Press Release

The Sandford St Martin Trust

Promoting Excellence in Religious Programs

Monday 13 May 2019

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry wins top broadcasting award for Royal Wedding sermon

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry recognised for global impact of sermon on theme of love at the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.

An estimated 1.9 billion people watched Presiding Bishop Curry, the first African American to head the US Episcopal Church, tell a congregation of royals and celebrities that “love is the way”.

American Bishop Michael Curry, presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church, is to receive the 2019 Sandford St Martin Trustees’ Award in recognition of the huge media impact generated by his royal wedding sermon which helped to bring a better understanding of religious belief and its modern relevance to a new audience.

The Rt Rev Jan MacFarlane, Bishop of Repton and Chair of the Sandford St Martin Trust, said:

“One of the indisputable broadcasting highlights of the 2018 royal wedding was Bishop Curry’s sermon. His words were broadcast around the world and were instrumental in shining a spotlight on the central role faith plays in the wider social discourse, and, on how religion can be both hugely engaging and unifying for the public.

“His reminder to audiences of the ‘important stuff’ in life – like fellowship and love – has been crucial at a time such as this, when the social and political divisions in the UK and around the world are being so deeply felt.”

The Sandford St Martin Trustees’ Award recognises individuals, programmes or organisations which have made outstanding contributions to their audience’s understanding of religion, ethics or spirituality. Previous recipients include author, journalist and broadcaster Joan Bakewell, composer Sir John Tavener, journalist Lyse Doucet, and, broadcaster and historian Neil MacGregor.

The UK writer, broadcaster and former chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission Trevor Philips will dedicate Bishop Curry’s award at a special ceremony at Lambeth Palace on June 13th.

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