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The world is so polarized these days. People are dividing into camps between right and left; progressive and traditional; pro-choice and anti-abortion; being welcoming and affirming of LGBTQ+ and holding to “biblical” values; for and against medical assistance in dying; and many more issues. And most of these issues play out in our publications or impact our organizations in challenging ways. What are editors and others involved in communications to do?  

Finding ways to deal with challenging and polarizing issues is the theme of the annual Association of Roman Catholic Communicators (ARCCC) and the Canadian Christian Communicators Association (CCCA).

This year’s convention, titled “Communicating in an Age of Rage,” will be held April 29-May 1 at Saint Paul University in Ottawa.  

The keynote presenters are The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour on April 30, who will share what it means to be a Christian and a politician in today’s hyper-polarized political atmosphere, and a May 1 media panel consisting of Janyce McGregor of the Parliamentary Bureau of the CBC; Jim Creskey, publisher of the Hill Times, and Molly Thomas, CTB Parliament Hill reporter, who will talk about how they try to walk a the line between sharply divided public opinion.  

In addition to these keynote presentations, there will be workshops and discussions around issues and topics such as the future of church publications; new models for fundraising and supporting church-based journalism and story-telling. Plus networking and inspiration from meeting other editors, reporters, designers and communicators.

Cost: $295/person – Registration includes: Thursday and Friday lunches, all coffee breaks, Thursday night reception and Friday awards banquet. $50/ticket for single entry to awards banquet.  

Accommodations: Saint Paul University Residence. Each suite of two rooms shares a bathroom and a common area/kitchen. Costs are $60/night for each room or $120/night for the entire suite. These can be arranged and paid for at the same time as registration. Parking is extra and can be paid for at the residence. 

Novotel Ottawa Centre Hotel: Special rate for Saint Paul University: $149/night plus taxes. To book, call (613) 230-3033 or email: novotelottawa@novotelottawa.com. Ask for the “Saint Paul University employee rate.”  

Cartier Place Suite hotel rate: estimated at $117/night (will vary at time of booking). Parking extra.
To book, call 1-800-236-8399 or email reservations@suitedreams.com

Register by March 15 to take advantage of the discount accomodation rate at St Paul. EVENT POSTPONED - MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW.