Andy Walton's told Premier her appearance is warranted because she's become a significant voice within the media.
Katie Hopkins has risen to fame since her appearance on reality TV show The Apprentice in 2006. She's often criticised for her outspoken comments. Because of the negative publicity she attracts she writes a regular column for the Sun newspaper and often features on television shows like This Morning.
She recently tweeted "I am the Alpha and the Omega, The Jesus of the Outspoken".
Katie Hopkins quotes:
"Would I employ you if you were obese? No I would not. You would give the wrong impression to the clients of my business.
"Nothing makes my buttocks clench tighter and my teeth itch more than 'Full Time Mummy'."
"We just have far too many old people. It's ridiculous to be living in a country where we can put dogs to sleep but not people."
"If I Ruled the World anyone with an IQ sub 130 would be deported."
Her attendance was confirmed by the Church and Media Network which said she'll be interviewed on stage by Torin Douglas, who spent 24 years as the BBC's media correspondent.
The theme for this year's conference, which takes place on 13 October, is 'Them and Us' and organisers say it will "explore whether as Christians, we should be worried about describing people negatively based on generalisations and whether as media professionals, we should accept that our stories need colourful descriptions and goodie/baddie narratives"
While several people took to Twitter to criticise her invitation, Andy Walton said: "I'd ask people to look at the Biblical precedence here. I don't think Jesus avoided conversations with controversial people.
"I also think that what we're offering here is a conference examining media for Christians and others who work in the media. What we're not doing is having this as a pastoral event. This isn't a safe space - it's a space to explore the burning issues that are facing Christians who work in the media today.
"We are convinced that for Christians to play a significant role in the media we can't just hide in a holy huddle. We have to actually get involved."
The Church and Media Network has confirmed no fee will be given to Katie Hopkins.
Others taking part in the event include Labour MP Stephen Timms, BBC religious affairs correspondent Caroline Wyatt and ITN newscaster Julie Etchingham.
Listen to Andy Walton speaking to Premier's Marcus Jones here:
What Twitter had to say:
If KH was being given a free hit I'd be worried. But she's being i/ved by the UK's most experienced media commentator. Be afraid Katie...!
— Andrew Graystone (@AndrewGraystone) August 4, 2015
Well, that's a date freed up in my diary. I am not paying money to pay Katie Hopkins speaking fee. Sorry @churchandmedia
— pmphillips (@pmphillips) August 4, 2015
Surprised (and also unsurprised) that @KTHopkins will be appearing at this year's @churchandmedia Conference #ThemAndUs15.
— Karen Burke (@KarenDBurke) August 4, 2015
So are @churchandmedia that desperate for controversy they need @KTHopkins ?! Wow. http://t.co/NsSPwxpxEd
— Helen (@helen_a13) August 4, 2015