Get the faith details right

What does a religion reporter cover?

A religion reporter covers congregations, clergy, denominations and believers, plus the role faith plays in politics, law and daily life. The beat asks you to get titles, doctrine and practice right for many traditions.

Confirm facts with the tradition's own authority, such as a diocese, a denomination or a scholar of that faith. Reference sites and interest groups are good for background, but they do not speak for every believer.

Start here

Research and data on belief

Ask who ran the survey, who paid for it and how it defines membership or practice.

• Barna Group: Christian research firm publishing reports and articles on faith, church leadership, generations and culture. Some reports are sold.
• GAO-02-526: Tax-exempt organizations: Government Accountability Office report on public, IRS and state oversight of charities. Useful background on nonprofit filings and rules. It dates from 2002.

Reference for traditions and texts

Good for checking names, titles and texts. Many of these sites come from within a tradition, so match the source to the question.

• Catholic-Hierarchy: Database of Catholic bishops, cardinals, popes and dioceses, with recent appointments and events.
• Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent): Catholic reference encyclopedia hosted by New Advent, alongside church fathers and scripture texts. Confirm current church positions with official sources.
• Bible Gateway: Searchable Bible in many versions and languages, with reading plans and study tools.
• Jewish Hot Sites: Link directory on Jewish life, holidays, history, Torah study and more, compiled by Jacob Richman. Some links may be dated.

Religion news and journals

• Religion and Ethics NewsWeekly (PBS): PBS series archive on belief, religious leaders and ethical questions in the news. No longer actively maintained.
• Tricycle: The Buddhist Review: Independent Buddhist journal with teachings, culture coverage and podcasts. Supported by subscriptions.

Faith-based organizations and policy groups

These groups speak for a community or argue for a position. Quote them as interested parties.

• B'nai B'rith International (Advocacy): Jewish service organization working on community causes and Israel-related issues, with annual reports and 990s posted.
• Ethics and Public Policy Center: Washington institute that states it applies the Judeo-Christian moral tradition to public policy questions.

Reporting checks for this beat

• Have you used the correct title and name for each clergy member, as the tradition itself uses them?
• Does the person you quote speak for the institution, a movement within it, or only for themselves?
• Who conducted the religion survey, and how does it define affiliation, attendance or belief?
• Are you describing a doctrine or practice in terms its own followers would accept as accurate?
• Did you check a quoted scripture passage against the translation the speaker used?
• If you report on a religious group's money, which filings or records back the numbers?

Links were checked in September 2026 for a live page from the same organization. Advocacy groups, trade groups and party sites are labeled and should be treated as interested parties. Verify ownership, date and context before publication.