Memorials to the Conference - Methodist Conference

Memorials to the Conference
Offensive language covers more than
religious words; it also includes those which
are of a discriminatory or sexually explicit
nature. Research into what are ‘generally
accepted standards’ show that audiences
judge whether language is offensive on the
following principles:
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How offensive the words are felt
to be (‘milder’ words are generally
less offensive than ‘stronger’ ones;
discriminatory words are felt to be most
offensive).
Whether children were watching or
listening, and the likely impact of the
words on them.
Whether the audience made an
informed choice – has there been a
warning? Is the programme likely to
include offensive words?
The intent with which the words were
used – for example, aggressively
towards individuals, mockingly, or lightheartedly.
Whether the broadcaster acted
responsibly – was the language used by
accident or to boost ratings?
Regulating the use of offensive language
therefore requires the regulator, and
the audiences, to make a series of fine
judgements about what is considered
acceptable within a particular context.
What is therefore of greatest concern
to Christians over the use of religious
language? Christians will probably regard
the use of the name of Jesus or God as a
swear word as ranging from uncomfortable
to unacceptable, depending on the context
and especially when children are involved.
However, the use of religious names in
conjunction with expletives will be of serious
offence to many, and not just Christians.
Earlier research by Ofcom indicates that
the use of words such as ‘Jesus’ or ‘God’
are widely seen as not offensive, but that
when combined with expletives most people
would judge them to be very offensive. 3
In reality Ofcom receives very few
complaints around religious language, either
because people do not complain or because
broadcasters are already self-censoring.
The Conference believes that trying to
push for a reintroduction of a concept of
blasphemy in the regulation of the media
is both unhelpful and impractical. Instead,
it encourages the Methodist Council to
engage with Ofcom over their approach
to the use of offensive religious language,
and ensure that the information on the
Methodist Church website about how
to complain about media broadcasts
is updated in the light of this. It also
encourages Methodists to familiarise
themselves with the broadcasting codes,
and actively to complain about (or praise)
specific examples they come across in the
media.
The Conference therefore declines the
memorial.
M34 Personal tracking software
Having noted press reports about the
tracking of personal information from social
networking sites using Raytheon’s Riot
(Rapid Information Overlay Technology)
software, the Liverpool District Synod (R)
3 http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/
research/radio-research/language.pdf
Methodist Conference 2013
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