Skip to content

ACP 2016 Award winners

    “Best of the Church Press” Awards 2016

    acpawardJimRice

    Major Awards

    Each year, the Associated Church Press honors faith communicators’ best work with the “Best of the Church Press” awards. New and established newspapers, newsletters, magazines, journals, news services, E-zines, bloggers and websites earn kudos, as do the many excellent entries in social media and video.

    This year’s winners were announced at the annual Awards Banquet at the April 2016 convention in St. Louis.

    Best in Class

    Best in Class: Marketing: Public Relations/Marketing Campaign
    Honorable Mention
    LCMS
    “Not4Sale” Pro-Life Campaign
    David L. Strand, Executive Director, Communications
    Pam Nielsen, Associate Executive Editor
    The Communications Team – The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
    Rudy Blank, Amanda Booth, Becky Cummings, Al Dowbnia, Roger Drinnon, Jennifer Duffy, Diane Grimm, Adriane Heins, Joe Isenhower, Mireya Johnson, Anna Karsten, Paul Keup, Frank Kohn, Erik Lunsford, Jennifer McBurney, Megan Mertz, Lisa Moeller, Annie Monette, Bonnie Parker, Joan Pogue, Diana Rickles, Paula Ross, Erica Schwan, Peter Slayton, Chrissy Thomas

    Honorable Mention
    The Baptist Standard
    North Texas Giving Day
    By Julie Sorrels, marketing manager;
    Marv Knox, editor;
    Beth Campbell, development coordinator
    Award of Merit
    VISION Vocation Guide
    Year of Consecrated Life parish resource packet
    Award of Merit
    The Catholic Review
    Feet for Francis
    By Paul McMullen, Maureen Cromer and Sara Goldscher
    Award of Excellence
    Catholic Extension
    Flat Francis
    By Matthew Paolelli, manager of digital communications; Angela D’Antonio, vice president of marketing and communications; Lisa Gungoll, LG-PR

    Best in Class/Online: Digital Edition/Mobile Publication
    Award of Excellence
    Lutherans Engage the World
    Megan K. Mertz, managing editor

    Best in Class/Online: Blog
    Honorable Mention
    uscatholic.org
    Papal Authority and Climate Change: Preparing for Pope Francis’ Encyclical
    A Theology of Encounter
    Guns in America: A Pro-Life Letter to My Dad”
    By Daniel R. DiLeo, Emily Sanna, Stephen Schneck
    Award of Merit
    The Catholic Review
    Open Window
    By Rita Buettner
    Award of Excellence
    The Christian Century
    By Steve Thorngate, Editor

    Best in Class/Online: Independent Website
    Honorable Mention
    Religion News Service
    Religion News Service staff
    Award of Merit
    Faith & Leadership
    By Kelly Gilmer, senior communications director and executive editor
    Sally Hicks, editor
    Bob Wells, associate editor
    Jessamyn Rubio, interactive media manager

    Award of Excellence
    Sojourners
    sojo.net
    By Sandi Villarreal

    Best in Class/Online: News Service
    Honorable Mention
    Presbyterian News Service
    By Gregg Brekke, editor
    Rick Jones, Emily Enders Odom, Scott O’Neill, Kathy Melvin, Kristena Morse, Paul Seebeck and Tammy Warren, staff writers

    Award of Merit
    LCMS
    By Becky Cummings, Rudy Blank, Paul Keup,
    and Sam Ambrose, designers
    LCMS Communications staff, writers

    Award of Excellence
    Religion News Service
    By RNS staff

    Best in Class/Print: Newsletter
    Award of Merit
    Forum Letter
    By Richard O. Johnson, editor
    Award of Merit
    Hunger News & Hope
    By Katie Cook, editor
    Award of Excellence
    Breaking Barriers
    By Terry A. DeYoung and Mark Stephenson, co-editors

    Best in Class/Print: Journal
    Honorable Mention
    Concordia Journal
    By Charles Arand, executive editor
    Travis Scholl, editor
    Melanie Appelbaum, assistant editor
    Michelle Meier, graphic designer
    Award of Merit
    LCMS, Journal of Lutheran Mission
    By Adriane Heins, managing editor
    Award of Excellence
    Reflections journal, Yale Divinity School
    Gregory E. Sterling, publisher and dean of Yale Divinity School
    Ray Waddle, editor in chief
    Peter W. Johnson, designer

    Best in Class/Print: Denominational/Special Interest Magazine
    Honorable Mention
    The Covenant Companion
    Cathy Norman Peterson, managing editor; Edward Gilbreath, editor; Jane Swanson-Nystrom, senior editor; Steven Luce, creative director; David Westerfield, designer
    Honorable Mention
    Extension Magazine
    Liz Boo and Meinrad Scherer-Emunds, editors
    Elio Leturia, designer
    Rich Kalonick, principal photography

    Award of Merit
    Presbyterians Today
    Patrick Heery, Karen Bosc, Mark Thomson, Jeffrey Lawrence
    Award of Merit
    Alliance Life
    Peter Burgo, editor
    Melinda Smith Lane, managing editor
    Daron Short, graphic designer
    Christer Tschamler, graphic designer
    Julie Daube, assistant editor
    Martha Krienke, assistant editor

    Award of Excellence
    The United Church Observer
    David Wilson, editor
    Award of Excellence
    Friends Journal
    By Gabriel Ehri, Executive Director
    Martin Kelley, Senior Editor
    Alla Podolsky, Art Director
    Gail Coyle, Associate Editor
    Marianne De Lange, Business Manager
    Jane Heil, Development Manager
    Sara Waxman, Advertising & Marketing Manager
    Jon Watts, Videographer
    Trevor Johnson, Editorial Fellow
    Patty Quinn, Layout Assistant
    Award of Excellence
    The Banner
    By Robert DeMoor, Leonard J. Vander Zee, Judy Hardy, Gayla Postma, Kristy Quist, Dean Heetderks, Pete Euwema, Frank Gutbrod

    Best in Class/Print: Natonal or International Magazine
    Honorable Mention
    Living City Magazine
    Living City Staff
    Award of Merit
    Sojourners
    Sojourners staff
    Award of Excellence
    The Christian Century
    David Heim, editor

    Best in Class/Print: National or International Newspaper
    Honorable Mention
    Reporter
    David L. Strand, executive director, communications
    Joe Isenhower, managing editor
    Paula Schlueter Ross, senior staff writer
    Frank Kohn, graphic designer
    Erica Schwan, graphic designer

    Award of Merit
    Anglican Journal
    Anglican Journal staff
    Award of Merit
    Episcopal Journal
    Solange De Santis, Editor
    Linda Brooks, Art Director
    Award of Excellence
    The Christian Chronicle
    Lynn McMillon, President and CEO
    Erik Tryggestad, editor
    Bobby Ross Jr., chief correspondent
    Tonya Patton, advertising manager
    Lynda Sheehan, administrative assistant
    Joy McMillon, administrative assistant
    Laura Akins, editorial assistant
    Matthew Ware, advertising assistant
    Katie Jones, editorial intern

    Best in Class/Print: Regional Newspaper
    Award of Merit
    The Alabama Baptist
    The Alabama Baptist staff
    Award of Excellence
    The Catholic Review
    The Catholic Review staff

    Editorial/Opinion

    EDITORIAL OR OPINION PIECE: News Service/Website/Blog
    Honorable Mention
    Baptist Standard
    ‘National Church’ Is a Bad Idea for Everybody
    By Marv Knox, editor
    Award of Merit
    sojo.net
    Refusing to Be Comforted: Charleston, Black Death, and Prophetic Grief
    By Rev. Jennifer Bailey
    Award of Excellence
    Unbound: An Interactive Journal of Christian Social Justice
    Muzzling the Word of God
    By Benjamin Perry, author
    Rev. Ginna Bairby, Rev. Chris Iosso, editors

    EDITORIAL OR OPINION PIECE: Newspaper/Newsletter/Magazine/Journal
    Honorable Mention
    Presbyterians Today
    Wounded Healers, Wounded Killers
    By Patrick Heery
    Honorable Mention
    Sojourners
    Four Easy Ways to Be a White Supremacist
    By Lisa Sharon Harper
    Award of Merit
    Adventist Review
    Four Lessons for Adventists from the Islamist Attacks in Paris
    By Keith Augustus Burton
    Award of Excellence
    Word & Way
    Syrian and Other Refugees Are Our Business
    By Bill Webb, Editor

    JAMES SOLHEIM AWARD FOR EDITORIAL COURAGE
    Honorable Mention
    Presbyterian Record
    We All Benefit from Racism
    By Brad Childs
    Award of Merit
    The Baptist Standard
    Kill the Death Penalty
    By Marv Knox, editor
    Award of Excellence
    Presbyterian Outlook
    Safety Last
    By Jill Duffield

    Reporting/Writing

    Reporting and Writing: FEATURE ARTICLE: Newspaper/Newsletter
    Honorable Mention
    Breaking Barriers
    A View of Prayer Transformed
    By Cathleen Holbrook
    Award of Merit
    Mennonite World Review
    Eyeing the Pastorate, Gay Student Leaving Tabor
    By Tim Huber
    Award of Excellence
    The Christian Chronicle
    From Daughter to Caretaker
    By Bobby Ross Jr.

    Reporting and Writing: FEATURE ARTICLE: News Service/Website/Blog
    Honorable Mention
    Presbyterian News Service
    Tucson Young Adult Volunteers Learn Home Repair, Share Cultures
    By Kathy Melvin, writer
    Gregg Brekke, editor

    Award of Merit
    Faith & Leadership
    Death and Resurrection of an Urban Church
    By Robert King, writer
    Kelly Wilkinson, photographer
    Sally Hicks, editor

    Award of Excellence
    Faith & Leadership
    Charleston Entrepreneur Is Writing a New Story for Day Laborers
    By Stephanie Hunt, writer
    Leigh Webber, photographer
    Bob Wells, editor

    Reporting and Writing: FEATURE ARTICLE: Magazine, Short Format
    Honorable Mention
    Adventist Review
    No Chance Encounter
    By Wilona Karimabadi
    Honorable Mention
    Word & Way
    Reflecting on Violence as Part of Advent
    By Brian Kaylor
    Honorable Mention
    The United Church Observer
    Bible Backlash
    By Anne Bokma
    Award of Merit
    The Banner
    When Did We Become So Mean?
    By Rebecca Warren
    Award of Merit
    The Lutheran
    One Large Extended Family
    By Katie Scarvey, writer
    Dan Lehmann, editor; Julie Sevig, managing editor; Erin Strybis and Megan Brandsrud, associate editors; Kathryn Brewer, art director; Andrea Kulik, production manager
    Award of Excellence
    Lutherans Engage the World
    A Generation Engaged, A Community Restored
    By Jeni Miller, writer
    Megan K. Mertz, managing editor
    Award of Excellence
    The United Church Observer
    With This Ring, I Thee Divorce
    By Anne Bokma
    Award of Excellence
    Lutherans Engage the World
    “Walking Together in the Wake of Disaster”
    By Megan K. Mertz, Managing Editor & writer

    Reporting and Writing: FEATURE ARTICLE: Magazine, Long Format
    Honorable Mention
    The Christian Century
    Credible Fears
    By Amy Frykholm
    Award of Merit
    Sojourners
    Justicia!
    By Maria-Pia Negro Chin
    Award of Excellence
    The Living Church
    Stopping Human Traffic
    By G. Jeffrey MacDonald, writer
    Christopher Wells, editor

    Reporting and Writing: NEWS STORY: Newspaper/Newsletter
    Honorable Mention
    Anglican Journal
    Bishops Apologize for Priest’s History of Abuse
    By Diana Swift
    Honorable Mention
    The Alabama Baptist
    Gambling Numbers Don’t Add Up
    By Jennifer Davis Rash
    Award of Merit
    The Christian Chronicle
    The Broken Soul of Baltimore
    By Bobby Ross Jr.
    Award of Excellence
    The Christian Chronicle
    Peace in the Valley
    By Erik Tryggestad

    Reporting and Writing: NEWS STORY: News Service/Website/Blog
    Honorable Mention
    Adventist Review
    Syrian Refugee’s Light Shines in Adventist School
    By Andrew McChesney, news editor
    Award of Merit
    sojo.net
    Breeding ‘Like Rabbits,’ Sex by Rhythm Method, and Other Natural Family Planning Myths
    By Sandi Villarreal
    Award of Excellence
    Anglican Journal
    As TRC Ends, Johnston Asks Canadians, ‘Where do we go from here?’
    By Marites N. Sison

    Reporting and Writing: NEWS STORY: Magazine
    Honorable Mention
    The Lutheran
    A Radical Welcome
    By K.T. Sancken, writer
    Dan Lehmann, editor; Julie Sevig, managing editor; Erin Strybis and Megan Brandsrud; associate editors; Kathryn Brewer, art director;  Andrea Kulik, production manager
    Honorable Mention
    The United Church Observer
    Confronting the Unbelievers
    By Mike Milne
    Award of Merit
    Sojourners
    Wearing the White Hats
    By Anna Lekas Miller
    Award of Excellence
    The United Church Observer
    Confronting the Sixties Scoop
    By Anne Bokma

    Reporting and Writing: CONVENTION/MEETING COVERAGE: All Media
    Honorable Mention
    Adventist Review
    60th General Conference Session Bulletins
    By Bill Knott, editor
    Bryan Gray, art design

    Honorable Mention
    Anglican Journal
    Meeting coverage: Closing event of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
    By Marites N. Sison, André Forget, Leigh Anne Williams, Art Babych, Janet Thomas, Saskia Rowley and Diana Swift
    Award of Merit
    The Banner
    Synod 2015 Coverage
    By Robert DeMoor, Judy Hardy, Gayla Postma, Kristy Quist, Dean Heetderks, Pete Euwema, Frank Gutbrod
    Award of Merit
    The Mennonite
    On the Way in Kansas City
    By Gordon Houser, Anna Groff, Rebecca Helmuth; Photos by Vada Snider
    Award of Excellence
    Presbyterian News Service
    Big Tent Convention Coverage
    By Presbyterian News Service staff

    Reporting and Writing: IN-DEPTH COVERAGE: Newspaper/Newsletter
    Honorable Mention
    Episcopal Journal
    Selma Coverage
    By Jerrold Hames, senior correspondent
    Solange De Santis, editor
    Linda Brooks, art director
    Honorable Mention
    Anglican Journal
    Syrian Refugee Crisis
    By Tali Folkins, André Forget and Marites N. Sison
    Award of Merit
    The Christian Chronicle
    Haiti
    By Erik Tryggestad
    Award of Excellence
    The Catholic Review
    Francis in America
    By The Catholic Review Staff Writers

    Reporting and Writing: IN-DEPTH COVERAGE: News Service/Website/Blog
    Honorable Mention
    The Baptist Standard
    Texas Baptists in the 84th Texas Legislative Session
    By Ken Camp, managing editor
    Award of Merit
    Anglican Journal
    Syrian Refugee Crisis
    By Tali Folkins, André Forget, Leigh Anne Williams and Marites N. Sison
    Award of Excellence
    Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
    Family Detention
    By the Immigration Issues and Communications, Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

    Reporting and Writing: IN-DEPTH COVERAGE: Magazine/Journal
    Honorable Mention
    The United Church Observer
    Atheist Ministers
    By the Observer staff
    Award of Merit
    The Covenant Companion
    The Long Road
    By Stan Friedman
    Award of Merit
    Sojourners
    Divest!
    By Sojourners staff
    Award of Excellence
    War Cry
    Kroc Center Issue: Magnets for Community
    By Major Frank Duracher, writer and assistant Editor-in-Chief
    Award of Excellence
    Presbyterian Outlook
    A Visit to India
    By Leslie Scanlon

    Reporting and Writing: THEME ISSUE, SECTION OR SERIES: Newspaper/Newsletter
    Honorable Mention
    Anglican Journal
    Voluntary Simplicity
    By Leigh Anne Williams and André Forget
    Award of Merit
    Hunger News
    Special Issue on Immigration
    By Linda Freeto & Nick Haynes, writers
    Katie Cook, editor

    Award of Excellence
    The Alabama Baptist
    What Would Your Church Say to Caitlyn?
    By The Alabama Baptist staff
    Award of Excellence
    The Christian Chronicle
    God at Work in U.S.
    By Bobby by Ross Jr., Erik Tryggestad and Lynn McMillon

    Reporting and Writing: THEME ISSUE, SECTION OR SERIES: News Service/Website/Blog
    Honorable Mention
    sojo.net
    Troubling Texts: Domestic Violence in the Bible
    By Elaina Ramsey and Catherine Woodiwiss
    Award of Excellence
    Unbound: An Interactive Journal of Christian Social Justice
    Pedagogy for the Distressed: Thinking About the Mission of Public Education
    By Rev. Ginna Bairby, managing editor and Rev. Dr. Chris Iosso, general editor

    Reporting and Writing: THEME ISSUE, SECTION OR SERIES: Magazine
    Honorable Mention
    Horizons Magazine
    May/June 2015
    By Susan Jackson-Dowd, director
    Sharon Dunne Gillies, associate editor
    Laura Lee, art director

    Award of Merit
    Church Health Reader
    A New Recreation
    By Stacy Smith and Church Health Reader Staff
    Award of Merit
    Concordia Seminary magazine
    Concordia Seminary magazine Fall 2015: God’s Word is Living and Active
    By Jeff Kloha, executive editor; Vicki Biggs, managing editor; Melanie Ave, editor; Jayna Rollings, art director
    Michelle Meier, designer
    Award of Excellence
    The United Church Observer
    Final Decisions
    By Christopher White, Trisha Elliott, Anne Bokma

    Reporting and Writing: THEME ISSUE, SECTION OR SERIES: Journal
    Honorable Mention
    LCMS Journal of Lutheran Mission
    Journal of Lutheran Mission December 2015
    By Adriane Heins, editor
    Erica Schwan, graphic designer

    Award of Merit
    The Journal of Adventist Education
    Adventist Education in the Urban Setting
    By Ella Smith Simmons and Davenia J. Lea; Edwin Hernandez; Des and Derek Cummings; Gaspar Colon and Andrea Nagy; and, Prudence Pollard
    Award of Excellence
    Reflections journal, Yale Divinity School
    New Voyages: Church Today and Tomorrow
    Gregory E. Sterling, publisher, Dean of Yale Divinity School
    Ray Waddle, editor in chief
    Peter W. Johnson, designer

    Reporting and Writing: INTERVIEW: All Media
    Honorable Mention
    Presbyterian Record
    Beyond Words
    By Andrew Faiz
    Honorable Mention
    Church Health Reader
    A Modern Day Disciple: Q&A with Martin E. Marty
    By Stacy Smith
    Award of Merit
    U.S. Catholic
    Keeping the Peace
    By Tobias Winright and U.S. Catholic Editors
    Award of Merit
    The Alabama Baptist
    Baptists & Baptism
    The Alabama Baptist staff
    Award of Merit
    Presbyterian Outlook
    Incarceration and Faith
    By Brian Merritt, Kara Tragresser, Jill Duffield, Jana Blazek
    Award of Excellence
    Living City Magazine
    Peace Through Forgiveness
    By Jade Giacobbe
    Award of Excellence
    Sojourners
    The Art of Escape
    By Erin Tocknell

    Reporting and Writing: BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILE: All Media
    Honorable Mention
    Adventist Review
    Prisoner of Conscience
    By Sandra Blackmer
    Bryan Gray, art design

    Honorable Mention
    Sojourners
    The Public Private Life of Thomas Merton
    By Christopher Pramuk
    Award of Merit
    Baptist Standard
    Taking Jesus Seriously in East Texas
    By Ken Camp, managing editor
    Award of Excellence
    The United Church Observer
    The Conversion of Michael Coren
    By Jeff Mahoney

    Reporting and Writing: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE/1st PERSON ACCOUNT (short format): Newspaper/Newsletter
    Honorable Mention
    Adventist Review
    When Cholera Closed the Clinic
    By Carolyn Stuyvesant
    Honorable Mention
    Adventist Review
    Stranded!
    By Sudha Kristmukti
    Honorable Mention
    The Christian Chronicle
    Mother and Child Reunion Shifts My View of Foster Care
    By Laura Akins
    Honorable Mention
    Episcopal Journal
    List of Deaths a Spur to Action
    By Sharon Sheridan, writer; Solange De Santis, editor; Linda Brooks, art director
    Honorable Mention
    Anglican Journal
    No Regrets About Becoming an Anglican
    By Michael Coren
    Award of Merit
    The Catholic Review
    Georgie’s Story
    By George Matysek Jr.
    Award of Excellence
    Adventist Review
    To See His Face
    By Diana Dyer

    Reporting and Writing: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE/1st PERSON ACCOUNT (short format): Magazine/Journal
    Honorable Mention
    The Banner
    I Became a Grandfather Today
    By Paul Zigterman
    Honorable Mention
    The Banner
    How Hard Could It Be?
    By Judith Claire Hardy
    Award of Merit
    The Lutheran
    Ups, a Few Downs the Past 10 Years
    By Dan Lehmann, writer and editor; Julie Sevig, managing editor; Erin Strybis and Megan Brandsrud, associate editors; Kathryn Brewer, art director; Andrea Kulik, production manager
    Award of Merit
    The Lutheran
    Through a Glass Darkly
    By Heidi Neumark, writer ; Dan Lehmann, editor; Julie Sevig, managing editor; Erin Strybis and Megan Brandsrud, associate editors; Kathryn Brewer, art director; Andrea Kulik, production manager
    Award of Excellence
    U.S. Catholic
    A Brush with Injustice
    By Christopher Mari
    Award of Excellence
    The United Church Observer
    New York Moment
    By Lorna Day

    Reporting and Writing: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE/1st PERSON ACCOUNT (short format): News Service/Website/Blog
    Award of Merit
    Faith & Leadership
    Jeremiah Is for the ‘Birds’ – Remembering a Friendship and Ministry
    By Mark R. Gornik, writer
    Bob Wells, editor

    Award of Excellence
    Sojo.net
    Confessing My White Supremacy
    By Ryan Stewart

    Reporting and Writing: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE/1st PERSON ACCOUNT (long format): Newspaper/Newsletter
    Honorable Mention
    Forum Letter
    If Only I Had Known
    By Richard O. Johnson
    Honorable Mention
    National Catholic Reporter
    Trauma in South Sudan
    By Chris Herlinger
    Award of Merit
    Adventist Review
    Through the Valley of Death
    By Floyd Greenleaf
    Award of Excellence
    Adventist Review
    The Wrong Side of the Tracks
    By Dixil Rodriguez

    Reporting and Writing: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE/1st PERSON ACCOUNT (long format): Magazine/Journal
    Honorable Mention
    Alliance Life
    Rescuer of Broken Men
    By Nestor Cruz, writer
    Peter Burgo, editor; Melinda Lane, managing editor; Christer Tschamler, designer

    Award of Merit
    Sojourners
    Mercy Me
    By Josh MacIvor-Andersen
    Award of Merit
    The Covenant Companion
    Jesus, Take this Cup from Me
    By Dana Bowman
    Award of Excellence
    Presbyterians Today
    Faith, Fear, and Toenails
    By Scott Dannemiller, Karen Bosc and Patrick Heery

    Reporting and Writing: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE/1st PERSON ACCOUNT (long format):  News Service/Website/Blog
    Honorable Mention
    Unbound: An Interactive Journal of Christian Social Justice
    Her Voice Matters: Women’s Colleges and Female Empowerment
    By Carol Ferguson, writer
    Rev. Ginna Bairby, editor

    Award of Merit
    Unbound: An Interactive Journal of Christian Social Justice
    Growing Up in the South During Brown v. Board
    By Dr. Christine Darden, writer
    Rev. Ginna Bairby, editor

    Award of Excellence
    Unbound: An Interactive Journal of Christian Social Justice
    Burning Frankincense in Iran
    By Noushin Framke, writer
    Rev. Ginna Bairby, editor

    Reporting and Writing: COLUMN: Newspaper/Newsletter/News Service/Website/Blog
    Honorable Mention
    Mennonite World Review
    Cramer Avenue
    By Sarah Kehrberg
    Award of Merit
    sojo.net
    Sojomail
    By Jim Wallis
    Award of Excellence
    Anglican Journal
    Lifelines
    By Michelle Hauser

    Reporting and Writing: COLUMN: Magazine/Journal
    Honorable Mention
    Presbyterian Record
    Pop Christianity
    By Andrew Faiz
    Award of Merit
    The United Church Observer
    Spiritual But Secular
    By Anne Bokma
    Award of Excellence
    Sojourners
    Hearts and Minds
    By Jim Wallis

    Reporting and Writing: DEPARTMENT: Print Media
    Honorable Mention
    In Trust
    From Data to Decision
    By Greg Henson and Jo Ann Deasy, writers
    Honorable Mention
    Presbyterian Record
    The Other Six Days
    By Brad Childs
    Award of Merit
    Church Health Reader
    Model Moments Fall 2015
    By the Church Health Reader Staff
    Award of Excellence
    Sojourners
    CultureWatch
    By Julie Polter, department editor

    Reporting and Writing: DEPARTMENT: Online Media
    Award of Merit
    Baptist Standard
    Right or Wrong?
    By Marv Knox, editor
    Cynthia S. Holmes, Meredith Stone and Bill Tillman, writers
    Award of Excellence
    The Banner
    As I Was Saying
    By Leonard J. Vander Zee

    Reporting and Writing: CRITICAL REVIEW: All Media
    Honorable Mention
    The Living Church
    The Mantel Version
    By John Martin, critic
    Christopher Wells, editor

    Award of Merit
    The Christian Century
    (a review of) Transparent
    By Kathryn Reklis
    Award of Excellence
    Sojourners
    Real Life, With Superpowers
    By Abigail Olcese

    Reporting and Writing: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: All Media
    Award of Merit
    Anglican Journal
    Letters to the Editor
    By Marites N. Sison and Janet Thomas, editors
    Award of Excellence
    The United Church Observer
    Letters to the Editor
    By Patricia Clarke, editor

    Reporting and Writing: POETRY: All Media
    Honorable Mention
    The Christian Century
    What It Is You Would Like the Stone to Say
    By Brian Doyle
    Honorable Mention
    The Christian Century
    What Shall We Say
    By Thomas Lynch
    Award of Merit
    Sojourners
    This Is Praying
    By Lisa Dordal
    Award of Excellence
    Presbyterian Record
    Afar Feast
    By Stephen Kennedy

    Reporting and Writing: PERSONALLY USEFUL ARTICLE: All Media
    Honorable Mention
    Adventist Review
    The Black Blue Zone
    By DeWitt S. Williams
    Award of Merit
    Adventist Review
    Unplugged
    By Frank M. Hasel
    Award of Merit
    Gather Magazine
    All of God’s People
    By Sandra D’Amico, writer; Elizabeth Hunter, editor
    Award of Merit
    The Christian Chronicle
    From Daughter to Caretaker
    By Bobby Ross Jr.
    Award of Excellence
    The Alabama Baptist
    Following Death of a Spouse
    By The Alabama Baptist staff

    Reporting and Writing: PROFESSIONAL RESOURCE: All Media
    Honorable Mention
    In Trust
    The Time Is Now
    By Kalyani B. Glass
    Honorable Mention
    The Journal of Adventist Education
    Fiction and Film: Thoughts on Teaching Potentially Controversial Narratives
    By Scott Moncrieff and Vanessa Corredera, writers
    Harry F. Knox, designer

    Award of Merit
    The United Church Observer
    Final Decisions
    By Christopher White, Trisha Elliott and Anne Bokma
    Award of Excellence
    The Journal of Adventist Education
    Creating Teachable Moments in Science
    By Gary F. Bradley, writer
    Harry F. Knox, designer
    Tony Kimbley, photographer

    Reporting and Writing: HUMOR, WRITTEN: All Media
    Honorable Mention
    Presbyterian Record
    Getting Sober
    By Richard Lett
    Award of Merit
    The Covenant Companion
    Confessions of a Not So Cheerful Giver
    By Dana Bowman
    Award of Excellence
    Sojourners
    First World Problems…
    By Ed Spivey Jr.

    Theological

    Theological: THEOLOGICAL OR SCHOLARLY ARTICLE: All Media
    Honorable Mention
    The Lutheran Witness
    I’ve Got to Be Me…or Not
    By Adriane Heins, managing editor
    and John Pless, writer

    Award of Merit
    Ministry, International Journal for Pastors
    A Pastor Among Rabbis:  Learning Sabbath from the Religious Other
    By Erik C. Carter
    Award of Excellence
    Concordia Journal
    Can Anything Good Come Out of _____? Come and See!: Faithful Witness in Marginality and Hospitality
    By Leopoldo A. Sánchez M.

    Theological: BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION: All Media

    Honorable Mention
    Sojourners
    Quit Picking on the Pharisees!
    By Amy-Jill Levine
    Award of Merit
    The Alabama Baptist
    Which Hurt the Most?
    By Bob Terry
    Award of Merit
    Adventist World
    Between Sadducees and Pharisees
    By Gerald A. Klingbeil
    Award of Excellence
    The Banner
    The Christmas Blues and the Gospel That Transcends Terror
    By John D. Witvliet

    Theological: THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION (Short Format): All Media
    Honorable Mention
    Baptist Peacemaker
    To the One Who Stilled the Storm
    By Katie Cook
    Honorable Mention
    Reflections journal, Yale Divinity School
    Sunday Best
    By Ray Waddle
    Award of Merit
    The United Church Observer
    A Wretch Like Me
    By Trisha Elliott
    Award of Merit
    Take Five for Faith
    Daily Renewal for Busy Catholics
    By Take Five for Faith Staff
    Award of Excellence
    The Lutheran
    Shalom Church
    By Craig L. Nessan, writer
    Dan Lehmann, editor; Julie Sevig, managing editor; Erin Strybis, associate editor; Kathryn Brewer, art director; Andrea Kulik, production manager

    Theological: THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION (Long Format): All Media
    Honorable Mention
    The Banner
    A Luminous Mystery
    By J. Todd Billings
    Award of Merit
    Sojourners
    Quit Picking on the Pharisees!
    By Amy-Jill Levine
    Award of Excellence
    The Christian Century
    Ready for Communion
    By Jan Schnell Rippentrop

    Theological: DEVOTIONAL/INSPIRATIONAL (Short Format): All Media
    Honorable Mention
    The Covenant Companion
    Wintering Through
    By Alex Macias
    Honorable Mention
    Presbyterian Outlook
    Holy Yard Work
    By Christine Chakoian, Jill Duffield, Jana Blazek
    and Stann Bailey
    Award of Merit
    Presbyterian Record
    His Name Was Alan
    By Becky Roushorne-Lau
    Award of Excellence
    Baptist Peacemaker
    Judging by the Heart
    By Lizzie Lewis, writer
    Katie Cook, editor

    Theological: DEVOTIONAL/INSPIRATIONAL (Long Format): All Media
    Honorable Mention
    Ministry, International Journal for Pastors
    A Delightful Day
    By Karen Holford
    Award of Merit
    Sojourners
    Mercy Me
    By Josh MacIvor-Andersen
    Award of Excellence
    The Covenant Companion
    Broken
    By Dana Bowman
    Award of Excellence
    Adventist Review
    A Hymn to Coming Justice
    By Bill Knott

    Theological: BIBLE REFERENCE: All Media
    Honorable Mention
    The Christian Century
    Dementia and Resurrection
    By Samuel Wells
    Honorable Mention
    Sojourners
    Preaching the Word
    By Sojourners staff
    Award of Merit
    Presbyterian Outlook
    Looking into the Lectionary
    By Jill Duffield
    Award of Excellence
    Horizons Magazine
    Come to the Waters
    By Judy Record Fletcher, writer
    Larissa Kwong Abazia, ‘Suggestions’ writer
    Betsy Ensign George, editor
    Laura Lee, designer

    Theological: SEASONAL ARTICLE: All Media
    Honorable Mention
    The United Church Observer
    What Is the Real Breath of a Man?
    By David Giuliano
    Award of Merit
    Adventist Review
    Splitting the Urgent Darkness
    By Bill Knott
    Award of Excellence
    The Covenant Companion
    Confessions of a Not So Cheerful Giver
    By Dana Bowman

    Art Design Graphics Photography

    ART/DESIGN/GRAPHICS: Magazine Cover
    Honorable Mention
    Catholic Review
    Waiting for the Light
    By Sara Goldscher
    Honorable Mention
    Alliance Life
    Cover–Mar-Apr 2015
    By Daron Short, photographer; Peter Burgo, editor; Melinda Lane, managing editor
    Award of Merit
    Church Health Reader
    Growing Hope
    By Lizy Heard, art director
    Terri Scott, illustration
    Rachel Davis, associate editor

    Award of Excellence
    Adventist Review
    Splitting the Urgent Darkness
    By Steve Creitz, illustrator
    Bryan Gray, art designer

    ART/DESIGN/GRAPHICS: Newspaper Front Page
    Honorable Mention
    Mennonite World Review
    By Paul Schrag, editor
    Award of Merit
    The Alabama Baptist
    By Lauren C. Grim
    Award of Excellence
    Anglican Journal
    By Saskia Rowley

    ART/DESIGN/GRAPHICS: Magazine/Journal Design (Spread or Story)
    Honorable Mention
    The United Church Observer
    Why Kicking Carbon Makes Sense
    By Ross Woolford, designer
    Award of Merit
    Adventist Review
    One Story at a Time
    By Ellen Musselman, designer
    Award of Merit
    Canadian Adventist Messenger
    Creation Corner for Kids
    By Tammie Burak, writer; Stan Jensen, editor
    Joan Tanasiychuk, art director; Aimee Perez, secretary
    Award of Excellence
    Presbyterians Today
    How Many People Have to Die?
    By Mark Thomson, Patrick Heery, Karen Bosc, Jeffrey Lawrence

    ART/DESIGN/GRAPHICS: Magazine/Journal Design (Entire Issue)
    Honorable Mention
    Presbyterians Today
    Our Hurting World (design)
    By Mark Thomson, Patrick Heery, Karen Bosc and Jeffrey Lawrence
    Award of Merit
    Sojourners
    By Ed Spivey Jr., designer
    Award of Excellence
    Alliance Life
    March/April 2015 Issue
    Daron Short, designer/photographer
    Christer Tschamler, designer
    Peter Burgo, editor
    Melinda Lane, managing editor

    ART/DESIGN/GRAPHICS: Newspaper/Newsletter Design (Spread or Story)
    Honorable Mention
    Episcopal Journal
    By Solange De Santis, editor; Linda Brooks, art director
    Award of Merit
    Reporter
    By Joe Isenhower, managing editor
    Erica Schwan, graphic designer
    Erik M. Lunsford, photojournalist

    Award of Excellence
    The Catholic Review
    By Sara Goldscher, Maureen Cromer and
    Paul McMullen

    ART/DESIGN/GRAPHICS: Newspaper/Newsletter Design (Entire Issue)
    Honorable Mention
    The Catholic Review
    By Sara Goldscher and Robert Thompson
    Award of Merit
    Anglican Journal
    By Saskia Rowley
    Award of Excellence
    Episcopal Journal
    By Solange De Santis, Editor

    ART/DESIGN/GRAPHICS: Illustration w/Article or Cutline: All Media
    Honorable Mention
    The Lutheran Witness
    Good News of Great Joy
    By Adriane Heins, managing editor
    Lisa Moeller, graphic designer

    Award of Merit
    The United Church Observer
    With This Ring, I Thee Divorce
    By Jeannie Phan, illustrator
    Award of Excellence
    The United Church Observer
    Elephants in the Room
    By Alexander Iorgu, illustrator

    PHOTOGRAPHY: Single Photo w/Article or Cutline: Newspaper/Newsletter/News Service/
    Website/Blog
    Award of Merit
    Reporter
    New Pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania Kneel at the Altar
    By Joe Isenhower, managing editor
    Erik M. Lunsford, photojournalist

    Award of Excellence
    Reporter
    Church and Community Members Enjoy Clean Water
    By Joe Isenhower, managing editor
    Erik M. Lunsford, photojournalist

    PHOTOGRAPHY: Single Photo w/Article or Cutline: Magazine/Journal
    Honorable Mention
    Alliance Life
    Diallo
    By Ewien van Bergeijk-Kwant, photographer
    Award of Merit
    Church Health Reader
    Congregation of Bethel AME Church
    By Maximillian Franz
    Award of Excellence
    Lutherans Engage the World Nov./Dec. Cover Photo
    By Megan K. Mertz, managing editor
    Erik Lunsford, photojournalist

    PHOTOGRAPHY: Photo Spread w/Article or Cutline: Newspaper/Newsletter/News Service/
    Website/Blog
    Honorable Mention
    Anglican Journal
    Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior
    By André Forget
    Award of Merit
    Reporter
    Well Done!
    By Joe Isenhower, managing editor
    Erik M. Lunsford, photojournalist

    Award of Excellence
    Reporter
    Up On the Roof
    By Joe Isenhower, managing editor
    Erik M. Lunsford, photojournalist

    PHOTOGRAPHY: Photo Spread w/Article or Cutline: Magazine/Journal
    Honorable Mention
    Presbyterian Record
    Green Famine
    By Caroline Bishop and Salina Vanderhorn, designers
    Andrew Faiz, photography
    Award of Merit
    Lutheran Witness
    By Adriane Heins, managing editor
    Erik Lunsford, photojournalist

    Award of Excellence
    Lutherans Engage the World
    LCMS Mercy Work in Malawi
    By Megan K. Mertz, managing editor
    Erik Lunsford, photojournalist

    Award of Excellence
    Concordia Seminary Magazine
    First Look
    By Tony Carosella, photographer; Michelle Meier, designer; Jayna Rollings, art director
    Award of Excellence
    Concordia Seminary Magazine
    First Look
    By Mark Polege, photographer; Michelle Meier, designer; Jayna Rollings, art director

    ART/DESIGN/GRAPHICS: Print Publication Redesign
    Honorable Mention
    The Covenant Companion
    By Cathy Norman Peterson, managing editor; Edward Gilbreath, editor;
    Jane Swanson-Nystrom, senior editor; Steven Luce, creative director
    Award of Merit
    Alliance Life
    By Daron Short, designer/photographer
    Christer Tschamler, designer
    Peter Burgo, editor
    Melinda Lane, managing editor

    Award of Merit
    Anglican Journal
    By Saskia Rowley and Marites N. Sison
    Award of Excellence
    Extension Magazine
    By Elizabeth Boo Neuberger
    and Meinrad Scherer-Emunds, editors
    Garcia Media, redesign consultants
    Rich Kalonick, principal photography
    Elio Leturia, art direction

    Online/New Media

    ONLINE/NEW MEDIA: Publication Website
    Honorable Mention
    Anglican Journal
    Anglican Journal staff
    Award of Merit
    Presbyterian Outlook
    By Jana Blazek, Jill Duffield
    Award of Excellence
    The United Church Observer
    By Kevin Spurgaitis

    ONLINE/NEW MEDIA: Website Redesign
    Honorable Mention
    Catholic Extension
    By Matthew Paolelli, manager of digital communications
    Honorable Mention
    The United Church Observer
    ucobserver.org
    By Kevin Spurgaitis
    Award of Merit
    Brewer Communications, Inc.
    Lutheran Music Programs
    By Kathryn Brewer, design
    William Kimbel Lyons, data management and development
    Award of Excellence
    Faith & Leadership
    By Jessamyn Rubio, interactive media manager
    Duke Web Services, developers

    ONLINE/NEW MEDIA: Social Media
    Honorable Mention
    Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
    Presbyterians For Just Immigration
    By Teresa Waggener and Laura Polk
    Honorable Mention
    The Lutheran Witness
    The Lutheran Witness twitter and Facebook Utilization
    By Adriane Heins, managing editor
    Honorable Mention
    Catholic Extension
    Flat Francis
    By Matthew Paolelli, manager of digital communications
    Award of Merit
    Anglican Journal
    By Anglican Journal staff
    Award of Excellence
    Baptist Standard
    By Julie Sorrels, marketing manager

    ONLINE/NEW MEDIA: Video
    Honorable Mention
    Catholic Extension
    Episode Four
    By Angela D’Antonio, director
    Orchard Productions, production company

    Award of Merit
    Presbyterian News Service
    Big Hearts, Tiny Houses Combine to Advance Mission at Seattle Church
    By Gregg Brekke, Video production and editing
    Presbyterian News Service, editor

    Award of Excellence
    Friends Journal
    QuakerSpeak
    By Jon Watts, Director of QuakerSpeak
    Gabriel Ehri, Executive Director, Friends Publishing Corporation

    ONLINE/NEW MEDIA: Audio
    Award of Merit
    The United Church Observer
    Observer Podcast Episode 2
    By Kevin Spurgaitis, producer
    Award of Excellence
    The Christian Century
    Preachers on Preaching
    By Matt Fitzgerald

    ONLINE/NEW MEDIA: Integrated Communications
    Award of Merit:
    www.csl.edu
    Generations: The Campaign for Concordia Seminary Public Launch
    By Vicki Biggs, senior vice president of Seminary Advancement; Melanie Ave, communications manager; Jayna Rollings, art director; Michelle Meier, designer; Mark Polege, Web developer; Jill Gray, photographer; Henning Communications, design firm; Lifetime Media, video production
    Award of Excellence
    Special Coverage of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
    By Anglican Journal Staff

    ONLINE/NEW MEDIA: Podcasts
    Award of Excellence
    Café, Stirring the Spirit Within
    boldcafe.org
    By Elizabeth McBride, producer and editor
    Josh Ginter, sound engineer

    STUDENT PUBLICATIONS: All Media
    Award of Excellence
    Envision
    Debbie Michel, editor in chief
    Diane Myers, design editor
    Dave Sherwin, photo editor

    Books

    BOOKS: Non-Fiction
    Honorable Mention
    From Ghosts to God in Enga Land
    By Otto C. Hintze, Jr., writer
    Cheryl D. Naumann, editor
    Erica Schwan, graphic designer
    Honorable Mention
    A Generous Community: Being Church in a New Missionary Age
    By C. Andrew Doyle
    Award of Merit
    Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter
    By Lindsay Hardin Freeman
    Award of Merit
    Martin Sheen: Pilgrim on the Way
    By Sister Rose Pacatte
    Award of Excellence
    Food Fight: Struggling for Justice in a Hungry World
    By Chris Herlinger, writer
    Paul Jeffrey, photographer

    BOOKS: Children or Young Adults
    Award of Excellence
    Stories of God’s Love
    Kathryn Brewer, design
    Amy Sands, illustration
    Stacy Johnson Myers, writer and editor

    Public Relations & Marketing

    PUBLIC RELATIONS/MARKETING: Annual Report: Print or Online
    Award of Excellence
    The Banner
    Annual Ministry Report 2015
    By Henry Hess

    PUBLIC RELATIONS/MARKETING: Traditional News Release
    Award of Merit
    www.csl.edu
    Kaldi’s Coffee Creates Special Coffee Blend for Concordia Seminary
    By Melanie Ave and Jackie Parker

    PUBLIC RELATIONS/MARKETING: Marketing/PR Video
    Award of Merit
    Lutheran Church Extension Fund, LCEF
    LCEF: Videos to Increase Product Awareness
    By Brittany Harris
    Award of Excellence
    Presbyterian News Service
    Faith Works: Wings and a Prayer
    By Paul Seebeck, director;
    Mike Fitzer, 180 Degrees, video production and editing

    PUBLIC RELATIONS/MARKETING: Electronic Newsletter
    Honorable Mention
    Café, Stirring the Spirit Within
    boldcafe.org | HTML newsletter
    May, July & Dec. 2015
    By Elizabeth McBride, Editor and designer
    Award of Merit
    In Trust
    In Trust Now e-newsletter,
    April, August, and October 2015
    By Monika Salden, social media manager
    Jay Blossom, publisher

    Award of Excellence
    LCMS Communications
    Life Together Digest
    By Becky Cummings, Rudy Blank,
    Paul Keup and Sam Ambrose, designers
    LCMS Ministry staff, writers/editors