Preaching, teaching & proselytizing

What’s a journalist’s mission when reporting about religion in general circulation news? To report on it, telling truths according to verifiable facts, accurately describing people’s beliefs and experiences, and interpreting events for readers, listeners and viewers. Readers will certainly learn from your stories. They may decide to take some action because of what they read or hear from you. They may even be inspired to explore faith or return to it. These are all likely byproducts from the work you do, and your audience will likely tell you that.Your mission, however, is not to preach, teach or proselytize. Those goals will get in the way of reporting the truth, as uncomfortable, confusing or even disturbing as it sometimes can be.