Christchurch Convention Centre, Monday 23 August
Hosted by Victoria University of Wellington Religious Studies Programme
The reporting of religion by the media continues to be a topic that occupies the minds of both religious communities and journalists internationally and in New Zealand.
Do they reinforce stereotypes? Do they promote understanding of religious diversity?
Do religious media promote tolerance of other religions and respect for human rights?
What are the negatives and positives of the internet in relation to religious tolerance?
This forum will address these questions and lay the basis for the development of a Statement on the Media and Religion that will seek to reflect the concerns and rights of religious communities, the media and the general public.
The right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media are vital for democracy but should be exercised with responsibility.
Professor Paul Morris, will introduce the topic with an overview of the issues and a suggested outline of a Statement on the Media and Religion. A media perspective will be presented by Associate Professor Jim Tully, Head of the School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Canterbury. A panel of speakers including representatives of faith communities and the media will further develop the discussion with participants.
We would like to hear your views beforehand
You are invited to send in your views and experiences of religion and the media (including the internet) prior to the forum so that these can be included in the discussion. We encourage you to organize discussions on the topic beforehand. Please email paul.morris@vuw.ac.nz with your own comments or concerns, or outcomes of any discussions.
This forum is part of the annual New Zealand Diversity Forum. For details of other forums visit www.hrc.co.nz/diversityforum .
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