Justin Welby. Photo: The Church of England

The Archbishop of Canterbury believes that removing religious programming from TV will have “dangerous” consequences, and pointed to a British television show about Kosher eating as a leading example of good religious programming.

The Most Reverend Justin Welby said earlier this week that abandoning religious programming would “cultivate ignorance,” and that religious formats were the real “reality shows.”

He said that there were some who believe faith and religious life should be kept behind closed doors, “but if broadcasters were also to adopt the view that religion is something separate and private, rather than stitched into our public life, then we could set off down a dangerous road.

“We would be cultivating ignorance where what we need is insight, and prejudice where we most badly need open minds.”

The archbishop went on to say that it was “essential that we support broadcasting that teaches us about those around us.”

“The marvelous portrait of Manchester’s Jewish community in ITV’s Strictly Kosher is one example of how the media can help us to see the people around us as they really are.

“Likewise, Channel 4’s Islam: the Untold Story gave viewers an opportunity to appreciate the rich and fascinating history of the Muslim faith.

“Telling stories about ourselves and others, in a way that celebrates the full scope of what it means to be human: that for me is what makes a reality show.”