Tatchell to present Pope documentary on Channel Four
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An exploration of the Pope’s religious and political journey since the 1930s
London – 4 June 2010
Channel Four Television have announced that human rights campaigner
Peter Tatchell will present an hour-long documentary on the Pope, to be
broadcast shortly before the pontiff’s State Visit to Britain in
September this year.
“My aim is to make a robustly factual programme that explores the
Pope’s personal, religious and political journey since the 1930s, as
well as the motives and effects of his controversial policies,” said
Peter Tatchell.
“I intend to ensure that we hear the voices of the Pope’s defenders, as
well as his critics. I would be like to interview the Pope himself. It
would be ideal for Pope Benedict to be able to explain himself in his
own words. But I doubt that I will be granted an audience.
“This will not be an anti-Catholic programme. I have great sympathy
with grassroots Catholics who want a more open, democratic, liberal and
inclusive church. The ‘We Are Church’ movement is admirable. I salute
it.
“Some of the inspirations of my own human rights campaigns have been
Catholic humanitarians, including the editor of the Catholic Worker,
Dorothy Day, US anti-war activists, Fathers Daniel and Philip Berrigan,
Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador and theorists of Catholic
liberation theology such as Gustavo Gutierrez and Leonardo Boff,” said
Mr Tatchell.
Channel Four added:
“Human Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, a long-term critic of the
Papacy, will challenge Pope Benedict XVI’s beliefs and positions on a
range of issues - including condoms, homosexuality and fertility
treatment - and examine the impact his policies have had on both the
developing and Western world. The programme will give voice to a range
of views on the Pope – featuring interviews with both critics and
supporters.”
Ralph Lee, Head of Specialist Factual programming at Channel Four,
said: “The Papal visit in September provides an ideal opportunity to
examine the impact of Benedict XVI after five years in office. In
keeping with Channel 4’s remit to provide a platform for diverse and
alternative perspectives, equality campaigner Peter Tatchell will
assess the effect of the current Pope’s teachings throughout the world
and the conflict between some of his values and those held by modern
Britain.”
The programme, due to air in a prime-time slot in the autumn, is being
made by Juniper TV. Samir Shah is the executive producer and the
director is Chris Boulding.
The production company, Juniper TV, said:
“Juniper TV is making an hour long documentary for Channel 4 on Pope
Benedict XVI to coincide with his State visit to Britain in September.
The programme will be presented by Peter Tatchell and be an exploration
of the Pope’s life - exploring his ideas, values and thoughts. It
will provide a thoughtful perspective on the Papacy’s present
condition, and make a serious assessment of the impact of Pope
Benedict’s views and policies on Catholics and non-Catholics around the
world. To ensure this, we currently plan to film in the UK, Europe and
South East Asia.”
Further information:
Peter Tatchell
peter@petertatchell.net
Marion Bentley, Channel 4 - 020 7306 3747
mjbentley@channel4.co.uk