The Ministry in Communications is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communication plan for the diocese including publications, website, media relations, issues analysis, and community relations. Its overall ministry falls under the diocesan imperative of “Mission.” But through its work employing mass communication vehicles (website, newspaper, brochures, presentations, multimedia) it highlights compelling and personal examples of Evangelism and Discipleship as well.

In 2008, this ministry plans to conduct a comprehensive communications survey that will dovetail into the strategic planning work of our new Vision. We want to find out how we are doing, what we can do better, what might need to change, and what we must add to make the ministry effective in promoting Discipleship, Mission and Evangelism. We will continue to publish The Oregon Episcopal Church News, our award-winning (recognized by the national Episcopal Communicators Association with yearly honors) newspaper that reaches 10,000 subscribers. We will continue to maintain and improve the diocesan website, especially by adding new pages for each program group. We will examine new Internet technologies to help promote DME such as podcasting, virtual faith formation and cyber social networking. We will also reach out to program groups and parishes that might need help with their individual communication needs.

In 2009, we expect that in addition to the ongoing work of the ministry, we will play a key role in the search for a new bishop by providing a comprehensive set of communication vehicles to diocesan leadership and nominees.

Contact:
To be announced

J T Quanbeck, Bishop's Staff Liaison
jtq@diocese-oregon.org