RNA2017: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 68th RNA Annual Conference!

5:00pm CDT

Registration desk open

Head toward the Tennessee Section of Gaylord's Convention Center area and look for Level 0. Locate the Ryman Ballroom, and look for section A. The RNA Conference registration desk will be just outside those doors in the hallway.

Wednesday September 6, 2017 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hallway outside Ryman Ballroom

Registration

8:00am CDT

Registration desk open

Thursday September 7, 2017 8:00am - 8:00pm CDT
Hallway outside Ryman Ballroom

Registration

8:15am CDT

Pre-Conference Programming 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (additional fee)

Thursday September 7, 2017 8:15am - 5:00pm CDT
Gaylord Opryland Hotel 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Pre-conference programming

8:30am CDT

PANEL: American Values, Mental Health, and Using Technology in the Age of Trump: Findings from the Baylor Religion Survey, Wave V

“American Values, Mental Health and Using Technology in the Age of Trump” — the latest analysis from the Baylor Religion Survey — examines four themes:

The religious, political and ideological values of Trump voters
Mental health and religion in America today
The geography of religion
The intersection of technology and religion

Participants were 1,501 adults chosen randomly from across the country to respond to the survey, designed by Baylor University scholars and administered by the Gallup Organization.

This panel is sponsored by Baylor University.

Contact:
Terry Goodrich
254-710-3321
terry_goodrich@baylor.edu

Speakers

Paul Froese

Professor, Baylor University

Paul Froese is a professor of sociology at Baylor University and the director of the Baylor Religion Surveys. He is the author of several books and research articles. His most recent book is "On Purpose: How We Create the Meaning of Life," published by Oxford University Press.521-657-8891... Read More →

Jerry Park

Associate Professor of Sociology, Baylor University

Jerry Park is an associate professor of sociology at Baylor University. His research interests focus on racial and religious minority experiences and mainstream attitudes toward those minority groups. He has published more than 35 peer-reviewed academic articles and book chapters... Read More →

Lindsay Wilkinson

Assistant Professor of Sociology, Baylor University

Areas of study: medical sociology, aging and the life course, social stratification, and quantitative methods. My research examines the relationship between health and social stratification over the life course, including financial strain, with an emphasis on women’s health.254-710-3321... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2017 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Pre-conference programming

10:00am CDT

PANEL: A Battle of Church and State: Examining Topical Controversies

Two Constitutional attorneys examine topical controversies.

Sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation

Contact:
Amit Pal
608-213-2819
apal@ffrf.org

Speakers

Rebecca Markert

Legal Director, Freedom From Religion Foundation

Rebecca S. Markert is the legal director for FFRF. She attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison and received her B.A. in political science, international relations and German in 1998. Markert attended Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, Rhode Island, and received... Read More →

Andrew Seidel

Director of Strategic Response, Freedom From Religion Foundation

608-256-8900 // @AndrewLSeidel // Andrew Seidel graduated cum laude from Tulane University with a B.S. in neuroscience and environmental science and magna cum laude from Tulane University Law School in 2009, where he was awarded the Haber J. McCarthy Award for excellence in... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2017 10:00am - 11:15am CDT
Gaylord Opryland Hotel 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Pre-conference programming

11:30am CDT

Lunch & talk, sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation

Sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation

FFRF Co-President Dan Barker talks on freethought, explaining the notion and its history.

Contact:
Amit Pal
608-213-2819
apal@ffrf.org

Speakers

Dan Barker

Co-President, Freedom From Religion Foundation

Dan Barker is co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation and co-host of Freethought Radio. A former minister and evangelist, Dan became a freethinker in 1983. He is the author of a number of books on freethought and nonbelief. A graduate of Azusa Pacific University with... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2017 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Magnolia Ballroom Level M // Gaylord Opryland

Meal Pre-conference programming

PODCAST https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/precon-lunch-talk-sponsored-by-freedom-from-religion/id1287052668?i=1000392435568&mt=2

12:45pm CDT

PANEL: Autism, AI, and Robots: From Intervention to Inspiration

The fields of robotics and artificial intelligence have fascinated scientists and non-scientists alike for decades. Once primarily explored through science fiction, robots and AI are increasingly a part of our daily life. From robotic vacuum cleaners and self-driving vehicles to robotic interventions for autism and virtual health coaching, these technologies are reshaping our lives and have broad implications for the future. Join the American Association for the Advancement of Science's program of Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (AAAS|DoSER) for an exciting two-part discussion of forefront research and its societal implications.

This panel is sponsored by AAAS|DoSER.

Contact:
Christine A. Scheller
202-326-7075
cschelle@aaas.org

Moderators

Lauren Markoe

Managing Editor, Religion News Service

Lauren Markoe covered government and features as a daily newspaper reporter for 15 years before joining the Religion News Service staff in 2011. She was Washington correspondent for The State (Columbia, S.C.), where she won a 2004 first prize for feature writing from the National... Read More →

Speakers

Maithilee Kunda

Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University

Maithilee Kunda is assistant professor of computer science and computer engineering at Vanderbilt University. Her work in artificial intelligence, in the area of cognitive systems, looks at how visual thinking contributes to learning and intelligent behavior, with a focus on applications... Read More →

Nilanjan Sarkar

Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University

Nilanjan Sarkar received Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in 1993. After a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Queen’s University, Canada, he joined the University of Hawaii as an Assistant Professor in mechanical engineering... Read More →

Paul Scherz

Assistant Professor of Moral Theology/Ethics, The Catholic University of America

Paul Scherz is an Assistant Professor of Moral Theology and Ethics at the Catholic University of America. He teaches courses on medical ethics, the ethics of technology, and general moral theology. His research examines the interrelationship between ethics, religion, science, and... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2017 12:45pm - 2:15pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Pre-conference programming

2:30pm CDT

PANEL: AI and Narrative Intelligence: Can Machines Tell Better Stories?

Moderators

Christine Scheller

Senior Communications Associate, AAAS|DoSER

Christine directs communications for the AAAS|DoSER program and administers its Science for Religion Reporters project. A veteran journalist, Christine has reported on intersections of religion and public life for a variety of outlets including Urban Faith, Sojourners, Christianity... Read More →

Speakers

Deborah Johnson

Professor Emeritus, University of Virginia

Deborah G. Johnson recently retired as the Anne Shirley Carter Olsson Professor of Applied Ethics in the Science, Technology, and Society (STS) Program in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia. Best known for her work on computer ethics and engineering... Read More →

Mark Riedl

Associate Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology

Mark Riedl is an Associate Professor in the Georgia Tech School of Interactive Computing and director of the Entertainment Intelligence Lab. Dr. Riedl’s research focuses on human-centered artificial intelligence—the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2017 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Pre-conference programming

3:45pm CDT

PANEL: Pew Research Center Surveys

Pew Research Center will present findings from two new research reports, one focused on the U.S. and one focused on Western Europe, coinciding with this year’s 500th anniversary commemorations of the Reformation. The reports will examine Catholics’ and Protestants’ views of each other, questions related to faith and the Bible, and historical knowledge questions. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with the Center’s leading religion researchers and two Reformation experts, Prof. Tal Howard (Valparaiso University) and Prof. Kathleen Crowther (University of Oklahoma).

Sponsored by Pew Research Center

Contact:
Anna Schiller
202-419-4514
aschiller@pewresearch.org

Speakers

Kathleen Crowther

University of Oklahoma

Tal Howard

Valparaiso University

Thursday September 7, 2017 3:45pm - 5:00pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Pre-conference programming

5:30pm CDT

Welcome Reception, sponsored by the I CAN ONLY IMAGINE movie

Welcome to the 68th RNA Annual Conference! This reception will include plenty of appetizers to make a meal of it or to leave enough room for a late networking dinner at one of Gaylord's dozen eateries.

This event is sponsored by Icon Media Group:
Based on the incredible true-life story that inspired the beloved, chart-topping song, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE is a powerful reminder of how God can soften the hardest of hearts, offer forgiveness to the unforgivable, and mend broken relationships.

The movie is directed by the Erwin Brothers, Jon and Andrew, and produced by Kevin Downes—the creative team behind MOMS' NIGHT OUT and WOODLAWN. In theaters nationwide on March 16th, 2018.

Contact:
Jennifer Willingham
615-483-4729
ennifer@iconmediagroup.com

Thursday September 7, 2017 5:30pm - 6:30pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Meal

5:30pm CDT

Regular conference programming begins

Thursday September 7, 2017 5:30pm - 8:00pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

General Session

6:30pm CDT

PANEL: Beer & Hymns: The Role of Music in Faith

In Nashville, folks gather in churches, arenas, living rooms and honkey-tonks to raise their voices in songs about every part of life—including faith. This panel explores the role that group singing plays in faith traditions, and includes an interactive, interfaith sing-along, led by Nashville's "Beer and Hymns" ensemble.

Moderators

Dave Perkins

Director of the Religion in the Arts and Contemporary Culture program, Vanderbilt University

Dave Perkins came to Vanderbilt University after 25 years in the music industry where, as a recording artist, guitarist, songwriter and record producer, he had professional associations with a number of America’s great musicians and performers such as Carole King and Ray Charles... Read More →

Speakers

Frank Byers

Worship Leader & Media Director, Church at Spring Hill

Frank Byers is a live music and event producer and founder of Thumbprint Productions. Through the artist side of Thumbprint, he focuses on artist development by coaching and consulting artists & performers on their various journeys on and off the stage. Byers supports leaders as they... Read More →

Robert King

Director of Fine Arts, Lipscomb Academy

Robert King is the Director of Fine Arts where he has been director of choruses since 1984. He is founder and director of the Lipscomb University Community Chorus, and directs the Nashville Youth Choir at Belmont University. In addition, Robert has led congregational singing at... Read More →

Sarah Levine

Cantor, West End Synagogue

Cantor Sarah Levine comes to West End Synagogue from Cherry Hill, N.J. Cantor Levine is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, where in May 2017 she was invested as a cantor and received an M.A degree in Sacred Music and an M.A. degree in Jewish Education. While at JTS, she... Read More →

Geoff Little

Leader, Beer & Hymns Nashville

Geoff Little began Beer & Hymns in Nashville, Tenn., in 2013 with a few friends from his Presbyterian (PCUSA) church. The idea originated from the longstanding Greenbelt festival in the United Kingdom. From the start, Little has organized local Beer & Hymns in bars and clubs, not... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2017 6:30pm - 8:00pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

General Session

PODCAST https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/panel-beer-hymns-the-role-of-music-in-faith/id1287052668?i=1000392435573&mt=2

8:00pm CDT

Snack attack (on your own)

Grab some friends and satisfy those late-night snack attacks at one of the 17 eateries on the Gaylord Opryland property. Want even more choices? There's nearly a dozen more restaurants at the adjacent Opry Mills mall.

Thursday September 7, 2017 8:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Gaylord Opryland Hotel 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Late Night Networking

7:45am CDT

Registration desk open

Friday September 8, 2017 7:45am - 5:15pm CDT
Hallway outside Ryman Ballroom

Registration

8:00am CDT

Power Networking Breakfast

Speed date our Power Networking Exhibitors during a series of quick, mini presentations. Then spend the rest of the breakfast gathering at our Topics Tables to find attendees who share your interests or who can offer advice.

Friday September 8, 2017 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Magnolia Ballroom Level M // Gaylord Opryland

Meal

9:00am CDT

Exhibitor Networking Break

Earn a chance to win an iWatch! Take the 2017 Council on Foreign Relations Exhibitor Quest. Visit exhibitors in the Ryman Ballroom Thursday through Saturday to fill your quest card’s sticker circles. Return cards to the RNA registration desk before lunch on Saturday. The top 10 cards with the most circles filled will be entered in a drawing during the Saturday Awards Banquet (need not be present to win).

iWatch provided by Council on Foreign Relations.

Friday September 8, 2017 9:00am - 9:15am CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Break

9:00am CDT

Exhibits open

Friday September 8, 2017 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Break

9:15am CDT

Welcome & Announcements

Friday September 8, 2017 9:15am - 9:30am CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

General Session

PODCAST https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/welcome-announcements/id1287052668?i=1000392435566&mt=2

9:30am CDT

PANEL: Faith & Fossil Fuels

Questions of faith are never far from debates over the use of fossil fuels, whether they involve global warming, jobs and economic growth, fracking, mountaintop-removal coal mining and ground-level pollution. Even with the growth in renewable energies, fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil generate two-thirds of Americans' electricity, heat most of our homes and power almost all our vehicles. At least five million people work in energy-related sectors, and many of them sit in the pews of religious congregations, which in turn often hold energy companies' stock and even lease extraction rights to them. At the same time, religious voices have been among the strongest advocating for fossil-fuel divestment and against pipeline expansion. In this panel, we learn how people have drawn on diverse faith traditions to support or oppose fossil-fuel extraction — or to find some middle way of accommodating such activities within limits.

Moderators

Peter Smith

Religion Editor, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Smith has 30 years of journalistic experience and has covered religion for the past 20 years. He previously worked as the religion writer for The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky. from 2000 to 2013. He was previously a correspondent for Religion News Service, The Boston Globe and... Read More →

Speakers

Mike Erp

Senior Engineer, Alden Resources LLC

Michael Erp is the Senior Engineer at Alden Resources, LLC., a Ferroglobe Company, located in Southeastern Kentucky. He is a licensed professional engineer, a licensed geologist, a licensed land surveyor, and a qualified hydrologic professional. He is a graduate of the University... Read More →

Gabriel Fried

Board member, New Vindraban

Gabriel Fried has been a devotee in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness since 1973, and he is an experienced welder who has worked on everything from building gas pipelines to crafting ornamental metal work at ISKCON's oldest American community — New Vindraban in... Read More →

Joseph Witt

Associate Professor of Religion, Mississippi State University

Joseph Witt is Associate Professor of Religion at Mississippi State University. He also serves as Co-Editor of the Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture. Witt is the author of "Religion and Resistance in Appalachia: Faith and the Fight against Mountaintop Removal Coal... Read More →

Niki Wong

Lead Community Organizer, Redeemer Community Partnership

Niki Wong is the Lead Community Organizer for Redeemer Community Partnership, a nonprofit community development corporation that has been working in South Los Angeles since 1992 to create a safe, healthy, opportunity-rich community where children, youth and their families thrive... Read More →

Friday September 8, 2017 9:30am - 10:45am CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

General Session

10:45am CDT

Exhibitor Networking Break

Friday September 8, 2017 10:45am - 11:00am CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Break

11:00am CDT

PANEL: The Future of the Bible Belt

Welcome to Nashville! This Southern city is often called the buckle of Bible Belt, a stronghold of white evangelical religion and culture. But the region is changing as religious diversity grows, demographics shift and secular groups rise. The cultural dominance of Christianity is fading, but white Christian America isn’t dead yet, especially in the Bible Belt.

Moderators

Blake Farmer

News Director, Nashville Public Radio

Blake Farmer is Nashville Public Radio's news director. While he still makes time for some reporting, he's the primary editor of WPLN's on-air stories. When he's in the field, his reporting focuses on education, the military and often religion. Farmer attended college in Texas at... Read More →

Speakers

Grant Hasty

Church Planter & Missions Catalysts, Crossroads Community Baptist Church

Grant is the church plant pastor of Crossroads Community Baptist Church in Whitley City, Ky. The church was started on Sept. 5, 2010. Since the start in the family living room, the church now operates three ministry sites including a free restaurant (The Lord's Cafe), an educational... Read More →

Gayle Jordan

Executive Director, Recovering from Religion

Jordan is a former Southern Baptist who left the faith 10 years ago when her then-teenagers began asking questions she could not answer. Her research led her (and her children) into the light of reason and rationality. Years later, she still feels the effects, both positive and negative... Read More →

Frank Stevenson

Pastor, City of Grace Church, Dean, Tennessee State University

Elder Frank Stevenson's signature combination of humor, dynamic teaching style and deep understanding of the Bible have made him a much sought after guest on programs, conferences and various forms of ministry outlets. He acknowledged his call to preach in February, 2003, and in February... Read More →

Steve Stone

Executive Director, Memphis Friendship Foundation

Stone is the founding pastor of Heartsong Church in Cordova, Tenn. For his work in sharing love with the Memphis Islamic center he has been awarded person of the year by Diversity Memphis, Hip Hop Hero of the Week, and the Freedom of Worship Award by the Roosevelt Institute. The story... Read More →

Friday September 8, 2017 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

General Session

12:15pm CDT

Exhibitor Networking Break

Friday September 8, 2017 12:15pm - 12:30pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Break

12:30pm CDT

Lunch, sponsored by The Star

In Sony Pictures Animation's THE STAR, a small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free, and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a loveable sheep who has lost her flock, and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become unlikely heroes in the greatest story ever told — the first Christmas.

Sponsored by THE STAR

Contact:
Monique Sondag
214-536-4319
monique@lovell-fairchild.com

Friday September 8, 2017 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Magnolia Ballroom Level M // Gaylord Opryland

Meal

2:00pm CDT

PANEL: Covering Religious Hate in Trump's America

What are the current trends and reports regarding hate crimes toward Jews, Muslims and other minorities? Is there a relationship between anti-Israel sentiment and anti-Semitism? How does the landscape of U.S. hate crimes compare with hate crimes in Europe and elsewhere? How much influence does the current climate of divisiveness in the U.S. contribute to hate crime trends? How much of a role does religion play? This panel will examine those questions from perspectives of researchers who have studied hate crimes as well as victims of hate crimes.

Moderators

Linda K. Wertheimer

Author, FAITH ED: TEACHING ABOUT RELIGION IN AN AGE OF INTOLERANCE

Linda K. Wertheimer is the award-winning author of Faith Ed, Teaching About Religion In An Age of Intolerance. While Linda is a veteran journalist and a former Boston Globe education editor, don’t confuse her with the Other Linda of NPR. During her nearly 30-year journalism career... Read More →

Speakers

Daoud Abudiab

President, Faith & Culture Center

Daoud Abudiab is President and Founder of the Faith & Culture Center. He is a veteran healthcare executive with more than 20 years in physician group management. Abudiab received his Masters of Health Services Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. In 2010... Read More →

Leonard Saxe

Director, Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies and the Steinhardt Social Research Institute

Leonard Saxe, Ph.D., is Klutznick Professor of Contemporary Jewish Studies and Social Policy at Brandeis University where he directs the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies and the Steinhardt Social Research Institute. He teaches in the Hornstein Jewish Professional leadership... Read More →

Simran Jeet Singh

Henry R. Luce Fellow for Religion and International Affairs, Sikh Coalition

Simran Jeet Singh is a professor of religion at Trinity University and Senior Religion Fellow for the Sikh Coalition, a civil rights organization based in New York City. This year, Singh is the Henry R. Luce Fellow for Religion and International Affairs at NYU’s Center for Religion... Read More →

Friday September 8, 2017 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

General Session

3:15pm CDT

Exhibitor Networking Break

Friday September 8, 2017 3:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Break

3:45pm CDT

PANEL: Religious Freedom For All? Under-the-Radar Conflicts Between Faith and Law

Battles over religious liberty have been fought in recent years — from Twitter feuds to the Supreme Court — focused mainly about religion and the workplace (Hobby Lobby and the Little Sisters about health insurance, same sex couples versus bakers/florists, workers wanting to wear religious garb.) But religious liberty battles often take place over issues like zoning or religious practice — especially for faiths that are out of the mainstream or controversial.

Moderators

Duane Gang

Religion editor, The Tennessean/USA TODAY NETWORK

Duane Gang is a content strategist at The Tennessean. In this role, Gang oversees metro news coverage — including politics, education and religion. He also helps oversee national religion coverage for the USA TODAY NETWORK. Prior to joining The Tennessean, Gang worked at The Press-Enterprise... Read More →

Speakers

Kathleen Flake

Professor, University of Virginia

Kathleen Flake is the Richard L. Bushman Professor of Mormon Studies at the University of Virginia. Author of "The Politics of Religious Identity: The Seating of Senator Reed Smoot" and several scholarly essays, she is on the editorial board of Religion and American Culture: A Journal... Read More →

Jenna Gray-Hildenbrand

Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Middle Tennessee State University

Jenna Gray-Hildenbrand is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Middle Tennessee State University and serves as co-director of the Religious Studies program. Her research focuses on religion and law in the United States with a particular interest in the criminalization of religious... Read More →

Ralph Hood

Professor, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Ralph W. Hood Jr. is professor of psychology and LeRoy A. Martin Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is a former editor of the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion and a former co-editor of the Archive for the Psychology... Read More →

Dwayne Leslie

Director of Legislative Affairs, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Dwayne Leslie is the Director of Legislative Affairs for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, where he serves as the worldwide Church’s chief legislative officer and liaison to the United States Congress, White House and the Washington diplomatic community. Additionally... Read More →

Friday September 8, 2017 3:45pm - 5:00pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

General Session

5:00pm CDT

Option #1: R&R

Get some rest and relaxation in before you return for dinner at 6 p.m.

Friday September 8, 2017 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Gaylord Opryland Hotel 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Break

5:00pm CDT

Option #2: Wine & Cheese Reception, sponsored by Auburn Seminary

Blow off your computer during free time and instead join Auburn Seminary's Paul Raushenbush and journalist/award-winning playwright/lawyer Wajahat Ali for free wine, cheese, and badass (and hilarious) conversation.

Contact:
Aimee Thunberg
212-870-3184
athunberg@auburnseminary.org

Speakers

Wajahat Ali

Journalist, playwright, lawyer

Paul Raushenbush

Auburn Seminary

Friday September 8, 2017 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Magnolia Ballroom Level M // Gaylord Opryland

Meal

6:00pm CDT

Dinner, sponsored by Faith Counts

Faith Counts is a multi-faith organization with a singular mission: to promote the value of faith. Faith Counts is proud to sponsor Friday night's dinner, where the $20,000 Grand Prize winner of the "Film Your Faith" video contest will be announced.

Sponsored by Faith Counts

Contact:
Kerry Troup
202-679-2702
ktroup@faithcounts.com

Friday September 8, 2017 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Magnolia Ballroom Level M // Gaylord Opryland

Meal

PODCAST https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dinner-sponsored-by-faith-counts/id1287052668?i=1000392435571&mt=2

7:30pm CDT

Explore Nashville: An Adventure for Everyone

Here's your chance to experience the Music City on your own or with colleagues. Not in the mood to travel? There's plenty in and around the Gaylord Opryland. Want to experience the downtown nightlife? We've got a shuttle running late into the evening.

IF YOU STAY:

The Gaylord Opryland offers live music and fine dining at various settings. It has Delta Fountain shows, featuring choreographed water, music and light (free, through 9 p.m.). It also has plenty of Alice in Wonderland-themed activities, including photo opportunities with Alice-themed decor and props and a Queen of Arts tour through nine acres of indoor gardens (both free). There's also a Delta Riverboat's Hatter's Floating Tea Party — a cruise on the resort’s ¼-mile-long indoor rivers, passing giant mushrooms, caterpillars and more ($14 for those 12 and up, through 9 p.m.). Or just go for a swim in one of the hotel pools.
The Opry Mills is right nearby. Billed as Tennessee’s largest outlet and value retail destination, it has everything from Saks Fifth Avenue to Dave & Busters, and even a Madam Tussauds wax museum ($19 for adults, through 9 p.m.). (Do you hear a Steve Taylor song coming on?)
We'll also offer a selection of board games if you want to grab a few friends and battle in the lobby. Check games out at the RNA registration desk and return them there on Saturday morning.

IF YOU GO:

The Wildhorse Saloon, 120 Second Ave. North, offers live music, barbecue and free line dancing. The $6 cover charge is waved if you show a Gaylord (or other Marriott) room key — for the whole group, we're told.

Not far away, you can take in the exhibits at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, 919 Broadway open till 9 p.m. ($12 for adults).

Or just enjoy the music, street life and honky tonks of Broadway at the heart of Music City. Your cover charge may vary.

A one-bus shuttle leaves the Gaylord's Presidential Portico on the half-hour from 7:30 to 10:30 and leaves from the Wildhorse for the return trip on the hour from 8 to 11 (first-come, first-served). After that, there's always Uber. Or a wild horse.

Friday September 8, 2017 7:30pm - 11:00pm CDT
Gaylord Opryland Hotel 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Late Night Networking

7:45am CDT

Registration desk open

Saturday September 9, 2017 7:45am - 2:00pm CDT
Hallway outside Ryman Ballroom

Registration

8:00am CDT

Breakfast, Sponsored by the GENESIS: PARADISE LOST movie

Sponsored by the GENESIS: PARADISE LOST movie.

Contact:
Jennifer Willingham
615-483-4729
jennifer@iconmediagroup.com

Saturday September 9, 2017 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Magnolia Ballroom Level M // Gaylord Opryland

Meal

9:00am CDT

Exhibitor Networking Break

Saturday September 9, 2017 9:00am - 9:15am CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Break

9:00am CDT

Exhibits open

LAST CALL!

Earn a chance to win an iWatch! Take the 2017 Council on Foreign Relations Exhibitor Quest. Visit exhibitors in the Ryman Ballroom Thursday through Saturday to fill your quest card’s sticker circles. Return cards to the RNA registration desk before lunch on Saturday. The top 10 cards with the most circles filled will be entered in a drawing during the Saturday Awards Banquet (need not be present to win).

iWatch provided by Council on Foreign Relations.

Saturday September 9, 2017 9:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Break

9:15am CDT

PANEL: The New Revivalists

During the 2016 presidential campaign, pentecostals and charismatics such as Paula White, John Hagee and many others came to the fore, but few people understood their traditions or who these people were. Also during 2016, there were revival meetings in churches in Kentucky, Seattle, San Diego and other places on the west coast that are connected to a network of apostolic revivalists that few reporters have heard about. We aim to give reporters a primer about all these trends.

Moderators

Julia Duin

blogger, GetReligion.org

Author of "Days of Fire and Glory: The Rise and Fall of a Charismatic Community" and of "In the House of the Serpent Handler: A Story of Faith and Fleeting Fame in the Age of Social Media."

Speakers

James Goll

President & Founder, God Encounters Ministries

James W. Goll is the president of God Encounters Ministries and has traveled around the world sharing the love of Jesus, imparting the power of intercession, prophetic ministry and life in the Spirit. He has recorded numerous classes with corresponding study guides and is the author... Read More →

Holly Pivec

Author & Blogger, Spirit of Error Blog

Holly Pivec is an evangelical researcher of new religious movements. She's the co-author of "A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement" and "God's Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement." She holds a master’s degree... Read More →

Paula White

Pastor, New Destiny Christian Center & Paula White Ministries

Paula White is Senior Pastor of New Destiny Christian Center in Orlando, Fla. She is a teacher, author, philanthropist, mother and highly sought after motivational speaker. She hosts her own television program, "Paula Today," which has been seen in over 200 countries worldwide, and... Read More →

Saturday September 9, 2017 9:15am - 10:30am CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

General Session

10:30am CDT

Exhibitor Networking Break

Saturday September 9, 2017 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Break

11:00am CDT

TOOLS OF THE TRADE PANEL: Pitch Perfect: Tips for Freelancers and Editors Who Need Them

Freelancers and editors rely on each other, but navigating that relationship can be frustrating for all parties involved. This panel aims to demystify some of those challenges. Veteran freelancers—and editors who work with them—will talk about the best way to find each other, build relationships, send pitches, follow up on unreturned emails, and negotiate decent pay. We'll also include a panelist who has navigated the road from working full-time at a media outlet to freelancing.

Moderators

Jeff MacDonald

Freelance Reporter

G. Jeffrey MacDonald is a freelance journalist and author with a focus on religion, especially mainline Protestant Christianity. His bylines appear in USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, The Boston Globe and The Living Church among other outlets. He’s won 17 national awards... Read More →

Speakers

Steve Cavendish

Editor, Nashville Scene

A native Nashvillian, Steve Cavendish worked at papers around the country, including the Chicago Tribune and The Washington Post, in a variety of roles before coming home to Nashville in 2011. He was named editor of the Nashville Scene in 2016.615-301-9246 // scavendish@nashvillescene.com... Read More →

Dennis Coday

Editor, National Catholic Reporter

Dennis Coday was named editor of National Catholic Reporter in 2012. He has worked for NCR since 2003, for seven years as web editor and for two years as managing editor.816-968-2230 // dcoday@ncronline.org

Deborah Jian Lee

Senior Correspondent, Religion Dispatches

Deborah Jian Lee is an award-winning journalist, radio producer and author of the critically acclaimed book "Rescuing Jesus: How People of Color, Women and Queer Christians are Reclaiming Evangelicalism" (Beacon Press). She is a senior correspondent at Religion Dispatches. She has... Read More →

Tiffany Stanley

Managing Editor at Religion & Politics; Freelance Writer at Washingtonian, The New Republic, The Atlantic

Tiffany Stanley is a journalist based in Washington, D.C. She has written for The New Republic, Washingtonian, The Atlantic, Religion News Service and The Daily Beast. In 2015, she was a finalist for the National Magazine Award for Public Interest, and her work was anthologized in... Read More →

Saturday September 9, 2017 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

General Session

11:00am CDT

TOOLS OF THE TRADE PANEL: Reporting on LGBTQI+ Rights and Religion in Sub-Saharan Africa

ATTN: NOTE THE ROOM CHANGE from the printed pocket program. This panel will now be held in Ryman Q.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, as in much of the world, reporting on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression can be tricky. Cultural taboos, entrenched stereotypes, social hostilities, legal prohibitions and editorial censorship often distort coverage of these sensitive topics. Add religion to the mix and producing responsible journalism on sexual and gender minorities can seem impossible. On this panel, reporters from across Sub-Saharan Africa will share their perspectives on media freedom challenges and opportunities in the region.

This panel is made possible through the generosity of the Arcus Foundation.

Moderators

Brian Pellot

Director of Global Strategy, Religion News Foundation

Brian Pellot is director of global strategy at Religion News Foundation and Religion News Service. He has worked and reported from more than 50 countries and currently lives in Cape Town, South Africa. Brian’s writing has appeared in the Daily Beast, Washington Post, Huffington... Read More →

Speakers

Ambrose Barigye

Field Director, Kuchu Times

Barigye Ambrose is a Uganda-based journalist, fixer, translator and human rights activist. He works as field director and reporter for Kuchu Times Media Group, a Ugandan news platform that focuses on LGBTI issues and publishes the annual Bombastic Magazine. He is a certified community... Read More →

Martha Mukaiwa

Journalist, Freelance

Martha Mukaiwa is a freelance art, entertainment, travel and features writer and weekly columnist based in Windhoek, Namibia. Her personal essays on black identity, black travel and black womanhood have been published by Quartz, Matador Network, Africa is a Country, The Namibian... Read More →

Wana Udobang

MODERATOR, MULTICHOICE NIGERIA

Wana Udobang is a Nigeria-based journalist and filmmaker who works at the intersection of women’s rights, social justice, personal narratives, culture and the arts. She has worked with BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service and Nigeria's Inspiration FM 92.3. Her work has appeared on Al... Read More →

Saturday September 9, 2017 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Ryman Q

General Session

12:30pm CDT

Lunch & data release, sponsored by LifeWay Research

Experts from LifeWay Research will present embargoed findings from their latest research on the well-being and stressors of Protestant pastor spouses.

Sponsored by LifeWay Research

Contact:
Aaron Earls
615-251-2597
Aaron.Earls@lifeway.com

Saturday September 9, 2017 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Magnolia Ballroom Level M // Gaylord Opryland

Meal

PODCAST https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/lunch-data-release-sponsored-by-lifeway-research/id1287052668?i=1000392435569&mt=2

2:00pm CDT

Walking Tour: Downtown Nashville

Enjoy an afternoon exploring downtown Nashville on a guided walking tour that will take you by some of the city’s great religion sites. Unearth a little history as we stroll by downtown Nashville’s oldest standing church, the former site of a Woolworth lunch counter sit-in and the Mother Church of Country Music. While much of the experience will be outdoors, we’ll pop into Downtown Presbyterian and explore its Egyptian Revival-style sanctuary built in the mid 1800s. The bus will transport you to and from downtown Nashville. Make sure you have comfy shoes and be prepared to walk about a mile.

Tour bus departs from the Presidential Portico (note this location change from the printed program). The bus will return to the Gaylord prior to the RNA Member Meeting.

Saturday September 9, 2017 2:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
Depart at Presidential Portico

Tour

4:30pm CDT

Members Meeting

Saturday September 9, 2017 4:30pm - 5:15pm CDT
Magnolia Ballroom Level M // Gaylord Opryland

Meeting

6:00pm CDT

Silent Auction

Saturday September 9, 2017 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Special Event

7:00pm CDT

Awards Banquet, sponsored by Motive Entertainment

Join us in celebrating the winners of RNA's 2017 Annual Awards for Religion Reporting Excellence!

Banquet sponsored by Motive Entertainment

Motive Entertainment Contact:
Christin Jezak
508-951-0327
christinj@motivemarketing.biz

Saturday September 9, 2017 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Meal Special Event

9:00pm CDT

Silent Auction Checkout

Saturday September 9, 2017 9:00pm - 9:30pm CDT
Ryman Ballroom Convention Center // Gaylord Opryland

Special Event

9:00pm CDT

A toast to the winners!

When the final award has been handed out, toast the winners at the Fuse Sports Bar (Magnolia section) before bidding your colleagues adieu for another year.

Saturday September 9, 2017 9:00pm - 10:00pm CDT
Gaylord Opryland Hotel 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Late Night Networking