Religion Communicators Council calls for civil discourse

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 or (212) 870-2402.