On Mother’s Day 1993, a new show called “Religion on the Line” made its debut on KCMO-710 AM (and now 103.7 FM) at noon that featured a Rabbi, Protestant Minister and a Catholic Priest.
On Sunday the show, which now airs from 6-8 a.m., will celebrate its 19th year on the air with original hosts Reverend Robert Lee Hill of Community Christian Church in KCMO and Rabbi Michael Zedek, who served for 26 years as the spiritual leader of Congregation B’nai Jehudah in KCMO.
While Rev. Hill has remained at his same church over the years, Rabbi Zedek moved to Cincinnati in 2000 and to Chicago in 2004, and calls into the station each week.
Father Thom Savage, former President of Rockhurst College, was an original host, but left the show in 1996. Father Pat Rush, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City/St. Joseph, Missouri, replaced Savage.
Today the Catholic perspective on the show is frequently provided by Dr. John Purk, who joined “Religion on the Line” in 2005.
The diversity of faiths leads to some lively conversations with some loyal callers having called into the show every week for several years. A few seem to enjoy simply enjoy attempting to get a rise out of the trio. It often works.
When all is said and done the hosts have often remarked they never thought their show would have lasted this long. However, for listeners it does give a unique opportunity to learn about other faiths.
It is a valuable community resource.