Calls for Reflections Programme to Continue

Tuesday July 7 2020

An online petition is calling on BBC Scotland to continue making the Sunday morning Reflections at the Quay programme.

The programme was introduced after the coronavirus lockdown forced churches to close in late March. It usually features a minister from the Church of Scotland and one other Christian denomination, but has also included contributions from people of other faiths.

The BBC initially committed to nine programmes, and now says that it will end after two more installments.

The petition, set up by Laura Fleming, states that: “This programme is vital to those in our communities who are seeking spiritual comfort and has been enjoyed by many throughout lockdown.  In these times of isolation not everyone has access to online services or social media and many elderly and vulnerable people rely on their television to access worship each Sunday.”

The Rev Peter Nimmo, minister of Cambuslang Parish Church, tweeted that he was ‘quite shocked’ that Reflections from the Quay was ending. He shared a letter to the BBC in which he said that the programme had been ‘appreciated by thousands of churchgoers, especially those without internet access, including many elderly people’.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We indicated from the outset that Reflections was part of our emergency response to lockdown which included the unprecedented closure of places of worship across Scotland. As you know that continued for three months and as churches now prepare to re-open we're again focusing on our more established programmes.  They include New Every Sunday on BBC Radio Scotland and Songs of Praise which brings viewers songs, hymns and stories of faith from across the UK on BBC One.

“The service, currently broadcast on BBC Scotland, has two programmes left in the series and it will include a Church of Scotland service.  We expect those remaining episodes to air on July 19 and August 2.  

“We understand the disappointment felt by those who wanted it to continue but we hope our additional programming over the last few months has at least made a difference during this time.”

You can sign the petition here.

Comments

Jane Taylor - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“I would like the programme reflections at the quay to continue aas no Sunday services are up and running, and some people are still in isolation for various reasons. I really appreciate and enjoy this programme on a Sunday morning.”

Hazel Muir - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“I am so sad this series has come to an end please please continue with it. It will still quite sometime before a lot of people in our congregations can worship together. This programme has been a focus for so many people, making Sunday special.”

Ann Gellatly - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“Please do continue with this as I have taken comfort from this programme. Especially as we don't know when we can worship again together in our churches. ”

Mary Ellen Thomson - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“I would like Reflections at the Quay to continue, many churches may have Sunday Services online however not everyone can access them.
The opportunity for them to be seen on the television on a main line channel is especially good for people who are housebound. Please reconsider so that a large proportion of people can continue to worship in their home. ”

Sandra Brown - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“My husband and I thoroughly enjoy Reflections at the Quay. It is uplifting what the clergy are saying and enjoy listening to the hymns from various churches. As a elder in the Church of Scotland I am in church each Sunday but it is uncertain when our church will open for Sunday Worship in these uncertain times. God bless all the people who take part.”

Brian Crosbie - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“It was a pleasure to have a local worship program. It is a calm and relaxing program and enjoyed by many people, especially the elderly and housebound Thank you”

Lynn - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“This has been an excellent series. Very varied, interesting and informative.
Refreshing music too.”

Kay Tudor - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“It was most enjoyable to watch and listen to Reflrctions from the Kep it going please
”

Alison Ireland - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“Please continue with Reflections at the Quay.
The programmes have been excellent,and greatly enjoyed by folks who no longer have a church to go to.”

Anne McGregor - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“Reflections is a wonderful programme and for many people it is a lifeline on Sundays. ”

Lyn Edwards - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“At home we have very much enjoyed the Reflections at the Quay. I especially feel for all, including our own congregation in Broughty Ferry, who do not have access to IT and so are excluded from worship. We believe that the service usually broadcast in the earlier slot has stopped for the summer.
Please reconsider the decision to end this worship support for our congregations. ”

Isobel Dawson - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“An excellent programme with a wide range of speakers and music. I was really surprised when they said last Sunday that it would be their last. I would recommend that it continues.
I would be interested to see what the viewing numbers were.”

Bill Edwards - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“The joy of Reflections will be a major loss to me in time when the a definite when so much remains uncertain. The combination of reading, reflection and music was comforting. As a churchgoer, elder and active member of the church even though our church will be closed for some time to come”

Gordon W Smith - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“I have watched these every week.
Well matched presenters and good messages being delivered.
It’s well worth continuing.”

Elizabeth Barrett - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“Please continue making Reflection at the Quay BBC. It's a must watch for me. Sundays won't be the same without it. I like it's informal and interesting mix of stories, texts and hymns from different churches and ministers every week. ”

ANN Keith - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“I would appreciate having Reflections on the Quay continuing please. Churches are not yet open for services and as someone who is in the shielding group these services are excellent. I feel others are benefiting from these services.”

Peggy Campbell - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“I was very disappointed to hear Reflections were ceasing. Our church is not opening till at least October and then it will be limited to worshippers so Sunday by the Clyde would be very acceptable.”

Laura Fleming - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“Thanks for supporting this. I am Session Clerk aa EK West and this has been a real support to members of our congregation who are unable to access social media. Most people have a television and so it has been easy to turn on and enjoy the different worship leaders and hymns and songs from Scotland each week. ”

Fiona Hamilton - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“I hope that BBC Scotland will continue to find a way to keep doing Reflections by the Quay as even we are able to open up the Churches again for worship, many will continue to stay at home as they will still fear the virus. The Reflections are not only being enjoyed by church goers, but by members of other faiths, and those who haven't had an active church link. It's a good way to bring the faith community to all in Scotland that is more local than Songs of Praise. ”

Jemima Bell - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“A great pity to end this programme.
It brought great comfort to many,
especially at this difficult time.
It really should continue.”

Margo Mitchell - Wednesday, July 8th, 2020

“Have watched every Sunday since it started please keep it going as it benefits all denominations.”

Myra Rao - Tuesday, July 7th, 2020

“Like so many others not able to worship in church I have greatly enjoyed Reflections at the Quay . Hopefully soon I will be back at church in my usual place but many more folk because of age or infirmity will still be at home relying on tv or radio for spiritual comfort and blessing so I would very much like to see them continue. It is a great service and well done for all the Sundayswe have shared already!”

Mary MacDougall - Wednesday, July 8th, 2020

“Sorry to the reflections are being terminated. It’s been great hearing from people of all religions and none very inclusive x”

Margaret Cupples - Wednesday, July 8th, 2020

“I am very disappointed to hear this excellent programme is being discontinued. I have been enjoying it as it allows us to hear from a variety of speakers with something very different to say. It is important for those who are unable to access church because of age or mobility problems to be able to see a programme like this on National TV throughout the year along with Songs of praise which is a different type of programme. ”

ian young - Thursday, July 9th, 2020

“Very sad to hear that BBC Scotland are to discontinue Reflections at the Quay This is a lifeline to many who cannot and will not attend church during this Pandemic. It's not over yet .........so please have a rethink . Kind regards Ian Y ”

Christine Houston - Friday, July 10th, 2020

“Very meaningful service with the various speakers touching many people and should continue ”

Linda Stewart - Saturday, July 11th, 2020

“It is important to keep this meaningful service going. Many people have enjoyed watching it.”

Gillian Ellis - Sunday, July 12th, 2020

“Why would you end such an excellent series even before lockdown in Scotland has come to an end”

C Blair Gillon - Sunday, July 12th, 2020

“I confess to never having watched Reflections! Like many others I watch our local churches’ online Services. However, as it has been greatly appreciated by so many it should continue at least until most if not all of the local churches, mosques, temples etc have reopened. ”

David Scott - Wednesday, July 15th, 2020

“Christians continue to form a significant group of society, we pay the TV licence fee to the BBC and this sector of society should be included within permanent scheduling on a Sunday. This allows those who can not for medical or other reasons travel to their local church for a church service. If this is to stop, then I personally will stop paying the licence fee, I refuse to continue to pay for a corporation who intend to discriminate against religious groups in preference for secular scheduling.”

Myra Rao - Friday, July 31st, 2020

“Like so many others not able to worship in church I have greatly enjoyed Reflections at the Quay . Hopefully soon I will be back at church in my usual place but many more folk because of age or infirmity will still be at home relying on tv or radio for spiritual comfort and blessing so I would very much like to see them continue. It is a great service and well done for all the Sundays we have shared already!”

Kenneth Chapman - Sunday, March 14th, 2021

“This programme brings comfort instead of all the trash we see on TV! Please keep it going.”

Margaret M. Gray. - Monday, March 15th, 2021

“Thoroughly enjoy this programme. Watch it each week. Please keep it going. It is ecumenical and we need to worship together.”

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