The board of the Evangelical Press Association has unanimously recommended changing the organization's name to Christian Communicators Network, saying the 75-year-old name no longer reflects what the group's members actually do, according to an announcement titled "Honoring our heritage. Embracing our future." posted Aug. 2.
The proposed change, which members will vote on next month, would affect all three words of the organization's name — swapping "Evangelical" for "Christian," "Press" for "Communicators," and "Association" for "Network."
"Our mission has not changed. Our convictions have not changed. Our standards have not changed," the board said in its announcement. "Our theology remains evangelical. Our public identity becomes more clearly Christian."
The EPA has represented Christian publishers, editors, writers and journalists for more than 75 years. Its board said it spent the past year in prayer, research and strategic planning — including a Vision Casting Retreat and analysis of comparable organizations — before arriving at the recommendation.
The rationale behind each element of the new name speaks to shifts the organization says have reshaped its membership. "Press," in the board's view, has grown too narrow for a community that now produces podcasts, blogs, social media content and digital publications alongside traditional print journalism. "Communicators," the board argues, better captures that breadth.
Regarding the shift from "Evangelical" to "Christian", the board cited the word "evangelical" increasingly carrying political and cultural associations that blur its theological meaning for audiences, while "Christian" is "immediately understood around the world." "Network," replacing "Association," is intended to convey the relational, mentoring-oriented character the board says defines the organization.
The EPA said its Statement of Faith, Code of Ethics and professional standards would remain intact under the new name.
"The Board of Directors believes Christian Communicators Network best represents the organization’s identity, mission, and future. It honors nearly eighty years of faithful service while positioning the organization to serve the next generation of Christian communicators with the same commitment to biblical truth, professional excellence, ethical journalism, and Christian fellowship that have always defined EPA," the announcement said in conclusion.
A virtual membership meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15. According to a member communication sent Aug. 10, the board will use the gathering to explain its rationale and the process behind selecting the new name, and to take comments and questions from members.
Following the meeting, an online voting platform will open for two weeks, giving eligible members — paid staff of member publications and individual members — the opportunity to accept or reject the proposed name. Voting instructions and unique identifiers will be sent by email and USPS mail, the Evangelical Press Association said.
