The Sports Journalists’ Association is linking with the journalists’ church, St Bride’s in Fleet Street, to offer a welcome to the media at London 2012.
St Bride’s has been at the heart of the traditional home of London’s newspaper trade since 1500, surving the Plague, the Great Fire and the Blitz. And into the 21st Century, the church maintains its strong connections with the press, and sports journalists.
Canon David Meara, Rector of St Bride’s, says: “In 2012, there will be more than 20,000 journalists converging on London and other parts of the country to cover the Games.
“This offers a marvellous opportunity for St Bride’s Church, spiritual home for journalists across the world, to co-ordinate a programme of activities, specifically aimed at journalists, to help them feel welcome and at home in London.
“They will be from many different cultures and faith backgrounds, and although many of their needs will be taken care of, we feel we can add some real value, both spiritual and practical, for those who may be far from families and friends.
“The kind of ministry we have in mind would be aimed primarily at those journalists who feel a need for some spiritual and social
support while they are in this country and could include church services, a dedicated chaplain within the Media Village, provision of a quiet space for prayer and reflection, and a social and cultural programme.”
SJA Chairman Barry Newcombe said: “So many of us recognise the part which St Bride’s church has played for those who worked in Fleet Street, and it is no surprise that their team is looking at 2012 and what help they might be able to offer to our colleagues.”
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