This thesis looks at current media relations practice as conducted on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church and members of the Islamic community in Ireland. It also asks what model of media relations is most appropriate for religious organisations. In the academic world, there has been growing interest in analysis of the intersecting fields of media, culture and religion, yet the practice of media relations conducted on behalf of religious organisations has not been closely examined. There is a great deal of literature in the broad area of religion and media, but far less about religious media relations, and less again about the situation in Ireland. The thesis begins with a review of what has been wntten about the topic and related areas. It then addresses three questions. Firstly, what do religious representatives hope to achieve through a presence in the media7. In other words, what do they see as the objectives of media relations9. Secondly, what do media practitioners think about the avowed objectives of religious representatives, and what do they believe are the flaws in the way in which religious communities deal with the media9. Thirdly, what aspects of interaction with the media do religions representatives perceive as adding to the difficulty of their task9. Finally, the interviewees were asked to suggest ways in which the current, often unsatisfactory state of affairs could be improved. These latter suggestions form the basis for a model of media relations which is appropnate for, and takes into account the ethical demands of religious organisations. Fifteen interviews were conducted with representatives of the four mam Christian churches and the Islamic community. In the main, these interviews were with press and communications officers, or with those who had significant responsibility for dealing with the media. In addition, six journalists who specialise in religion were interviewed, and one public relations consultant who has had significant input in this field.