Diverse Religious Landscape in Texas

Texas is characterized by its vibrant and diverse religious demographics. The state hosts the highest percentage of evangelical Protestants in the U.S., while also being home to significant Muslim and Hindu populations and a growing community of individuals identifying as non-religious. This complexity is central to Texas’s identity, but often remains underexplored in public discourse.

Media Representation of Religion

The symposium aims to address how various faiths are represented in Texas media, questioning which stories are highlighted and which remain untold.

Event Invitation

Join us on April 8 at Southern Methodist University in Dallas for a significant dialogue among Texas journalists, public scholars, and community leaders about the influence of religion on our state and journalism’s role in portraying this complex narrative.

REGISTER NOW to be part of this important conversation.

This event will highlight crucial topics related to faith, identity, and media coverage in Texas.

Event Overview

The symposium, structured to foster meaningful discussions, will cover the following:

• Current landscape of religion reporting in Texas.
• Religion’s significance in conveying Texas’s comprehensive story.
• Exploration of underrepresented communities and issues.
• Journalism’s role in shaping understanding and awareness of faith.

Participants can expect breakfast and lunch provided by The Texas Tribune, enhancing networking opportunities and dialogue.

Agenda Highlights

The schedule for the day will include:

• 8 a.m. — Registration and light breakfast
• 9:00 a.m. — Welcoming remarks
• 9:15 a.m. — Keynote address by Robert Jones, president of Public Religion Research Institute, discussing the role of religion in contemporary Texas.
• 10:30 a.m. — Panel discussion on Christian Nationalism and the Texas Public Sphere.
• 12:30 p.m. — Panel on Religion, Migration, and Belonging.
• 1:45 p.m. — Panel discussing Telling the Unheard Stories of Texas.
• 2:45 p.m. — Closing conversation: Where do we go from here?
• 3:45 p.m. — Final comments and reflections.

Sponsors and Collaborators

This symposium is hosted by the Institute for Diversity and Civic Life, Religion News Service, and The Texas Tribune, along with Southern Methodist University’s Religious Studies department. Generous support is provided by The Eula May & John Baugh Foundation, The Henry Luce Foundation, and Humanities Texas.

Looking Ahead

The Texas Tribune looks forward to continuing these important discussions at the upcoming 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, set for November 13-15 in downtown Austin. This event represents a crucial opportunity to engage with the ideas and discussions that will shape Texas’s future across various sectors including education, the economy, and more.