Why is Sight Loss Sunday Important? And what are some easy steps churches can take to become more inclusive for blind and partially sighted congregation members? In this edition of Reflections we answer these questions through a reflection by Vicki Bryson and a feature by James Brookman about how one man has implemented audio description in his church. We also hear from Sarah Brookman about the upcoming Torch retreat.
All blind people are music geniuses, possess an extraordinary sense of hearing and smell, and live pretty terrible lives. At least that’s what common myths would have you believe. Marilyn Baker and Sheila Armstrong tackle these myths in a light hearted conversation with inputs from Jan Turner, long-term friend and former staff at Torch. We also hear the final instalment in our hymn writers series, where the spotlight is on George Matheson.
In this episode, Torch CEO Sarah Dawkins talks to producer Linn Davies about an article she wrote for Pure Magazine. In the article Linn shared an experience of having unwanted prayers of healing forced on her when she asked for prayers for her terminally ill mum.
According to the Anglican Calendar, we’re currently in ordinary time, meaning there’s no celebratory events going on. So this could be the perfect opportunity to spend more time with God’s word. In this episode we’re giving you a taster of the different Bible reading notes produced by torch Trust, as well as another instalment in our hymn writers series.
Inspired by our series on artificial intelligence, audio production coordinator James Brookman gives us us an insight into the AI voices behind some of the Torch audiobooks and how he tests their quality. He also reflects on how AI can never know and love us the way God can. And though it’s nice to always be validated by AI, it’s important for our growth to be challenged by God.
In the sixth and final episode of our series focusing on AI, we thought it was time for the AI to take the microphone, so Linn Davies sat down to interview Chat GPT. They discuss why AI makes up things that isn’t true, ways to use AI creatively, and whether AI can ever replace humans.
In the fifth episode of our series on AI, we speak to Richard Powell who works with technology and rehabilitation for the disability charity Henshaw’s in Greater Manchester. He shares how AI has changed what rehabilitation looks like, and some fascinating examples of how his clients are using AI to better advocate for themselves, as well as discovering new hobbies.
In part four of our series on AI, we sit down to talk to Reverend Canon Tim Bull about AI in a Christian context. He shares how AI has been adopted by the church, his thoughts on AI verses human creativity and on whether Jesus would use AI if he was here today?
