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London: The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan
William has urged the BBC not to neglect Christians in
its religious programming. Dr Williams voiced his
concern to the corporation's director general Mark
Thompson in a private meeting at Lambeth Palace.
The archbishop is said to be concerned at a decline in
religious programming on the BBC World Service. A BBC
spokesman said the corporation's commitment to religion
and ethics was "unequivocal and entirely safe".
Christina Rees, a member of the Church of England's
executive body, the Archbishops' Council, said: "The
established Church has a special role in the country. We
actually have a remit for everyone in the whole country.
"The BBC is a public service corporation. It is funded
by license payers and part of the broadcaster's duty is
to represent the population. If it ignored Christians
and the church it would be negligent." A Lambeth Palace
spokeswoman refused to comment on a private meeting.
The BBC spokesman said: "The BBC is committed to
maintaining a high level of specialism in the Religion
and Ethics department we currently have many staff with
theology degrees and expertise. We are also currently
exploring new ways to strengthen our connections with
religious organisations.
"The story for Religion and Ethics at the BBC is a
positive one and we hope that church members will be
reassured.”
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