Religion News Association to host webinar on covering protests in houses of worship

March 12, 2026 at 11:01 a.m. ET

Religion News Association will host a webinar on March 20, 2026, examining the legal, ethical, and practical challenges journalists face when covering protests inside houses of worship.

The webinar, Free Speech, Sacred Space, will explore what happens when protest, worship, and the press intersect. The discussion will focus on the First Amendment implications of protests in religious spaces and offer practical guidance for reporters navigating tense or rapidly evolving situations.

Moderated by Religion News Service national reporter Bob Smietana, the conversation will feature Manya Brachear Pashman, a veteran religion journalist and communications professional, and Ken Paulson, president of the Free Speech Center.

Panelists will discuss journalists’ legal rights when covering protests on private religious property, ethical considerations when reporting on disruptions during worship services, and practical strategies for documenting events while maintaining professionalism and safety.

The webinar will conclude with a live question-and-answer session with attendees.

The event will take place Friday, March 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET. It will be recorded and made available on Religion News Association’s YouTube channel following the event.

Click here to register for Free Speech, Sacred Space

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About the Religion News Association
Since 1949, the Religion News Association has been the premier professional association for people who report on religion in the news media. Our mission is to equip journalists throughout the world with the tools and resources they need to cover religion with balance, accuracy and insight.

Contact
Emily Churchill
Director, Religion News Association
[email protected]

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