1

Best in Class: Regional Newspaper

Judged by Pamela Hill Nettleton

 

Award of Excellence: The Catholic Sun. Robert DeFrancesco, editor. “This is a class newspaper design: easy-to-read, clearly understood. The front page ‘Inside’ is a smart idea that helps readers use the publication. The Spanish section makes great sense, and some tough issues are taken up and tackled with compassion.”

 

Award of Merit: The Alabama Baptist. Bob S. Terry, editor. “A unified look for this publication that builds reader community: a thoughtful approach to type styles, sizes, kerning that is applied consistently.”

 

Honorable Mention: Word and Way. Bill Webb, editor, Lindsay Bergstrom, designer, Jennifer Harris, news writer, Ken Satterfield, marketing coordinator. “The reader is being considered here, with prompts from the first page driving readers inside to key stories.”

 

 

2

Best in Class: National or International Newspaper

Judged by Pamela Hill Nettleton

 

 

Award of Excellence: Mennonite Weekly Review. Paul Schrag, editor, Robert Rhodes, associate editor. “The Review works in every way to create a sense of community and to achieve its mission. A consistent, crisp, clear design packs much news onto each page, yet invites readers and removes design obstacles for them. Lively headlines stop and intrigue readers and help create a feeling of a community conversation, and it is a conversation that does not sidestep tough issues (and one that includes humor).”

 

Award of Merit: The Anglican Journal. Leanne Larmondin, editor. “Consistently clear writing with a clean, crisp design throughout that is easy to read. It’s obvious there are rules and styles in place, and these work to make reading inviting. Throughout, illustrations and photos have a contemporary, attractive appeal; even head shots are made fresh and inviting.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • The Christian Chronicle. Lynn McMillon, editor, Bobby Ross Jr., managing editor.  “Briskly written headlines that help a quick reader but intrigue enough to encourage stopping and reading in detail, combined with energetic, lively, exciting images and photographs.” • United Church News. J. Bennett Guess, editor. “The design takes risks and is fresh, current, and urban. Center-spread features take on challenging issues of significance.”

 

 

3

Best in Class: Special Interest Magazine

Judged by Ken Waters

 

Award of Excellence:  A Common Place. Pearl Sensenig, editor. “The stories in this publication are well-written and informative. The artwork and photos are astounding and allow for full-page bleeds that few other publications can feature. There’s a beauty in the design and use of paper stock that is peaceful and welcoming. Telling stories of a hurting world isn’t easy. Through strong writing, words and art, this publication does an excellent job of educating and inspiring.”

 

Award of Merit: New World Outlook. Christie R. House, editor; Hal Sadler and Sean Grandits, art director/designer. “This magazine features well-written stories. Strong human interest articles keep readers turning the pages to learn more about the important work of Methodist missions and missionaries. In addition the photos are excellent, including the covers.”

 

Honorable Mention:  devozine. Sandy Miller, editor; Patrick Worley, designer. “This is a delightfully cool publication. The design is contemporary, befitting its audience, and the devotions are well-written and insightful.”

 

 

4

Best in Class:  Denominational Magazine

Judged by Ken Waters

 

Award of Excellence: aLife. Melinda Lane, editor; Beryl Glass, artist/designer. “The articles focus on some of life’s most difficult places and situations, but strong storytelling and a focus on God’s grade make these articles uplifting to read. Strong design and photos complement the content in an overall beautifully presented magazine.”

 

Award of Merit (tie): • DisciplesWorld. Verity A. Jones and Sherry Wood Emmons, editors. “Given budget challenges, Disciples World does an amazing job of designing and presenting a top-notch four-color publication. While many articles deal with tough social issues, the information is presenting in a challenging and inspiring manner, providing a great service to readers.” • Interpreter. Kathy Noble, editor; Joey Butler, managing editor; Deborah White, associate editor; MCM Design Studio, art direction. “The Interpreter features user-friendly articles packed with practical advice and encouragement. The focus on people rather than church politics is refreshing. The Interpreter contains a great blend of articles in a very pleasing package.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • The Banner. Bob De Moor, editor. “The Banner’s editorial desire to maintain a distance from church PR, so it can present information and commentary that creates dialogue within the church, is commendable—each issue is jam-packed with useful information presented with strong design elements.” • U.S. Catholic. Meinrad Scherer-Emunds, Heidi Schlumpf, and Father John Molyneux C.M.F., editors. “U.S. Catholic has never been afraid to explore controversial issues in great depth—the intelligent design controversy, dialogue with Muslims, and the nature of the priesthood are all covered with an even-handed educational tone.”

 

 

5

Best in Class: General Interest Magazine

Judged by Ken Waters

 

Award of Excellence: The Progressive Christian. Stephen Swecker, editor; Brenda Riddell, designer. “This publication features excellent design with a great array of topics covered. These well-written essays are well-argued and avoid denigrating those believers whom the magazine’s writers disagree with. The beautiful cover art and well-designed publication highlight insightful and well-written content.”

 

Award of Merit: Sojourners. Jim Rice, editor; Ed Spivey Jr., designer. “Sojourners features a variety of provocative and informative articles that empower and challenge readers. Sojourners is consistently one of the best written and designed publications in Christendom and has maintained a continued commitment to its original editorial purposes.” 

 

Honorable Mention: Congregations. Richard Bass, editor; Marlis McCollum, contributing editor. “Congregations provides a valuable service to the church-at-large through well-written and insightful articles that provide a wealth of encouragement to readers—especially clergy and lay leadership struggling with their relevance as a community or church.

 

6

Best in Class: Journal

Judged by Ken Waters

 

Award of Excellence: Touchstone: a Magazine of Mere Christianity. David Mills, editor. “The premise of this publication—mere Christianity—is backed by a variety of excellent content. The ability to provoke dialogue with readers—Esolen’s piece on Esther comes to mind—is a real gift. It means people are reading and interacting with the content. The design is simple, but pleasing.”

 

Award of Merit: The Cresset. James Paul Old, editor. “The cover design of The Cresset is top notch and does a great job of inviting readers to open and explore its contents. The content and titling is provocative, but educational. It says, ‘This is not the same old approach to Christianity and culture.’” 

 

Honorable Mention: Reflections. Ray Waddle, editor; Peter Johnson, designer. “An outstanding publication that provides a valuable educational resource for readers who are attempting to understand and respond to the sticky issues of the faith.”

 

 

7

Best in Class: Newsletter

Judged by Pamela Hill Nettleton

 

Award of Excellence: Baptist Peacemaker. Katie Cook, editor and designer. “This publication is willing to take risks and cover controversial issues with no excuses and a focused point of view: making peace. The reporting is mature and aimed directly at its mission. There’s some real reporting going on here for a newsletter, and a host of contributors gives a sense of true conversation. It is consummately successful at doing what it sets out to do.”

 

Award of Merit: Nuestra Parroquia. Carmen Aguinaco, author and editor. “This hard-working, information-packed newsletter features bilingual content, which it manages in clear design formats. The content is spot-on, focused clearly on its audience, and its content is obviously applicable to them. It is likely that this gets read cover-to-cover.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • Congregational Libraries Today. Mark William Olson, editor. “A polished, professional-looking, easy-to-read publication packed with pragmatic assistance focused firmly on its audience.” • Vital Theology. David W. Reid, editor. “Covers tough stories in bold, smart, and compassionate ways, always with a positive perspective emphasizing the agency of its readers.”

 

 

8

Best in Class: News Service

Judged by Diane Bugeja

 

Award of Excellence: Religion News Service. Kevin Eckstrom, editor. “Intelligent, in-depth reporting. Great leads and headlines.”

 

Award of Merit: Presbyterian News Service. Jerry L. Van Marter, coordinator. “Good coverage of national, international, regional, local, and controversial stories.”

 

Honorable Mention: Ecumenical News International. Peter Kenny, editor-in-chief. “Makes material understandable to the reader and covers both soft news and controversial subjects.”

 

 

9

Best in Class: Independent Website or E-zine

Judged by Diane Bugeja

 

Award of Excellence: Café—Stirring the Spirit Within. Elizabeth McBride, Deborah Bogaert, and Terri Lackey, editors. “Provides high quality product for its targeted audience. The magazine writing style is top notch and provides an intimate yet professional voice. The journalists use relevant and quality research and sources to create articles and podcasts that are meaningful to all women, no matter their religious beliefs or associations. Lovely site.”

 

Award of Merit: United Methodist NeXus. Cynthia B. Astle, editor, S. Kathleen Palmer, assistant editor. “Strong coverage of local, national, and international stories.”

 

Honorable Mention: Salt of the Earth, Kevin Clarke, editor. “Strong social justice coverage and lots of links.”

 

10

Acorn Award

Judged by Ken Waters

 

Award of Excellence: Canadian Adventist Messenger. Crystal Holloway, editor; Joan Tanasiychuk, designer. “High-quality graphics and illustrations complement the well-written articles. The striking cover and inside design are remarkable for a publication on a limited budget. The articles are both informative and inspiring.” 

 

Award of Merit: Noticias. Ray Kersting, editor. “News, essays, and features are combined in a pleasing design. It is clean and readable, with a good use of color. While relatively small, the photos are crisp and clear. Overall, this is a nicely designed and presented publication with an array of interesting content.”

 

Honorable mention (tie): • The Connector. Nicole Reid, editor. “There is quite a diversity of articles and photos and it leads to a fairly comprehensive coverage of the presbytery and the amount of reader involvement is commendable.” • Cumberland Presbyterian Pat White, editor; Suzanne Story, designer. “A strong publication for such a small budget—this is a labor of love and that is evident. I’m sure readers are very appreciative.”

 

 

11

Editorial or Opinion Piece: Newspaper/News Service/Newsletter

Judged by Andrew Herrmann

 

Award of Excellence: The Christian Chronicle for “Have we become lukewarm?” by Bobby Ross Jr., August. “Writer presents a strong and urgent ‘call to action’ message in the face of a serious situation. Not only points out the problems but offers some concrete solutions.”

 

Award of Merit: United Methodist Reporter for “Dad, the ‘Bumbling Idiot’” by Mary Jacobs, June 15. “Writer uses humor to make a serious point. Good research and inviting writing style. Easy to read but with a deep message.”

 

Honorable Mention: Anglican Journal for “Communication must be transparent, timely and accurate” by Leanne Larmondin, December.

 

 

12

Editorial or Opinion Piece: Magazine

Judged by Andrew Herrmann

 

Award of Excellence: New World Outlook for “The Story of the Week,’’ by Margo Sabella, March/April. “While other entries may have been more smoothly written, none was more passionate in its argument. The author separates herself from the competition as an authentic voice crying out for attention on an under-covered topic.”

 

Award of Merit: The Christian Century for “Meltdown: Running out of time on global warming’’ by Bill McKibben, February 20. “This entry starts with an in-your-face beginning, an approach the writer skillfully uses to convey the urgency of his message. Though one of the longer entries, it is well-researched, and is written in a conversational style that is inviting and compelling.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • Presbyterian Record for “Messy Business” by David Harris, December. • The Progressive Christian for “The Knife” by Robert Shetterly, March/April.

 

13

Editorial Courage

Judged by Andrew Herrmann

 

Award of Excellence: U.S. Catholic for “A betrothal proposal” by Michael J. Lawler and Gail S. Risch, June. “An interesting topic presented in an informative and enlightening way. The writers took some heat, the publisher fulfilled his or her mission and the readers responded—good job all around on a piece that challenges the church to revisit its teachings.”

 

Award of Merit: Touchstone for “All God’s Children’’ by James M. Kushiner and David Mills, May. “An unusual topic that challenges conventional wisdom. The point is well made and, given the current view on family size, courageous in its presentation.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • The Banner for “A Modest Proposal” by Sam Hamstra, Jr., March. • The United Church Observer for “Sex and spirituality: the joy of it all” by Trisha Elliott, October.

 

 

14

Feature article: newspaper

Judged by Linda Lawson

 

Award of Excellence: The Christian Chronicle for “Worship in a War Zone” by Erik Tryggestad, January. “This article is extremely well written and offers great insights into a subject seldom written about. From the lead to the last sentence, this story grips the reader. The short sentences communicate the urgency of the subject. After reading this article and looking at the pictures, I carried with me both a burden for those serving in Iraq and a feeling of hope for the evidence that God is present even there.”

 

Award of Merit: The United Methodist Reporter for “A Parent’s Dilemma” by Robin Russell, August. “The feature treatment of a conference for parents of gay and lesbian children makes the article much stronger than just a news story. The writer weaves the varied stories together into an article that communicates the many dimensions of this issue.”

 

Honorable Mention: United Church News for “New Jersey Church Installs Solar Electric, Leads by Example” by J. Martin Bailey, October-November.

 

 

15

Feature Article: News Service/Newsletter/Website

Judged by Linda Lawson

 

Award of Excellence: The Lutheran Witness for “New Life in Greensburg” by Paula Schlueter Ross, November. “This article is an example of sparkling writing throughout. It takes a news story covered internationally several months earlier and updates us on progress through one fifty-year-old church and gripping tales of survival by residents. Photos by the author add to the power of the words.”

 

Award of Merit: Baptist Press for “Student Showed No Signs of Suicide Plans” by Erin Roach, December. “This story personalizes the growing problem of teen suicide even though names were not used. It is an inside look at a youth minister’s efforts to help the family, the youth of the church, and the youth workers. This should be recommended reading for professional and lay workers with youth.”

 

Honorable Mention: Vital Theology for “Pushing to Succeed” by Lynn Schwebach, February.

 

 

16

Feature Article, Magazine: Short Format

Judged by Melanie Rigney

 

 

Award of Excellence: The Presbyterian Outlook for “Presby-Twi ministry shows immigrant outreach potential” by Leslie Scanlon, June 4. “Interesting look at inclusiveness. Nice variety of voices. Glad you didn’t back away from discussing problems that were encountered.”

 

Award of Merit: Interpreter for “Not Your Parents’ Church ... or Is It?” by Kelly C. Martini, May/June. “Lovely piece about an eternal issue. Lots of points of view.”

 

Honorable Mention: No award given.

 

 

17

Feature Article, Magazine: Long Format

Judged by Melanie Rigney

 

 

Award of Excellence: Presbyterian Record for “The Path to Healing: Sharing the pain of residential schools” by Amy MacLachlan, February. “Amazing package. The writing is beautiful. The writer covered all the bases completely and skillfully. Lots of sourcing. The timeline and other sidebars are excellent.”

 

Award of Merit: Adventist Review for “Abuse in the Adventist Church?” by René Drumm with Marciana Popescu, Gary Hopkins, and Linda Spady, October 11. “This is an excellent package—timely, well written, expert point of view, lead that hooks the reader.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • Presbyterians Today for “Breaking the silence” by Eva Stimson, June. • The United Church Observer for “Life Everlasting” by Kevin Spurgaitis, September.

 

18

News Story, Newspaper

Judged by Sammye Johnson

 

Award of Excellence: The United Methodist Reporter for “SMU Forum to Address Bush Library Concerns” by Robin Russell, January 12. “A thorough look at the controversy over locating the George W. Bush Library at SMU. This well-written, balanced article includes comments from the SMU administration, faculty, and alumni of the School of Theology, and even the dean of the Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service affiliated with the Clinton Library.”

 

Award of Merit: The Catholic Sun for “Pope Liberalizes Latin Mass” by Andrew Junker, July 19. “Excellent explanation of the 1962 Tridentine Mass and how it differs from the current Mass. Through interviews with ordinary parishioners, bishops, diocese directors, and priests, readers learn how the inclusion of this ‘extraordinary form’ will affect parishes.”

 

Honorable Mention: The Anglican Journal for “National Native Bishop Named” by Marites N. Sison, February.    

 

 

19

News Story, News Service/Newsletter/Website

Judged by Sammye Johnson

 

Award of Excellence: Religion News Service for “At Virginia Tech, Trying to Explain the Unexplainable” by Kevin Eckstrom, April 17. “A well-written, tightly focused article that reached readers just one day after the shooting at Virginia Tech University. Quotes from Lutheran, Baptist, and Catholic campus ministers as well as a Blacksburg Presbyterian director of Christian education and a Chabad rabbi in Richmond resulted in a compelling, broad-based, and timely article.”

 

Award of Merit:  ELCA News Service for “Lutheran Bishop in Holy Land Meets Former President Carter” by John Brooks, November 16. “A short, timely account of a meeting between a Lutheran bishop from Jerusalem and former President Carter where they discussed the Israeli/ Palestinian situation. In clear, crisp prose, readers learn of priorities and communication procedures that have resulted in Lutherans being seen as partners for peace and justice in the Middle East.”

 

Honorable Mention: Ecumenical News International for “Pentecostal Hails World Christian Forum” by Fredrick Nzwili, November 7.

 

 

20

News Story, Magazine

Judged by Sammye Johnson

 

Award of Excellence: Sojourners for “Congo’s Cautious Hope” by Tim Shenk, February. “Excellent analysis about recent events in the Congo, the role of churches in the first democratic elections in decades, and what the future might hold. This well-reasoned article is both informative and enlightening, with thoughtful quotes from a variety of religious leaders in the country as well as hard data about the political and social infrastructure.”

 

Award of Merit: Adventist Review for “Setting the Table for Faith” by Bill Knott, April 26. “An impressive job of covering an important event and explaining what makes it so important to this particular audience. Myriad quotes provide a lot of information about this historic world congress for religious liberty and how the IRLA operates. The prose is elegant yet readable.”

 

Honorable Mention: The Mennonite for “Mennomeet.com Launches for Singles” by Anna Groff, August 7.

 

 

21

Convention or Meeting Coverage, Newspaper

Judged by Jason Young

 

Award of Excellence: The United Methodist Reporter for “Reconciling Ministries Network Convocation” by Robin Russell, August 24. “Controversial topics, such as homosexuality and the church, offers fodder for preaching from both sides. Robin Russell told the stories of the participants, did not hide from the church’s official stance and then got out of the way. Great job!”

 

Award of Merit: The Christian Chronicle for “Lift every voice and sing” by Bobby Ross Jr., July. “Writing well and with intent remains one of the pillars of journalism and, sadly, a rarity. Mr. Ross achieves that standard and, because of his skill, the reader remains engaged with the story.”

 

Honorable Mention: United Church News for “Ayes on Hartford” by J. Bennett Guess, editor, and Randy Varcho, designer and photographer.

 

 

22

Convention or Meeting Coverage, News Service

Judged by Jason Young

 

Award of Excellence: Religion News Service for “Coverage of the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention” by Adelle M. Banks, May 31-June 14. “Writing for both a religious and secular audience can prove difficult—one can want more cheerleading, the other less—but Ms. Banks did a nice job of staying down the middle. That is rare in religious reporting.”

 

Award of Merit: Baptist Press for “Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting Coverage,” by various authors/photographers, June. “A news service serves its clients best when it provides more information than necessary. The Baptist Press straddled the line between plenty and too much with this entry, but in the end it works well.”

 

Honorable Mention: Presbyterian News Service for “Presbyterian Youth Triennium Coverage” by Jerry Van Marter, July 13-23.

 

23

Convention or Meeting Coverage, Magazine

Judged by Jason Young

 

Award of Excellence: The Lutheran for “Assembly marks ELCA at 20,” by staff, September. “Too often, designers go for the spectacular rather than a balance that pulls the reader into the actual text. The Lutheran staff found the nearly perfect—sadly, perfect does not exist—equilibrium between solid design and interesting writing.”

 

Award of Merit: Facts & Trends for “Cops, others let down their guard at Law Enforcement Summit” by Polly House, March/April. “Ms. House’s writing carries the personal stories throughout the article and provides readers a reason to fly through the article; however Mr. Harville’s photography gives the reader a reason to pause, consume, and appreciate the material.”

 

Honorable Mention: The Lutheran Witness for “One Message: Christ” by Roland Lovstad and James H. Heine, June, July and August.

 

 

24

In-Depth Coverage, Newspaper/News Service/Newsletter/Website

Judged by Bruce Tomaso

 

Award of Excellence: United Methodist Reporter for Bush Library protest coverage, by Robin Russell, January 12, January 26, March 23. “This was a well-written, well-researched and balanced examination of issues of importance not only to Methodists and to Southern Methodist University, but to university communities everywhere: What are the proper relationships between a religiously based university, its faculty, its governing body, and the community as a whole? The author did a masterful job of tackling these issues in a thoroughly professional manner.”

 

Award of Merit: Baptist Press for World AIDS Day package by various authors, November 30. “The breadth of coverage in this package was impressive: stories from Uganda and Southern California, from Florida and Geneva Switzerland, all of them nicely presented in a clear, readable form. The interview with Kay Warren was perhaps the best I’ve seen.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • Presbyterian News Service for Gulf Relief update by Jerry Van Marter and Evan Silverstein, February 27. • Vital Theology for Virgina Tech shootings coverage by various authors, April/May, November.

 

25

In Depth Coverage: Magazine

Judged by Mary Dunklin

 

Award of Excellence: Sojourners for “Trade Justice,” Jim Rice, editor, May. “A standout entry with an array of good content that dug deep into the subject while also feeling accessible to readers. The visuals tie it all tighter to create a cohesive and informative package.”

 

Award of Merit: The United Church Observer for “The Tales the Numbers Tell” by Sarah Boesveld, Mike Milne, and Sabitri Ghosh, September. “This entry showed thorough sustained coverage of a key subject. It has strong diversity of content. The survey of new Canadians was a creative addition.”

 

Honorable Mention: In Trust for “Sustainability and Theological Education,” Jay Blossom, editor, Summer issue.

 

26

Theme Issue, Section or Series: Newspaper/News Service/Newsletter/Website

Judged by Nancy L. Roberts

 

Award of Excellence: Religion News Service for “‘Death in America’—Parts 1 and 2” by Kevin Eckstrom, editor, May 23-24. “Very well conceptualized, researched, and written.  Both the breadth and depth of the articles on this theme are superb. Sparkling, informative writing! Outstanding! Excellent service to your readers.”

 

Award of Merit: Vestry Papers for “Stewardship Issue” by Lindsay Hardin Freeman, May/June. “Informative, interesting, and so visually appealing; an excellent range of articles.”

 

Honorable Mention: The Christian Chronicle for “Church planting” by Bobby Ross Jr., October.

 

 

27

Theme Issue, Section, or Series: Magazine

Judged by Nancy L. Roberts

 

Award of Excellence: Reflections for “God’s Green Earth” by Ray Waddle, editor, and Peter Johnson, designer, Spring. “Great topic! Very original treatment; considerable depth. This issue will linger on the coffee table forever. Just when you think you’re done, there’s yet another, thought-provoking piece. High-quality articles, photos, and design make a winner of an issue.”

 

Award of Merit: Sojourners for “Telling Stories” edited by Jim Rice, November. “Intriguing and original treatments of storytelling, especially as spiritual practice. Art, design, layout—all are very crisp and appealing. Great storytelling yourselves!”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • Friends Journal for “Nurturing Younger Friends,” edited by Susan Corson-Finnerty, editor, July. Horizons for “Living with Death” edited by Leah Bradley and Sharon Dunne Gillies and designed by Laura Lee and Debbie Paris, March/April. The Presbyterian Outlook for “Web 2.0: The New Connectionalism” edited by Jack Haberer and designed by Stann Bailey, November 12.

 

 

28

Interview

Judged by Madison Trammel

 

Award of Excellence: U.S. Catholic for “Monkey Business: An Interview with Francisco J. Ayala” by Bryan Cones, August. “The best interviews include an interesting subject, a timely topic, questions that both lead and challenge, and thoughtful, sometimes surprising answers. ‘Monkey Business’ featured all of the above—and then some. In a very competitive category, this piece rose to the top with a discussion of intelligent design that covered history, science, and theology with equal insight and nuance. Well done!”

 

Award of Merit (tie): • Baptist Press for “Huckabee expresses vision and tradition” by Will Hall, September 21. “An in-depth interview with a presidential candidate polling in the single digits might have seemed low priority at the time. But Will Hall’s preparation and skill in getting Huckabee to speak on his controversial views, and willingness to ask pushback questions made this a great piece.” • Vital Theology for “Person Who Did This Is Like Us” by David W. Reid, April/May. “Paul J. Griffiths’ words on suffering, brokenness, and lament—in an interview conducted just four days after the Virginia Tech shooting—were both wise and comforting. David W. Reid conducted the interview masterfully, resulting in a piece with depth and staying power. Simply superb.”

 

Honorable Mention: • The United Church Observer for “A lot of things leave men feeling excluded and silenced and not valued,” by David Wilson, June. • The United Methodist Reporter for “A Stunning Model of Forgiveness” by Robin Russell, October 12.

 

 

29

Biographical Profile

Judged by Nancy J. Stelling

 

Award of Excellence: Friends Journal for “Julien Davies Cornell: Gentle Quaker, Determined Litigator” by Charles F. Howlett, May. “Beautiful wedding of form and content. Clear, rational prose reveals marvelous portrait of ‘unsung hero of the U.S. peace movement.’ Unsung no more, thanks to this piece, which, like Coleridge’s ‘Ancient Mariner,’ holds readers rapt until they are cleansed and enriched. Biography doesn’t get much better than this!”

 

Award of Merit: • The Alabama Baptist for “Timeless Talent” by Grace Thornton, April 12. “Excellent example of adage that ‘we’re all walking feature stories, if one just uncovers our heart.’ This story—and subject—has heart galore and simple, clear writing, exposition, and movement. Subject’s clarion call to the carillon reverberates throughout the piece.” • The United Church Observer for “Generation Craig” by Jocelyn Bell, April. “Wonderful, touching story of youngster inspiring others with his heart for the world. Fresh, captivating view of youth as activist global citizens. Excellent mix of quotes from adults and youngsters. New generation catching the vision extends story beautifully.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • The Covenant Companion for “A Great Joy in Serving” by Rob Hall, September. • The Progressive Christian for “A Life of Bedrock Integrity” by James Armstrong, September/October.

 

30

Personal Experience, First Person Account: Short Format

Judged by Nancy Fitzgerald

 

Award of Excellence: The United Church Observer for “We’re all panhandlers here” by Allen Tysick, January. “The author writes with skill, sensitivity, and humility. A touching narrative (almost a parable) on the true meaning of generosity.”

 

Award of Merit: United Church News for “The Porpoise-Driven Church” by Julie Ruth Harley, June. “Encountering the holy in an unexpected place, the author discovers new ways to worship and minister. Written with warmth, humor, and exuberance.”

 

Honorable Mention: Disciples World for “A child of missionaries . . . then and now” by Thandiwe Gobledale, October.

 

 

31

Personal Experience, First Person Account: Long Format

Judged by Nancy Fitzgerald

 

Award of Excellence: The Christian Century for “Cell group: Held hostage in Iraq” by James Loney, July 24. “This is a stunning piece, written with power and tenderness. It functions on many levels at once: a fine piece of reporting, an inside glimpse into the psychology of captivity, a narrative of spiritual strength and leadership, the inspiring story of the light and vision that guided one man and inspired his friends.”

 

Award of Merit: Touchstone for “Eating Light” by Emily Stimpson, June. “Skillfully written, this piece examines our cultural ambivalence about food and eating, and places it in a eucharistic light, going beyond lip service into the meaning of one of the central elements of Christian faith.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • The Covenant Companion for “Temporarily Swedish” by Cathy Norman Peterson, March. • Horizons for “Psalms of Lament” by Ann Weems, March/April.

 

 

32

Column

Judged by Eric Zorn

 

Award of Excellence: U.S. Catholic for “The Examined Life” by Bryan Cones, January, June, September. “Bryan Cones writes a bold and original column that challenges conventional thinking (as a good columnist always does) without offending it. His work is informative and personal with a gentle persuasive edge.”

 

Award of Merit: Lutheran Woman Today for “Amen!” by Catherine Malotky, January/February, May, July. “Catherine Malotky takes a risk writing a column that addresses God directly—such a technique could easily come off as cloying and obsequious. But her searching, fearless approach and conversational style make these offerings rewarding and thought provoking.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • Baptist Press for “First Person” by Kelly Boggs, January 5, January 12, and January 19. • Mennonite Weekly Review for “Due Consideration” by Ardie S. Goering, April 30, May 28 November 26. • Sojourners for “The Hungry Spirit” by Rose Marie Berger, January, February, September/October.

 

 

33

Department

Judged by Sandi Dolbee

 

Award of Excellence: The Banner for “Just for Kids” by Sandy Swartzentruber and Joanne De Jonge, January, August, September. “This is, quite frankly, one of the best features for young readers I have ever seen in a church publication. It is terrific—a treat both to read and to look at. The pieces are well-written and creative. The presentations are smashing.”

 

Award of Merit: Sojourners for “Between the Lines” by Rose Marie Berger and Jonathan Mendez, February, April, June. “Strong mix of topics and factoids makes this feature sing. It’s easy to read, whimsical at times, energetic, and informative. The length of the items belies the editing and effort that went into them. Well done and deserving of special recognition.”

 

Honorable Mention: Friends Journal for “Witness” edited by Susan Corson-Finnerty, May, June, August.

 

34

Media Review Section

Judged by Robert O. Wyatt

 

Award of Excellence: Congregations for Book Review Section edited by Marlis McCollum, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. “Excellent reviews of a variety of important works focusing on congregational life and issues congregations face in a broad sense. Impressive range of reviewers from a variety of traditions and perspectives.”

 

Award of Merit: Touchstone for Reviews edited by David Mills, March and May.

“A wide range of reviews of important books from a broad and generous conservative viewpoint.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • The Catholic Sun for Media/Arts by Andrew Junker and Rebecca Bostic, March 1 and October 4 • Sojourners for Culture Watch, edited by Molly Marsh, April and August.

 

 

35

Critical Review

Judged by Robert O. Wyatt

 

Award of Excellence: The Cresset for “Why Cook Dinner?” by Agnes R. Howard, Lent. “A clever, comprehensive critique of three excellent books that grapple with the morality of fast food among Christians for whom feasting is a communal activity. The author is literate, learned, and witty, and the reader is left feeling both enlightened and stunned by how morally complex the act of eating is in the modern world.”

 

Award of Merit: Touchstone for “Leftovers” by David Mills, December. “A tough perceptive critique of Diana Butler Bass’s Christianity for the Rest of Us, a study of alternate, emergent forms of the community church. The reviewer summarizes the book fairly and points to weaknesses in the congregations Bass praises: reliance on a strong central leader, absence of attention to sexual ethics, and the dismissal of traditional formulations of the faith.”

 

Honorable Mention: The Christian Century for “Missing Men: Is the Church Low on Testosterone?” by Lillian Daniel, April 3.

 

 

36

Letters to the Editor

Judged by Brian Cleveland

 

Award of Excellence: Canadian Adventist Messenger for “Your Words” edited by Crystal Holloway, April. “This entry provides a clean, organized layout for its letters.  There’s a good variety of topics and viewpoints and even an author’s response to some of the previous letters to continue the discussion.”

 

Award of Merit: U.S. Catholic for “You may be right” edited by Heidi Schlumpf, October. “This entry provides good organization for its letters, with a good number of topics and viewpoints. The use of colors and images make it visually appealing. It was a tough decision between this and the first place winner.”

 

Honorable Mention: The Anglican Journal for “Letters” edited by Leanne Larmondin,  December.

 

 

37

Poetry

Judged by Daniel deRoulet

 

Award of Excellence: The Christian Century for “To Mr. Auden in a time of war,” by Jeanne Murray Walker, February 6. “Jeanne Murray Walker captures the darkness and uncertainty of our own times, on both international and personal levels. The writer addresses the hope of light which, at the least expected times, ‘begins leaking into the sky.’ Walker writes the poem with considerable control and skill, and with a tone that appropriately makes the subject matter palpable.”

 

Award of Merit: DisciplesWorld for “Soft drink religion” by Frances Moore Parker, April. “‘Soft drink religion’ expertly captures a moment in time (and in coming of age) in which rules and caution often express ministry that is received by its intended recipients as inauthentic and safe. The final stanza’s ‘thirst’ reminisces about a reckless freedom that allowed contact with the ‘lepers of our time’ and regrets what has been lost by falling into safety.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • Friends Journal for “Shadows” by David Morse, April. • U.S. Catholic for “This is my plan” by Devon Miller-Duggan, March.

 

38

Personally Useful Article

Judged by James F. Scotton

 

Award of Excellence: Adventist Review for “Abuse in the Adventist Church?” by René Drumm with Marciana Popescu, Gary Hopkins, and Linda Spady, October 11. “A courageous effort. Even the article shows that some church leaders would rather not deal with or even recognize the problem. The article shows the reader the problem and then that there are steps to be taken to deal with it.”

 

Award of Merit: The Christian Chronicle for “Sex crimes and sex addiction—advice and resources” by Erik Tryggestad and Bobby Ross Jr., June. “A two-article approach about ministers and teenagers struggling with their own problems. Well-sourced and well-written. An important topic dealt with in a straightforward and help manner.”

 

Honorable Mention (tie): • Horizons for “Living In-between: Caring for Those Who Cared for You” by Carol Gruber, edited by Leah Bradley, January-February. • The Lutheran for “Take you faith with you” by D. Michael Bennethum, edited by Julie Sevig and designed by Michael D. Watson, July • The Lutheran Witness for “Full House, Full Hearts” by Paula Schlueter Ross, May.

 </