Are you able to refrain from violent TV — just for one week?

The United Church of Christ and many other churches are declaring a fast from viewing violent TV for one week starting October 12 -18.
Starting this Sunday, UCC members are pledging to refrain from watching violence as entertainment. Will you join us?

Sponsored by the UCC and Rainbow/PUSH, the Media Violence Fast is encouraging participants to take a stand against violent media by making a conscious decision not to watch it. We are asking people to seek other forms of programming and intellectual stimulation, and to reflect on what it means to purposefully distance oneself from violence as entertainment.

As a participant, you will receive a daily e-mail devotion/meditation for use individually or with family members or faith groups. You will also be encouraged to offer your own reflections and feedback in a group forum.

Just consider this: Before reaching the age of 18, the average U.S. child will witness 200,000 acts of violence on television, including 40,000 murders. The National Television Violence Survey has found that 60 percent of TV shows contain violence.

This Media Violence Fast is not about censorship. Instead, this is an opportunity to pause and consider how the saturation of violence on our TV screens also affects our spiritual lives, our relationships with others, how we see the world and how we promote peace as a religious value, starting with our remote controls.

Starting Sunday, I am changing the channel. Will you give it a try too?

The above was written by The Rev. J. Bennett Guess
Executive Director, OC, Inc
United Church of Christ

Note: This refraining from media violence does not include the last Presidential Debate on October 15 unless you think that will be violent! (:-)

Jeannette Brown