Religion Communicators Council Races Into 2012

Gathering for a luncheon two weeks before Christmas, the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) listened as Bob Smietana gave them tips to garner attention from the media for any cause. “There has to be tension, conflict, change, transformation…” he said about getting a press release picked up and run. This is a fast paced society and to be in the paper, there must be some “wow” factor about the news you have to offer.

“Wow” describes the upcoming year for the Nashville Chapter, starting in January with a presentation called “Pastors and Politics,” where members will hear from clergy who have found an additional—if lesser—calling to work in some part of the government. January is also the month where the Nashville RCC collects entries and coordinates judging for the DeRose-Hinkhouse awards, given annually to active members of the RCC who demonstrate excellence in religious communications and public relations. Additional programming includes taking an active role in the annual RCC Convention in April, and beginning preparations for the 2014 convention in Nashville.

Rev. Brian Fesler, president of the Nashville RCC urges religious communications professionals and students to get involved. Fesler promotes the ideals of religious peace and tolerance, and accepting the beliefs of others while strengthening one’s own. “I’m a Scientologist. Our Executive Council is Methodist, Baha’i and Jewish, and we’re open to all denominations of all faiths. This organization has been furthering the cause of religious communications since 1829. There is no better way to learn about other traditions and hone your professional communications skill than to connect up with the RCC,” he says.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC), founded in 1929, is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and in public relations. The RCC provides opportunities for religion communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of religious faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups. RCC includes local chapters in various cities and regions around the country. Local chapters meet regularly for programming and networking.

For more information, visit www.religioncommunicators.org.