April 18-20, 2018
Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago
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Communicating essential truth and values has never been more difficult. The polarized religious and political environment in which many of us find ourselves has not only made effective communications difficult but has led to the creation of “alternative facts,” “fake news” and an increasing intolerance as pundits pontificate from entrenched positions.
The role of religious communication is more important than ever as we try to communicate good news while turning a critical eye to injustice, oppression and systems that perpetuate inequality, racism and division.
Responding to this atmosphere, the Associated Church Press convention planning team has selected “Tools to Engage Tough Topics” as its 2018 theme.
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Engaging speakers and workshop leaders will inspire you to more effectively craft and distribute your message, sharing the skills and knowledge needed to have your voice heard in today’s nonstop information stream. As always, the convention provides and atmosphere where members will cultivate faithful conversations, expand professional connections, and discover new management strategies and revenue streams.
We’re excited to welcome the Rev. Jill Duffield, publisher of the Presbyterian Outlook, as our opening worship preacher. Not only will Jill share her experience as a pastor and publisher, but also as a resident of Charlottesville, Virginia who was participating in protests August 12, 2017, when Heather Heyer was run down and murdered by a white supremacist.
The Rev. Dr. Michael Louis Pfleger, Senior Pastor, The Faith Community of Saint Sabina, will present Thursday’s luncheon keynote address. As a minister, Father Pfleger has sought to break down the walls of racism and denominationalism by building unity among all people founded on truth and based on Jesus’ command to love one another. This holy calling has led him to be parent, a preacher, a teacher, a lecturer and an activist. However, he believes his most important role is an errand boy for Jesus.
Laurie Zoloth, Dean of the University of Chicago Divinity School, will present Friday’s luncheon keynote address. A renowned scholar in the areas of ethics of genetic engineering, stem cell research, synthetic biology, social justice in health care, and how science and medicine are taught, she also researches the practices of interreligious dialogue, exploring how religion plays a role in public discussion and policy.
We’ll return to the incredible facilities at Fourth Presbyterian Church as our convention host. Located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile — as close as you can get to the Windy City’s shopping, entertainment and the lakeshore district — the church is a beautiful landmark and a vibrant member of Chicago’s downtown community.
Our conference hotel will again be the Millennium Knickerbocker where we’ve negotiated an even better rate than last year – $139 / night + taxes! Call the hotel reservation line (800-621-8140) and use the code “Associated Church Press” to lock in this rate. The promotional rate expires March 18, 2018.
Online convention registration is now open at the “early bird special” rate of $325 per person good through March 25, 2018.