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Statement of Purpose and Editorial Policy

Statement of Purpose

evangelicals now (en) exists to serve the church of Jesus Christ by publishing news, comment, features and analysis about the Christian world and contemporary culture in a way that envisions, enlightens and equips Christian believers, so that they might prayerfully and joyfully serve Christ with a more complete awareness of the times in which we live.

As a news organisation of record, the newspaper seeks to report and record news (whether good, bad, ugly or neutral) in a way that is fair-minded, honest, independent and aspires to the highest level of integrity. The criteria we use to evaluate news are in line with generally accepted good journalistic practice, such as those set out in the UNESCO-sponsored The News Manual.1 

We seek to do this:

  • responsibly, communicating in a lively and engaging way.
  • impartially, without fear or favour to individuals, groups or organisations
  • clearly, maintaining a distinction between news pieces to be read as fact, and comment articles where authors may express a variety of opinions, allowing readers to reach their own conclusions.

As a Christian newspaper, en is committed to speaking the truth in love. We will seek to view the attitudes, words and actions of our fellow believers in the best light. We will endeavour to give people the benefit of the doubt. Yet in the interests of truth and love we must be ready to call out those whose attitudes, words and actions clearly deny the demands of truth and love.

We will, therefore - in line with accepted journalistic standards - occasionally use verified confidential sources where this is necessary to protect someone, for truth to emerge, or other compelling reasons. We will not knowingly print gossip. A commitment to impartiality means en will never suppress bad news. To do so risks being complicit with, or perpetuating, cover-ups or unhealthy and damaging cultures. Where we make factual mistakes, we will seek to correct them as soon as is reasonably possible.

We seek the prayers, support and forbearance of our readers as we aim to glorify God by striving for the highest quality and standards in our organisation and output while acknowledging the inevitable imperfections of work in this fallen world.

1. Hensall, P & Ingram, D; Sydney: Poroman Press, 1991

 

Editorial Policy

evangelicals now is a reformed, evangelical, independent Christian newspaper that seeks to encourage readers in their knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures and the times we live in. We aim to be independent-minded, Christ-centred, gospel-hearted and generous-spirited. 

We encourage lively debate between those who love the gospel of grace and who look to the Bible as their ultimate source of authority on all things spiritual. While being immovable on the fundamental truths of evangelical Christian faith (see our statement of faith), en is not trying to establish an orthodoxy on issues over which Christians will come to different conclusions. So you are certain to read articles expressing views on things that you disagree with in the newspaper! But that does not mean that these approaches are the views of the editor - or a view that en is trying to promote. Our role is to promote the biblical gospel and to both reflect the variety of opinion within evangelical circles, and to be a platform for honest debate and interaction.

Please feel free to contact us and enter the conversation about these things in a constructive and humble spirit. We are happy to publish letters and articles expressing contrary views, that contribute to the discussion, so long as they maintain the standards incumbent on all believers to speak the truth in love and to build one another up.

When publishing articles that relate to harm and abuse, we do so knowing that no single article can deal with all the aspects of these complex situations. en seeks to provide a forum for us all to learn as broadly as possible from such sinful, shameful and sometimes criminal actions. Our foremost thoughts and prayers must be with the survivors and victims of such experiences. en is indebted to the advice, guidance and support of Thirtyone:eight who are leaders in this complex area. All editorial decisions remain with and are taken by en, with which full responsibility for all content rests. The views of contributors to en do not necessarily reflect en’s editorial position on any given issue and should not be read as such. Nor does carrying an advert necessarily represent endorsement of the advertiser.