Established in 1999, Faith Angle helps mainstream journalists better understand religion by convening leading columnists, editors, and reporters with religion scholars and clerics for sustained discussions that take place hundreds of miles removed from national newsrooms. By organizing these 2½-day forums, the Aspen Institute’s Religion & Society Program supports journalists in bridging the gap between often-secular newsrooms and the religious communities and issues they cover. In recent years, Faith Angle has grown significantly—from convening a flagship forum in Miami, to adding, beginning in 2018, a “Michael Cromartie Forum” for journalists under the age of 35 whose careers show special promise; then launching, beginning in 2019, a Faith Angle hosted in Southern France that convenes 8-10 European journalists with 6-8 American journalists and religion scholars and finally adding, in 2021 Faith Angle West, which brings Faith Angle to an audience of West-coast journalists, primarily focused on how religion plays out in society West of the Mississippi.
This project will continue that momentum, by supporting staff costs and underwriting a Spring 2026 Faith Angle Forum in Miami and Summer 2026 Michael Cromartie Forum. In addition to making these forums possible, the Foundation would be helping us strengthen Faith Angle’s monthly podcast. In the coming year we also hope to continue to develop our work and team, including hiring a new Religion & Society Program Coordinator, who will focus on promoting and producing the Faith Angle podcast and strengthening Faith Angle’s social media presence.
