The results of The Fifth Conference
of the Assoñiation of Christian Journalists
On April 10 - 12, 2003, the Fifth Conference of the Assoñiation of Christian Journalists (ACJ) took place. 28 delegates participated in the Conference, representing periodicals of different Christian orientations.
Greetings were sent to the Conference by representatives of a
number of Russian secular and religious organizations,
including S.V Ryakhovsky, President of the Union of Russian
Christian of Evangelical Faith, A.V Shchipkov, Head of the
Guild of Religious Journalists of Media-Soyuz, and others.
ACJ President Sergey Alexandrovich Romanov reported on the work done thus far. He drew attention to the dynamism of the Association of Christian Journalists, which has successfully met several challenges in its short life. Already ACJ has become registered, has adopted a number of regulatory documents, and has established partnership with many influential religious and secular organizations. In addition, ACJ has almost doubled its membership, which now stands at 56, and has successfully held major conferences in Saint Petersburg, Minsk and Ivano-Frankovsk.
At the Krasnodar Conference, round-table discussions focussed on several key issues, including the relationship between Christian mass media and Church, mass media and the state, the theme of Motherland and patriotism in Christian printed media, and other important topics. Plans for further development of ACJ were outlined, including a plan to offer journalism studies (both Internet-based and live regional seminars with visiting experts), with participation from Christian and secular institutions of higher education within the country. Other plans for the development of ACJ include enhancements to the website, initiatives to attract sponsors who would help to underwrite the cost of Christian media, and the granting of awards for excellence in Christian publishing.
The Conference adopted open letters to the President of the country, to the Minister of Press and Information of Russia, as well as to a number of secular periodicals, regarding violations of the anti-violence and anti-pornography laws of the Russian Federation. Appeals for cooperation were also made to the heads of the three leading branches of Christianity in Russia (Russian Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant
Other highlights of the conference include the presentation of a Code of Ethics for Christian Journalists, and the addition of 14 new members to the Association of Christian Journalists, including 4 representatives of foreign countries (Moldova and Germany).
Overall, the conference, which was hosted by the Vifania congregation, was a great success. The Association of Christian Journalists wishes to express its gratitude to all those who prayed for us and contributed to the success of the Conference.
With love in the Lord Jesus Christ,
ACJ office, Secretariat for International Relations
