Journal named best newspaper

The Anglican Journal has been named best national/international newspaper for the fourth year in a row by the Associated Church Press. The Journal won 10 awards, including five firsts at the Chicago ceremony. “This newspaper really has something for everyone,” the judges commented.

Two of the Journal’s columnists were awarded with firsts this year – Primate Michael Peers for his Grace Notes column, and Peter Elliott, the dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver, for his movie reviews. The judges called Archbishop Peers’ columns “effective parables for our day, skillfully written in folksy idiom that draw readers into the heart of the matter.”

Freelance writer Margaret Dinsdale’s article on homelessness (with photographer David Eijsenck and designer Saskia Rowley) published in January 1999 was judged the best feature article. “A piece that is hard to put down,” the judge said.

Ms. Rowley was also honoured with firsts for best newspaper front page (June 1999) and best newspaper graphics for the December 1999 books section.

Journal editor David Harris received the award of merit (second – no first was given) for his February 1999 editorial, Reporting Bad News is Part of Good News Message. A series of articles on residential schools coverage by Kathy Blair and freelancer Michael McAteer won a second place for in-depth coverage.

Freelancer Wayne Holst received a second in the critical review category for his review of books on science and religion. Freelance photographer David Rossiter won second for a June 1999 picture of students in the aftermath of the Taber shooting.

The Toronto Anglican came third in the regional newspaper competition.

Associated Church Press is an 84-year-old professional association of 175 religious publications.

The Journal is Canada’s highest circulation religious publication and the world’s most widely circulated Anglican publication.