LANCASTER, Pa. — Writers and editors within the Christian periodical market will address the two hot-button issues of immigration and civility during the annual convention of the Evangelical Press Association when it convenes in Lancaster, Pa., on April 6 to 8, 2016.
“The Evangelical Response to Immigration and the Refugee Crisis” is the subject of a forum scheduled for Thursday morning, April 7. Speakers include Jenny Yang, Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief; David Shenk, Global Missions Consultant with Eastern Mennonite Missions and author of “Christian. Muslim. Friend: Twelve Paths to Real Relationship;” Christine Baer, Congregational Resource Developer at Church World Service Lancaster; and moderator Jon Hirst, president and CEO of Global Mapping International.
Hirst will also lead a workshop teaching writers how to communicate about the refugee crisis, while Yang will address migration as it relates to the biblical Great Commission.
Friday morning, April 8, will feature the forum, “Civil Discourse in a Polarized Society.” The speakers are Karen Swallow Prior, Professor of English at Liberty University and a prolific writer on cultural issues in both religious and secular media; Ronald Sider, Senior Distinguished Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry and Public Policy at Palmer Theological Seminary and President Emeritus of Evangelicals for Social Action; and Michael Wear, founder of Public Square Strategies and former White House staffer for a faith-based initiative to manage engagement on religious and values issues during President Obama’s first term.
Prior will also lead a workshop presentation on how to engage the culture effectively through writing.
“Social media tends to arouse heated emotions instead of encouraging rational discussion on cultural issues,” said Executive Director Lamar Keener. “As evangelical thought leaders, our writers and editors are serious about cultivating a distinctly Christian worldview that is communicated reasonably and effectively.”
The opening keynote speaker for the convention is Bryan Loritts, lead pastor for Abundant Life Christian Fellowship in Silicon Valley, California, and former Pastor for Preaching and Mission at Trinity Grace Church in New York City. Named one of the top thirty emerging Christian leaders, Loritts has written several books including “Right Color/Wrong Culture.”
Other keynote speakers include radio personality Brant Hansen, host of the Brant Hansen Show heard on contemporary Christian stations nationwide, and Naomi Zacharias, director of Wellspring International, an initiative devoted to providing financial grants to international efforts working with at-risk women and children.
The convention, which will be held at the Lancaster County Convention Center, will draw Christian magazine editorial and creative design professionals from all over North America.
—–
The Evangelical Press Association is a professional association of Christian publications—magazines, newspapers and newsletters—and content-rich websites. Founded in 1948, its 300 members have a combined readership of more than 15 million. For information, visit evangelicalpress.com/convention.
# # #
Members of the press interested in attending the forums:
