TV 'Priest Idol' Aims to Fill Church's Empty Pews
By Sherna Noah, Showbusiness Correspondent, PA News
A church will have the chance to reverse its flagging fortunes with the help of a new TV show – Priest Idol.
The church selected for the Channel 4 programme has a congregation of only nine, mainly ageing, regular worshippers.
The show, to be broadcast at the end of next year, will hunt for a new vicar who can attract more people into the empty pews at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Lundwood in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
Backed by a small panel of advisers, the chosen vicar will receive a sum of cash to spend on whatever he or she thinks could turn things around.
Cameras will follow the fortunes of the church over 12 months as the new incumbent tries to make a difference.
A selection process will attempt to find the right candidate, who is likely to be younger than the average vicar, according to Channel 4.
A spokesman said the programme is being made with the full co-operation of the local diocese.
“They are very keen to turn the situation around. This is really their last chance.”
He added: “The church is in danger of closing unless something is done The Bishop of Wakefield thinks it is a great idea.”
The Bishop, the Rt Rev Stephen Platten, said: “The programme-makers came to us. We feel that this is a gift we are being offered.
“If we can get the right priest, if we are able to make progress in this, then others in the same situation will be encouraged.
“We are looking for someone with energy who is prepared to work in a place where there is a clear need for regeneration.”
While the diocese sifts the responses to its job advert in the Church Times, St Mary’s is being looked after by a vicar from a neighbouring parish.
A spokesman for the Church of England said he was not too keen on the proposed title for the show.
“We obviously need to see how the programme pans out, but for the moment we would like to see a better title.
“Priest Idol is too reminiscent of Pop Idol, and that wouldn’t be a suitable format,” he added.
Taken from: Scotsman.com
The church selected for the Channel 4 programme has a congregation of only nine, mainly ageing, regular worshippers.
The show, to be broadcast at the end of next year, will hunt for a new vicar who can attract more people into the empty pews at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Lundwood in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
Backed by a small panel of advisers, the chosen vicar will receive a sum of cash to spend on whatever he or she thinks could turn things around.
Cameras will follow the fortunes of the church over 12 months as the new incumbent tries to make a difference.
A selection process will attempt to find the right candidate, who is likely to be younger than the average vicar, according to Channel 4.
A spokesman said the programme is being made with the full co-operation of the local diocese.
“They are very keen to turn the situation around. This is really their last chance.”
He added: “The church is in danger of closing unless something is done The Bishop of Wakefield thinks it is a great idea.”
The Bishop, the Rt Rev Stephen Platten, said: “The programme-makers came to us. We feel that this is a gift we are being offered.
“If we can get the right priest, if we are able to make progress in this, then others in the same situation will be encouraged.
“We are looking for someone with energy who is prepared to work in a place where there is a clear need for regeneration.”
While the diocese sifts the responses to its job advert in the Church Times, St Mary’s is being looked after by a vicar from a neighbouring parish.
A spokesman for the Church of England said he was not too keen on the proposed title for the show.
“We obviously need to see how the programme pans out, but for the moment we would like to see a better title.
“Priest Idol is too reminiscent of Pop Idol, and that wouldn’t be a suitable format,” he added.
Taken from: Scotsman.com
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