Episcopal Life Board of Governors Adopts Editorial Policy, Marks First Year of Publication
Episcopal News Service. April 4, 1991 [91089]
An editorial and advertising policy for Episcopal Life was approved at the first meeting of the newly elected Board of Governors in mid-March.
The board, whose membership includes clergy and lay representatives from each of the nine provinces, met at the Episcopal Church Center to review the national newspaper's first year of operation, reflect on its editorial responsibility to the church and its readers, and begin to develop a marketing strategy.
"I was very pleased with the meeting. Episcopal Life is off to a good beginning, yet we have a great deal of work to do," said Bishop John MacNaughton of the Diocese of West Texas and chairman of the board. He said that the board would turn its attention to marketing with "the original goal of having Episcopal Life read in every Episcopal home."
According to MacNaughton the board would also pursue the goal of a "truly national newspaper for the Episcopal Church. One concern that surfaced -- and will continue to surface -- is how to help the newspaper represent viewpoints of the whole church and not just particular segments or articulate pressure groups," he said.
"Our challenge is to reflect the church's diversity of ministries," said Jerry Hames, editor of Episcopal Life. "However, we must also serve as a source of information and analysis on programs and initiatives of the General Convention, the Executive Council, and the presiding bishop," he added. Hames reported that members of the board were supportive of the newspaper, but also offered "some constructive criticism."
"We want to include more diverse opinion and an opportunity for dialogue where dissenting or minority voices can be heard," Hames added. Yet, he pointed out that giving a forum to those voices provokes response from those who disagree with them.
"We have had a lively response to the paper in the 'Letters to the Editor' section -- both supportive and critical of Episcopal Life and of the church leadership," Hames said. "I think the letters have reflected our readers' concerns about the difficult and divisive issues that confront the church and society."
The editorial policy, a Mission Statement for Episcopal Life, recognizes the publication as an independently edited, national newspaper of the church and a principal vehicle in the ministry of communication.
Episcopal Life is called upon to report "faithfully, accurately and without bias" news and opinions in the Episcopal Church, the worldwide Anglican Communion, and other faith communities, according to the policy. It is charged with reporting significant developments in ministry and mission within parishes, dioceses, and provinces.
The board approved an advertising policy that is consistent with the editorial policy and the policies of General Convention and Executive Council. It prohibits advertising for tobacco, alcoholic beverages other than communion wine, or products related to illegal drugs.
The board received a financial report and reviewed sources of income from advertising and subscriptions. It called for a review of promotion and subscription plans and appointed a task force to be convened by the Rev. Bob Libby, former national communication staff member and diocesan communicator who is currently rector of St. Christopher's by-the-Sea in Key Biscayne, Florida.
Members of the board are Bishop John MacNaughton (chair); Mary Lou Lavalle of Springfield, Massachusetts (Province I); Nell Gibson of New York (Province II); Mary Lee Simpson of Roanoke, Virginia (Province III); the Rev. Bob Libby of Key Biscayne, Florida (Province IV); Lois May Prusok of Marquette, Michigan (Province V); Barbara Benedict of Denver, Colorado (Province VI); Daryl Murphy of Irving, Texas (Province VII); Sarah T. Moore of Salt Lake City, Utah (Province VIII); and the Rev. Luis Serrano of San Salvador, El Salvador (Province IX).