RELIGIOUS POLICY FOR GROCOTT’S MAIL

1. RELIGIOUS POLICY FOR GROCOTT’S MAIL SALLY DEWES, EMILY RUSSELL, MONIQUE BROGAN, JUSTINE COTTRELL, LEXI FINCHAM, KIRSTEN ALCOCK, MURRAY SLATER, TOM MAPHAM

2. AIMS • Define Religion: ‘an organized practice of worshipping the “Divine”’ • Main 5: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism & African Traditional (as in SABC policy) • “Alternative religion”-formal, structured grouping of at least 30 members. • To create a policy keeping Grocott’s Mail’s multi-cultural, multi-faith target audience in mind. • To investigate the desired representation of both religious and non-religious members of the community.

3. MAIN METHODOLOGY • Qualitative interviews with representatives from various religious groups and community authorities • Set up contacts with editors from other nationwide newspapers • Focus group interviews-Trinity Presbytarian student fellowship • Individual analysis of responses and suggestions

4. Current Policy • As such there is no past nor current policy on religion • Louise Vale categorically states: “ Grocott’s don’t discriminate against any grouping and don’t favour any grouping” • The current resources prevent Grocott’s from adopting a pro-active approach to religion, but advertising of religious meetings is free

5. Interviews • Christianity-Earl Hodges (His People) -Students: Kim Stirling (Catholic) Debbie Jones (Methodist) Michelle Gush (Anglican) • Judaism-Barach Vogel (current Synagogue Administrator, ex-chairman of Rhodes SAUJS) • Islam-Dr Motara (current Mosque Administrator), Ayesha Omar (Muslim Students Association Media Officer)

6. Interviews cont... • Jehovah’s Witness-Amanda Mushet • Hinduism-Alishia Naidoo • Agnostic-Dr Julien Cobbing (Academic) • Buddhism-JP Parkinson (Grahamstown Zen Buddhist Center Administrator), James Lech (student) • African Traditionalist-Ntosh Mazwi (Academic)

7. Interview Findings • Earl Hodges: “…hard on facts, soft on religion…don’t bring religion into a story unless it’s needed…” • Barach Vogel: “By providing more information on Judaism there is less of a chance for misunderstandings” • Alishi Naidoo: “ I enjoyed the Hindu student’s feature and would like to see more”

8. Interview Findings cont... • Dr Motara: “Information would greatly help in correcting the mis-information and mis-representation that is blurted out about Islam. It would also help in creating a culture of Inter-Faith dialogue in Grahamstown” • Amanda Mushet-Jehovah’s Witness: “ It is difficult to comment because I have never seen any representation of this faith in Grocott’s”

9. Interview Findings cont... • JP Parkinson-Buddhist: “Rather than specific coverage of alternative religions how about an editorial policy that recognises religious diversity” • Ntosh Mazwi-African Traditionalist: “ Try set right religious stereotypes and misconceptions of the past”

10. Interview Findings cont... • Dr Julien Cobbing: “ Grocott’s should stress the ethical similarities between religions instead of highlighting their differences” • Mr Williams, Editor of The Star: “a new national culture is what is needed. One that unites our rainbow nation while allowing vibrant cultures to flourish” • Mr Fynn, Editor of Cape Argus: “The Cape Argus is perfectly positioned to play an important role as a bridge that attempts to connect the diverse community of Cape Town as they set about finding common ground”

11. Analysis of Comments and Suggested Solutions • Tolerance and understanding of different religious perspectives is crucial • Non-discrimination and sensitivity with regard to coverage • Grocott’s Mail should take a more pro-active approach towards the coverage of religion

12. Proposed Policy • Weekly fact boxes for all religions • Column or feature written by various religious leaders • Build up a consultative, telephonic framework • Aim to be a source of religious tolerance and harmony through understanding