This translation is not completely accurate as it was automatically generated by a computer.
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A UMNS Report
By Linda Bloom*
4:00 P.M. EDT August 16, 2011
Religious symbols of three faiths . A web-only photo courtesy of Ohio Wesleyan University/Chris Gong.
An interfaith association of more than 400 religion communicators from
the Baha’i, Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim faith communities is
taking the lead in reinforcing the need for conversation rather than
confrontation as the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks nears.
With the broad representation of religions in the United States today,
it’s important to listen “and respect each other’s beliefs,” said Laura
Flippen Tenzel, vice president of the Religion Communicators Council.
“If we can invite each other to communicate and to share beliefs, but
yet not impose our beliefs on them, I think we have the
potential of building trust. And with trust, we can build a better
world, ” said Tenzel, who is communications coordinator for the United
Methodist Endorsing Agency, Division of Ordained Ministry, Board of
Higher Education and Ministry.
The council’s 17-member board of governors issued a resolution after an
August meeting in Philadelphia, asking for civility, accuracy and
tolerance in the 9/11 reporting and discussions.
Laura Flippen Tenzel. A UMNS web-only photo courtesy of Laura Flippen Tenzel.
Martha Taylor, communications director of the United Methodist Arkansas
Annual (regional) Conference, said part of what inspired her was a
presentation to the RCC board by the Rev. Nicole Diroff of the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia.
Diroff talked about how the organization helps youth and young adults
develop a deeper understanding of their beliefs and learn how to partner
with others to improve their communities.
The “Resolution on Civil Discourse During the 10th Anniversary of 9/11”
acknowledges that anniversary observances will “bring about painful
recollections of terrorism and its effects.” Such pain and anger can
become distorted around the religious identity of the “participants in
those heinous acts.”
The communicators encouraged faith groups and religion communicators to
“adhere to the highest ethical guidelines in the communication of
religious faith and values in public discourse and to foster
understanding among faith groups.”
“We felt it was appropriate and timely to remind people that unity
brings peace,” said James “Jay” Rollins, director of communications and
marketing for the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
Board members want to “stay ahead of some of the negativity” that might
occur, explained Royya James, conference relations coordinator for
United Methodist Communications, and instead promote the idea that the
anniversary could help bring about unity.
One of the points the communicators want to emphasize is that news
coverage of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 tragedy should reflect
the need for understanding and dialogue among all Americans and not
distort religious views or promote religious intolerance.
“Let’s be careful about attacking people or ideas or groups of people without examining the facts,” Taylor said.
Martha Taylor. A UMNS web-only file photo.
In its statement, the RCC board of governors “urges all who report and
record news and register, edit or publish opinions about faith
communities and religious commitments to adhere to the highest ethical
standards of their craft and pursue accuracy, respect and understanding
of people of all faiths and faith communities.”
The resolution reflects two council priorities, said Douglas Cannon, RCC
past president and assistant professor in the department of
communication at Virginia Tech. It encourages excellence in news
coverage of faith issues and promotes an appreciation of diverse faith
groups.
“We knew that anniversary stories about the 2001 attacks could present
wide perspectives on religion, particularly Islam,” he noted. “We wanted
to highlight the need for accuracy and fairness as well as balance in
covering the faith angle.”
Deb K. Christian, council president and management team leader for UMR
Communications in Dallas, also encouraged its membership and their faith
groups to consider adopting similar resolutions.
*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service multimedia reporter based in New York. Follow her at http://twitter.com/umcscribe.
News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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