Conversations: Readers challenge Ministry Watch on headlines, graphic descriptions

EDITOR’S NOTE: From time to time we will publish letters and emails we get from readers, sometimes with a response, sometimes without comment. If you would like to share your thoughts about any of our stories or podcasts, please email us: [email protected]

Some stories on sexual abuse are too graphic

I read the Ministry Watch article about the Anglican abuser. In hindsight, I just thought I’d make a suggestion.

I think that the specific description of his alleged act was a bit more graphically described than necessary to communicate how terrible it was. Think about it. There might be better ways to report on these fiends than retelling their acts. As for me, I’d rather not have that image in my mind.

You’re the journalist, I’ll leave this up to you. Just thought I’d give you my reaction.

Chuck Walton, Pardeeville, Wis.

Warren Smith responds:

This is good and helpful feedback. Sometimes it is hard to know what the right balance and tone should be. Please pray for us that we will show wisdom and discernment in making these decisions.

Reader concerned that some headlines are ‘click-bait’

I am a long-time reader and sometime-donor. I appreciate your ministry. I fully believe that the church needs to “police” itself and correct its own self-inflicted wounds in order to more effectively minister to the world.

However, I am concerned with the “click-bait” headlines that seem to be appearing with more regularity. In the example below, what is the purpose of identifying the accused as “Creation Museum-Affiliated” when the Creation Museum severed ties with him months earlier? I do not see how inferring the Creation Museum had something to do with it is good journalism.

Now, if the museum were somehow culpable in the whole affair, then sure, have at it. That should be known. But since they had no knowledge or involvement, why bring them into the discussion — at least at the headline level.

Please resist the temptation to do what so many “news” sites do with headlines, which is get as close to lying as they can without actually doing so in order to get that click.

Thanks for your ministry.

Steve Rocke, via email

Warren Smith responds:

Thanks for this feedback. We try to steer away from the click-bait-y headlines we see elsewhere, but sometimes we fall short of our aspirations!

In this case, I do believe mentioning the affiliation with the Creation Museum is relevant. This guy wouldn’t be known at all if it were not for the platform the Creation Museum made possible for him.

Please keep us in your prayers. A lot of these decisions are judgment calls, with no single, clear right answer. Pray we will exercise wisdom and discernment.

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