65th anniversary of Songs of Praise

That this House celebrates the 65th anniversary of the BBC’s long-running religious programme, Songs of Praise; recognises the significance of the programme which has produced more than 3,240 episodes and recorded hymns and worship songs in over 2,000 churches, chapels and cathedrals across the United Kingdom; highlights the contributions of Aled Jones and Pam Rhodes, who hosted the special 65th anniversary programme which aired on Sunday 27 September; looks forward to the future of the programme as it seeks to engage new and younger audiences; further recognises that the programme has been able to take congregational singing beyond traditional church settings, through large-scale gatherings at venues such as Old Trafford, the Millennium Stadium and Wimbledon’s No. 1 Court; commends the programme for its representation of all four nations of the United Kingdom and a wide range of Christian worship traditions, enabling audiences across the country to engage with and participate in its episodes; further highlights the importance the programme holds for many people, particularly through its presentation of hymns, which people often turn to during times of difficulty, to reflect; further commends the programme for creating a sense of fellowship between those singing on screen and those singing along at home, united in worship of God; and wishes the BBC and everyone involved in Songs of Praise continued success for the future.