Search

This research examines the crisis responses of four evangelical leaders (Paul Crouch, Ted Haggard, Lonnie Latham, and Eddie Long) involved in same-sex sex scandals by comparing their responses against those recommended by the situational crisis communication theory (SCCT). Using a quasi-case study approach to add context and richness to the SCCT, this research examined the leaders’ strategies and the response to them and found that the evangelical pastors generally adhered to the recommended strategies of the SCCT, thus reinforcing the broad applicability of the SCCT when handling a crisis, even in a religious context. Despite reinforcing the validity of the SCCT, this article also recommends the inclusion of additional categorical considerations for the SCCT for situations where a crisis inflicts spiritual or emotional harm, particularly for crises occurring in a religious environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although L. Ron Hubbard is known for founding the Church of Scientology, he is not generally considered a public relations practitioner. However, his efforts to practice the discipline to advance Scientology are documented in Church publications. Unlike examinations of older religions, which require reinterpretations of activities through a public relations lens, existing Church documents allow for an evaluation of the role public relations played in building a religious movement. This article explores how Hubbard used public relations to establish Scientology, finding he embraced practices such as celebrity endorsement and image management but eschewed common media relations and crisis communication practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientology's public relations function is based on research and writing by L. Ron Hubbard, who studied public relations and drafted documents directing Church communication strategies. Hubbard annotated the textbook Effective Public Relations , which was reprinted for Church practitioners. Textual analysis shows Hubbard was particularly interested in redefining key concepts, emphasizing interpersonal communication strategies, and selectively adopting media relations strategies. The findings suggest that he used the annotations to appropriate the text and position himself as a communications expert. Evidence suggests Church communication practitioners continue to follow Hubbard's recommendations. • L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology, built the religion as PR became a more formalized discipline. • Hubbard appropriated PR texts to establish himself as an expert in the field and invalidate non-Scientology resources. • Textual analysis of Effective Public Relations suggests Hubbard used PR organically and based on his personal preferences. • Hubbard's biases and personal preferences can be tied to documented experiences he had while building the religion. • The Church views Hubbard's writings as scripture so his ideas about PR best practices are still used by Church practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to explore the relationships among video games, fans, and public relations from a theoretical perspective. Using Tilson and Chao’s (2002 ) devotional–promotional model of communication and the concept of civil religion to examine this relationship, this article continues to build on the idea the public relations practices of religious communication has many practical implications in the secular world. By examining video game fans through the lens of the civil religion and the devotional–promotional model, this paper explores the implications of commodification of civil religion and builds on an earlier exploration by Xifra (2008) and the idea that “faithful supporters” can be the most valuable audience and that they can be cultivated by public relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religion and faith have played influential roles in numerous major events throughout history - from wars and inquisitions to the establishment of education and healthcare systems. These four articles serve to advance scholarship around faith, spirituality, and public relations by furthering existing theoretical frameworks to incorporate religious organizations, influencers, and/or stakeholders. Specifically, the article focuses on religious and faith-based influencers and furthers the study of influencer relations. [Extracted from the article]