Thursday, September 26

Health Reform and Religious Freedom
Moderator: David Gibson, Religion News Service
Rev. Thomas Nairn, Catholic Health Association
Leslie Griffin, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Andrew Getz, St. Mary’s University
Dr. David Zientek, cardiologist and ethicist

Lunch and data release on Jews in America sponsored by Pew Religion
Alan Cooperman, Pew Research Center

Religion in the Public Square
Since this country's founding, U.S. citizens, elected officials and communities of faith have fought over interpretations of the Establishment and Free Expression clauses of the First Amendment. The next term of the U.S. Supreme Court that begins Oct. 7 is no exception, with church-state cases expected on the docket.  We'll make sure you're prepped with the background and sources you need.

• Moderator: Cathy Lynn Grossman, Religion News Service

• Jeff Mateer, Liberty Institute

• Beth Richardson, Kountze County High School cheerleading advisor and parent

• Eric Teetsel, Manhattan Declaration

• Kathy Miller, Texas Freedom Network

• Matt Killahunt, The Atheist Experience

Presentation on The Green Collection
Named for the family who founded U.S. arts and crafts retailer Hobby Lobby, The Green Collection is the world's largest private collection of rare biblical texts and artifacts. Scholars have scoured the world to assemble the more than 40,000 biblical antiquities that today comprise the collection. Hobby Lobby President Steve Green oversees the expansion and outreach of the collection and will serve as chairman of the board for a D.C.-based national museum that will be the collection’s permanent home. Presented by Steve Green.

Chasing the Myth of Sharia Law
At least seven states now ban Sharia from being imposed and nearly two-thirds of all U.S. states have introduced anti-Sharia bills in recent years. Yet for many Muslim Americans, Sharia is integral with belief and they argue that harsh punishments or unconstitutional aspects associated with Islamic law have either been exaggerated, abrogated or are superseded by U.S. law. 

• Moderator: Jennifery Preyss, Victoria Advocate

• Mark Pfeiffer, Baptist University of the Americas

• Hina Azam, University of Texas

Investigating Religion: The Continuing Story of Clergy Abuse
Moderator: Laurie Goodstein, The New York Times
Wiliam Bowen, Silentlambs
Basyle “Boz” Tchividjian, Liberty University School of Law
Candace Conti, litigiant

Opening reception sponsored by City of Peace Films

Friday, September 27

Breakfast presentation by author Christine Caine

Welcome & keynote speaker
For many devout evangelical Christians and Roman Catholics, debates with the White House about contraception and the morning-after pill confirm that the government simply doesn’t get God. But Joshua DuBois, President Obama’s former religious adviser and director of the White House faith-based initiative, insists that the men and women running the nation are a faithful flock. In fact, he argues that religion provides a rare non-partisan space where Republicans and Democrats do come together. Author of the upcoming book “The President’s Devotional: The Daily Readings that Inspired President Obama,” DuBois will present his evidence and make his case that Washington and politicians in general have a lot to offer the religion beat.
Moderator: Manya Brachear Pashman, The Chicago Tribune

The “Z” Word: The New Zionist Coalitions
The complex history and religious disputes in the Middle East present unique challenges in covering the topic of Israel, not just its impact on the Jewish community, but Christian and Muslim communities too. How does Zionism affect the diverse communities we cover and how has the Z-word evolved in recent years? Does it mean something different now than it did in the 20th Century? Also, how can reporters cover this movement in a time of limited budgets and zero travel opportunities? A range of experts help unpack this complex topic for reporters endeavoring to be fair and informative on this controversial subject.

• Moderator: Abe Levy, San Antonio Express-News

• Rabi David Saperstein, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

• George Mamo, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

Lunch: Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?
Greg Burke, Vatican Secretariat of State
Alejandro Bermudez, ACI Prensa and Catholic News Agency

PRRI Hispanic Values Survey release
Embargoed results of this survey of 1,200 Hispanics designed to give a portrait of this fast-growing segment of voters.
Moderator: Ken Chitwood, Houston Chronicle
Robert P. Jones, Public Religion Research Institute

Latino Faith: Embracing a Pope; Challenging Tradition
The Catholic Church has its first Latin American pope, placing a spotlight on Hispanic Catholics. Meanwhile, the booming Hispanic population overall is fueling much change in the faith world from immigration policy to doctrine and practices. Experts from diverse backgrounds talk about the latest trends in this growing community.

• Moderator: Ken Chitwood, Houston Chronicle

• Javier Elizondo, Christianity Today

• Arturo Chavez, Mexican American Catholic College

• Carl Trovall, U.S. Latino religion commentator

RNA member meeting

Dinner sponsored by AFFIRM Films

Saturday, September 28

Breakfast with Atheists
A spectrum of nonbelievers will discuss the diverse movement to help journalists  understand how the groups work together to gain social and political clout. 

• Jesse Galef, Secular Student Alliance

• Brian Magee, American Humanist Association

• Jason Torpy, Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers

• Dave Silverman, American Atheists

• Teresa MacBain, The Clergy Project

• Sarah Morehead, Recovering from Religion

• Amanda Metskas, Camp Quest

Beyond the Rainbow: Supreme Court, Marriage Equality and Faith
This panel will explore current issues in marriage equality and faith groups, how some are reconciling it with their faith, with the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s fight for marriage equality within how others are promoting LGBT rights as a matter of justice.

• Moderator: Amanda Greene, Religion & Faith Program for the Human Rights Campaign

• Rev. Karen Thompson, MCC Austin

• Mark Regnerus, University of Texas

• Ross Murray, GLAAD’s faith & values initiative

• Dr. Sharon Groves, Religion & Faith Program for the Human Rights Campaign

Digital Faith and Ministries: How the Internet is Transforming Faith
How is the digital revolution changing how religious organizations and faith leaders operate and communicate? What are the latest social media trends? Furthermore, how can religion reporters also use their online presence to enhance their coverage?

• Moderator: Tracy Simmons, Spokane Faith & Values

• Heidi Campbell, author

• Amanda Quraishi, Mobile Loaves & Fishes

Lunch with authors: A Smart-Ass Tattoed Lady and a Middle-Aged Sexual Deviant Talk about Jesus
 This is a dialogue with Authors Nadia Bolz-Weber and Sara Miles, both known for their bold, innovative work with new Christian communities inside and outside of churches. 

Young and Muslim in the U.S.—at a Crossroad
Challenges facing young Muslims today include questions about who they are and how they define their U.S. identity. Studies show young Muslims are often more observant than their parents, yet they seek a way to meld being faithful to Islam while remaining part of U.S. culture. The diversity and cultural differences among U.S. Muslims adds to their challenges. 

• Moderator: Eileen Flynn, freelancer

• Shahed Amanullah, U.S. Department of State

• Sobia Lodhi, broadcast reporter

• Mohamed Elibiary, Homeland Security Enterprise

Field trip: Austin Hindu temple & community center
Radha Madhav Dham is the main U.S. center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. It is located on over 200 acres of scenic land in the Hill Country south of Austin, Texas. Radha Madhav Dham is home to Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple, and is the largest Hindu temple and ashram complex in America. Its guru is Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, who is revered as a saint. Each year millions of devotees living in the West make pilgrimages to Radha Madhav Dham to experience its serene atmosphere, to see the breathtaking temple architecture and shrine, to participate in its Hindu celebrations and festivals, and to learn about the teachings of Hindu religion. 

Silent auction

Awards banquet and book briefing by Jerry B. Jenkins
Left-Behind Series co-author Jerry B. Jenkins will talk briefly about his latest project, "I, Saul." Then we'll dine and celebrate the best of the best by awarding 45 prizes to our peers.