(Photo: BBC)
‘Pilgrimage’, a unique television series where celebrities embark on journeys to religious destinations, has been recognized for its role in fostering interfaith dialogue. The series has been awarded a Special Award by the Sandford St Martin Trust, a charity dedicated to promoting quality in religious broadcasting.
This award was presented at a ceremony held at Lambeth Palace, the residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Tony Stoller, chair of the Trust, acknowledged the show’s impact, stating, “In our increasingly fragmented and fractious times, ‘Pilgrimage’ has consistently shown how, through thoughtful and respectful conversation, strangers from different faith perspectives and with very different world views can still find common ground and friendship.”
The BBC-aired series, produced by CTVC, has reached audiences globally, showcasing participants from various religions, including Christians, Muslims, Jews, and those of no faith. Over its eight seasons, ‘Pilgrimage’ has featured journeys to significant sites such as Santiago de Compostela, Istanbul, Portugal, and North Wales. One notable episode concluded in Rome with a private meeting with Pope Francis.
Daisy Scalchi, BBC’s Head of Religion and Ethics, praised the series, stating, “What better way to embrace different perspectives and outlooks than walking with people who can open our hearts and minds to new ways of seeing the world. Pilgrimage is like no other show on TV.”
The Sandford St Martin Trust emphasized the series’ unique offering in its citation, highlighting its provision of “space for genuine, reflective conversation,” a rarity in today’s media landscape that often prioritizes controversy.
The award ceremony also celebrated other programs in categories such as journalism, TV/video, young audience, and radio/audio. Topics addressed by the nominees included faith in conflict zones like the Ukraine-Russia frontline, the rise of Christian nationalism, and discussions on assisted suicide.
Among the winners was a program on the Christian Brothers in Ireland, focusing on asset management amidst abuse claims, and a story about Falun Gong practitioners in China taking over state airwaves.
Additionally, a public vote award by Radio Times magazine honored a BBC TV program featuring journalist Amol Rajan. Rajan’s journey to the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious festival, explored faith as a means of coping with personal loss.
Krish Kandiah, a Christian social entrepreneur and broadcaster, commended the awards for promoting dialogue and understanding, especially given the current divisive nature of political and social discourse in the UK.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
