WCC NEWS: Inaugural “Faith in the Media” event convenes in London

On 2 July, Refcemi, the Coptic Orthodox Office for Advocacy and Public Policy, alongside communications agency Jersey Road, hosted an inaugural “Faith In the Media" event at The Sanctuary, St Andrew by the Wardrobe Church in London, inviting members of UK national press and UK church leaders to hear findings of “The Christianity in the Media 2025 report.” The “Faith in the Media” event aims to become an annual event that will provide a space to examine representation of faith in UK media, with its focus this year on Christianity. Photo: REFCEMI 07 July 2025 The report, which covered the period between December 2023 and November 2024, analysed the type of faith stories that receive attention in the media, signalling where journalists can attract greater interest on diverse matters of faith. More than 80 attendees from UK media outlets listened to panellists speaking on faith stories that have impacted UK media in recent years, as well as stories that haven’t made the headlines but warrant attention. Opening the event was a welcome from His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE, Coptic Orthodox archbishop of London, papal legate to the United Kingdom, and founder and director of Refcemi. The research overview was given by Jessica Martin, managing director of Jersey Road and the panel discussion was hosted by Esther Jolliffe, account director of Jersey Road. Martin said there is still deep misunderstanding about contemporary expressions of faith and the value those within the Christian community can add to meaningful public discourse. “Our hope is that by building better understanding between the church and the media, we can see coverage that presents a more rounded picture of Christianity today,” she said. Panellists addressed a range of issues and stories from the church. Gareth Russell, CEO of Jersey Road said the report was in no way intended to be anti-media.  “There may be certain individual journalists who have a problem with Christianity and/or other   religions as well, but I don't believe the media in general is,” said Russell. “I think that Christian organisations and communities could do a lot better in understanding how journalists operate, what makes a good story, and giving them valuable content that actually helps serve their organisation.” His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, in concluding remarks, addressed the often transactional nature of faith communities and the media which can lead to a lack of authentic coverage of significant faith stories. “If we are going to be effective as faith communities we need to invest in relationships,” he said. His Eminence spoke about the importance of advocating for all communities whose stories may not be represented well or even feature at all in the media. “We create greater legitimacy when we speak for others and not just for our own,” he said.    View The Christianity in the Media 2025 report here   Photos from the event See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland