news / Communications

Editorial Policy

The content, news, events and other information published on the Conference website (www.unyumc.org), or in the Conference ministry magazine Advocate, or via the electronic newsletter Weekly Digest and district newsletters must conform to the principles and policies of The United Methodist Church and the Upper New York Annual Conference.

Official publications and purpose

The Upper New York Conference's Weekly Digest, the Conference ministry magazine the Advocate and the Conference website (www.unyumc.org) are the official vehicles for communicating the news of the Conference. The purpose of these publications is to tell the story of how United Methodists in Upper New York are living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how they are being God’s love to their neighbors in all places. The stories are told through the people, programs, ministries, and local churches. The publications also interpret news of the connectional Church and its diverse constituencies in order to uphold the welfare of the Church and stimulate spiritual growth by individuals and congregations.

Submissions to the publications

Items for inclusion in these official publications may be submitted by any member of the Conference or interested parties. All submissions must include the author's name, e-mail address and phone number for clarification purposes. All submissions should be electronic whenever possible. All electronic submissions should be sent to unyadvocate@unyumc.org or news@unyumc.org. All non-electronic submissions must be sent to the attention of the Director of Communications, Upper New York Conference, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088.

Editorial decisions

The Director of Communications reserves the right to accept, edit or reject any news submissions that do not conform to the principles and tenets of The United Methodist Church as stipulated in The Book of Discipline. All submissions are subject to editorial approval by the Resident Bishop and/or the Director of Communications.

The director or a designee will be guided by the following principles:

1. Is the news about or concerning an official Upper New York Conference (UNYC) organization, agency or board? (The Director of Connectional Ministries is the official keeper of the list of official organizations, boards and agencies of the Upper New York Annual Conference.)
2. Is the news about an official United Methodist organization, agency or board?
3. If it is not an official UNYC organization or board, is it related to the UNYC organization, agency or board, and how is it related?
4. Is the information divisive or contradictory to the policies and principles of The United Methodist Church? While The United Methodist Church remains divided on some social and theological issues, the official policies are listed in the latest version of The Book of Discipline.
5. Is the news or opinion content submitted true, accurate, balanced, relevant and significant to UNYAC readers?
6. Is a wide spectrum of information and viewpoints included to show evidence of respecting the diversity of The United Methodist Church?

• If it is a death notice, is this person clergy, spouse, clergy family or lay member who made a significant contribution to the ministry of this Conference and its predecessors?
• If it is a financial appeal, is this appeal designated by The Book of Discipline, Advance Specials, or groups and agencies approved by the Council on Finance and Administration to solicit funds in the Conference?

SUMMARY

The content, news, events and other information published in the official publications of the Conference must conform to the principles and policies of The United Methodist Church and the Upper New York Conference. All submissions are subject to editorial approval by the Resident Bishop and/or the Director of Communications.

Endorsed by Upper New York Annual Cabinet on Jan. 8, 2013
Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb