A former Church of England public relations chief has urged young Christians to to think about journalism as a career path.

Peter Crumpler, who has previously served as the C of E’s director of communications, has called on fellow Christians to encourage younger churchgoers to consider media careers.

His call comes after UK charity Christians in Media last year launched a mentoring scheme for Christians aged between 18 and 25 who are either in their first roles or hoping to start in journalism.

Peter made his call in a piece for Christian Today examining ways Christians could make 2022 a better year for the media.

Journalist and PR man turned Church of England vicar Peter Crumpler

He wrote: “[Christians can] encourage young people in the church to consider media careers.

“Competition to get into the media is high, with many young people seeing a media career as exciting and high-profile.

“The reality is that competition is strong, and that young people will need to work hard to gain entry.

“Working in the media is a worthy calling for any Christian seeking to serve the God of Truth.”

HTFP reported in May 2020 how Peter, who is now a priest working in St Albans, had urged churchgoers to buy their local newspaper – warning them they are in danger of losing their “best friends in the media” if titles were forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He reiterated the call in his recent piece, saying: “Many local newspapers and community-based radio stations are facing strong competition for advertising from global social media companies – and are finding the going tough.

“Build links with your local journalists and supply them with news. Invite the editor to speak at your church.

“Consider advertising your special services and events. If necessary, be a critical friend.”