Evangelical Press Association Votes to Become Christian Communicators Network

The Evangelical Press Association voted on October 7, 2026, to rename itself the Christian Communicators Network, ending a months-long debate over whether the word "evangelical" still serves the organization's mission.

The vote concluded with 140 members in favor and 102 against, with two abstentions. Out of 664 eligible voters, 244 participated in the online ballot.

EPA President Dwight Widaman said the board's theological convictions, Statement of Faith, and commitment to journalistic standards would remain unchanged. The decision to drop "evangelical" from the name was driven by concerns that the term has become heavily associated with American political partisanship and nationalist sentiment, making it harder for the group to focus on its religious purpose.

The organization, which has represented Christian publishers and media professionals for more than 75 years, also cited a desire to better reflect its current membership. That membership now includes podcasters, digital creators, and editors who work beyond traditional print journalism.

"Christian is a term recognized globally," the board said in a statement, arguing that "evangelical" carries specific cultural baggage that can confuse audiences outside the United States.

Not all members agreed. Critics argued that abandoning the label would not resolve the underlying identity questions and could be seen as distancing the group from its heritage. Some warned that the word "Christian" could eventually attract the same political associations.

The transition involves updating governing documents, branding, and web properties to reflect the new name. The Christian Communicators Network will continue to serve the same membership base and uphold the same editorial standards as its predecessor.