Religion Communicators Council calls for civil discourse

[Religion Communicators Council <religioncommunicatorscouncil@gmail.com>]

RCC members and many of their organizations encourage responsible
coverage of faith angles for the 10th anniversary stories relating to 9/11.

During an August meeting, the 17- member board called for journalists
and bloggers to “pursue accuracy, respect and understanding of all
people of faiths and communities.” The full statement is in the
resolution that follows.

> RESOLUTION ON CIVIL DISCOURSE
> DURING 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11

WHEREAS, The coming tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks
on the USA will bring about painful recollections of terrorism and its
effects; and

WHEREAS, The rhetoric at such times can become heated and distorted as
it intermingles the religious identity of participants in those heinous
acts; and

WHEREAS, The Religion Communicators Council encourages 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; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Board of Governors of the Religion Communicators
Council calls for responsible discussion of religion and of all faith
groups, seeking the understanding and acceptance of religious
communities; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That the Board 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.

Adopted August 7, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

> About the Religion Communicators Council:
> The Religion Communicators Council
> <http://www.religioncommunicators.org/> is an interfaith association of
> more than 400 religion communicators working in print and electronic
> communication, advertising, and public relations. Members represent
> Baha’i, Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim faith communities. Founded
> in 1929, the council is the oldest public relations professional
> association in the United States. Council headquarters is in New York City.

Contact: Shirley Struchen, sstruchen@rcn.com <mailto:sstruchen@rcn.com>
or (212) 870-2402.