The decision by the BBC to hand its flagship Radio 4 'Thought for The Day' slot to Pope Benedict on Christmas Eve shows the need to re-think the feature, says the Christian think-tank Ekklesia.

In a unique contribution to the debate about religion and ethics broadcasting, a new report, published by the Christian think-tank Ekklesia, challenges the terms of the current controversy over BBC Radio 4’s flagship ‘God slot’ by actually analysing its content – with some surprising results.

Rather than moaning about religious output on the BBC and elsewhere, Christians would do better to look at how - and what - they are communicating themselves, says Simon Barrow. In a mixed belief era the church cannot expect privileged coverage, but it has unparalleled opportunities to engage in a vibrant media environment.