Policies and Procedures

For journalists, religion writers, columnists and other members of the news media

Policies, procedures and general information for news personnel

• News media personnel covering the assembly must obtain proper credentials from ELCA Marketing and Public Relations in accordance with ELCA policy. Credentials can be obtained in Crystal Rooms L-M beginning at 8:30 a.m., Aug. 15.
• Media credentials must be displayed at all times.
• ELCA Marketing and Public Relations must approve any materials placed in the media room for distribution. The ELCA secretary must approve materials placed elsewhere in the convention center for distribution.
• The assembly website is www.elca.org/assembly. You’ll find print, audio and video news releases, photographs, reports and more.
• Reports and proposals will be posted on the assembly website at www.elca.org/assembly/actions as PDF files.
• The Cypress Room is the assembly plenary hall. Seating for news personnel is reserved in the rows directly to the right of the main stage.
• You may use media room telephones and high-speed Internet connections are available. In the plenary hall you may use laptop computers. Electrical connections are available. Mult boxes are located in the plenary hall news section, at AV platforms in the plenary hall, and in the media room.
• IMPORTANT: Cell phones and pagers must be silent at all times inside the plenary hall and hearing rooms during the assembly. Cell phones may be used in the media room, convention center hallways or outside the building.
• Photography is welcome at plenary sessions and hearings. When shooting photos or video, please limit movement, especially near the main stage in the front of the plenary hall. No cameras will be allowed on the main stage. We also ask that you not photograph voting members while they are voting. Photographs are permitted at worship services as directed by the director for worship. We ask that you not use a flash during the liturgy. Generally, an ELCA staff member will accompany or assist photographers.
• We respectfully request that you do not approach voting members or church officials directly for interviews. Marianne Griebler, ELCA Marketing and Public Relations, will work with news personnel to fulfill interview requests. Please ask media room staff or Marianne Griebler about your interview requests. If a person is willing to be interviewed, the staff will work with you to arrange a time and location.
• Beginning Monday, Aug. 15, ELCA staff will be available to update you on any new information about the assembly agenda, proposals to be considered and to answer any procedural questions you may have.