ProCon 25

Faith sessions

All faith sessions happen in Brecht on the fourth floor. Or as we’re calling it, Faith Central…

Lessons from history & what you can do to protect Freedom of the press today?

History repeats itself, and journalists write the first draft of history. Hear from Tyson Langhofer as he shares lessons from history about freedom of the press, the role of faith in living out personal convictions, and how to stand up for your rights and faith when opposition arises. Explore the answers to some of these questions: What was in the minds of America’s Founding Fathers when they protected the freedom of the press? Is freedom of the press under threat today? As journalists in America, what are your rights? What does it look like to report with objectivity in an age where not all perspectives are viewed as valid?

Tyson Langhofer, Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel

9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27

Make a call and find a calling

It’s more and more challenging to find a meaningful career in multimedia reporting or storytelling. What does it look like to discover your calling and use your God-given gifts to make a difference in this world. Join this session to learn about tools and advice and hear firsthand career experience.

Naomi Balk, WORLD Journalism Institute
Chris Moody, Appalachian State University  

4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27

Writing about faith – journalistically

Faith stories are about more than politics, policy, & social justice. They incorporate many of our most valued experiences and convictions. Such stories must be told on their own terms using the tools a skilled journalist uses daily. Join journalist Tim Morgan, former deputy managing editor at Christianity Today, and Tony Carnes founder and editor-in-chief of A Journey Through NYC Religion, for this session where they share experiences in telling stories, even when they are stories of faith different from their own.

Tim Morgan, Gordon College
Tony Carnes, A Journey Through NYC Religion
Manya Brachear Pashman, Montclair State University

9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28

Believers, non-believers, believability and bias

Can you be a serious journalist and also devout? Can you be an atheist and cover people of faith seriously as a journalist? What do you say to your fellow reporters or audience members when they insist that a Christian can’t fairly cover a Planned Parenthood rally, a Jewish student can’t fairly cover a pro-Palestinian demonstration or a Muslim can’t fairly cover a case of anti-semitic vandalism? Are you a religious student struggling to fit in on a secular campus? Do you attend a religious school and wonder if you’re being taken seriously at this conference? Join us for a conversation, not a presentation – and maybe even some inspiration or solutions.

Manya Brachear Pashman, Montclair State University
Wesley Wright, Florida Atlantic University
Jack Kubinec, Blockworks reporter and podcast host

10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28

Prayer for peace

Journalists often tell stories of conflict, tension, and tragedy. The internal and external conflict of life can seem overwhelming. Meet other people of faith to pray for our world to have peace and unity. We will reflect on Scripture and invite God into the heartache of the world. All faiths are welcome. We don’t want this to be exclusive.

Moderated by Naomi Balk of WORLD Journalism Institute

1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28

Faith communications: Believe in your career

Religious institutions need content. Whether it’s a church, temple, mosque, charity, school, or outreach organization, there are jobs that combine faith and communication. Learn where they are, what they are, and how you can apply for one.

Naomi Balk, WORLD Journalism Institute
Nicole DeCriscio, The Owen County News
Joseph Holmes, The Media Project film critic
Laura Werner, Obama Foundation development writer
Rachel Balducci, Augusta University

3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28