From the shuttering of LifeWay Christian Stores and the demise of the CBA, to death of HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s Brian Hampton, here are PW’s most-read religion stories of 2019.
10. LifeWay to Close All Stores
In March, acting president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources Brad Waggoner announced the “difficult” decision to close all 170 bricks-and-mortar stores this year, shifting toward a “greater focus on digital channels.”
9. Abingdon Nabs Two Gift Books by Jen Hatmaker
Abingdon Press, an imprint of the United Methodist Publishing House, announced it will publish two books by bestselling author and speaker Jen Hatmaker as part of a new gift books initiative.
8. Six Major Religion Book to Film Adaptations of 2019
Religion publishers teamed up with Hollywood studios on book-to-film adaptations including the life-after-death story ‘The Impossible’ and a star-studded take on Rhonda Byrne’s ‘The Secret.’
7. Agents Discuss the New Norms of Christian Publishing
Despite shrinking physical retail space, literary agents in the Christian publishing industry remain hopeful amid new trends reflective of an evolving market.
6. Religion Publishers Give Millennials a Fresh Look
New books not only shed light on the religious beliefs of millennials, but also supply information to those who want to better educate and understand the younger generation.
5. Publishing Industry Mourns the Death of Rachel Held Evans
Industry professionals responded to the sudden death of Rachel Held Evans, progressive Christian author of ‘A Year of Biblical Womanhood’ and other well-received titles.
4. Jim Wallis Sees Trump ‘Operating in the Spirit of the Anti-Christ’
Amid cultural, social, and political unrest, founder of the faith-in-action organization Sojourners Jim Wallis discusses Christian values and the Trump administration in his new book, ‘Christ in Crisis.’
3. Thomas Nelson Faces $15 Million in Fraud, Breach of Contract Lawsuit
Thomas Nelson, a part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP), faces more than $15 million in damages owed to a printing company after a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee found it liable for breach of contract and fraud. The verdict has since been appealed and the case is ongoing.
2. One Year After UNITE, CBA is Dead
Edward Roush, who acquired the Association for Christian Retailers (CBA) in 2018, addressed the financial problems of the organization and said its concept will be “reborn.”
1. Brian Hampton, Group Publisher of HCCP, Dies
Brian Hampton, senior v-p and group publisher of HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP), passed away on June 29.
