wfn.org | United Methodists use new media spots to express concern

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Oct. 24, 2001 News media contact: Thomas S.
McAnally7(615)742-54707Nashville, Tenn.     10-21-71B{490}

NOTE: The TV and radio spots can be seen and heard at
http://www.ignitingministry.org/tragedy online.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Amid growing fears of chemical and biological
terrorism, United Methodists are taking to the airwaves, urging people to
pray for safety, justice and a "change in angry hearts."

In television spots to be broadcast on CNN in late October and early
November, people around the world are shown in different postures and places
of prayer.  The spots' message closes with words of assurance: "No matter
how you pray, remember, the people of the United Methodist Church are
praying with you."

The CNN spots will be supported by radio and television pieces, newspaper
ads and public service announcements that churches or regional units of the
denomination can place locally.
 
The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks came as United Methodist Communications
(UMCom) was launching the first series of television spots in a national,
multimillion-dollar "Igniting Ministry" campaign.  Changes were quickly made
in the spots to acknowledge the horrific events in New York, Washington and
Pennsylvania, but the overall theme remained: "Open hearts. Open minds. Open
doors. The people of the United Methodist Church."

The CNN spots and related media pieces are being offered between the first
Igniting Ministry series in September and a second series of spots planned
for the Advent and Christmas season. 

Since the Sept. 11 tragedy and subsequent military activity in Afghanistan,
the number of people searching for spiritual well-being has risen, and it
will continue to rise, according to the Rev. Steve Horswill-Johnston,
executive director of Igniting Ministry. "The 'hole in the soul' identified
by preliminary Igniting Ministry research is widening and deepening
worldwide," he said.

UMCom's governing body, meeting the last few days of September, agreed to
use mass media during this time of heightened concern. "The United Methodist
Church is giving to the world a pastoral message of reassurance and hope, of
the strength of community and of our strong belief in the value of prayer, "
said the Rev. Larry Hollon, the agency's top staff executive. "God is still
present with us; God has not forsaken us."

Beyond pastoral expressions, Horswill-Johnston said the commercials are
"invitations to people to enter into connection with the Christian community
as they seek meaning and purpose at a time of great struggle.  We believe it
is very appropriate to use mass media to offer this message and to extend
this invitation."

He said CNN was chosen because it is the highest-profile, most-watched
source of TV news, particularly during international incidents. The church's
messages will reach about 33 million households, he said. 

Church groups interested in placing the spots and ads locally may contact
Igniting Ministry by e-mail at im@umcom.org or calling  (877) 281-6535. The
Igniting Ministry Web site is at www.ignitingministry.org. 

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United Methodist News Service
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