Valuable Tips to Consider When Covering Religion
Journalists will have to cover religion at some point in their careers. Reporting on religion is not only important because it introduces the public to different beliefs and practices, but it can also foster understanding and promote dialogue between different communities. However, journalists must approach this subject with care and sensitivity to avoid misrepresenting, stereotyping, or offending entire communities.
WHY DOES REPORTING ON RELIGION MATTER?
Reporting on religion matters because people turn to religion for answers, much like they do with journalism. “The pulpit is a major platform for mobilizing people,” said Kamran Chaudhry, a correspondent for UCA News in Pakistan. “Covering a story without the voices of these religious leaders doesn’t do it justice.”
Religion also plays an important role in society, and reporting on it can help people better understand how religion influences politics, culture, and social norms. “[Journalists must] understand the interplay between social and religious issues, and how belief and religious practices shape an individual and influences [their] relationship with others,” said Ekpali Saint, a freelance reporter based in Nigeria.
Furthermore, reporting on religion can help raise awareness of issues related to religion, such as discrimination, persecution, and religious freedom. By shedding light on these issues, journalists can help promote social justice and human rights.
Below are some tips for journalists reporting on religion.
UNDERSTAND THE BASICS
It is essential to have a basic understanding of the religion you are covering. Research the history, beliefs, practices, and customs of the religion before conducting interviews or writing a story. “Aside from research and interviews, spend time observing and experiencing the community at regular services or events, even without a story in mind,” said Megan Clark Saliashvili, a freelance religion reporter.
AVOID STEREOTYPES AND GENERALIZATIONS
Do not assume that all followers of a particular religion are the same. Just like any other group of people, there are differences within the same religion. Avoid using stereotypes and generalizations that may offend people. “Know what you don’t know, and cultivate a variety of credible sources in that religion. Try not to relate other religions to your own faith or experience of a particular faith, and just understand the religion primarily on its own terms, in its own history first,” Saliashvili says. “Ask sources a lot of questions about what you have found in your reporting so far, and really listen to their answers.”
USE CAREFUL AND COMMUNITY-APPROVED LANGUAGE
It is important to use the proper terminology when reporting on religion. Be aware of the terms that the religion uses to describe itself and its followers, and use them correctly. “Sometimes, the way journalists cover or represent a particular religious faith or practice may be different from how members of that particular religious group see it. This could result in misunderstandings,” Saint explained. “Journalists who are not theologians should leave the interpretation of the sacred texts, specific words, traditions, dogma, practice and belief system of a religion to experts and religious authorities.”
SEEK MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES
When reporting on religion, it is important to seek multiple perspectives. This will help you provide a balanced and accurate view of the religion and its followers. Talk to different people, including religious leaders, scholars, and ordinary people, to get a broader perspective.
AVOID SENSATIONALISM IN THE FACE OF RELIGIOUS CONFLICT
Religion is itself a sensitive topic, and reporting religious conflict can be controversial. Avoid sensationalizing the story or using clickbait headlines that may be offensive to the religion or its followers. Instead, stick to the perspectives of the religion(s) involved in conflict. “Understand that it’s very emotional for someone affected by the conflict to read a biased or misinformed take in the media — it can feel like another attack, leaving communities feeling helpless and voiceless to share, from their perspective, what the real story is,” warned Saliashvili.
UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT
If you’re not working a religion beat, chances are a story involving religion(s) or religious conflict will still come across your desk. If so, it’s important to lean into the task at hand and understand the intersectional conversation at play between the religion and the other communities and identities involved in your story. “When religion comes up in your normal reporting, don’t ignore it. Lean into it and ask more questions, said Saliashvili. “Just as race, socio-economic status or cultural background may affect a story, a person’s religious identity could also affect the story.”
Religion has been a driving force behind so much in history: empires, wars, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and even huge world wonders. It remains the driving force throughout many peoples’ lives today. It takes understanding and research, as well as invited dialogue from participants, to create a well-crafted piece.
