! Now, I have nothing but admiration for nurses but they are hardly the modern-day equivalent of the angels in the story.

"The word 'angels' means 'messengers' - the ones who broadcast the good news to the shepherds.

"Did anyone think of interviewing journalists as today's angels?"

Full story from the Press Association at the Midlothian Advertiser.