Religion Newswriters Association press releases

AUGUST 26, 2002

Religion Newswriters Association announces national launch of ReligionLink: Resources for Reporters

Clergy sex abuse. Terrorism. "Under God." Islam. School vouchers. Religion has hit the news this year in tidal-force waves that reach far beyond church, synagogue and mosque walls.

That's why the Religion Newswriters Association is pleased to announce today the national launch of ReligionLink: Resources for Reporters. It's located at www.religionwriters.com.

ReligionLink is a free, internet-based service that equips print and broadcast journalists with expertise when they encounter religion in stories about government, politics, education, social services, science and other areas of public life.

It does not take sides on issues and has no ties to any religious organization.

Each biweekly issue is essentially a kit that helps reporters produce sophisticated stories fast. Each includes several story ideas pegged to today's news, along with background, Web resources and interview sources for every region of the country. ReligionLink is distributed by email and posted on the Web site www.religionwriters.com. To subscribe, e-mail subscribe@religionwriters.com.

ReligionLink is unique because it recognizes that religion plays out differently in different regions of the country-and that local reporters need local sources. Each story idea includes information and interview sources for states across the nation, thanks to a national staff of award-winning journalists in the secular media.

ReligionLink's searchable archives show the range of issues covered, including:
• A Sept. 11 anniversary edition with four story ideas, ranging from the changing role of charities to how Muslims will observe Sept. 11,
• A guide to covering the U.S. Supreme Court's school vouchers decision,
• Story ideas on graduation prayers and a movement to teach the Bible in public schools,
• The effect of the Roman Catholic church scandals on state laws and victims' movements.

"Finding the faith angle can be time consuming and complicated. ReligionLink makes it easy. Our journalists scope out the hottest news about religion in public life, before it's widely covered elsewhere," said Debra Mason, executive director of the Religion Newswriters Association and its Foundation.

ReligionLink is a project of the Religion Newswriters Foundation, the educational arm of the Religion Newswriters Association. RNA is a 50-year-old, independent organization of journalists who cover religion for the secular media. ReligionLink is funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.