Canadian Interfaith Network (See also "In Camera" minutes)
https://archives.anglican.ca/link/official1394
- Date
- 1984 October - November
- Source
- House of Bishops. Minutes
- Type
- Resolution 5-10-84
- Mover
- Archbishop Garnsworthy
- Seconder
- Bishop Parke-Taylor
- Text of motion
- That when the report on the Canadian Interfaith Network has been received and questions addressed to the Committee, the House move into "in camera" to discuss the report. CARRIED #5-10-84
- Notes
- N.B. In camera minutes NOT included in electronic database.
- The Rev. W. Lowe introduced the Rev. David MacDonald, president-Elect of the Canadian Interfaith Television Network, Dr. David Nostbakken, who has special responsibility for production and animation and the Rev. Canon Ebert Hobbs who has been involved in funding and development.
- Mr. Lowe said that the two to three day hearing is to be held before the C.R.T.C. in November in Hull, Quebec. He reported that data revealed in the public hearing would be reviewed, and if approved, the licence will be issued in January or February of 1985.
- Mr. MacDonald said that a free, no-pay television licence has been applied for. He stressed that a key question is the situation with the Roman Catholic Church whose real problem is both size and the Anglophone/Francophone division, further complicated by the fact that the Roman Catholic Church has had no personnel for communications for the past several years. He reported that the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops said that they felt it would not be appropriate for them to become further involved, as a Conference of Bishops, but would encourage regional participation.
- Canon Hobbs reviewed financial statements which were distributed, for information. He reported that a Feasibility Study is now being conducted by Community Charitable Counselling Service and that their report will be part of the public document which is available at the Hearing. Among the questions and concerns raised by the Bishops were the following:
- - What is the potential viewing audience ?
- - What are the financial implications ?
- - It was recognized that neo-religious groups will be given air time as well.
- Dr. Nostbakken spoke regarding the Children's Broadcasting Institute. He said that research reveals that there is a large concern on the part of parents and teachers regarding the quality of programs which reach children. He stated that television has become a way of life for children and that, by the time they have graduated from high school, they have watched on an average of 15,000 hours of television. This has a great influence on their beliefs and attitudes.
- Concern was expressed regarding production costs. Mr. MacDonald expressed the opinion that the C.R.T.C. will accept the Canadian Interfaith Network application, and Mr. Lowe added that the C.R.T.C. is concerned that the coalition of religious communities stay together in this endeavour.
- Archbishop Scott reminded the Bishops that there is to be a meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 6th November regarding the Canadian Interfaith Network, and enquired as to the possibility of any of the Bishops being present at that meeting. Unfortunately, all of the Bishops indicated that other commitments made attendance at that meeting impossible.
- The Primate shared a letter which had been sent to the Rev. David MacDonald from the Jesuits in which they expressed enthusiastic support and indicated that financial support would be available for the Canadian Interfaith Network. The Jesuits indicated in their letter that they would encourage other Roman Catholic groups to give their support to the project.
- Subjects
- Canadian Interfaith Network
- Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
- In camera meetings
- Mass media in religion - Anglican Church of Canada
- Religious broadcasting - Canada
- Television in religion - Anglican Church of Canada
- Interdenominational cooperation