Evangelical Press Association Renames Itself Christian Communicators Network After 57 Percent Vote
The Evangelical Press Association voted in early October 2026 to drop the word 'evangelical' from its name, becoming the Christian Communicators Network. The 57 percent majority said the old label had taken on political meanings that obscured its original theological intent. The organization, which represents about 300 media outlets, says its doctrinal standards will not change.
The Evangelical Press Association has a new name. Members voted in early October 2026 to rebrand the organization as the Christian Communicators Network, with 57 percent of the 244 ballots cast favoring the change.
The board proposed the new name after a 2024 study found that many people who share the group's theological commitments no longer identify with the word "evangelical." The term has picked up political and cultural baggage that, in the board's view, distracts from the organization's core mission of Christian journalism and media.
Leadership was clear that the name change does not signal a shift in doctrine. Membership standards and theological commitments remain the same. The group still represents roughly 300 media entities, including Christianity Today, Decision magazine, and the Christian Chronicle.
Not everyone agreed with the move. Journalist Mark Kellner and Christianity Today deputy editor Bonnie Kristian both argued the decision was short-sighted. Critics said abandoning the term surrenders its theological meaning and implies a broader welcome to Catholics and mainline Protestants that the organization is not actually prepared to extend.
The vote window closed October 7. The new name takes effect immediately.
