Religion and the news

At a time when religion is hitting headlines every day, knowledge and understanding of faith and its place in our world has never been more important. Now, Dr Michael Munnik, of the School of History, Archaeology and Religion, is helping to put this topic firmly on the agenda by contributing to Wales' first training event on religion. When Religion Makes the News is a one-day National Union of Journalists' workshop which will concentrate on the importance for journalism of grasping and interpreting the powerful impetus of religion on the world today. It is designed to open up religious literacy - how religion shapes lives, politics and conflict - by offering expertise, resources and the space to discuss approaches. As part of the event, Dr Munnik - who is a former radio journalist - will share a case study from his research and lead a forum enabling participants to share experiences and dilemmas. Dr Munnik said: "Fifteen years ago, it was easy and editors to ignore religion. Religion was seen as fusty, antiquated, and—perhaps worst for journalism—untrue.