"SHOULD the Catholic Evidence Guild start its own television station?"
This question was posed by Fr. Bernard Basset, S.J., last Friday at the 40th annual meeting of the Guild presided over by Archbishop Godfrey.
He told his audience in the Westminster Cathedral Hall that the emphasis today was away from apologetics; "We must study ways and means of putting over the Faith in an interesting way," he said
He thought that the televising of the Pope's coronation had had a profound effect on a number of non-Catholics, and said that he looked to the day when by means of their own TV station the C.E.G. would be able to bring the faith right into the homes of millions of people.
Lastly, he spoke of Fr. Ainti Duval. the well-known singerguitarist. At first, he said, he had taken little notice of this "singing priest"; but then, on hearing some of his songs, he saw that the simple lyrics had a deep theological mean
ing. Fr. Duval was, in effect, "putting over" the Church's teaching in a way that was both easy to understand and pleasant to listen to.
Sir lvone Kirkpatrick, Chairman of the Independent Television Authority, had a reassuring word to say about television. Ile commented that the results of a recent survey had shown that most parents thought television had a good effect on their children's conduct and state of mind. and mentioned a rather surprising fact: that, according to the survey, more homework was done in those homes with television than in those without.
With regard to violence on television, Sir Ivone stated that there was room for complaint only if the proportion seen on the television screen was greater than that met with in books or at the cinema.
Sir Ivone listed the objects of television as to entertain, to educate. and most important of all. to encourage people to think for themselves. This last is most important in these days of increased leisure, he said, for increased leisure often leads to increased social dissatisfaction; we want to encourage people to think, and to use their spare time fruitfully.
A RECORD SUM of E300 was raised by St. Georges, Taunton, annual bazaar, for the church and school building funds.