Episcopal news publications migrate toward digital

Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. writes that the Episcopal Church is making a major transition from a print-primary presence to publishing primarily through electronic media:

In part, this shift recognizes the financial and ecological burdens of producing a monthly newspaper that is mailed to subscribers. In part, this shift recognizes what is happening all around us, as information sharing becomes far more rapid and immediate than the capabilities of print media.

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Former printing partners (dioceses or congregations) now have the ability to tailor their publication to a far greater degree than the old system allowed. A new quarterly print publication will offer more opportunity for reflection and in-depth conversation than is possible in a daily or even monthly publication.

Lynette Wilson, who was a staff writer for Episcopal Life, has been promoted to editor/writer of The Episcopal Church’s new quarterly publication, which debuts this year.

Final decisions are being made diocese by diocese. For example:

• The Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky has transitioned from a monthly newspaper to an "E-newsletter and a new quarterly magazine" and "is considering other media resources that make communications instantaneous and available 24/7 such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and podcasting to determine which of these may best help the diocese and its churches tell our stories."
• Episcopal Diocese of Chicago has transitioned from a bimonthly to a quarterly publication complemented by an e-newsletter and other resources.
• The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts has a twice yearly print publication, a monthly e-newsletter and a monthly bulletin for clergy and parish and diocesan leaders
• The Episcopal Diocese of Michigan has eliminated print publication of The Record altogether in favor of an email publication called The Record Weekly, complemented by the Web site.