Religion communicators call for civil discourse about 9/11

RCC board urges responsible coverage of faith angles in 10th anniversary
stories

A religion communicators group called Aug. 7 for responsible discussion of
faith groups in news coverage of 9/11's 10th anniversary.

The Religion Communicators Council urged journalists and bloggers to "pursue
accuracy, respect and understanding of people of all faiths and faith
communities." The statement was in a resolution adopted in Philadelphia by
the board of governors for the 400-member interfaith council.

The 17-member board called "for responsible discussion of religion and of
all faith groups, seeking the understanding and acceptance of religious
communities."

The anniversary of the 2001 attacks could "bring about painful recollections
of terrorism and its effects," the resolution said.
Rhetoric about the attacks "could become heated and distorted as it
intermingles the religious identity of participants in those heinous acts,"
the measure continued.

The council encourages communicators for faith groups to adhere to the
highest ethical guidelines in presenting religious faith and values in
public discourse.

"We encourage our members to consider having their faith groups adopt
similar resolutions on civil discourse," said Deb K. Christian, council
president. She is management team leader for UMR Communications in Dallas.

About the Religion Communicators Council:

The Religion Communicators Council 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 or (212) 870-2402.

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.