Marvin Olasky resigns from World magazine
Marvin Olasky, the longtime editor in chief of World, a magazine that has long aimed to pair a conservative Christian viewpoint with careful, detailed reporting, resigned on November 1, effective January 31.
Olasky had hoped to end his tenure, which began in 1994, next summer. Those plans changed after World’s publisher announced the launch of a new online opinion section, overseen by Albert Mohler, a prominent Southern Baptist seminary president known for his conservative commentary.
The decision to start the new World Opinions was made without Olasky’s approval. He viewed the decision as a no-confidence vote by the board of God’s World Publications Inc., the magazine’s parent organization. Other key World staffers joined Olasky in resigning. All were concerned that the new opinion section, which focuses on conservative political and cultural views, would overshadow World’s commitment to reporting.
Kevin Martin, CEO of the World News Group, declined to speak about internal decision making at the organization. He did say the magazine staff will continue to do in-depth reporting and will retain editorial independence.
Olasky praised the magazine staff who remain at World, as well as all the other people who make the journalism at the magazine possible. He said he plans to continue as dean of the World Journalism Institute, where he has long trained young journalists.
In an interview, Olasky said he remains hopeful about the future of World, of America, and of the Christian church. “I have learned, both from history and from my own personal experience, not to underestimate what God can do,” he said. —Religion News Service
