2010 RNA Annual Conference

The 61st Annual RNA Awards Ceremony

Sponsored by FaithWords/Hachette Book Group, featuring author Philip Yancey and his new book, "What Good is God? In Search of a Faith That Matters."

Investigating religious institutions and their leaders differs from any other topic. Investigative skills have been crucial for the latest reports on clergy abuse and faith groups. Yet investigations into faith communities also bring charges of bias and public attacks on the character of journalists. RNA members share their tips in how to weather public rebuke, how to find time for long-term projects and how documents can be a reporter’s best friend. Moderated by Melissa Nann Burke, York Daily Record.

Panelists:

Laurie Goodstein, The New York Times

Melissa Nann Burke, York Daily Record

Dan Burke, Religion News Service

Who is the next public face of Evangelicalism? With Billy Graham retired and James Dobson gone from from his powerful spot, who will replace these forceful voices among evangelicals? When news happens and you’re looking for an evangelical perspective, whom do you call? Moderated by Steve Rabey.

Panelists:

Esther Fleece, Focus on the Family

R. Albert Mohler, Jr., Southern Baptist Seminary

We are all keeping our eyes on the online audience. What will draw audiences in and keep them? Serious explorations of news, theology and denominations? Or the "fog” of spirituality (as one blog calls it). Or angel-puppies inspirational fluff? What do the metrics tell us? Religion journalists at the forefront of communicating online share their experiences. Moderated by USA TODAY’s Cathy Grossman.

Panelists:

Alana B. Elias Kornfeld, The Huffington Post

Rod Dreher, John Templeton Foundation

Eric Marrapodi, CNN.com

Sponsored by Lovell-Fairchild, Wynkoop Brewing Company, 1634 18th St.

LANDMARKS, LANDMINES AND THE CHRISTIAN FILM MARKET

Welcome to the religion reporter's "Whom would you invite?" fantasy guest list: Producer David Evans (THE GRACE CARD), famed actor Corbin Bernsen (RUST, LA LAW, PSYCH) and actor Michael Joiner (THE GRACE CARD). Hear never-before-told war stories and inside strategies from pioneers of a new film niche. Hear what makes a movie Christian, who's making Christian movies, the stats, the criticisms, the kudos, the landmarks, and the landmines. Make them tremble as they field questions in a roomful of top reporters. And enjoy a great meal.

We are familiar with spiritual directors, a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church and other faiths. But today there are self-appointed spiritual teachers all over the internet and networks of speakers. They often claim to help people find spiritual peace. But who are these people? Do credentials matter? How do you know a genuine teacher from a guru with a gimmick? What are the uses, abuses and charm of this self-appointed role? Moderated by Kimberly Winston.

When is a celebrity’s faith on or off limits? Is it anybody’s business? And how do you write about a celebrity’s religion without making them sound like poster children for the cause? Rainn Wilson, a star of NBC’s "The Office,” tells how he chooses to discuss his faith. Moderated by The Star-Ledger’s Jeff Diamant.

When is a celebrity’s faith on or off limits? Is it anybody’s business? And how do you write about a celebrity’s religion without making them sound like poster children for the cause? Rainn Wilson, a star of NBC’s "The Office,” tells how he chooses to discuss his faith. Moderated by The Star-Ledger’s Jeff Diamant.