This is certainly an appropriate time to have such discussion. There is a religious dimension to just about everything in the news these days and if there isn't, it seems that there's someone ready to put a sacred twist on the profane.

When it comes to reporting stories, I feel an extra effort is made to emphasize the religious component to the story, perhaps because of the incongruity between bad news and the supposed good nature of the religious. For instance, a sexual molester is a bad person, whether he be a priest, a rabbi, a contractor, a plumber, a lawyer or an architect. His crime against the victim and against society is neither augmented nor diminished by his vocation. Yet, the religious twist is always an added feature, which makes for good copy.

I'm pleased that this discussion will be criticizing, and therefore evaluating media perceptions. Criticism -- and even more self-criticism -- brings evaluation and change for the better. It is part of the evolutionary process, in this case the evolution of journalism in a very spiritually-conscious era.

The next challenge will be for a little self-criticism and self-evaluation by religions and the institutions that represent them.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church

Youth Ministries

The two most important attributes of responsible media coverage are truthfulness and respect. When applied to the coverage of religious matters, responsible reporting can enlighten the public. But when opportunistic reporters manipulate events for the sake of sensationalism, it serves to further estrange people of different faiths and cultures.

In the mid-19th century, the media consisted of the newspaper. Baha'u'llah, the prophet founder of the Baha'i Faith, referred to it as "a mirror of the world," and "a wonderful phenomenon and a great matter. But, he further wrote, "it behoveth the writers thereof to be sanctified from the prejudice of egotism and desire ... They must inquire into matters as much as possible, in order that they may be informed of the real facts, and commit the same to writing."

Reporters covering religious matters have a great responsibility.

They must not seize the opportunity to serve their own political slants or opinions, or to brew public hostility, as is often seen in debates over controversial issues. Even when they're called upon to truthfully report the actions of religious extremists, reporters should absolutely show respect toward diverse religions and their followers.

BARBARA CRAMER

Secretary

Local Spiritual Assembly

Baha'is of Glendale

The scary part of this week's question is that a panel of Washington journalists is debating coverage of religion in the media. A conference of journalists in almost any other city in America probably would deal with this issue more fairly and effectively. The more I see of Washington journalists, many of whom seem to be filled with self- importance, the less respect I have for them.

I may be prejudiced, but I think if every newspaper in America gave as much attention to matters of faith as the Glendale News-Press, religion would be better understood today.

The News-Press always presents its religious coverage in an ecumenical way -- inclusive rather than exclusive.

On a national scale, I think newspaper journalists could learn a lot about how to cover religion by observing how Newsweek and Time magazines do it. I always appreciate the in depth coverage of religion by these two weekly publications.

THE REV. THOMAS E.

WITHERSPOON

Unity Church of the Valley

La Crescenta

One of the things that the media do not do well, especially the broadcast media, is the mention of Jesus. Whether the story is about Christmas or Easter, the Jesus of history is often referred to as "Christ." Well, that's fine for those of us who believe Jesus is the Christ ("Messiah" in Hebrew), but the media ought to refer to him as Jesus of Nazareth, not Jesus Christ.

This may seem like a small point, but as a former newsman I have always been bugged by stories about Jesus that refer to him as "Christ." His last name was not Christ, and so a disinterested media story should not call him so.

Neither should a disinterested media story say, "As Christ is quoted in Scripture ... " The correct way of referring to a quote by the Nazarene carpenter would be something similar to the following: "According to the Gospel of Matthew (or Mark or Luke or John), Jesus is quoted as saying ...." A pedantic point, perhaps, but one that has bothered this teacher- turned- newsman- turned-preacher for a long time now!

THE REV. C.L. "SKIP"

LINDEMAN

Congregational Church of the

Lighted Window

United Church of Christ

La Cañada Flintridge