wfn.org | 2010 Congress to explore faith communication issues

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

2010 Congress to explore faith communication issues

> By Linda Bloom*

NEW YORK (UMNS)?Changes in perceptions about religion, its influence
in the public arena and how technology delivers the message are among
the issues communicators will consider at Religion Communication Congress  2010.

The congress, with the theme ?Embracing Change: Communicating Faith in
Today?s World,? is scheduled for April 7-10, 2010, at the Marriott
Downtown Hotel in Chicago.

Participants will represent a broad spectrum of communications
specialties, faith traditions and theological perspectives.

Shirley Whipple Struchen, a United Methodist and coordinator of
RCCongress 2010, said the use of ?instantaneous communication? is
probably the biggest change since the last congress in 2000. That
could mean networking through Web sites such as MySpace and FaceBook,
offering different perspectives through blogging or providing
downloadable podcasts for MP-3 players and cell phones.

Jeffrey Cole, director for the Center for the Digital Future,
University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication,
is among speakers who will address that issue during the 2010 event.

In addition to the plenary sessions on timely issues, RCCongress 2010
will feature more than 50 skills-building workshops and time for
participants to interact and learn from each other.

It?s really (about) understanding each other.

> ~ Shirley Whipple Struchen

Interfaith interaction has become increasingly important, and Struchen
said it was recognized in 2000 that because worship does not mean the
same thing to everyone, it was more appropriate to add ?faith
expressions? to the agenda.

Inviting such a broad range of participants, including international
representation, to the congress ?is more than networking,? she added.
?It?s really (about) understanding each other.?

A diverse group of North American communications professionals are
planning the event. Among United Methodists involved are the Rev. Dan
Gangler of Indianapolis; Lesley Crosson, New York; the Rev. Ken
Sloane, Nashville; Larry Hygh, Jr., Pasadena, California; the Rev.
Erik Alsgaard, Lakeland, Florida, and Cam Howard, Nashua, New Hampshire.

The 2010 event follows a 40-year tradition. The first congress was in
1970 in Chicago, followed by congresses in 1980, 1990 and 2000. In
2000, more than 80 cooperating organizations participated as partners
and 1,300 attended.

For the upcoming congress, 64 cooperating organizations have signed up
thus far and include United Methodist Communications, United Methodist
Association of Communicators and UMR Communications.

Struchen said more cooperating organizations are being sought for
RCCongress 2010 and financial assistance, particularly for
international scholarships, is welcome. More information about the
gathering is at www.rccongress2010.org.

*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in New York.
News media contact

Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org

United Methodist News Service: Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org

? The 2010 Congress will build on the great history and success of
past Congresses.

Each decade we learn more about one another and about the role of
faith in our world and our media.

In 2010, we anticipate plunging into the new media of the day and
exploring the best ways to continue to tell our enduring stories. ?

> Jeanean Merkel

Director of Communications, Lutheran Services in America; RCCongress
2010 Program Chair for Programming; Montgomery Village, Maryland

Religion Communication Congress | Voice: 212-870-2985 | Fax:
212-870-2171 | info@rccongress2010.org