Guidelines for Reporting Religion

Equality: Explain every religion as a new concept. Don’t assume your audience knows more about one religion than another; you never know the extent to which your audience members will understand a religion. Give the same time, respect, and research to each religion during the reporting process. Also provide the necessary information for an audience to fully understand a religion. Also see Context

Stereotypes: For every religion you are reporting on, be aware of the stereotypes, positive and negative, that you already have or that are common in the culture you are reporting in. This may include psychographic, demographic, geographic and behavioral factors.

Relevance: Avoid reporting one’s religion when it is not important to the story. This helps avoid intentional or unintentional unrelated connections between an event and the religion of those involved. On the other hand, make sure to include religion when it is relevant to the story or perhaps important to those involved in the story. Take extra care to consider including if it is a direct quote. Also see Remember to Report.

Research: 1.Unfamiliar Religion: talk in detail to the people of that religion that are involved in the story. Pay attention to history, beliefs and vocabulary. Also, conduct external research (eg. books, online). Talk to people to understand their story; clarify where you are unsure or confused. Do not use any assumptions you have about a religion in your reporting. 2. Familiar Religion: understand that there are many variations within one religion (Also see Variation). Make sure to conduct research and interviews that gather many viewpoints. Understand what parts of the religion are important and relevant to your story. You may have even stronger biases when you are familiar with a religion, so research is equally as important for a religion you are familiar with as one you are not familiar with.

Facts: Reporting facts on religion or religious events is valuable in maintaining an unbiased view, but you are also reporting on complex beliefs. You have to strive to understand both and consciously select whichever will represent the story most accurately.

Variation: Understand that every religion has variations within itself. For example, if there is a group that uses violence to enforce their religion, make sure your audience knows that this is just a group of a greater religion. The religion itself has no association to this group even if the group is tied associated with the religion. Also see Stereotypes

Description: Do not use offensive or assumptive words to describe a religion. Utilize facts about the religion, unless it is a direct quote or a necessary point to include beliefs.

Offensive Language: Don’t use religious words offensively, inside or outside of religious context, unless it is part of a direct quote. Also see Publishing Direct Quotes that Offend Religion or a type of Religion

Personal Religious/Spiritual Beliefs: Do not let your personal beliefs change what you write about your own religion or any other. Discuss it as objectively as possible; if you cannot, find a different topic or, at the least, disclose your own biases to your audience.

Publishing Direct Quotes that Offend Religion or a Type of Religion: Consider your audience and the importance of your quote to add content and understanding to the story. Also see Context

Context: Always include context for any story to do with religion. Also see Research, Equality

Vocabulary: Always check that you are using religious terms properly and respectfully. This means understanding their definition and connotations within the religion.

Remember to Report: Modern society can forget religion, but it is still a relevant part of society. Don’t forget to report on religion!

Politics: Many political issues, such as same-sex marriage and abortion, are also tied to religious beliefs. Understand where these tie together and be sensitive when discussing them in a political or religious context. Consider whether to use one context or the other (or both) depending on the story and the audience.

Respond Quickly to Feedback: Many topics on religion are sensitive, and you must be quick to respond to any questions or suggested corrections. If you misrepresent a religion or include incorrect facts, be quick and transparent in your corrections.