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Religion
reporting has existed since the earliest colonial newspapers. Samuel
Kneeland, in The New-England Weekly Journal, wrote on March
20, 1727, (original capitalization and spelling preserved):
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It
would be needless to mention the particular reasons for Publishing
this Paper; and will be sufficient to say, That the Design of
it is with Fidelity and Method to Entertain the Public every
Monday with a Collective of the most Remarkable Occurrences
of Europe, with a particular Regard from time to time to the
present Circumstances of the Publick Affairs, whether of Church
or State. |
It
was more than 220 years later, however, before the beat would professionalize
to the point of creating a membership association.
Religion
Newswriters Association was founded in 1949 by 12 religion beat
journalists gathered to cover a denominational meeting of Presbyterians.
RNA grew steadily throughout the years and by 2006 included more
than 500 members and subscribers, about two-thirds of whom are journalists.
The
association helps journalists cover religion with balance, accuracy
and insight. It does so by providing tools and training, including
this guide.
RNA’s
foundation, created in 1999, serves to improve the public’s
understanding of religion. Its projects and services reach more
than 5,000 journalists each week.
The
Religion Newswriters Association and its Foundation provide dozens
of resources. (As of this printing, all services are free, although
some services are restricted to members only.)
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