2011 RNA Annual Conference

*Please note that part of this session is not included in the podcast because of a technical error.*

The rise of organizations and movements that see Islam as a threat to the United States has been gaining steam. Who funds them, how legitimate are they, and how can reporters cover them fairly and accurately?

# Speakers

- Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press

- Zuhdi Jasser, American Islamic Forum for Democracy

- Faiz Shakir, Center for American Progress

- Bob Smietana, The Tennessean

# Moderator

- Jaweed Kaleem, The Huffington Post

The Godless movement is growing increasingly bold, and for the first time in memory, gaining traction in the broader public. Where’s it going and how can reporters better follow the movement?

# Speakers

- Bart Ehrman, UNC Chapel Hill

- Todd Stiefel, Stiefel Freethought Foundation

- Wendy Kaminer, The Atlantic

# Moderator

- Yonat Shimron, Religion News Service

*Please note that part of this session is not included in the podcast because of a technical error.*

Mitchell Gold is as well known for his gay rights activism as for his furniture and home decor line branded with his business partner Bob Williams. Gold will talk about the reissue of his book "Crisis," in which he calls attention to religious based-bigotry and the physical and psychological toll it takes on LGBT youth.

Speaker: Mitchell Gold, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

The proliferation of social media poses opportunities for journalists, but also risks. Can religion reporters remain neutral online? Should they even try?

# Speakers

- Ryan Thornburg, UNC Chapel Hill

- J.D. Kaleem, The Huffington Post

- Sarah Pulliam Bailey, Christianity Today

- Kate Shellnutt, Houston Chronicle

# Moderator

- Amanda Greene, StarNews

*Please note that part of this session is not included in the podcast because of a technical error.*

The emergence of the Tea Party, the revolts in the Muslim countries, the growing acceptance of same-sex marriage --- all have religious implications. But how big a role will religion play in the 2012 presidential race? Our experts make their predictions.

# Speakers

- John Green, Pew Forum for Religion and Public Life & University of Akron

- Melinda Henneberger, Politics Daily

- Laura Olson, Clemson University

# Moderator

- Jeff Diamant, The Star Ledger

U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley’s investigation into the finances of several evangelical ministries has led to the formation of a commission to review accountability practices among churches. What does the future hold for the tax-exempt sector?

# Speakers

- Ole Anthony, Trinity Foundation

- Michael E. Batts, Commission on Accountability and Policy for the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability

# Moderator

- Daniel Burke, Religion News Service

Hundreds of evangelical churches have rediscovered orphan care and have made adoption a growing imperative. Orphan theology is an emerging field. What are the forces behind this change?

# Speakers

- Russell Moore, Southern Seminary & author of Adopted for Life

- Dan Cruver, Together for Adoption & author of Reclaiming Adoption

- Jodi Jackson Tucker, National Orphan Sunday for the Christian Alliance for Orphans & mother of three adopted children from Uganda

# Moderator

Julia Duin, The Washington Post