Palestinian Bible Society head to speak on challenges of war

Labib Madanat, who leads the Bible Society in Palestine, will be speaking at the annual Churches' Media Conference on 9 -11 June.

The event is sponsored by Bible Society as part of its mission to equip and encourage those who work in media to promote the Bible's message in today's society.

The theme for this year's event is Going Digital, and delegates will explore audience expectation and values in the world of new media.

Coming from a volatile environment, Labib is set to highlight the importance of Bible Society's work in the difficult and challenging circumstances of war.

Labib has been the Executive Secretary of the Bible Society in Palestine for 15 years. In this time the Society's offices has been the subject of a series of terrorist threats and attacks.

The kidnap and murder of one of his staff last year was at the centre of worldwide media attention. Blogs, online news and 24-hour media took the story around the world within hours.

No stranger to the glare of the media, Labib will be speaking on the role of the Bible Society in the volatile and war-torn Palestinian territories.

The conference will also include sessions on new media ethics, social networking and new initiatives in faith broadcasting.

Also speaking at the event is Tim Gardam former Head of Current Affairs at BBC TV and Principal of St Anne's College, Oxford, and Clarence Mitchell, former BBC journalist and advisor to Kate and Gerry McCann.

Anyone interested in the media, from radio and television to online social networks, is invited to the event. The Churches' Media Conference will be held at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire.

Find out more and book a place at www.churchesmediacouncil.org.uk/conference