Below are resources from our two-day conference in Johannesburg. This conference was co-sponsored by The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (TEASA)

Pictures from the conference

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“THE BIBLICAL CASE FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM”

Khatu Mamaila, Editor of The City Press

The Bible clearly teaches journalists to report the truth, regardless of the situation and any short-term persecution, said South African journalist Khatu Mamaila to the Conference of Media & Religion in Johannesburg. The immediate payoff is inner peace, he said. The long-term payoff is better government and a healthier society. Go to summary.

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“THE POWER OF THE THE MEDIA: A SECULAR CHALLENGE
& A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE”

Journalist and documentarian Elna Boesak

Journalists in the transnational mainstream media have abandoned the struggle for liberation, and instead of serving the interests of democracy they now protect the global status quo, said veteran South African journalist Elna Boesak in her impassioned presentation to the “Media & Religion” conference. Go to the summary. | Go to the full text.

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“MEDIA & ETHICS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT: A VIEW FROM THE PRESS OMBUDSMAN”

Joe Thloloe, South Africa’s national press ombudsman, sounded a contrary note in his speech to the OCRPL’s Media & Religion conference when he said South Africa’s constitution, not religion, is the best foundation for media ethics. Go to the summary.

Mr. Thloloe comments on religion’s influence in journalism

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“THE GROWTH OF PENTECOSTALS & ECONOMIC PROGRESS IN SOUTH AFRICA”

Dr. Lawrence Schlemmer, Sociologist and Consultant in Development Studies

Pentecostals deserve more credit for South Africa’s recent socio-economic success than more celebrated programs like black-empowerment policy and affirmative action, according to consultant and sociologist Dr. Lawrence Schlemmer.

Schlemmer just completed a research project funded by the Centre for Development and Enterprise to understand the social role of Pentecostals in South Africa. He highlighted some surprising findings for the journalists attending the Oxford Centre’s conference on Media & Religion in Johannesburg. Go to the summary article. | Go the full text.

Dr. Schlemmer comments on the uniquenesses of South Africa’s Pentecostals