Option 1: Detailed list

ACP values

The Associated Church Press (ACP) connects professionals in Christian media across traditions, contexts and generations. While ACP does not hold a statement of faith — recognizing the theological autonomy of our members — we gather within a shared Christian “tent,” guided by the values below.

These values shape our relationships, our programs and our shared work. They are lived out alongside ACP’s Statement of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Faith and respect

ACP stands within the Christian tradition while honoring the dignity and validity of other faiths and belief systems. We seek to practice our faith with humility, recognizing that Christian media exists within a wider religious and cultural landscape. We actively oppose antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of religious hatred, and we commit to learning from neighbors whose faith expressions differ from our own.

Inclusivity, belonging and anti-racism

ACP is committed to building inclusive professional spaces where all people are genuinely welcomed and supported. We are actively anti-racist and affirming of LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people. We name and lament the harm that Christian institutions — including religious media — have caused to Black, Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ communities, and we acknowledge our own complicity in that history.

We affirm the sacred worth and human dignity of every person and commit to uplifting marginalized voices, telling stories that bear witness to justice, compassion and the flourishing of all God’s people.

Journalistic excellence and integrity

Faith communities deserve excellent journalism. ACP champions responsible, rigorous and transparent reporting grounded in facts, fairness and accountability. We believe truth-telling is a moral practice and that professional journalism strengthens faith communities, public trust and democratic institutions.

We stand with journalists and advocate for freedom of the press, ethical standards and the rights of reporters to do their work with integrity and without fear or harassment or violence.

Ecumenical openness

ACP fosters a wide, ecumenical table where publications and media professionals across Christian traditions learn from one another. We value openness — listening deeply to perspectives different from our own — and we encourage collaboration that broadens understanding and elevates voices too often overlooked in religious media.

Education, mentorship and community

ACP is a learning community rooted in relationship. We invest in education, professional development and mentorship, supporting newcomers to the field while creating pathways for experienced members to share wisdom, build networks and explore new ideas. We value intergenerational dialogue and mutual support, believing that strong, connected professional communities are essential to the future of Christian media — and to the benefit of those who create it.

Adopted by the Board of Directors January 2026; presented to the membership May 2026.

Option 2: Detailed list streamlined into three points

Faith-rooted, ecumenical and respectful

ACP stands within the Christian tradition while honoring the dignity and sincerity of other faiths and belief systems. We believe Christian media is strongest when it is rooted in faith and practiced with humility, curiosity and openness to difference.

We foster a wide, ecumenical table where publications and media professionals across Christian traditions learn from one another and collaborate across theological, cultural and denominational lines. We actively oppose antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of religious hatred, and we commit to listening carefully to neighbors whose faith expressions differ from our own.

Inclusive, affirming and justice-seeking

ACP is committed to building professional spaces where all people are genuinely welcomed, supported and able to thrive. We are actively anti-racist and affirming of LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, and we name the particular harms Christian institutions — including religious media — have caused to Black, Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ communities. We acknowledge our own complicity in these histories and commit to ongoing learning, accountability and change.

We affirm the sacred worth and human dignity of every person. Through our shared work, we seek to uplift marginalized voices and tell stories that bear witness to justice, compassion and the flourishing of all God’s people.

Truthful journalism and shared formation

Faith communities deserve excellent journalism. ACP champions responsible, rigorous and transparent reporting grounded in facts, fairness and integrity. We believe truth-telling is both a professional responsibility and an act of faith — one that serves the church, strengthens public trust and contributes to healthier communities and institutions.

ACP also understands journalism as a learned and shared practice. We invest in education, professional development, mentorship and intergenerational dialogue, creating pathways for newcomers to the field while supporting veteran members in sharing wisdom, building networks and exploring new ideas. We stand with journalists and advocate for freedom of the press and the rights and responsibilities that make ethical journalism possible.

Option 3: Streamlined three points

Faith-rooted, ecumenical and respectful
Grounded in the Christian tradition while honoring other faiths and belief systems. We cultivate an open, ecumenical community that listens across difference and stands against antisemitism, Islamophobia and religious hatred.

Inclusive, affirming and justice-seeking
Committed to anti-racism and the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people. We affirm the sacred worth and human dignity of every person, uplift marginalized voices, and reckon with harms caused by churches and Christian media.

Truthful journalism and shared formation
We uphold rigorous standards of accuracy, fairness and transparency, believing truth-telling is an act of faith and service. ACP supports professional journalism, freedom of the press, education, mentorship and intergenerational connection.