Rabbi, Fellowship pastor showcase interfaith dialogue on Florida public TV network By Courtney Hodges, CBF Communications

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News Release

CONTACT:
Lance Wallace
770.220.1600

3.06.06

ATLANTA – Monthly it's "lights, camera, and action" for one unique Pensacola duo. Pastor Barry Howard and Rabbi Leonard Zukrow co-host a show called "Religion and the Public Square" on WUWF TV Cox Channel 4.

Both Howard and Zukrow recently relocated to Pensacola to continue ministry. Howard was called to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship-affiliated First Baptist Church of Pensacola, and Zukrow is the new rabbi at Temple Beth El.

Their predecessors were involved in co-hosting "Religion and the Public Square" at the University of West Florida. The school wished to continue offering the program and contacted Howard and Zukrow to determine their interest in following their colleague's footsteps.

"We've gotten remarkably positive feedback thus far," Howard said. "Jews and Christians have similar and different views, but we don't use this as a format to debate viewpoints."

Neither have previous co-hosting experience. However, Howard has participated in a few television spots and live telecasts at churches he has pastored. Zukrow has also had brief experience on television.

Topics discussed on the show include the liturgical calendar, Hanukkah and Christmas, and mental health. Upcoming shows include topics such as social justice, military consumerism and environmental issues. As the show continues, Howard and Zukrow brainstorm ideas to make the show pertinent and helpful to the Pensacola community.

"In a public television format you get all kinds of educational resources, but some programs tend to be rather dull or sheerly academic," Howard said. "We want to talk on a practical level to people of all economic backgrounds, social backgrounds and spiritual backgrounds."

Both agree that the program is a huge investment, well worth the effort.

"I devote my time to it because I strongly believe that among all the spiritual and religious voices in the community, I want the Jewish voice to be heard," Zukrow said.

"It is a pretty big investment of time, but I think it brings clarity to religious issues in the community," Howard said. "It's good for the community to discuss issues without being argumentative."

Aside from hosting the program together, Howard and Zukrow are becoming close friends.

"There is certainly an appreciation that our program is one where we really engage in mutual dialogue," Zukrow said. "We are not yelling at each other. We have a care and concern that goes beyond our TV personas, which adds to the way we interact with one another."

For now each wants to continue participating in the show indefinitely. As they think of new ideas for programs they also wish to include other voices from the religious community.

The 30-minute program airs 7:30 p.m., Mondays and 8 a.m., Thursdays, and is available online at www.wuwf.tv.

CBF is a fellowship of Baptist Christians and churches who share a passion for the Great Commission and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice. The Fellowship's mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.