If priest, preacher and rabbi, as prophets, ignore that admonition, First Amendment protection for religious liberty will be in jeopardy. If the press, as prophet, ignores that admonition, press freedom will be no more secure. It's almost as if the two groups were separated by wind-blown waters as difficult to cross as the Red Sea. Small cadres of religion writers and religious publicists regularly traverse the waves, but they are hardly capable of parting the waters. And, from afar, otherwise dynamic communities of free expression impugn each other's motives and watch in apprehension.
Many believers say they are routinely portrayed in a bad light.
Other believers say the religious dimensions of news events are too often overlooked. This examination, the broadest to date, drew on the results of a survey answered by nearly 1,000 clergy and journalists, as well as more than 50 interviews, analysis of previous research in the field and published studies and reports. It is thus fitting that the Center seek to bridge the growing gap between U.S. journalists and religious communities by providing insights into possible causes and cures for the impasse. The resulting apprehensions inhibit the free flow of information and only add to misunderstanding. Many clergy are convinced the news coverage of religion is biased, unfairly negative, and too sensational.