Dr. Kenneth E. Jones, Editor

The Christian Index
The Official Publication of the
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Offices housed at the CME Headquarters
4466 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, Tennessee
and
Miles College 205-929-1410 or
Fax: 205-744-0010
Goodoc@aol.com
Bishop Charles L. Helton, Chairman

March 2005 Editor's Page

After almost seven years as editor, there are many questions that I hear as I move around the Connection. I thought I’d take a moment to try to answer a few. So here goes.

Q: Why are there some photos that don’t identify the subjects or not all of the subjects?

A: Sometimes caption information is not provided with the photos or is incomplete. If a number is provided we can try to contact the sender. Always include caption with photos.

Q: I’m not receiving my Christian Index.

A: Circulation is handled by the Department of Publication Services, Publisher for the CME Church.
The number and address are found in the masthead opposite this page. Anything concerning content
should be inquired of the editor. See the masthead for the address.

Q: Why can’t my photo be in color?

A: The number if color pages in each issue of The Christian Index is at the discretion of the Publisher. We try to be as fair as possible in spreading color around and by attempting to use the best quality
photos.

Q: What determines the cover photo?

A: Quality of the story that goes with the photos, impact on the entire denomination, quality of the photos themselves, timeliness of the article, whether are not there are two or three good photos (for the cover story) that accompany the cover photo, and other intangibles.

Q: I sent in my article months ago. Why haven’t I seen it in The Christian Index?

A: The editor tries very hard to include in the manuscript each article submitted. But occasionally, that doesn’t happen. Believe it or not, sometimes material gets lost in the mail. I recently received a bundle of mail that was dated October 2003! That was a year and a half ago! Also, sometimes the material is way too long; written rather poorly, has nothing to do with the CME Church and its concerns, is to esoteric/difficult to understand, or otherwise not suitable for publication. Sometimes there are also significant copyright concerns.

Q: What about controversial articles?

A: Well, I think one person’s controversy is another one’s objectivity. But yes, from time to time, controversial material will find its way into our publication. Remember, the Index has the unique distinction of being the voice of its readers. As such, it is unlike the Washington Post or the Wall Street Journal. It does not dispatch paid reporters out into the Connection to ensure that the only material you read will be objective or unbiased journalism. For nearly 140 years, one of its purposes has been to be a vehicle for CMEs to express their views on key issues affecting the Church. Thus, it defeats the purpose of The Christian Index for the editor to implement a policy of censorship of its content-including all views, opinions, and commentaries, and chicken dimmers, what a bland publication it would be!

On the other hand, The Christian Index can never be reduced to a gossip rag, sensationalistic “tabloid,” or a “tell all” diary. It can not be used as a means for personal attacks. While from time-to-time, elements of undue criticism may inadvertently find their way between the lines of our magazine, it is never an attempt on the part of this editor to harm anyone or any group. If this has occurred under my watch, please accept my apology. Everyone who writes to the Index can help by keeping comments clean and fair. And remember,”Views expressed by the editor and/or other writers are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church” (page 2, masthead).

Q: Can I start my own column, like Dr. McNeil, Mrs. Stephens and others?

A: While I would love for there to be a regular column in The Christian Index for every important issue, there simply isn’t enough space. But remember if you write an article and send it in, there’s an excellent chance you will see it published.

Q: Why do you see the same churches and the same people in the Index all the time?

A: That is not the intent, but some churches and persons take the time to write to The Christian Index on a regular basis.

Q: Why are there sometimes errors?

A: We’re human and sometimes we make mistakes. Please charge it to our head and not the heart.

Q: You took my picture at a meeting, but I never saw it in the Index. Why?

A: Hundreds of pictures may be taken for the Index. This is to help make sure that when certain images are needed, they are available. With a per photo production cost of $15.00, it is impossible to place everyone in the Index, but we try very hard to get as many people in whenever possible. Please keep this cost in mind when submitting photographs with an article.

Q: Can we promote our souvenir booklet or upcoming local church event?

A: It really isn’t feasible to do so. There are too many churches. We do promote all Connectional activities. If you have an event, write it up as a news article, usually afterwards. It will likely get in. I know there are many questions I did not answer. Feel free to send me a question if you have one., and I’ll do my best to answer it as soon as possible. God bless.