59th RNA ANNUAL CONFERENCE Sept. 18–21, 2008 | Hamilton Crowne Plaza | Washington, D.C.

RELIGION NEWSWRITERS

Helping journalists cover religion with balance, accuracy and insight GREETING Religion Newswriters President

Welcome to Washington and to the 59th Annual Conference of the Religion Newswriters Association.

In my 10 years on the religion beat, the past year has been the most challenging period as our industry faces unprecedented changes and challenges. The industry meltdown has been especially unkind to the religion beat, forcing some longtime colleagues and friends to leave the business—often not by choice.

But this crazy atmosphere also offers us tremendous opportunities to enhance and expand religion coverage, and we hope this conference equips you with the tools, ideas and collegial support to navigate these turbulent times.

Ann Rodgers and Charley Honey and their team have put to- gether an all-star lineup that should send you home refreshed, reinvigorated and recharged.

This organization (and this conference) belongs to you. Let us know what we can do to make it better!

Kevin Eckstrom Executive Director

Cover | Greeting GREETING Religion Newswriters Executive Director

Dear RNA 2008 Conference Attendees:

Just as some faiths have cycles that begin with a liturgical “New Year,” those of us fortunate enough to work for Religion Newswriters view each year’s Annual Conference as our “New Year.”

This “New Year” we’re sharing better ways to communicate via our redesigned Web Site. We’ll try expanding membership among ethnic and alternative press and we’ll broaden our scholarship support.

The next year—our 60th—is critical for Religion Newswriters. Your Religion Newswriters Board will think strategically about what RNA should look like beyond 2009 and they’ll envision a prudent path toward those goals.

We’ll ask your advice during that process. We’ll ask for your time, as we seek committed volunteers to shoulder our work. And we’ll ask for your dollars, to match a $35,000 challenge grant from some of the nation’s most prestigious foundations.

None of us know how our jobs will change in the future. But as RNA starts this “New Year,” we know that because of you, we’re in it together—and for the very long haul.

On behalf of the RNA staff and board, I thank you for sharing the journey and welcome you to Washington, D.C.

Yours,

Debra L. Mason Executive Director

59th RNA Annual Conference | 1 2 | Pictured: National Building Museum TABLE OF CONTENTS 2008 RNA Annual Conference Program

Schedule Overview...... 4–5

Maps...... 6–7

Schedule of Events (detailed)...... 8–17

Speaker Biographies...... 18–29

Conference Participants...... 30–37

2008 Lifetime Achievement Recipient...... 38–39

Acknowledgments...... 40–41

Donor Recognition...... 42-43

About RNA...... 44–47

Sponsors...... 48–55

Exhibitors...... 56–67

Notebook...... 68–76

Advertisements...... 77

© 2008, Religion Newswriters Images: Photos.com, istockphoto.com or Destination DC unless otherwise noted Conference Coordinators: Charley Honey & Ann Rodgers Program Editors: Debra Mason, Charley Honey & Ann Rodgers Program Design: Tiffany McCallen Program Assistant: Katie Beverly

59th RNA Annual Conference | 3 Jefferson Memorial SCHEDULE OVERVIEW 59th RNA Annual Conference

A detailed schedule is listed on pp. 8–17.

WEDNESDAY SEPT. 17, 2008 8–8:30 a.m. Registration—Covering Islam program (National Press Club) 8–8:30 a.m. Breakfast—Covering Islam program (National Press Club) 8:30 a.m.–Noon Covering Islam Pre-Conf. Program (National Press Club) 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Registration open—RNA Annual Conference (Crowne Plaza) Noon–1:30 p.m. Luncheon—Dr.Will Davis Jr. (Crowne Plaza) 1:30–5 p.m. Covering Islam Pre-Conf. Program (National Press Club) 6–7:30 p.m. Dinner—The Fetzer Institute (Crowne Plaza)

THURSDAY, SEPT. 18, 2008 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Registration desk open (Sphinx Club) 7:30–8:30 a.m. Breakfast & press conference—Jossey-Bass (Crowne Plaza) 8:30–10:30 a.m. Multimedia Pre-conference Program (Crowne Plaza) 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. Sources Central areas open (Sphinx Club) 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Luncheon—Council for America’s First Freedom (Crowne Plaza) 1–1:15 p.m. Welcome by RNA President (Sphinx Club) 1:15–2:45 p.m. Panel: Faith in Politics (Sphinx Club) 2:45–3:15 p.m. Refreshment break in Sources Central areas (Sphinx Club) 3:15–4:15 p.m. Panel: New Religion Page (Sphinx Club) 4:15–5:30 p.m. Special Event: Digital Petting Zoo II (Crowne Plaza) 6–8 p.m. Welcome reception—Zondervan (K Street Lounge) 8:30–10:30 p.m. Movie screening—Fireproof (E Street Cinema)

4 | Schedule Overview FRIDAY, SEPT. 19, 2008 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Registration desk open (Sphinx Club) 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Sources Central areas open (Sphinx Club) 8–9 a.m. Breakfast & press conference—Berkley Center (Sphinx Club) 8–8:40 a.m. New active member breakfast, invite only (Crowne Plaza) 9–10:30 a.m. Panel: Immigration (Sphinx Club) 10:30–10:50 a.m. Refreshment break in Sources Central areas (Sphinx Club) 10:50 a.m.–12:10 p.m. Panel: Secularism/Atheism (Sphinx Club) 12:20–2 p.m. Luncheon—The DeMoss Group (Tuscana West) 2–3:20 p.m. Panel: 2008 Survey of Religion & Politics (Sphinx Club) 3:40–5 p.m. Panel: Abraham Lincoln (New York Ave Presbyterian Church) 6–8 p.m. Reception & Tour: National Shrine—Lovell-Fairchild (Shrine) 9 p.m. Freelancer social (Crowne Plaza)

SATURDAY, SEPT. 20, 2008 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Registration desk open (Sphinx Club) 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Sources Central areas open (Sphinx Club) 8–9 a.m. Breakfast & press conference—HarperOne (Sphinx Club) 9–10:20 a.m. Panel: Catholic Education (Sphinx Club) 10:20–10:40 a.m. Refreshment break in Sources Central areas (Sphinx Club) 10:40 a.m.–Noon Panel: Sourcing Islam (Sphinx Club) Noon–1:40 p.m. Luncheon—Humane Society (National Press Club) 2–3:20 p.m. Option 1: Panel: Blogging (The Washington Post) Option 2: Panel: Congregations (Sphinx Club) Option 3: Free time 3:40–5:30 p.m. Option 1: Panel: Architecture (Third Church of Christ, Scientist) Option 2: Panel: Surveys (The Washington Post) Option 3: Free time 6–7:30 p.m. Reception & Silent Auction (Sphinx Club) 7:30–11 p.m. Awards Banquet & Dessert Reception (Sphinx Club)

SUNDAY, SEPT. 21, 2008 8–9 a.m. Breakfast of Champions (Crowne Plaza) 9–11 a.m. Active members meeting (Crowne Plaza) 11 a.m.– Noon Board meeting (Crowne Plaza) Noon–2 p.m. Board lunch (Crowne Plaza)

59th RNA Annual Conference | 5 MAPS Courtesy of Crowne Plaza & Sphinx Club

CROWNE PLAZA, 14th & K St. NW (adjacent to Sphinx Club)

6 | Maps SPHINX CLUB, 1315 K St. NW (adjacent to Crowne Plaza)

Crescent Mecca Nemesis Scimitar MEZZANINE

BALLROOM

MEZZANINE Elevators

OASIS room & DINING ROOM/BAR located on first floor. Not pictured above.

Sphinx Club lobby Photo courtesy of Monarch Construction, Inc.

59th RNA Annual Conference | 7 World War II Memorial WEDNESDAY EVENTS September 17, 2008

PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS 1:30–2:45 p.m. Attendance at pre-conference programs Panel: American Muslim requires advance registration. This year’s Civic Participation programs are sold out. 2:45–2:55 p.m. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Break Covering Islam program National Press Club, 13th floor, 3–4:30 p.m. First Amendment Room Panel: Reporting on American Muslims 8–8:30 a.m. Registration & breakfast 4:45–5 p.m. 8:30–9 a.m. Evaluations & wrap up Welcome 6–7:30 p.m. 9–10:30 a.m. Dinner (all attendees welcome) Panel: About Islam Crowne Plaza, Hamilton Ballroom Sponsored by The Fetzer Institute’s Campaign for Love & Forgiveness. 10:30–10:40 a.m. Speakers: Beverly Dorn Steel & Break Jo Washington, active campaign participants; Everett L. Worthington Jr., 10:45 a.m.–Noon Virginia Commonwealth University Panel: Women & American Islam

Noon–1:30 p.m. RNA CONFERENCE EVENTS Luncheon (all attendees welcome) Crowne Plaza, Hamilton Ballroom 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sponsored by author Dr.Will Registration desk open Davis Jr., who will discuss his new Crowne Plaza, lower level book,”Why Faith Makes Sense.” Thursday registration is at Sphinx Club.

8 | Wednesday Schedule, Sept. 17, 2008 THURSDAY EVENTS September 18, 2008

PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS 11:30 a.m. OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE 7:30–8:30 a.m. 59th RNA ANNUAL CONFERENCE Breakfast & press conference Crowne Plaza, Lafayette Rm. (2nd Fl.) 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Sponsored by Jossey-Bass, featuring Luncheon author Chris Korzen and his new book, Crowne Plaza, Hamilton Ballroom “A Nation for All.” Sponsored by Council for America’s First Freedom (CFAFF), featuring an 8:30–10:30 a.m. address by Ambassador and CFAFF Getting up to Speed on President Robert A. Seiple. Multimedia: a Practical Primer for Print Religion Journalists 1–1:15 p.m. Crowne Plaza, Hamilton Ballroom Welcome Advance registration required. Sphinx Club ballroom By RNA President Kevin Eckstrom, editor, Religion News Service RNA CONFERENCE EVENTS

7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. 1:15–2:45 p.m. Registration desk open Panel: Putting Faith in Politics Sphinx Club Sphinx Club ballroom Seasoned political commentators discuss the roles faith communities have played 7:30–8:30 a.m. in this year’s presidential campaign— Breakfast & press conference from candidates’ personal beliefs to the Crowne Plaza, Lafayette Rm. (2nd Fl.) effectiveness of Democrats to appeal to Press conference at 8:10 a.m., religious voters. Moderated by Adelle sponsored by Jossey-Bass. Author Banks, Religion News Service. Chris Korzen will present his new book, “A Nation for All.” Panelists include: • Michael Gerson, The Washington Post 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. • Amy Sullivan, TIME Magazine Sources Central areas open Sphinx Club dining room & ballroom 2:45–3:15 p.m. Refreshment break Sphinx Club dining room Drop your business card in all three collection bowls in the Sources Central areas for your chance to win big prizes!

Continued... Chinatown

59th RNA Annual Conference | 9 THURSDAY CONTINUED

3:15–4:15 p.m. Panel: The New Religion Page Sphinx Club ballroom Editors of some of the best online religion pages will talk about how their sections made the transition from paper to the Web. Moderated by Mirko Petricevic, Waterloo Region Record.

Panelists include: • Cathy Grossman, USA TODAY • Sam Hodges,The Dallas Morning News • David Waters, On Faith

4:15–5:30 p.m. Special event: Digital Petting Zoo II Crowne Plaza, Hamilton Ballroom Radio Shack’s back with more gadgets and more space to play with them. Learn how to communicate your stories across multiple platforms—print, audio, video and Web—with “now” technology.

6–8 p.m. Welcome reception K Street Lounge, 1301 K St. NW Sponsored by Zondervan, featuring author/RNAer Cathleen Falsani with her latest book, “Sin Boldly.” Walking directions: go out Crowne Plaza lobby door and turn right. Walk 1 block.

8:30–10:30 p.m. Movie screening: “Fireproof” E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW Sponsored by Fireproof the movie. Red carpet premiere includes busing, refreshments, screening and discussion. Speakers: Jim McBride, executive producer and Alex Kendrick, director and co-writer

Meet in Crowne Plaza lobby at 8:30 to board buses. Buses will return to hotel by 11 p.m.

National Museum of the American Indian | Robert C. Lautman 10 | Thursday Schedule, Sept. 18, 2008 George Washington Statue FRIDAY EVENTS September 19, 2008

8 a.m.–4 p.m. Panelists include: Registration desk open • J. Kevin Appleby, Sphinx Club U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops • Roy Beck, NumbersUSA 8 a.m.–4 p.m. • Kim Bobo, Interfaith Worker Justice Sources Central areas open 10:30–10:50 a.m. Sphinx Club dining room & ballroom Refreshment break 8–9 a.m. Sphinx Club dining room Breakfast & press conference Sphinx Club Oasis room 10:50 a.m.–12:10 p.m. Press conference at 8:40 a.m., Panel: We Believe In No God, sponsored by the Berkley Center for and You Shouldn’t Either Religion, Peace and World Affairs. Sphinx Club ballroom Outspoken atheists have produced a 8–8:40 a.m. host of bestsellers in the past two years with bold challenges to religious faith. New member breakfast (invite only) This panel probes the dynamics of Crowne Plaza, Farragut room atheism and secularism and examines RNA Board members welcome and the different perspectives of those network with the newest group of who seek morals and meaning beyond active members. religion. Moderated by William Lobdell, Four Boys New Media. 9–10:30 a.m. Panel: Strangers & Aliens Among Us Panelists include: Sphinx Club ballroom • Jennifer Michael Hecht, author This panel looks at how U.S. faith • Barry Kosmin, Institute for the Study communities respond to immigrants of Secularism in Society and Culture and how congregations welcome • Paul Kurtz, Center for Inquiry worshippers who may be precious in the eyes of God but illegal in the eyes of the state. Moderated by Abe Levy, San Antonio Express-News. Continued...

59th RNA Annual Conference | 11 Politics offers a baseline for assessing the role of religion in the 2008 presiden- tial election. John Green, the director of the study, will release the pre-election survey and offer comparisons to the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 versions. Moderated by Joe Rodriguez,The Wichita Eagle.

Presenter: • John Green, University of Akron, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics

3:20–3:40 p.m. Refreshment break Sphinx Club dining room

3:40–5 p.m. Panel: The Spiritual Abe Lincoln Iwo Jima Memorial | S. Greg Panosian New York Ave. Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Ave. NW FRIDAY CONTINUED In 2009 the U.S. will celebrate the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln with history museums and libraries nation- 12:20–2 p.m. wide expected to be involved. Your Luncheon angle: Lincoln’s faith has always been Tuscana West, 1350 I St., NW disputed, with some historians pegging Sponsored by the DeMoss Group, him as a devout Christian, others a includes the debate: How “Christian” skeptical rationalist and a small minority Does a Presidential Candidate Need as a Spiritualist. Lincoln scholars will to Be? Speakers include Dr. Robert examine the evidence for what he Jeffress (First Baptist Church of Dallas) believed and how his legacy has taken and Jay Sekulow (ACLJ Chief Counsel), on religious overtones. Moderated by with moderator Mark DeMoss. Peter Smith, The Courier-Journal. Walking directions to Tuscana: Speakers include: Take a left outside the hotel lobby door, • David Early, Library of Congress and head south on 14th St. Walk one • Dewey Wallace, block and make a left on George Washington University I (eye) St. Tuscana is at 1350 I St. • Ronald C. White Jr., author of two bestselling Lincoln books 2–3:20 p.m. Panel: 2008 National Survey Walking directions to Presbyterian of Religion & Politics Church: Take a left outside the hotel Sphinx Club ballroom lobby door, and head south on 14th St. Conducted at the University of Akron in Walk two blocks and make a left on H St. every presidential election since 1992, Go one more bock and turn right on the 2008 National Survey of Religion & New York Ave. to #1313.

12 | Friday Schedule, Sept. 19, 2008 6–8 p.m. 8 p.m. Tour and reception Dinner on your own National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 9 p.m. Tour the largest Catholic church in the Freelancer social (invite only) Americas, and one of the 10 largest Crowne Plaza, Farragut room churches in the world. Reception Just for freelance writers: join your sponsored by Lovell-Fairchild colleagues for a laid-back gathering Communications. perfect for networking, sharing ideas and sources and, of course, socializing. Meet in the Crowne Plaza lobby at 5:30 p.m. to board buses and depart for the Shrine. Buses will leave the Shrine at 8 p.m. to return to the hotel. Continued...

Lincoln Memorial

59th RNA Annual Conference | 13 Kramerbooks & Afterwords | Vicki Isley SATURDAY EVENTS September 20, 2008

8 a.m.–4 p.m. Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., Registration desk open will speak about the unique solutions Sphinx Club he tried in an attempt to keep open inner-city Catholic schools. Moderated by Michael Paulson, The Boston Globe. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Sources Central area open Speakers include: Sphinx Club dining room & ballroom • Mark Gray, Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate 8–9 a.m. • Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl, Breakfast, messages from our Archdiocese of Washington donors, and press conference Sphinx Club Oasis room 10:20–10:40 a.m. Come down bright and early for coffee Refreshment break and breakfast and enjoy this unique Sphinx Club dining room opportunity to hear from RNAers Don’t forget: drop your card in three who have a special affinity with our collection bowls in Sources Central and organization. Then stay for the press Sources Central Anenx for your chance conference at 8:40 a.m., sponsored by to win prizes! HarperOne, featuring the debut of their “Green” Bible. 10:40 a.m.–Noon Panel: Sourcing Islam: 9–10:20 a.m. Nuanced Reporting on Panel: The Challenge a Contested Faith of Catholic Schools Sphinx Club ballroom Sphinx Club ballroom Confused about whom to call to get Most of the teachings nuns are gone, responsible and informed views from and so are many of the students. within the Islamic community? Why are parochial schools closing in You’re not alone. This panel will some areas, growing in others or help you locate credible sources on changing to meet modern realities? Islam and understand where they In addition to reviewing trends in stand on the Muslim political, Catholic parochial education, Archbishop theological and social spectrum.

14 | Saturday Schedule, Sept. 20, 2008 Moderated by Matthai Kuruvila, Web sites. This panel will look at how to San Francisco Chronicle. make your blog more interesting than the thousands of others out there, when Speakers include: to find time to write it and how to deal • Shahed Amanullah, Halalfire Media with controversial subject matter in this LLC and Altmuslim.com more personal forum. Moderated by • Paul Barrett, BusinessWeek Kristen Campbell, The Press-Register. • Dalia Mogahed, Gallup Center for Muslim Studies Speakers include: • Manya Brachear, Chicago Tribune • Terry Mattingly, GetReligion.org Noon–1:40 p.m. • Andrea Useem, ReligionWriter.com Luncheon The National Press Club A bus will be available from The Press th 529 14 St. NW Club to take attendees to The Pos for Sponsored by The Humane Society of those who prefer not to walk (.75 mile). the United States, highlighting their Departure instructions will be given at “Compassionate Eating” campaign the conclusion of the luncheon. aimed at congregations, religious groups and theological schools. Walking directions to The Post from the National Press Club: Go out The Press Walking directions to the Press Club: Club’s lobby doors and head North on Go out the Sphinx Club’s lobby doors 14th St. Walk seven blocks., then turn th and turn left (South) on 14 St. Walk left on K St. (If walking from the hotel, th approximately six blocks on 14 , start here). Travel two blocks and make ending at #529. a right on 15th St. The Post will be two blocks up on 15th (#1150). 2–3:20 p.m. Breakout Option 1: Breakout Option 2: Panel: Boggled by Blogging? Panel: Whither Congregations? The Washington Post Sphinx Club ballroom 1150 15th St. NW The big wooden doors are closing as A growing number of religion reporters graying churches and synagogues can are asked to blog for their outlet’s no longer sustain themselves in chang- ing neighborhoods. This panel will look at why some neighborhood congrega- tions are dying and how others are reinventing themselves to reach out to new flocks of faithful in coffeehouses, warehouses and homes. Moderated by Cecile Holmes, University of South Carolina.

Speakers include: • Diana Butler Bass, author • Andre Daley, Mosaic Life • Julia Duin, The Washington Times

Continued...

59th RNA Annual Conference | 15 Breakout Option 2: Panel: Surveying Surveys The Washington Post Reporters are bombarded with purported poll and survey results on religious belief and practice. But how do we know which studies are trustworthy and how to interpret what they say? We look at sound and faulty data and help you find Capitol Dome ways to tell which is which. Moderated by Jacqui Salmon, The Washington Post. SATURDAY CONTINUED Speakers include: Breakout Option 3: • Dan Cox, Public Religion Research Free time • Roger Finke, Association of Religion Data Archives 3:40–5:30 p.m. • Ed Stetzer, LifeWay Research Breakout Option 1: Panel: The Mission of Architecture Walking directions to The Post from the Crowne Plaza: Go out the lobby doors Third Church of Christ, Scientist and turn left on K St. Travel two blocks 900 16th Street NW and make a right on 15th St. The Post will Pour your dollars into a beautiful, historic be two blocks up on 15th (#1150). building, or put the money to work on spreading the faith and caring for the needy? This workshop will look at ways Breakout Option 3: some Washington congregations have Free time found to resolve that dilemma, and what happens when outsiders try to landmark 6–7:30 p.m. a house of worship against the will of Reception & Silent Auction the faith community. Moderated by Kevin Sphinx Club ballroom, mezzanine Eckstrom, Religion News Service. Come and bid on more than 100 items to benefit RNA’s Scholarship fund. Speakers include: Reception sponsored by Religion • Darrow Kirkpatrick, & Ethics NewsWeekly. Third Church of Christ, Scientist • Bob Jaeger, Partners for Sacred Places 7:30–10 p.m. Awards Banquet Walking directions to the church from Sphinx Club ballroom the Sphinx Club: Go out the lobby door Join us in honoring the winners of RNA’s and turn left (South) on 14th St. Walk 2008 Contests for Religion Reporting. one block and turn right on I (eye) St. Tickets required for entry. Walk three blocks, ending at the intersection of I and 16th. 10–11 p.m. Dessert Reception Walking directions to the church from Sphinx Club ballroom, mezzanine The Washington Post: Head South on Enjoy a delectable selection of desserts 15th St. and travel 2.5 blocks.Turn right while hobnobbing with the contest on I (eye) St. and walk one block, ending winners. Also, don’t forget to pay for at the intersection of I and 16th. your auction spoils!

16 | Saturday Schedule: Sept. 20, 2008 Capitol Hill SUNDAY EVENTS September 21, 2008

8–9 a.m. JOIN US NEXT YEAR! Breakfast of Champions Crowne Plaza, Hamilton ballroom Make plans now to attend the 60th Hear first-hand how this year’s contest RNA Annual Conference in Minneapolis, winners developed their award-winning Minn., Sept. 10–13, 2009, at the Marriott stories, from start to finish. Minneapolis City Center hotel.

A continental breakfast buffet will be available in the hallway outside the Farragut room. Seating is available in the hall and in Farragut.

9–11 a.m. Active members meeting Crowne Plaza, Hamilton ballroom Make your voice heard! All RNA active members are encouraged to attend this important business meeting. Conference adjourns at 11 a.m.

11 a.m.– Noon Board meeting Crowne Plaza, Hamilton ballroom Private meeting

Noon–2 p.m. Board lunch Crowne Plaza, Hamilton ballroom Private lunch

Minneapolis skyline

59th RNA Annual Conference | 17 M Street in Georgetown SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

Shahed Amanullah J. Kevin Appleby Editor-in-chief Director of migration & refugee policy AltMuslim.com for Migration & Refugee Services 1704-B Waterloo Trail U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Austin, TX 78704 3211 Fourth St. NE (Ph) 650-248-6135 Washington, DC 20017 [email protected] (Ph) 202-541-3260 [email protected] Shahed Amanullah is the founder of Halalfire Media, J. Kevin Appleby is director a network of Islamic- of migration and refugee themed Web sites. Along policy for Migration and with the international Refugee Services of the online news magazine Altmuslim.com, U.S. Conference of Catholic its properties include Zabihah.com, Bishops. A former deputy director of a database of halal restaurants and the Maryland Catholic Conference, markets; Salatomatic.com, a list of Appleby has testified before Congress user-reviewed mosques and schools; on immigration issues and represented and Halalapalooza.com, a U.S. bishops to the media. He is a comprehensive guide to Islamic board member of the National e-commerce. As editor-in-chief of Immigration Forum and the social altmuslim.com, Amanullah writes policy committee of Catholic Charities and speaks regularly about the USA. He also worked for Sen. Russell challenges and opportunities facing Long of Louisiana and several select Islam in America. His work and committees of the U.S. Senate, includ- writings have been featured in ing the Senate Select Committee on Newsweek, The New York Times, the Iran-Contra Affair. He received his The Washington Post, National Public B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, Radio and BeliefNet. His television an M.A. from The George Washington appearances include “CNN Headline University and a law degree from the News” and “Today.” University of Maryland. He lives in Alexandria, Va.

18 | Speaker Biographies Paul Barrett Publishers Weekly. She is working on Assistant Managing Editor “A People’s History of Christianity” and BusinessWeek “Pilgrimage.” Senior Fellow at the 1221 Ave of the Americas, 43rd Fl. Cathedral College of the Washington New York, NY 10020 National Cathedral in Washington, (Ph) 212-512-2760 D.C., Bass consults with religious [email protected] organizations and teaches and preaches in a variety of venues. Paul Barrett is an A regular contributor to the “God’s assistant managing editor Politics” blog on Beliefnet, she at BusinessWeek, where he formerly wrote a weekly column for is responsible for overseeing The New York Times Syndicate. Bass investigative projects. The holds a Ph.D. in religious studies from magazine has won national awards Duke University and lives with her for articles he has supervised. Barrett family in Alexandria, Va. formerly was an editor and legal affairs reporter for The Wall Street Journal, Roy Beck staffing various posts including page President one news editor. Prior to that he was NumbersUSA a staff writer and editor for The 1601 N. Kent St., Suite 1100 Washington Monthly. Barrett is the Arlington, VA 22209 author of “American Islam: The (Ph) 703-816-8820 Struggle for the Soul of a Religion,” [email protected] which was named to Best Books of 2007 lists by The Washington Post, Roy Beck is founder and Christian Science Monitor and CEO of NumbersUSA, a Publishers Weekly. He also wrote non-profit, non-partisan “The Good Black: A True Story of organization working to Race in America.” pass the immigration-reduc- tion recommendations of the U.S. Diana Butler Bass Commission on Immigration Reform Author / Speaker / Scholar and of President Clinton’s Council on 8227 Crown Court Rd. Sustainable Development. Beck, a Alexandria, VA 22308 former associate editor of the United (Ph) 703-338-7491 Methodist Reporter, was involved in [email protected] acquiring and overseeing Religion News Service. He has received dozens Diana Butler Bass is an of religion writing awards, including author, speaker and scholar United Methodist Communicator of the specializing in American Year.A graduate of the University of religion and culture. She is Missouri School of Journalism, he was the author of six books chief Washington correspondent of including the best-selling “Christianity Booth Newspapers. He has written for the Rest of Us,” named as one of books onpublic policy, immigration, the best religion books of 2006 by environment and economic justice.

59th RNA Annual Conference | 19 Manya Brachear Reporter Chicago Tribune 435 N. Michigan Ave., 4th Fl. Chicago, IL 60611 (Ph) 312-222-4255 [email protected]

Manya Brachear joined the Chicago Tribune in 2003. As one of the paper’s reli- gion reporters, she has George Washington Statue helped chronicle the papal transition from Rome, the Dalai Lama’s visit to Chicago, Protestant debates Kim Bobo about gay clergy, progress and pitfalls Executive director of interfaith dialogue and the emerging Interfaith Worker Justice role of religion in American politics. 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Brachear earned a bachelor’s degree Chicago, IL 60660 from Appalachian State University and (Ph) 773-728-8400, x. 13 master’s degrees in journalism and [email protected] religious studies from Columbia University. She also has written for Kim Bobo is the founder Time magazine, The Dallas Morning and executive director of News, Beliefnet.com and the News Interfaith Worker Justice, & Observer in Raleigh, N.C. In 2007, the leading national she launched the Tribune’s religion organization mobilizing blog titled “The Seeker: A personal religious support for low-wage workers and professional quest for truth.” and rebuilding partnerships with the labor movement. The organization has Dan Cox built a network of 60 religion-labor Director of Research groups around the country and Public Religion Research started a program placing seminary 1101 Vermont Ave., NW 9th Floor and rabbinical students with unions for Washington, DC 20005 summer internships. Previously, Bobo (Ph) 202-435-0278 was a trainer for the Midwest Academy [email protected] and director of organizing for Bread for the World. She is co-author of In his role as Research Picture Director at Public Religion “Organizing for Social Change,” the not best-selling organizing manual in the available Research, Cox works on country. Bobo is the choir director at the development and Good News Community Church and analysis of all public opinion board member of its community surveys. Immediately prior to joining soup kitchen. Public Religion Research, he worked as

20 | Speaker Biographies a Research Associate at the Pew Forum Julia Duin on Religion & Public Life, where he Assistant National Editor/Religion assisted with public opinion survey The Washington Times research. Cox contributed to the 3600 New York Ave. NE groundbreaking Religious Landscape Washington, DC 20002 Survey. His work has appeared in (Ph) 202-636-3217 numerous national news and religious [email protected] publications including The New York Times, ABC News, Newsweek, CNN, Julia Duin is a religion writer World Magazine, The Dallas Morning and assistant national editor News, and the Orlando Sentinel. Cox for The Washington Times, earned a master’s from Georgetown where she writes a column University and a bachelor’s from and keeps up the Belief Blog. Union College. She has worked for five newspapers and published four books. Her latest Andre Daley book, “Quitting Church,” explains how and why evangelical Protestants are Lead Pastor fleeing their houses of worship. Duin Mosaic Life Church 419 Norwood Ave. SE, Ste. 160 earned a master’s degree in religion Grand Rapids, MI 49506 from Trinity School for Ministry near (Ph) 616-855-1688 Pittsburgh, and received her bachelor’s [email protected] degree at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore. She was a staff writer The Rev. Andre Daley is the with the Houston Chronicle, city editor lead pastor of Mosaic Life for The Daily Times in Farmington, New Church in Grand Rapids, Mexico and a staff reporter for news- Mich., which he started with papers in Oregon and Florida. She has friends 3 1/2 years ago. won many local and national awards Daley was born in Kingston, Jamaica, for her religion reporting. and grew up both there and in Brooklyn. He is a graduate of The David Early City College of New York and Princeton Director of Communications Theological Seminary. He has been Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission involved in church planting and is a P.O. Box 15244 trained church-planter assessor. Daley Washington, DC 20003-5244 is a congregation coach and workshop (Ph) 202-707-6998 [email protected] leader on community ministry as well as a diversity trainer. He has written David Early is articles and teaching materials on communications director community ministry and mission. for the Abraham Lincoln He is also a science-fiction fan. Bicentennial Commission. Daley lives with his wife, Lissa Congress established the Schwander, and two sons Jordan, 14, ALBC to plan educational, public and and Elijah, 7. legacy programs to mark the 16th

59th RNA Annual Conference | 21 published in numerous social science journals and has co-authored two award-winning books with Rodney Stark: “Acts of Faith: Explaining the Human Side of Religion” (University of California Press, 2000) and “The Churching of America, 1776-1990” (Rutgers University Press, 1992; 2005). Finke is now completing cross-national research on religious persecution and religiously motivated violence. For more information, see our Web site: www.theARDA.com D.C. Caribbean Carnival Michael Gerson president’s 200th birthday in 2009. Roger Hertog Senior Fellow A native of Illinois, Early earned his Council on Foreign Relations bachelor’s degree in government 1779 Massachusetts Ave NW, Ste 710 and international studies as well as a Washington, DC 20036 certificate in peace studies from the (Ph) 202-518-3403 University of Notre Dame, and a [email protected] master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois. Michael J. Gerson is the Previously, he served for 10 years as a Roger Hertog senior fellow spokesman for the U.S. Conference of at the Council on Foreign Catholic Bishops. He also served as a Relations. He is the author press secretary to two members of the of “Heroic Conservatism,” U.S. House of Representatives, and was a columnist with the Washington Post director of government relations for the Writers Group and a contributor to Council for American Private Education. Newsweek. Before joining the Council in 2006, Gerson was a top Roger Finke aide to President George W. Bush as Director assistant to the president for policy Association of Religion Data Archives and strategic planning. He also has 211 Oswald Tower served as deputy assistant to the University Park, PA 16802-6207 president, director of presidential (Ph) 814-867-1427 speechwriting and chief speechwriter [email protected] and policy advisor in Bush’s 1999 presidential campaign. Gerson also Roger Finke is professor was a speechwriter and policy adviser of Sociology and Religious for Jack Kemp, and a speechwriter for Studies at the Pennsylvania Bob Dole during the 1996 presidential State University and is campaign. A former senior editor at director of the Association U.S. News & World Report, Gerson of Religion Data Archives. He has is a graduate of Wheaton College.

22 | Speaker Biographies Mark Gray known for his work on religion and Director of Catholic Polls politics. He is co-author of “The Bully Center for Applied Research Pulpit: The Politics of Protestant in the Apostolate Clergy”; “Religion and the Culture 2300 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 400 Wars: Dispatches From the Front”; and Washington, DC 20007 “The Diminishing Divide: Religion’s (Ph) 202-687-0885 Changing Role in American Politics.” [email protected] In addition, he is co-editor of “The State of the Parties,” now in its 5th Mark Gray was the principal edition, “Multiparty Politics in America,” investigator for the 2005 and “Financing the 1996 Election.” report: “Primary Trends, Green is widely known as an observer Challenges, and Outlook: of Ohio and national politics, and he A Report on Catholic is frequently quoted in the national Elementary Schools, 2000-2005.” Gray’s and state media. work at CARA focuses on national-level polls of the Catholic population, Catholic Cathy Lynn Grossman schools, ministry in parishes without Reporter resident priest pastors, the Catholic USA TODAY media and Catholic trends. In 2007, 7950 Jones Branch Dr. Gray assisted the Archdiocese of Wash- McLean, VA 22108 ington with a statistical analysis of (Ph) 703-854-3778 recent school trends in DC. He joined [email protected] CARA in 2002 after earning a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Cathy Lynn Grossman California, Irvine.As a graduate student originated USA TODAY’s he worked as a journalist for The Orange full-time beat coverage County Register and as a volunteer of religion, ethics and editor for ABILITY magazine, a national spirituality in 1999 and publication for people with disabilities. helped launch its online religion page and idea club blog in 2007. She came John Green to the paper in 1989 after 17 years at Director The Miami Herald. As a reporter and Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics editor at the Herald she covered University of Akron myriad news and feature beats with 223 Olin Hall, Akron, OH 44325-1914 an emphasis on social change, conflict (Ph) 330-972-5182 and culture. She used her 1987-88 [email protected] Journalism Fellowship to the University of Michigan to study religion and John C. Green, director of American culture. Grossman is a 1971 the Ray C. Bliss Institute graduate of Northwestern University of Applied Politics at the Medill School of Journalism with a University Akron and a minor in Urban Studies. She may be Senior Fellow with the Pew the only religion reporter with no Forum on Religion & Public Life, is best plans to write a book.

59th RNA Annual Conference | 23 Science and European Cultural History from Columbia University in 1995 and now teaches at New York University and The New School University.

Sam Hodges Religion Reporter The Dallas Morning News 6918 Shook Ave. Dallas, TX 75214 (Ph) 214-977-8224 [email protected]

Sam Hodges is in his 30th year of working for newspa- pers and currently is a Lincoln Monument religion reporter for The Dallas Morning News. He’s a Jennifer Michael Hecht graduate of Furman University and the Warren Wilson College MFA program in Professor The New School University creative writing, and he had a Univer- 253 Warren Street #1 sity of Michigan Journalism Fellowship Brooklyn, NY 11201 in 1985-86. He’s the author of a comic (Ph) 718-852-0076 novel about the newspaper business, [email protected] “B-Four,” and co-edited a collection of Civil War letters, “Letters to Amanda.” Jennifer Michael Hecht is the author of “Doubt: A A. Robert Jaeger History” (HarperCollins, Executive Director 2003) and” The End of the Partners for Sacred Places Soul: Scientific Modernity, 1700 Sansom St., 10th Floor Atheism and Anthropology” (Columbia Philadelphia, PA 19103 University, 2003), which won the Phi (Ph) 215-567-3234 Beta Kappa Society’s 2004 Ralph [email protected] Waldo Emerson Award “for scholarly Bob Jaeger co-founded studies that contribute significantly to Partners for Sacred Places interpretations of the intellectual and in 1989 and currently serves cultural condition of humanity.” as executive director. Jaeger Hecht’s book reviews appear in The was formerly with the New York Times and The Washington Philadelphia Historic Preservation Post. In 2008 she was the Templeton Corporation as Senior Vice President Foundation research fellow for the “As- for the Historic Religious Properties Pro- trobiology and the Sacred” project at gram. He is the co-author of “Sacred the University of Arizona. She earned Places at Risk” (1998) and “Strategies her Ph.D. in the History of

24 | Speaker Biographies for Stewardship and Active Use of Barry Kosmin Older and Historic Religious Properties” Professor (1996), author of “Sacred Places in Trinity College Transition” (1994), and editor (from 300 Summit St. 1985 to 1989) of “Inspired,” a bi- Hartford, CT 06106 monthly magazine with news and (Ph) 860-297-2388 technical articles on religious property [email protected] preservation. Jaeger holds a Master’s degree in Preservation Planning from Barry A. Kosmin, a sociolo- Cornell University and an MBA from gist, is research professor the University of Michigan. in public policy and law at Trinity College. Principal J. Darrow Kirkpatrick investigator of the 2001 American Religious Identification First Reader Third Church of Christ, Scientist Survey, he is co-author of “One 900 16th Street, NW Nation Under God and of Religion Washington, DC 20006 in a Free Market.” (Ph) 202-479-0907 [email protected] Paul Kurtz Founder & chairman Darrow Kirkpatrick recently Center for Inquiry retired from the First Reader c/o Nathan Bupp, 3965 Rensch Rd. of Third Church of Christ, Amherst, NY 14228 Scientist, Washington, DC, (Ph) 716-636-7571, x218 (Bupp) having conducted their [email protected] (Bupp) Wednesday and Sunday services for the past three years. Earlier he served Paul Kurtz is professor emer- as the Christian Science Committee on itus of philosophy at SUNY Publication for the District of Columbia Buffalo, founder of the representing Christian Science with Center for Inquiry and the public, the media and the D.C. author of “Forbidden Fruit: government. A retired career Naval The Ethics of Secularism.” He is founder Officer, he served as manager of and chairman of the Committee for general services at the Christian Skeptical Inquiry,the Council for Secular Science Church Headquarters in Humanism, and Prometheus Books. He is Boston, Mass. He has written for the editor-in-chief of Free Inquiry magazine, Christian Science periodicals and a publication of the Council for Secular served neighborhood churches of his Humanism. He was co-president of the faith in many volunteer positions. International Humanist and Ethical Union; He has been in the forefront of Third a Fellow of the American Association Church’s current efforts with the D.C. for the Advancement of Science, and government to overcome its landmark Humanist Laureate and president of the designation and have its free religious International Academy of Humanism. exercise acknowledged. He has authored or edited some 47 books and articles.

59th RNA Annual Conference | 25 D.C., which is sent to about 350 newspapers in North America. His writing also appears in The Lookout, Beliefnet.com, Again Magazine and numerous other publications.

Dalia Mogahed Executive Director Gallup Center for Muslim Studies 901 F Street NW Washington, DC 20004 (Ph) 202-715-3206 [email protected]

Dalia Mogahed is a senior analyst and executive The White House director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies. Terry Mattingly She leads the analysis of Founder & contributor Gallup’s study of more than one GetReligion.org billion Muslims worldwide. She is the c/o CCCU author, with John Esposito, of the th 321 8 St. NE book, “Who Speaks for Islam? What Washington, DC 20002-6107 a Billion Muslims Really Think.” (Ph) 202-548-5219 Mogahed also directs the Muslim-West [email protected] Facts Initiative (www.muslimwest- facts.com), through which Gallup, in Terry Mattingly (www.tmatt.net) collaboration with The Coexist Founda- directs the Washington Journalism tion, is disseminating the findings of Center at the Council for Christian the Gallup World Poll to key opinion Colleges and Universities. He also leaders in the Muslim World and the leads the GetReligion.org Web site that West. Her analyses have appeared in critiques the mainstream media’s publications including The Economist, coverage of religion news. He formerly the Financial Times, The Wall Street worked as a religion reporter at the Journal, Foreign Policy magazine, Rocky Mountain News in Denver and Harvard International Review and the Charlotte Observer and the Middle East Policy. Charlotte News. In 1991, Mattingly began teaching at Denver Seminary and became a founding member of the Ed Stetzer Association for Communications and President Lifeway Research Theological Education. While teaching, 1 LifeWay Plaza he has continued to write the weekly Nashville, TN 37234-0127 “On Religion’‘ column for Scripps (Ph) 615-251-2320 Howard News Service in Washington, [email protected]

26 | Speaker Biographies Ed Stetzer, Ph.D. is President (Ph) 703-476-8565 of LifeWay Research. Ed also [email protected] serves as visiting professor of research and missiology Andrea Useem writes, edits at Trinity Evangelical Divin- and produces Web-related ity School, visiting research professor content for publications and at Southeastern Baptist Theological institutions, including the Seminary, and has taught at 15 other Religion News Service, the colleges and seminaries. He writes, Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, speaks, and teaches on topics related and Knowledge@Wharton. Her articles to culture, church and research. on religion have appeared in Slate, Beliefnet, The Washington Post, Amy Sullivan USA TODAY, Islamica Magazine, Ms. National Correspondent Magazine and Religion Dispatchse. In TIME magazine April, 2007, she launched the Web site 555 12th St. NW, Ste. 600 ReligionWriter.com, where she posts Washington, DC 20004 commentary, reviews and opinion on (Ph) 202-861-4015 religion-related topics. Andrea is [email protected] currently writing a booklet on congre- gations and Web 2.0 technologies for Amy Sullivan is a national the Alban Institute’s Congregational correspondent for TIME Resource Guide, due out in the fall magazine and author of of 2008. Based in Reston, Va., Andrea the book “The Party Faithful: holds a Master of Theological Studies How and Why Democrats from the Harvard Divinity School. She are Closing the God Gap.” Sullivan’s has been a foreign correspondent work has appeared in The Boston from Nairobi, Kenya, for major U.S. Globe, Los Angeles Times, The New publications. Republic and The Washington Post, and was included in The Best Political Dewey Wallace Writing 2006. She is a frequent guest Professor of Religious Studies on radio and television talk shows. George Washington University, Previously, Sullivan served as an editor Dept. of Religion of The Washington Monthly, and 2106 G Street, Room 202 worked for both the Pew Forum on Washington, DC 20052 Religion and Public Life and U.S. (Ph) 202-994-6326 Senator Tom Daschle. She holds [email protected] degrees from the University of Michigan and Harvard Divinity School. Dewey Wallace, professor of religion at George Wash- Andrea Useem ington University, teaches Reporter & blogger U.S. religious history, with ReligionWriter.com special research areas in 2063 Golf Course Dr. the religion of England and the United Reston, VA 20191 States from the 17th–19th centuries.

59th RNA Annual Conference | 27 joining the online world, David was a religion reporter and columnist for The Commercial Appeal in Memphis from 1993-2007. His column “Faith Matters” was distributed by Scripps Howard News Service. David has presented workshops and training sessions for The Poynter Institute, the National Writers Workshops and RNA. His awards include the 1997 ASNE Distinguished Writing Award for religion and spirituality. Washington, D.C. Temple Ronald C. White He is the author of “The Pilgrims and Author of Puritans and Predestination.” He has The Huntington Library written many articles on 19th century 1151 Oxford Road American clergy and is now writing a San Marino, CA 91108 book on 17th century English Calvinist (Ph) 626-405-2100 theologians and co-editing a volume [email protected] on the history of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. He gives frequent Ronald C. White, Jr. is presentations on the religious life of the author of “Lincoln’s the United States to international Greatest Speech: The visitors, and has led religious sites Second Inaugural” (Simon tours in the District of Columbia for and Schuster, 2002) and the American Society of Church History. “The Eloquent President: A Portrait of In 2007 he was awarded his univer- Lincoln Through His Words” (Random sity’s annual prize for excellence in House, 2005). His forthcoming book, undergraduate teaching. “A. Lincoln: A Biography,” will be published by Random House in David Waters January, 2009, the year of the Editor / Producer / Blogger Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial. The Washington Post’s On Faith “Lincoln’s Greatest Speech” was 1515 N. Courthouse Rd. honored as a New York Times Arlington, VA 22201 Notable Book of 2002 and was on (Ph) 703-469-2684 the best-seller list of the Washington [email protected] Post and the San Francisco Chronicle. “The Eloquent President,” a Los Ange- David Waters is editor of les Times bestseller, was a selection of On Faith, an interfaith, the History Book Club and the interactive, online conversa- Book-of-the-Month Club. White tion on religion in the news, has lectured on Lincoln at the hosted by The Washington White House. Post and Newsweek magazine. Before

28 | Speaker Biographies MOST REVEREND Conference Quips DONALD W. WUERL S.T.D., Archbishop of Washington “I enjoyed spending time c/o Susan Gibbs PO Box 29260 and speaking with my fellow Washington, DC 20017-0260 colleagues. We have so much in (Ph) 301-853-4516 (Gibbs) common and no matter where [email protected] (Gibbs) we serve we have a common Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl bond. It’s a terrific learning was installed in June 2006 experience. It’s so helpful when as Archbishop of Washing- ton. He is known nationally you return to your desk. All the for his teaching ministry and stories you’re writing somehow commitment to Catholic education. He hinge on what you’ve learned is chairman of the board of directors of the Basilica of the National Shrine of at the conference. I made lasting the Immaculate Conception, chancellor friendships, too.” of The Catholic University of America and the former chairman of the board —Linda Rodrigues, of the National Catholic Bioethics Religion Editor, Center. He is chairman of the U.S. The Standard-Times Catholic bishops Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis and of the board of the National Catholic Educational Association. He also has served as chairman of the USCCB committees on Education, Priestly Life and Ministry, and Priestly Formation. He is the author of the best-selling catechisms, The Teaching of Christ and The Catholic Way. Archbishop Wuerl served as host to Pope Benedict XVI during his April 2008 visit to the U.S.

59th RNA Annual Conference | 29 Subway PARTICIPANT LIST Thank you for joining us. Come again!

The following list includes attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and staff, as of Aug. 26, 2008.

NAME EMPLOYER Robert Abernethy Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly David G. Addiss The Fetzer Institute Melody Fox Ahmed Georgetown University Bill Aiken Soka Gakkai International-USA Muna Al-Aseer Islamica Magazine Sumbul Ali-Karamali Author Karen Allanach The Humane Society of the United States Shahed Amanullah altmuslim.com Sharene Azimi Fenton Communications Marlene Baer HarperOne Marketta Bakke Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Carol Balinski Reading Eagle Adelle Banks Religion News Service Paul Barrett BusinessWeek Dan Bartley Voice of the Faithful Sasha Bartolf American Humanist Association Michelle Bearden The Tampa Tribune Jonathan Beasley Harvard Divinity School Roy Beck NumbersUSA Jacques Berlinerblau Author Deonne Beron Baker Publishing Group Abeer Beshir-Abdalla Voices Magazine Katie Beverly Religion Newswriters Assn. & Fnd. Kimberley Bobo Interfaith Worker Justice Michelle Boorstein The Washington Post Shelley Borysiewicz Catholic Charities USA

30 | Participant List NAME EMPLOYER John Boyer ilmworks Beth Bragg The DeMoss Group Cynthia Brooke Interfaith Worker Justice Geoffrey Brooke University of Missouri Daniel Burke Religion News Service Melissa Burke York Daily Record Norris Burkes Freelancer Karen Campbell Zondervan Kay Campbell The Huntsville Times Kristen Campbell The Press-Register Tom Carter Becket Fund for Religious Liberty Vineet Chander ISKCON Communications ML Chandler Guest Russell Chandler Creative Communications Tracy Clement The DeMoss Group David Clohessy SNAP Loralei Coyle Institute on Religion and Democracy Dan Cox Public Religion Research Janice D’Arcy Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly Gloria Dart Guest John Dart Christian Century Anuttama Dasa ISKCON Communications Washington,Carla D.C. Davis Temple Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Will Davis Austin Christian Fellowship Francis DeBernardo New Ways Ministry Mark DeMoss The DeMoss Group Jason DeRose National Public Radio Jeffrey Diamant The Star-Ledger Anne Doll Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Anne Barrett Doyle BishopAccountability.org Jane Duffield Union Theological Seminary Julia Duin The Washington Times Richard Dujardin The Providence Journal David Early Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Maria Ebrahimji CNN Kevin Eckstrom Religion News Service Maha ElGenaidi Interfaith Networks Group Mona Eltahawy Freelancer Julie Fairchild Lovell-Fairchild Communications Cathleen Falsani Chicago Sun-Times Kim Farah Church Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Dennis Fassetta Austin Christian Fellowship

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59th RNA Annual Conference | 31 NAME EMPLOYER Adam Ferguson Baker Publishing Group Roger Finke Association of Religion Data Archives Brian Finnerty Opus Dei Prelature James Flahagan National Cemetery Administration Karen Frantz American Humanist Association Sachi Fujimori Herald News Sheryl Fullerton Jossey-Bass Loretta Fulton Retired Tim Funk The Charlotte Observer Renée Gadoua The Post-Standard Greg Garrison The Birmingham News Jennifer Garza The Sacramento Bee Michael Gerson The Washington Post David Gibson Freelancer Mary Gladstone Freelancer Jonathan Goldstein Duke University Divinity School Eric Gorski The Associated Press Emily Grandstaff HarperOne Mark Gray Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate Linda Grdina The Fetzer Institute Graham Green Guest Jenny Green The Ottawa Citizen John Green University of Akron Elizabeth Griffin Catholic Relief Services Melanie Griffin Sierra Club Cathy Grossman USA TODAY Janice Grossman Guest Cristela Guerra Freelancer Christine Gutleben The Humane Society of the United States Aimmee Hagedorn Threshold Group Heather Hahn Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Danny Hall Soka Gakkai International-USA Yasmin Hamidi Fenton Communications Jennifer Hannah Baylor University Press Ashley Harness Fenton Communications Jaime Harris Association of Religion Data Archives Richard Haythorn The Fund for Theological Education Meredith Heagney The Columbus Dispatch Duke Helfand Los Angeles Times Steve Herrick American Academy of Religion Patricia Heys Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Shawnda Hines Bread for the World Sam Hodges The Dallas Morning News

32 | Participant List NAME EMPLOYER Cecile Holmes University of South Carolina Kathleen Holmlund Natl Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is Charles Honey The Grand Rapids Press Jeff Huett Baptist Joint Committee Kelly Hughes DeChant-Hughes & Associates Inc. Ahmet Idil Tughra Books Stephanie Innes Arizona Daily Star A. Robert Jaeger Partners for Sacred Places Colette Jenkins Akron Beacon Journal Laura Johnston Missouri School of Journalism Elaine Justice Emory University Mike Kampen Austin Christian Fellowship Barbara Karkabi Houston Chronicle Mark Kellner Seventh-day Adventist Church Daisy Khan American Society for Muslim Advancement Emily Kiefer Westminster John Knox Press Fred Kinsey North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists J. Darrow Kirkpatrick Third Church of Christ, Scientist Patrick Korten Knights of Columbus Chris Korzen Author Barry Kosmin Trinity College Lynda Kraxberger Missouri School of Journalism Paul Kurtz Center for Inquiry

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Smithsonian Institution Building

59th RNA Annual Conference | 33 NAME EMPLOYER Matthai Kuruvila San Francisco Chronicle Arnold Labaton Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly Stuart Laidlaw The Toronto Star Erin Lane Beam Jossey-Bass Janice Law Judge / Author Gunther Lawrence Interreligious Information Center, Inc. Lee Lawrence Freelancer Kim Lawton Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly Edina Lekovic Muslim Public Affairs Council Abe Levy San Antonio Express-News William Lobdell Los Angeles Times Nancy Lovell Lovell-Fairchild Communications Caitlin Mackenzie Baker Publishing Group al-Husein N. Madhany Islamica Magazine Monica Maggiano Catholic Charities USA Claudia Marsh Baker Publishing Group Imam Mohamed Magid All Dulles Area Muslim Society Bill Malone Bread for the World Michele Marr Freelancer Katie Martha Georgetown University Heather Mascarello InterVarsity Press Debra Mason Religion Newswriters Assn. & Fnd. Dana Massing Erie Times-News Terry Mattingly Council for Christian Colleges & Universities Steve Maynard The News Tribune Tiffany McCallen Religion Newswriters Assn. & Fnd. Scott McConnell LifeWay Research Tom McDevitt The Washington Times George McHendry Broomfield Enterprise Helene McHendry Guest Ian McIlraith Soka Gakkai International-USA Laura Beth McIlroy Bread for the World Terry McKiernan BishopAccountability.org Anisa Mehdi Whetstone Productions Robbie Mills Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life Larry Moffitt The Washington Times Foundation Dahlia Mogahed Gallup Center for Muslim Studies Robert Mong The Dallas Morning News Christine Moore Epiphany Media Lyndsay Moseley Sierra Club Yvette Moy Stars and Stripes Mar Muñoz-Visoso U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Marcia Nelson Freelancer

34 | Participant List NAME EMPLOYER Nicole Neroulias Religion News Service Barbara Newhall Freelancer Carey Newman Baylor University Press Stephanie Niedringhaus NETWORK Bruce Nolan The Times-Picayune Erica Noonan The Boston Globe Erin O’Connell Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life Roger Ochoa Daily Record Aramide Oikelome Independent Newspapers Limited Ted Olsen Christianity Today Simone Orendain WFAE Monica Parks Guest Michael Paulson The Boston Globe Carmen Pease Baker Publishing Group Kim Sue Lia Perkes Freelancer Mirko Petricevic Waterloo Region Record Andy Pino Georgetown University Mark Pinsky Author Ruth Portnoy Religion Newswriters Assn. & Fnd. David Pratt The Alban Institute Calvin Preece Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance Ellen Price Natl Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is Rachel Pugh Georgetown University Sarah Pulliam Christianity Today Michael Purdy Church Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Zeenat Rahman Interfaith Youth Core Rea Redd Guest Judy Reynolds Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly Jana Riess Westminster John Knox Press Christopher Ringwald The Evangelist John Rivera Catholic Relief Services Ansley Roan Freelancer Ann Rodgers Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Joe Rodriguez The Wichita Eagle Lynn Rosenbleeth Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly Allison Ross The Palm Beach Post Jacqueline Salmon The Washington Post Jean Sammon NETWORK Chris Scheitle Association of Religion Data Archives Christine Schenk FutureChurch Bert Schilling Guest

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59th RNA Annual Conference | 35 NAME EMPLOYER Judy Schilling Guest Sara Schilling Tri-City Herald Amy Schiska Religion Newswriters Assn. & Fnd. Mary Schultz Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly Robert Seiple Council for America’s First Freedom Mordechai Seligson Chabad-Lubavitch Media Center Huseyin Senturk Tughra Books Farid Senzai Institute for Social Policy and Understanding Tina Shah Chicago Tribune Jeffery Sheler Freelancer Yonat Shimron The News & Observer Pia Shivdasani Georgetown University Suhag Shukla Hindu American Foundation Robert Sibley The Ottawa Citizen Tracie Simer The Jackson Sun Tracy Simmons Waterbury Republican-American Bob Smietana The Tennessean Andrea Smith Publicist John Smith Retired Peter Smith The Courier-Journal Sheila Smith Herald & Review Monique Sondag Lovell-Fairchild Communications Peter Sonski Knights of Columbus Nicole Sotelo Call to Action Michelle Stacho Religion Newswriters Assn. & Fnd. Beverly Dorn Steele WTVI (PBS) / Campaign for Love & Forgiveness Kimberly Stempien Precognito Magazine Gary Stern The Journal News Ed Stetzer LifeWay Research Christie Storm Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Matthew Streib Northwestern University Beckie Supiano University of Missouri, Columbia Heather Marie Surls The Master’s College Jamie Tarabay National Public Radio Aisha Taylor Women’s Ordination Conference Tayyibah Taylor Azizah Magazine William Taylor The Advocate Scott Thumma Hartford Seminary Kerry Traubert The Fund for Theological Education Kate Treworgy SkyLight Paths / Jewish Lights Publishing Jamey Tucker WKRN-News2 Craig Turner Hope News Service Natasha Tynes The International Center for Journalists

36 | Participant List NAME EMPLOYER Asma Uddin Islamica Magazine Andrea Useem ReligionWriter.com / Freelancer Julia Vitullo-Martin Freelance Journalist Dewey Wallace George Washington University Sister Mary Ann Walsh U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Andrew Walther Knights of Columbus Jeff Walton Institute on Religion and Democracy Gerald Warren Retired Josephine Washington Growth Resources International David Waters Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive William Weessa Copts News Patrick Whelan Catholic Democrats Toni Weingarten Freelancer Amy White Center on Religion and the Professions Elaine Wiley Contemporary Prayer Beads Kimberly Winston Freelancer Everett L. Worthington, Jr. Virginia Commonwealth University The Most Rev. Donald Wuerl Archdiocese of Washington David Yonke The Blade Gloria Zuurveen Pace News Publication

Vietnam Veterans Memorial 59th RNA Annual Conference | 37 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Dart chosen as recipient of the 2008 William A. Reed / Religion News Service Lifetime Achievement Award

By Steve Maynard finding and telling good stories The News Tribune continues to drive him. “Motivation almost invariably or 40 years, John Dart has chronicled comes from hearing about a great the cutting edge of religious life, story that hasn’t been told yet, or told Fwriting about the first gay church, well enough to bring out its signifi- the emergence of Scientology and the cance,” Dart said. growing strength of evangelicals and Dart’s written six books, starting charismatics. with “The Laughing Savior: the In his 31 years as a religion writer Discovery and Significance of the at the Los Angeles Times, Dart also Nag Hammadi Gnostic Library” and opened up the world of biblical schol- most recently “Decoding Mark.” arship to readers. Dart explored topics One of his special writing inter- such as the Nag Hammadi Library, the ests, as Dart put it, has been “the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Jesus Seminar. borders between humor and faith, “I do like the intellectual side and satire and the sacred.” the research side,” Dart said. He en- He once took a long shot and asked joyed seeing stories in the complexities Woody Allen’s agent for an interview of research that many didn’t pursue. with Allen while he was making his He continues that quest at Christian 1977 movie “Annie Hall.” To Dart’s Century magazine, where since 2000 surprise, Allen—who normally he’s served as news editor. wouldn’t give interviews during Dart’s exhaustive contributions to filming—wanted to talk about his religion reporting have earned him the spiritual angst over life, death and the 2008 William A. Reed/Religion News existence of God, Dart said. Service Lifetime Achievement Award. “I actually ran out of questions Dart, who soon turns 72, said he during our phone interview,” Dart has no plans to retire. The task of recalled. “He was in no rush.”

38 | Lifetime Achievement Award Dart has won numerous awards, Security Agency for several years. From including RNA’s Supple Award. He was 1961–65, Dart worked as a staff writer president of RNA from 1990–92. for United Press International. He The next year, Dart was a visiting covered Dodgers baseball games and scholar at the First Amendment Center scored the first-ever interview with at Vanderbilt University. At the center, Ronald Reagan about his political he and former Southern Baptist Con- aspirations. vention president Jimmy Allen explored A career in full-time sports writing the tensions between religion and never broke Dart’s way so he pursued news media. They wrote, “Bridging science writing at Caltech public the Gap: Religion and the News relations for two years. Media.” The study was the catalyst After that, he found his home—and for numerous newspapers to ramp up niche. He was a religion writer at the their religion coverage. Los Angeles Times until 1998. Dart then wrote what became the His diverse coverage included first widely used primer for religion Buddhists and Muslims finding their news coverage, “Deities & Deadlines,” U.S. roots and Native Americans and published by the center. indigenous Hawaiians struggling to For nearly 18 of Dart’s 31 years at keep their religious traditions alive. the Times, Dart and colleague Russell Dart said his interest in research, Chandler both worked as religion writ- the intellectual aspects of religion, ers, covering tumultuous times on the and the “almost unlimited borders beat and setting the day’s standard for for reporting” hooked him on the religion reporting. Chandler won the religion beat. Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. “How many news beats can and Chandler said he and Dart shared sometimes must include details from lots of laughs and fascinating on-the- history or ancient tradition to explain job experiences during their many current conflicts?” Dart asked. “How years as colleagues working the same many can deal with different ideas beat together. about the future, however misguided “Longevity and commitment to the as many are, that are causing people beat are hallmarks of John’s profes- to spend great amounts of money and sional career,” Chandler said. “John time to spread their visions?” Dart is a true professional—and a While at the Times, Dart became scholar’s scholar, recognized by both one of the first religion reporters to peers and the academic world alike,” mine the conferences of academic Chandler said. organizations for religion stories. A native of White Plains, N.Y., Dart He’s also written for academic didn’t set out to become a religion publications and is a member of the writer. Society of Biblical Literature. “I wanted to be a sportswriter,” Once a newcomer to their research, Dart recalled. Dart has been accepted into the circles After earning his bachelor’s degree of scholars because of the credibility of in journalism at the University of his reporting and writing during his Colorado, Dart served in the U.S. Army long career.

59th RNA Annual Conference | 39 Indigo Landing ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS With our sincere thanks

Our deepest appreciation goes to: and the Henry Luce Foundation for grants to fund scholarships for reporters Conference planners Charles Honey to attend conference programs. We’d and Ann Rodgers and the members also like to thank One Nation for their of the 2008 RNA Annual Conference sponsorship of the Covering Islam Committee, who devoted significant pre-conference program. time and energy developing the panels and events. This year’s conference sponsors, whose contributions enhance every The RNA and RNF boards for attendee’s experience. carrying out a myriad of tasks throughout the conference and for The many participants and their ongoing leadership. speakers who paid their own expenses to attend. Russ & ML Chandler, who provide funding for the Chandler Student Religion Writer of the Year Award. The Chandlers will these awards in per- son at the banquet.

The John Templeton Foundation for a grant supporting the promotion of and contest prizes for the Templeton Religion Reporter of the Year Award.

The Scripps Foundation for providing RNA Annual Conference scholarships to journalists of color.

The Carnegie Corporation of New York Jefferson Memorial | Jake McGuire

40 | Acknowledgements Conference Quips Cathy Grossman, Frank Lockwood and Ruth Portnoy, for their instrumental role in soliciting donations and setting “The RNA has always been, up the silent auction. We also thank the dozens of people who generously for me, that group of people donated and purchased auction items. who has kept me inspired all Bob Mong who made a special gift of these years, keeping up my conference support. spirits at times when, without Brian Peat and Harry Peat for recording the RNA, I would have felt this conference and providing unlim- discouraged or alone. I ited technical assistance. generally return from the RNA members who served as RNA Conference with moderators and speakers for this year’s conference. renewed enthusiasm and with a determination to Cathy Grossman, who diligently planned this year’s Digital Petting Zoo. keep going.” —Richard Dujardin, The many individual donors who have The Providence Journal generously given gifts in support of our programs.

The foundations and companies that have provided grants to support Religion Newswriters programs and resources:

• Carnegie Corporation of New York • Chandler Legacy Fund • Henry Luce Foundation • John Templeton Foundation • Lilly Endowment, Inc. • McCormick Foundation • Nathan Cummings Foundation • Rabinowitz-Dorf Communications • Scripps Howard Foundation

59th RNA Annual Conference | 41 Corcoran Gallery of Art DONOR RECOGNITION With sincere thanks for your generosity

Pledges and gifts made since we Jeffery, Nancy met last year have helped Religion Konner, Joan Newswriters fulfill its mission to Maynard, Helen H. provide educational opportunities Olson, Kathryn Scott, Stephen P. for journalists. We thank all of these Smith, John W. people for generously providing Ste. Michelle Wine Estates additional support: Watkins, Ruth A.

VISIONARY $5,000-$9,999 COLLEAGUE: $100-$249 Ann Rodgers Banks, Adelle M. Bearden, Michelle BENEFACTOR $1,000-$4,999 Berman, Harold J. Anonymous Boorstein, Michelle Lambert, Jeff Buddenbaum, Judith Mong, Robert W., Jr. Dasa, Anuttama Nolan, Bruce DeRose, Jason Rabinowitz/Dorf Communications Dolbee, Sandi Shimron, Yonat Eckstrom, Kevin Warren, Gerald Falsani, Cathleen Garrett, Lynn PARTNER $500-$999 Gladstone, Mary Anonymous Grossman, Cathy Lynn Gannett Foundation, Inc. Hagerty, Barbara Bradley Mason, Debra L. Harrison, Judy L. Paulson, Michael Holmes, Cecile S. Smith, Peter Honey, Charles The New York Times Company Foundation Karkabi, Barbara I. Kress, Michael SUPPORTER $250-$499 Lawrence, Gunther Gaydou, Dan Levy, Abe Goodstein, Laurie Marr, Michele M. Gorski, Eric Mason, Donald J. Green, Jenny Maynard, Steve

42 | Donor Recognition McClure, Pamela Hodges, Sam Your gift goes a long way Nelson, Marcia Z. Howell, Deborah Ostling, Richard N. Irwin, Amanda Greene Religion Newswriters remains strong Parmley, Helen Janovich, Adriana Pinsky, Mark Jones, Jim W. because of you. When you contribute Sacirbey, Omar Justice, Elaine to our educational foundation, Sarna, Jonathan D. King, Carey you provide the means to continue Smietana, Bob Lawton, Kim A. developing the best and most Taylor,William Lehovec, Bettina comprehensive resources for Todd, Douglas MacDonald, G. Jeffrey journalists covering religion. Vara, Richard Marty, Martin Massing, Dana This year, you can double your Maurina, Darrell T. FRIEND: Up to $99 donation. Each dollar in new gifts Abernethy, Robert G. McCallen, Tiffany A. (an amount higher than your Allen, Jimmy R. Murphy, Ellen L. Becker, Cynthia Newhall, Barbara Falconer previous gifts) will be matched by Betowt, Yvonne T. O’Reilly, David the Challenge Fund for Journalism. Bonfiglio, Olga Petricevic, Mirko Ask a staff member for details. Burke, Daniel Reid, David W. Burke, Melissa Nann Ryan, Terri Jo Religion Newswriters Foundation Callahan, Timothy R. Scanlon, Leslie offers multiple avenues for giving Campbell, Kay Schaefer,Tom online or by check: Campbell, Kristen Schilling, Sara Chandler, Russell Sheler, Jeffery • Cash gifts Chomsky, Jack Sherman, Bill Corman, Joanna Smidt, Corwin • Employer matching funds Crabtree, Shona Spearman, Patricia • Multi-year pledges Dart, John Stacho, Michelle • Gifts of appreciated stock Day, Sherry Stack, Peggy Fletcher • Planned gifts Deepak, Adarsh Stern, Gary Delgigante, Leslie Stetler, Gwyn For more information visit Diamant, Jeffrey Storm, Christie us at www.RNA.org or call Useem, Andrea Hill Dyer, Ervin Development Director Ruth Portnoy, Fillmore, Janet Wallace, Lance 614-891-9001, ext. 5#. Finnerty, Brian Ward, Hiley Fleming, Helen A. Warner, Greg French, Rose Weingarten, Toni Fulton, Loretta Funk, Tim Gallagher, Mary Garza, Jennifer Gibson, David Goodwyn, Mary Gordon, Jean Haag, Diane Hahn, Heather A. Haslanger, Phil Hassett, Jody Heinen, Thomas Herrick, Steve

59th RNA Annual Conference | 43 Capitol Dome | Jake McGuire ABOUT RNA Our association, our foundation & our accomplishments

Religion Newswriters a religion stylebook, workshops and Association a resource Web site, www.RNA.org. RNA was founded in 1949. Of its nearly Our mission is to improve the 560 members and subscribers, more public’s understanding of religion than 300 are journalists covering by strengthening and encouraging religion in the non-religious news media. religion reporting in the news media. As a member-focused organization, RNF shall accomplish its mission by RNA’s primary programs include supporting and funding the work annual contests in religion reporting, of the RNA and through its own an Annual Conference, an annual programs to promote excellence Top 10 survey of religion stories and in religion reporting. a member listserv. Recent Accomplishments Our mission is to promote excellence in This year we hosted three in-depth religion reporting in the news media. workshops: Covering China, Religion RNA achieves its mission by providing & Human Rights; Prayer, Politics and education and other resources for its Pretzels: Covering Faith in Pennsylva- members and by raising awareness of nia; and Covering Islam. the importance of religion coverage in the mainstream media. A series of four webinars (online seminars) debuted this spring with Religion Newswriters the topics, “Covering Islam” and “Islam 101.” Later this fall we’ll host Foundation two more: “Role of Religion in RNF was founded in 1999. RNF’s Conflict Prevention & Peacemaking” major programs and resources include and “Freedom of Religion in the ReligionLink, RNA Annual Conference Military.”Funding for the webinars scholarships, Lilly Scholarships in is provided by the McCormick Religion for Journalists, webinars, Foundation. a primer for religion journalists,

44 | About RNA So far in 2008, we’ve awarded 29 2007–2008 Training Events scholarships for reporters to take RNA reached thousands of journalists college religion courses, thanks to through national and regional events support from the Lilly Endowment, in the last year. Rhanks to the RNAers Inc. Since 2004, we’ve awarded 172 who gave their time to serve as scholarships totaling more than panelists at some of these events. $270,737. SNPA Traveling Campus Our annual contests for religion Shepardstown, WV reporting netted 242 entries, which represents nearly 1,200 religion stories 2007 RNA Annual Conference and sections from print, radio and television media. China, Religion & Human Rights

We received thousands of dollars in Prayers, Politics & Pretzels: funding and program assistance to Covering Faith in Pennsylvania provide scholarships and pre-confer- ence programming from the Henry Northeastern University Luce Foundation, Carnegie Corporation Religion in the News: What Future of New York and One Nation. Reporters & Editors Need to Know

The Scripps Howard Foundation gave SMPA Annual Conference $5,000 for the fourth year in a row to fund annual conference scholarships SPJ 2007 Conference for minority journalists. American Society of Newspaper Editors As we go to press, we have exceeded our 2008 goal for the scholarship fund. ACP Annual Conference As of Aug. 24, 62 donors have provided $7,721. This campaign continues until Webinar: Covering Islam 101 Dec. 31. Webinar: Covering Islam & Politics We are proud to announce a new donor campaign: a promise of WJI Editors Conference $35,000 from the Challenge Fund for Journalism—IF we can raise an equal College Media Advisers amount. Check the donor table for more information. UNITY 2008

AEJMC 2008 Convention

NLGJA 2008 Convention

59th RNA Annual Conference | 45 Kennedy Center | Carol Pratt BOARD & STAFF Dedicated to serving & supporting Religion Newswriters

Religion Newswriters Board of Directors Religion Newswriters is governed by a board of members elected for three-year terms. Officers serve one-year terms.

President: Kevin Eckstrom, Religion News Service Vice President: Robert W. Mong Jr.,The Dallas Morning News Vice President: Steve Maynard, The News Tribune Sec./Treasurer: Jeffery Sheler, freelance writer Adelle Banks, Religion News Service Dale Hanson Bourke, PDI Jason DeRose, National Public Radio Cathleen Flasani, Chicago Sun-Times Eric Gorski, The Associated Press Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY Charles Honey, The Grand Rapids Press Bruce Nolan, The Times-Picayune Ann Rodgers, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Yonat Shimron, The News & Observer Jerry Warren, former executive editor,The San Diego Union-Tribune

Advisory Board Chairman: Charles Overby, The Freedom Forum Jimmy R. Allen, former president, Southern Baptist Convention Russell Chandler, Creative Communications; former religion writer, Los Angeles Times George Gallup Jr., retired, formerly with The George H. Gallup International Institute Deborah Howell, The Washington Post Joan Konner, Columbia University Ken Paulson, USA TODAY David Shribman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pamela Thompson, John Templeton Foundation

46 | Board of Directors Religion Newswriters Staff

Religion Newswriters shares two full-time employees, Associate Director Tiffany McCallen and Development Director Ruth Portnoy.

Seven other individuals, including Executive Director Debra Mason, work part time. In addition, six people produce ReligionLink under the leadership of Editor Diane Connolly.

Staff Debra Mason, Executive Director Tiffany McCallen, Associate Director Ruth Portnoy, Development Director Michelle Stacho, Business & Personnel Manager Amy Schiska, Administrative Assistant Marcia Z. Nelson, Training Coordinator Katie Beverly, Program Assistant

ReligionLink Staff Diane Connolly, Editor Kate Fox, Web Master Mary Gladstone, Assistant Editor David Gibson, Correspondent Marcia Z. Nelson, Correspondent Kimberly Winston, Correspondent

59th RNA Annual Conference | 47 Arlington National Cemetary 2008 SPONSORS Thank you for your generosity!

Corporate Sponsors ($7,500+) One Nation...... Covering Islam program Zondervan...... Thursday reception Lovell-Fairchild Communications...... Friday reception

Platinum Sponsors ($3,500–$7,499) Will Davis Jr. (author)...... Wednesday luncheon The Fetzer Institute...... Wednesday dinner Jossey-Bass, a Wiley Imprint...... Thursday breakfast Fireproof (the movie)...... Thursday movie screening Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs...... Friday breakfast The DeMoss Group...... Friday luncheon HarperOne...... Saturday breakfast The Humane Society of the United States...... Saturday luncheon Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly...... Saturday reception The Washington Times Foundation...... Awards banquet & newspapers

Friend of RNA Sponsors ($1,000–$3,499) The McClatchy Company...... Awards banquet Council for America’s First Freedom...... Thursday luncheon Sierra Club...... Friend of RNA sponsorship

Other Generous Sponsors (up to $1,000) A. Larry Ross Communications...... Pens Center on Religion & the Professions...... Sunday breakfast RadioShack...... Digital Petting Zoo II USA TODAY...... Registration bags The Washington Post...... Meeting space & newspapers Zondervan...... Notepads

48 | Sponsors SPONSOR LISTINGS

A. Larry Ross Communications University was established in March Contact: Melany Ethridge 2006 to explore the intersection of [email protected] religion with contemporary global challenges: relations among states and societies; democracy and human rights; global development; and cultural globalization. The Center sponsors faith2008.org, an interactive database that tracks religious rhetoric in the 2008 A. Larry Ross Communications presidential campaign. Two (ALRC) is a full-service media and foundational premises guide the public relations agency founded in Center’s work: that scholarship on 1994 to “restore faith in media,” religion and its role in world affairs provide “value-added P.R. that defines can help to address these challenges values” and give Christian messages effectively; and that the open relevance and meaning in mainstream engagement of religious traditions media. ALRC assists Christian-focused with one another and with the organizations, associations, ministries wider society can promote peace. and churches in telling their stories The Center was made possible through through the Christian and secular a generous grant by William R. Berkley. media in the context of traditional news values. For more than a decade, The Center on Religion ALRC has remained the nation’s & the Professions most-respected firm in Christian- Contact: Debra Mason focused communications, operating at [email protected] the intersection of faith and culture and specializing in crossover communications projects.

The Center on Religion & the Berkley Center for Religion, Professions works to improve religious Peace & World Affairs literacy among professionals to help Contact: Melody Fox Ahmed them serve a diverse public. We [email protected] believe that as America grows more religiously diverse, professionals need to better understand the religious traditions and beliefs of the public they serve. Our interdisci- The Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, plinary, practical and applied work and World Affairs at Georgetown centers on that mission. Founded

59th RNA Annual Conference | 49 in 2003 with a grant from The Pew from Baylor University, and Masters Charitable Trusts, the Center is one of and Doctorate degrees from South- Pew’s 10 Centers of Excellence. western Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Will is currently publishing five books with Revell The Council for America’s Books, a Division of Baker Book House, First Freedom in Grand Rapids Michigan. The first, Contact: Sandra Poulsen Pray Big: The Power of Pinpoint [email protected] Prayers, was released in July 2007 and Pray Big For Your Marriage which was released in July 2008. His most recent book, Why Faith Makes Sense will be released in Sept. 2008. Will and his wife, Susie, have three children and live in Austin, Texas.

The Council for America’s First Freedom The DeMoss Group is a politically and religiously neutral Contact: Tracy Clement 501(c)(3) organization. It provides [email protected] educational outreach programs that encourage audiences worldwide to examine their own consciences, to understand the beliefs of others and to respect the right of religious freedom for all. The mission of the Council for The DeMoss Group is the country’s America’s First Freedom is to increase largest public relations firm specializ- understanding and respect for religious ing in faith-based organizations, freedom in diverse communities world- enterprises and causes. Since 1991, wide through education about this The DeMoss Group has been providing core human value: the freedom of public relations support and serving thought, conscience and belief. the communications needs for many of the prominent Christian leaders, organizations and causes of our time. Dr. Will Davis Jr. www.DeMossNewsPond.com Contact: Will Davis Jr. 512-241-1223

Will Davis Jr. is the Sr. Pastor of Austin Christian Fellowship, a church he founded in 1993 in Austin, Texas. Will holds a Bachelors degree

50 | Sponsors The Fetzer Institute No. 1 Christian product. FIREPROOF Contact: Erin Martin Kane opens nationally this Sept. 26 in twice [email protected] as many theaters. See it right after the RNA welcome reception. Grab the shuttle to E Street Theater starting at 7:45 pm for an 8:30 showing. For the amazing back-story of a church doing national-release films (Sony Pictures) on its own terms, meet the writer/ With a mission to foster awareness director and executive producer/exec of the power of love and forgiveness, pastor at RNA. Contact Lovell-Fairchild The Fetzer Institute believes efforts to to arrange interviews: address the critical issues facing the [email protected] world must go beyond political, social, or 214-536-4319. and economic strategies to their psychological and spiritual roots. Its programs strive to bring love HarperOne and forgiveness to the center of Contact: Emily Grandstaff individual, organizational and [email protected] community life. Launched in 2006, the Institute’s Campaign for Love & Forgiveness combines public television programming, community activities and events, and online discussions to encourage conversation about how love and forgiveness can effect meaningful change in individuals HarperOne, a division of Harper- and society. CollinsPublishers, strives to be the preeminent publisher of the most important books and authors across Fireproof (the movie) the full spectrum of religion, spiritual- Contact: Julie Fairchild ity, and personal growth literature, [email protected] adding to the wealth of the world’s wisdom by stirring the waters of From the creators of reflection on the primary questions FACING THE GIANTS, of life, while respecting all traditions. catch the exclusive D.C. premier of FIREPROOF—starring Kirk Cameron and featuring Sherwood Church’s Albany, Ga.-based all-volunteer cast. GIANTS has sold 1.5 million DVDs (58 coun- tries, 14 languages) and was 2007’s

59th RNA Annual Conference | 51 The Humane Society Lovell-Fairchild Communications of the United States Contact: Nancy Lovell Contact: Karen Allanach [email protected] [email protected]

Lovell-Fairchild Communications is pleased to host your evening at the National Shrine with gratitude for all The Humane Society of the United the times our professional interests States is the nation’s largest animal serve yours. We believe entertainment protection organization—backed by can advance ideas, right products can 10 million Americans, or one of every promote faith, and good events can 30. For more than a half-century, stir good thinking. On behalf of The HSUS has been fighting for the clients such as Angel Food, T.D. Jakes, protection of all animals through Provident Films (Facing the Giants/ advocacy, education and hands-on Fireproof), The Love Dare, VeggieTales programs. Celebrating animals and (Pirates, 3-2-1 Penguins!), The confronting cruelty—on the Web at: College of St. Thomas More, www.humanesociety.org. TheHighCalling.com, Extraordinary Women, Dexter Manley, Brian Welch, Kirbyjon Caldwell, several film studios Jossey-Bass, a Wiley Imprint and publishers, and more . . . thank Contact: Jennifer Wenzel you: not for making religion news but [email protected] for recognizing the news in religion and getting the whole story in stories that include faith.

The McClatchy Company Contact: Peter Tira Jossey-Bass presents [email protected] Chris Korzen, co-author of “A Nation For All: How the Catholic Vision of the Common Good Can Save America from the Politics of Division.” Mr. Korzen is co-founder and executive director of Catholics United. Previously, he served The McClatchy Company is the as executive director of the Catholic third-largest newspaper publisher Voting Project in 2004 and 2005 after in the United States with 30 daily working as an organizer with the newspapers in 15 states and about Service Employees International 50 nondailypapers. McClatchy is an Union and Pax Christi USA. industry-leading newspaper and

52 | Sponsors Internet publisher dedicated to the and trusted consumer electronics values of quality journalism, free specialty retailers. The company has expression and community service. a presence through more than 6,000 company-operated stores and dealer outlets in the United States. One Nation RadioShack’s dedicated force of knowl- Contact: al-Husein N. Madhany edgeable and helpful sales associates [email protected] has been consistently recognized by independent groups as providing the best customer service in the consumer electronics and wireless industries.

One Nation is a philanthropic collabo- rative with the vision of fostering a Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly national conversation about the Contact: Mary Schultz common values we share as Ameri- [email protected] cans, regardless of how we choose to express our spirituality. One Nation sponsors projects—such as the www.onenationforall.org Web site— that challenge stereotypes and misperceptions of Muslims and Islam by shining a spotlight on our shared Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly is values, beliefs and responsibilities. the only show of its kind that provides Other completed projects that highlight national audiences with a unique the diversity and life experiences of the perspective and analysis of the top American Muslim community include news stories and events in the world nationally broadcast films—including of religion and ethics. Through news www.allahmademefunny.com—and a reports, profiles, special features and digital film contest that is awarding discussions with newsmakers and $50,000 in prizes, www.onenationfilm- scholars, host Bob Abernethy and an contest.org. One Nation is led by experienced team of correspondents Americans from leading corporations explore the role of religion in shaping and nonprofit, public education, and both national and international events, academic institutions. and examine difficult ethical issues impacting the faith community. In addition, the program serves as a RadioShack Corporation resource for viewers searching for [email protected] ways to explore the spiritual experi- ence and enhance their understanding of American religious life.

RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) is one of the nation’s most experienced

59th RNA Annual Conference | 53 Sierra Club daily circulation of 2.3 million, USA Contact: Melanie Griffin TODAY is available worldwide. USA [email protected] TODAY is published by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI). The USA TODAY brand also includes: USATODAY.com, an award-winning news and information Web site that is updated 24 hours per day; USA TODAY The Sierra Club is America’s oldest, Sports Weekly, a magazine for enthusi- largest and most influential grassroots asts of college and professional environmental organization. Inspired football and baseball; USA TODAY by nature, our 750,000 members work Mobile, offering up-to-the minute news together to protect our communities and information on a variety of mobile and the planet. More than 47 percent platforms and devices; and USA TODAY of Sierra Club members attend reli- LIVE, the television arm of the USA gious services regularly. Building on TODAY brand that brings the spirit and our shared hope and values, Sierra quality of the newspaper to television. Club seeks to empower people of faith and partner with local congregations to translate these values into action. The Washington Post This year, Sierra Club released “Faith in [email protected] Action” a report recognizing religious leaders across the nation for promoting the principles of environmental stew- ardship, justice and concern for future generations. Visit the Sierra Club’s exhibit to pick up our new book The Washington Post Company “Holy Ground” and to hear stories (NYSE:WPO) is a diversified education about religious leaders in the growing and media company whose principal “creation care” movement. operations include educational and career services, newspaper and magazine publishing, television USA TODAY broadcasting, cable television systems 800-USA-0001 and electronic information services. The Company owns The Washington Post; Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive (WPNI), the online publishing subsidiary whose flagship products include washingtonpost.com, Newsweek.com, Slate, BudgetTravel.com and Sprig.com; USA TODAY is the nation’s top-selling Express; El Tiempo Latino; The Gazette newspaper. It is published via satellite and Southern Maryland newspapers; at 34 locations in the USA and at four The Herald (Everett, WA); Newsweek sites abroad. With a total average magazine; Post-Newsweek Stations

54 | Sponsors (Detroit, Houston, Miami, Orlando, Zondervan San Antonio and Jacksonville); Cable Contact: Karen Campbell ONE, serving subscribers in midwest- [email protected] ern, western and southern states; and CourseAdvisor, an online lead generation provider.

The Washington Times Foundation Zondervan is the world’s leading Contact: Larry Moffitt Christian publisher of books whose [email protected] authors are noted for their excellence in the craft of writing as well as their worthy contribution to the ongoing global evangelical conversation. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored The Washington Times Foundation with more Christian Book Awards is a not-for-profit organization, than any other publisher. founded in 1984, devoted to Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., encouraging the highest ideals in Zondervan resources are sold world- cultural values and public-mindedness. wide through retail stores, online, and Specializing in educational and media by Zondervan ChurchSource, and are projects we promote the values of translated into nearly 200 languages freedom, faith, family and public in more than 60 countries. Visit service. In that spirit, and without Zondervan Books on the Internet at regard for any specific political www.zondervan.com/books leaning or creed, the Washington Times Foundation encourages efforts that strengthen intercultural commu- nity-building, co-prosperity and stable families by supporting a variety of initiatives to resolve human conflict and create peace through building bridges of understanding and coopera- tion between people, races, systems of governance and faith traditions.

59th RNA Annual Conference | 55 Washington Monument & Reflecting Pool 2008 EXHIBITORS Stop by Sources Central areas for chances to win prizes!

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56 | Text to go here new religions, world religions and (when available). The statistics are more. Search the database at taken from the Baylor Survey, the ReligionSource.org or contact us for General Social Survey and other recent assistance at [email protected] national surveys. National Profiles or 404-727-4725. Religionsource is a provides statistics on religious freedom service of the American Academy of and religious adherents for virtually all Religion, the world’s largest associa- nations. Visit the redesigned Web site tion of scholars who research or teach at www.TheARDA.com. topics related to religion.

The American Humanist Association Baker Publishing Group (Bethany actively educates House, Revell, Baker Books, Chosen, the public about Humanism, brings Baker Academic, and Brazos Press) is a Humanists together for mutual support leading producer of Christian resources and action, defends the civil liberties that give insight and inspiration to and constitutional freedoms of Human- readers worldwide. ists-indeed of all peoples-and leads both local and national Humanist Today, as for organizations toward progressive more than seven societal change. Humanism is a decades, the progressive philosophy of life that, Baptist Joint without theism, affirms our responsibil- Committee for ity to lead ethical lives of value to Religious Liberty is a leading voice in self and humanity. Through a strong Washington, D.C., fighting to uphold network of over 100 grassroots the historic Baptist principle of reli- organizations, appearances in national gious freedom. The BJC is primarily an media, an advanced Internet presence, education and advocacy organization. regular public appearances, and a In fact, it is the only religious agency broad spectrum of publications, the devoted solely to religious liberty and AHA is the voice of humanism. church-state separation. It is uniquely poised within the religious community The Association to deliver the message that the preser- of Religion Data vation of church-state separation is the Archives (ARDA) best way to achieve religious liberty. In provides free access to addition to working with churches, it data on religion and conducts issue briefings for congres- now includes informa- sional staffs and coalition partners. tion on American and BJC staff members also testify before international religion. The newest fea- Congress and submit friend-of-the- tures are QuickStats and National Pro- court briefs to advocate religious files. With QuickStats you can choose a liberty in the U.S. Supreme Court topic and generate instant religion and other courts. statistics, graphs and trend lines

59th RNA Annual Conference | 57 Baylor University Its online collection also includes Press serves the thousands of diocesan documents, academic community by news articles, and legal files. Independ- publishing works that ent of the Church and all reform integrate faith and groups, BishopAccountability.org is understanding. The Press a unique and unbiased library. features publications in the areas of religion and public life, Judaism and The Boniuk Christianity, Christianity and literature, Center for religion and higher education, religion the Study and rhetoric and philosophy of religion. and Advancement of Religious Tolerance at Rice University seeks to The Becket understand and promote conditions Fund for conducive to sustainable, peaceful Religious coexistence among people of different Liberty religions. The center is based at Rice is a Washington, D.C.-based public University in Houston. A private, inde- interest law firm protecting the free pendent university, Rice attracts a expression of all religious traditions. diverse group of highly talented We are nonprofit, nonpartisan, and students with a range of academic interfaith.In our first 15 years, we have studies, including humanities, social represented people of faith literally sciences, natural sciences, engineering, from A to Z—Anglicans, Zoroastrians, architecture, music and business and virtually everyone in between— management. The center uses as both primary counsel and amicus Houston’s religious diversity as a curiae, in federal and state trial and model for developing programs that appellate courts, throughout the promote interfaith communication and United States. Becket Fund attorneys understanding. It uses new media are experts in all areas of religious initiatives to support its outreach freedom law, but especially under efforts and scholarship in religious the Free Speech, Free Exercise, and studies and other fields to develop Establishment Clauses of the First research into religious tolerance. Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Bread for the World is a collec- tive Christian voice BishopAccountability.org is the urging our nation’s world’s leading resource for journalists, decision makers scholars, and law enforcement on the to end hunger at home and abroad. Catholic abuse crisis. Described by By changing policies, programs and the Boston Globe as “a kind of cross conditions that allow hunger and between The Smoking Gun and an aca- poverty to persist, we provide help demic archive,” its Web site provides a and opportunity far beyond the database of 3,100 accused priests and communities where we live. abuse statistics on every US diocese. www.bread.org

58 | Exhibitors Call To representing a Catholic voice within Action (CTA) the Democratic Party, and advancing is a Catholic an understanding of how the rich movement tradition of Catholic Social Teaching working can help find solutions to the problems for equality and justice in the Church confronting all Americans. Founded and society. An independent national in 2004, the Catholic Democrats has organization of over 25,000 people performed election-related statistical and 53 local chapters, CTA believes analysis and provided background for that the Spirit of God is at work in the both mainstream and Catholic media, whole church, not just in its appointed particularly related to the Catholic leaders. CTA acts as a nexus where electorate. The group has worked to the full panoply of Church renewal depoliticize churches themselves, issues come into focus, intersecting while championing a broad range of and interacting to produce a vision of social, political and spiritual issues the Catholic Church as it can and through a Catholic lens. should be. CTA promotes its vision of www.CatholicDemocrats.org a progressive, engaged Catholicism through its acclaimed annual Since 1943, conferences, award-winning Catholic Relief publications, extensive network of Services (CRS) regional groups and joint programs has provided care with other Catholic renewal for those in need organizations. overseas. Our work is done on behalf of the United States Catholic commu- Catholic nity, but assistance is given solely on Charities USA’s the basis of need, not race, creed or members—more nationality. We provide emergency than 1,700 local relief in the wake of disasters and agencies and offer hope through our development institutions nationwide—provide help projects in 99 countries and territories and create hope for nearly 8 million around the world. To learn more, visit people of all faiths and social and www.crs.org. economic backgrounds. For more than 280 years, local Catholic Charities The agencies have been providing a myriad Church of vital services in their communities, of Jesus ranging from day care and counseling Christ of to food and housing. For more informa- Latter-day Saints is a Christian faith tion, visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org. with over 13 million members through- out the world. Common ground with other Christian faiths includes a belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the Catholic Democrats is a national world, the holy Bible and humanitarian association of state-based groups service programs for the needy.

59th RNA Annual Conference | 59 However, the Church holds a unique The Council for place in the Christian world as restored America’s First New Testament Christianity. The church Freedom is a also uses other scriptures, including the politically and “Book of Mormon, Another Testament religiously neutral of Jesus Christ.” The best way to get to 501(c)(3) organiza- know the Church is to spend time with tion. It provides educational outreach our members. programs that encourage audiences worldwide to examine their own Contemporary consciences, to understand the beliefs Prayer Beads of others and to respect the right of is the name religious freedom for all. The mission of Eleanor Wiley, the Council for America’s First Freedom artist/author, has chosen for the work is to increase understanding and she shares with the world. Eleanor respect for religious freedom in diverse leads inter-faith workshops and communities worldwide through retreats throughout the world, partici- education about this core human pants create personal prayer strands value: the freedom of thought, using the Sacred Wheel of Peace. The conscience and belief. Sacred Wheel is a mandala that honors all faith traditions and cultures, The Crossland it reminds us that we must all work Foundation is together if we wish to move forward. dedicated to creating an environment of trust in the Founded in 1991, church. For this trust to be based on Cooperative reality, the causes for sexual abuse and Baptist Fellow- other disorders in the church must be ship (CBF) is a examined so that the church can be fellowship of freed from crime, and the laity can Baptist Christians trust the clergy not to abuse their and churches office. As a foundation that has no who share a passion for the Great institutional connections to any Commission and a commitment to church, the Crossland Foundation is Baptist principles of faith and practice. independent and able to act free from Headquartered in Atlanta, the Fellow- political considerations. ship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they fulfill their God-given The National Cemetery mission. Supported by more than Administration, Department 1,800 churches and an additional of Veterans Affairs: VA honors 3,500 individuals, the Fellowship has veterans with final resting places appointed about 150 global missions in national shrines and with lasting field personnel to serve around the tributes that commemorate their world, partnered with 15 theology service to our Nation. schools and endorsed more than 560 chaplains and pastoral counselors.

60 | Exhibitors Duke Divinity Christian films, books and music. School, a world Contact: Christine Moore, leader in theological [email protected] education, is one of seven professional schools at Duke University and resides at the heart of the FutureChurch is a national coalition Durham, N.C., campus. One of the of parish-centered Catholics who seek 13 U.S. seminaries affiliated with the the full participation of all baptized United Methodist Church, the divinity Catholics in the life of the Church. school enrolls more than 500 students FutureChurch, inspired by Vatican II, representing some 30 denominations. recognizes that Eucharistic Celebration The esteemed faculty publishes numer- (the Mass) is the core of Roman ous books and articles read worldwide Catholic worship and sacramental life. by academic, church-related and We advocate that this celebration be general audiences. Areas of particular available universally and at least strength at Duke Divinity include weekly to all baptized Catholics. history and interpretation of Scripture, FutureChurch respects the tradition ethics, pastoral & Christian institutional of the Roman Catholic Church and its leadership, racial reconciliation, end-of- current position on ordination and life care, theology and medicine, and advocates widespread discussion of the Wesleyan tradition. the need to open ordination to all baptized Catholics who are called to Epiphany Media priestly ministry by God and the people is a network of of God. consultants spe- cialized in strategic communications on The Berkley behalf of organizations—Christian and Center for secular—engaged in work to promote Religion, inter-faith, inter-denominational or Peace, and World Affairs at inter-cultural understanding. Founded Georgetown University was by Christine M. Moore, Epiphany established in March 2006 to explore Media has become the leading public the intersection of religion with con- relations consultancy on Christian temporary global challenges: relations travel, considered the fourth wave of among states and societies; democracy the contemporary faith-based market- and human rights; global development; place. As PR counsel to the Jordan and cultural globalization. The Center Tourism Board, N.A.; the World sponsors faith2008.org , an interactive Religious Travel Association and other database that tracks religious rhetoric groups involved in Christian culture, in the 2008 presidential campaign. Epiphany Media can help journalists Two foundational premises guide the seeking access/perspective from Center’s work: that scholarship on sources involved in: Faith-based religion and its role in world affairs travel/tourism; Inter-faith relations; can help to address these challenges

59th RNA Annual Conference | 61 effectively; and that the open engage- waters of reflection on the primary ment of religious traditions with one questions of life, while respecting another and with the wider society can all traditions. promote peace. The Center was made possible through a generous grant by InSites into William R. Berkley. American Religion is a quarterly e-newsletter dedicated to promoting the work and Gordon-Conwell Theological research of more than 20 Web sites Seminary (www.gordonconwell.edu) of religion institutes, programs and is a multi-denominational, evangelical projects related to the Initiatives in Protestant graduate school educating Religion of the Lilly Endowment, Inc. more than 2,100 students on campuses The free newsletter is designed to in South Hamilton and Boston, MA, educate the public and press about and Charlotte, NC, and an extension Web resources that cover religion in site in Jacksonville, FL. Fifth largest the United States. To subscribe, among all ATS-accredited seminaries in e-mail [email protected] or to the U.S. and Canada, Gordon-Conwell view past issues, visit: is known internationally for leading www.resourcingchristianity.org faculty in biblical studies, theology and ministry. Students represent 98 The Hindu denominations and 38 countries. The American Boston urban ministry campus serves Foundation African American, Latino, Asian and (HAF) is a human other minority students with classes rights group whose in six languages. The Center for the purpose is to provide a voice for the Study of Global Christianity at 2 million strong Hindu American Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary community. HAF interacts with and provides comprehensive trend data educates government, media, think online at no cost to media at tanks, academia and public fora about www.globalchristianity.org. Hinduism and issues of concern to Hindus locally and globally. Promoting HarperOne, the Hindu and American ideals of a division of understanding, tolerance and pluralism, HarperCollinsPub- HAF stands strong against hate, lishers, strives to discrimination, defamation and terror. be the preeminent The Hindu American Foundation is not publisher of the affiliated with any religious or political most important books and authors organizations or entities. HAF seeks to across the full spectrum of religion, serve Hindu Americans across all sam- spirituality, and personal growth pradayas (Hindu religious traditions). literature, adding to the wealth of the world’s wisdom by stirring the

62 | Exhibitors The Humane founder and executive director of Society of the Catholics United. Previously, he served United States as executive director of the Catholic is the nation’s Voting Project in 2004 and 2005 after largest animal working as an organizer with the protection Service Employees International organization—backed by 10 million Union and Pax Christi USA. Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting The Knights of Columbus, the world’s cruelty—on the Web at: largest lay Catholic organization, was www.humanesociety.org. founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut. The Institute It has grown over the years into an on Religion and international organization of 1.75 Democracy is an million members in North and Central ecumenical alliance America, Asia and Europe. In addition of U.S. Christians to its charitable work, it provides life working to reform insurance and other financial products their churches’ for member families and has more social witness, in accord with than $67 billion of life insurance in biblical and historic Christian force. Most of its 13,000 local councils teachings, thereby contributing to are parish-based and provide support the renewal of democratic society to local churches and surrounding at home and abroad. The IRD is a communities. In 2007 the K of C respected part of the Washington, donated nearly $145 million to D.C., policy institute world. It works charitable causes, and members to restore the role of religion in giving provided more than 68 million hours moral definition and direction to of volunteer service. public life and public policy by bringing a well-reasoned, well- LifeWay researched Christian perspective Research to bear on the issues that face our seeks to define nation and the world. current realities within churches and the American culture by conducting Jossey-Bass quantitative and qualitative primary presents research with church leaders, laity, and Chris Korzen, the unchurched. LifeWay Research is co-author of “A Nation For All: How the research arm of LifeWay Christian the Catholic Vision of the Common Resources of the Southern Baptist Good Can Save America from the Poli- Convention. We are pleased to an- tics of Division.” Mr. Korzen is co- nounce the October release of The

59th RNA Annual Conference | 63 Shape of Faith to Come by Brad J. As House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, Waggoner that culminates a two-year “On Capitol Hill, NETWORK is a study of Protestant churchgoers. Each respected and effective voice for study is released with an objective people who live in poverty. NETWORK’s news release, podcast analysis of the lobbyists are knowledgeable and findings, and graphs of key findings. committed. When they speak, I listen.” www.networklobby.org

New Ways Ministry is a national Catholic ministry of justice Lovell-Fairchild Communications and reconciliation loads the table with client materials, for lesbian/gay starting with “Fireproof” (from the Catholics and the makers of “Facing the Giants”), the wider church. Through education new Sony/Provident film featuring Kirk and advocacy, we foster dialogue, Cameron and Sherwood church’s all- challenge homophobia, work for volunteer cast . . . and the plot device attitudinal and policy change, and that became a book: “The Love Dare.” promote full and equal acceptance Learn about Extraordinary Women, the of gay/lesbian people in church Christian women’s traveling rally . . . and society. For information, visit and T.D. Jakes’ new movie, “Not Easily www.newwaysministry.org or call Broken.” Pick up Christian and family 301-277-5674. entertainment such as VeggieTales’ “The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything,” Paraclete Press coming out on DVD and “3-2-1 Pen- is proud to be the guins!” And from the Hallmark Chan- publisher of many nel, pick up “The Note,” the new DVD experts on a variety release starring Genie Francis. of religious topics. Ranging from New NETWORK, Testament theology A National (Scot McKnight) to the Emerging Catholic Church (Tony Jones, Peter Rollins) and Social Justice Lobby, has faithfully from Judaism (Rabbi Sandy Sasso, answered the Gospel call to act for Lauren Winner) to Marian spirituality justice and peace since our founding (Jon Sweeney, Frederica Mathewes- in 1971 by 47 Catholic sisters. Inspired Green, Mary Ford-Grabowsky) our by Catholic Social Tradition, we lobby, authors have something to say. organize and educate for economic and social transformation. NETWORK’s membership, which includes individuals, The Pew religious communities and justice Forum on coalitions, represents more than Religion & 100,000 people, and this vast Public Life constituency is committed and active. delivers timely, impartial information

64 | Exhibitors on issues at the intersection of religion these values into action. This year, and public affairs. The Forum is a non- Sierra Club released “Faith in Action” partisan, non-advocacy organization a report recognizing religious leaders and does not take positions on policy across the nation for promoting the debates. Based in Washington, D.C., principles of environmental steward- the Forum is a project of the Pew ship, justice and concern for future Research Center, which is funded by generations. Visit the Sierra Club’s The Pew Charitable Trusts. exhibit to pick up our new book “Holy Ground” and to hear stories The Seventh-day about religious leaders in the growing Adventist® Church “creation care” movement. was born out of the Millerite movement of the 1840s when thousands of Chris- tians searched for greater understand- ing of biblical prophecy. Among these SkyLight Paths and Jewish Lights believers was a group in New England Publishing create a place where people that rediscovered the seventh-day of different traditions come together Sabbath. They chose the name for challenge and inspiration. Our “Seventh-day” which refers to the principal goal is to stimulate thought biblical Sabbath, Saturday,ordained by and help people learn from their own God at Creation. “Adventist” means faith, as well as from other faith we’re looking for the return of Jesus traditions and to practice in new ways. Christ. Today, as one of the fastest Our books are designed to welcome growing Christian Protestant churches, the reader and then to engage, stimu- 15 million baptized Seventh-day late and inspire. We judge our success Adventist members live in 204 not only by whether or not our books countries of the world. This includes are beautiful and commercially more than 1 million in North America. successful, but by whether or not they make a difference in people’s lives. The Sierra Club is America’s oldest, largest and most influential grass- roots environmen- tal organization. The Survivors Network of those Inspired by nature, our 750,000 Abused by Priests (SNAP) is a members work together to protect volunteer self-help organization of our communities and the planet. survivors of clergy sexual abuse and More than 47 percent of Sierra Club their supporters. We work to end the members attend religious services cycle of abuse in two ways: 1) By regularly. Building on our shared supporting one another in personal hope and values, Sierra Club seeks to healing; 2) By pursuing justice and empower people of faith and partner institutional change by holding with local congregations to translate individual perpetrators responsible

59th RNA Annual Conference | 65 and the church accountable. Our most quality publications that serve powerful tool is the light of truth. common understanding. Through our stories and our actions, we bring healing and justice. U.S. Baha’i Office of Founded in Communica- 1960, Soka tion: The Gakkai newest of the world’s independent, International-USA is an American monotheistic religions, the Baha’i Faith Buddhist association that promotes is now the second-most geographically individual happiness and world peace widespread religion, with more than 5 through the practical application of million adherents residing in virtually Nichiren Buddhist principles. As lay every nation on earth. The Founder of believers and engaged Buddhists, the Baha’i Faith, Baha’u’llah, taught Soka Gakkai International’s 12 million that all the world religions are part of members worldwide strive to improve a single, progressive process through their lives by living with confidence, which God reveals His will to humanity. creating value and contributing to the Baha’is promote the oneness of hu- well-being of their families, friends manity with a focus on human rights, and communities. Soka Gakkai the status of women, sustainable International-USA has more than development and strong moral 80 centers located throughout the foundations for a world civilization. United States and its territories. For Contact us at: more information about Soka Gakkai [email protected], International-USA, go to its Web site at or visit us online at: www.bahai.us www.sgi-usa.org. The United States Tughra publishes Conference of books on Islam as a Catholic Bishops religion, Islamic (USCCB) is an assem- history, culture, and bly of the bishops of art, Islamic spirituality the United States and and traditions. the U.S. Virgin Islands who to seek to: Based in the US and with offices in unify, coordinate, encourage, promote Istanbul, Cairo, Moscow, and London, and carry on Catholic activities in the Tughra aims to introduce to the book United States; organize and conduct inudstry publications with reliable in- religious, charitable and social welfare formation on one of the major religions work at home and abroad; aid in of the world. Its emphasis is on a true education; care for immigrants; and image of Islam, free from misrepresen- generally enter into and promote by tations of its followers and as seen in education, publication and direction its its authentic sources. At the end, mission of evangelization which was Tughra Books seeks to make a entrusted by Christ to his Church to be contribution to peaceful coexistence carried out in all her forms of ministry, in a globalized world, providing witness, and service.

66 | Exhibitors Voice of Christianity tradition of a discipleship the Faithful of equals. We dedicate ourselves to (VOTF) is an return the church we love back to the organization example of Jesus, to be a radical table formed in Jan. 2002, in response to community where all are invited and the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic included. We advocate that the Roman Church. VOTF has more than 32,000 Catholic Church affirm women’s gifts registered supporters throughout 50 and respond by calling them to min- states and 40 countries worldwide, as istry and ordination. We recognize well as more than 150 affiliates. VOTF andvalue all ministries that meet the has three goals: (1) To support those spiritual needs of the People of God. who have been abused (2) To support Wecelebrate our diversity of gender, priests of integrity (3) To shape race, ethnicity, sexuality, language and structural change within the Church. symbol in our church community. Our Mission statement: “To provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit, through which the Faithful can actively participate in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church.” Based in Louisville, Kentucky,

Westminster John-Knox Press proudly publishes first-class scholarly works in religion for the academic community, nationally recognized trade books for general readers, and essential resources for ministry and the life of faith. With more than 1,600 books in print and a publishing heritage dating to 1838, WJK is internationally esteemed for its continued success at fulfilling its mission: to advancereligious scholar- ship, stimulate conversation about moral values, and inspire faithful living.

Women’s Ordination Conference: Our vision is to reclaim the early World War II Memorial

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Join us! 60th RNA Annual Conference Sept. 10–13, 2009