It is no secret that Baptist "news" outlets have found it difficult on occasion to actually report the news. (At least, in a classical sense.) Some of these "news" outlets can be more accurately described as "commentary" because their "news stories" represent a particular angle--perhaps an angle that is given to them from an office down the hall.Never was this more apparent than in the "reporting" on A Southern Baptist Declaration on the Environment and Climate Change by Baptist Press. Nearly a week after the story broke, Baptist Press ran a heap of articles (I lost count at 15) on the subject. Only one opinion piece could be interpreted as representing an opposing side. At one point, every story on their main page was related to this topic--a move that has been politely called "heavyhanded." Baptist Press even received a lashing from SBCOutpost regarding a slanted and condescending title to a "news" story; it was changed later that day.
Over that week, I sent several emails to the Editor of Baptist Press asking to share my point of view or explain the other side of the "news" being presented. Even though he and I had spoken on several occasions during the month leading up to this, I never received a response to these emails. I think it is fair to say that no self-respecting "news" organization would print stories calling me by name without allowing me to share an opposing view or at least respond to my emails. That is unless the "news" organization was merely offering commentary.
Yet, The Christian Index released a series of stories this week that gives me hope. The architect, Joe Westbury, posted articles both for and against and printed our interview in transcipt format. (You may remember that Westbury was the one who went against the grain and broke the NAMB story that caused such an uproar and ultimately resulted in the release of that agency's President.) Gerald Harris, Joe Westbury and The Index staff prove that Baptist journalism is alive and well in Duluth, GA. I know I speak for others who appreciate what they are trying to do. Here's to hoping others will follow.
