Christian Chronicle named ‘Best in Class’ for the third year in a row

CHICAGO — For the third year in a row, The Christian Chronicle has earned top honors in the “Best of the Christian Press” contest, sponsored by the Associated Church Press.

The Chronicle was awarded the first-place “Award of Excellence” in the prestigious “Best in Class” category for national and international newspapers.

“The Christian Chronicle is consistently well planned, written, edited and produced,” one judge commented. “The stories are compelling, the art is professional and the headlines clear and tight.”

The Anglican Journal received the second-place Award of Merit, and the Episcopal Journal claimed honorable mention.

Winners were announced April 28 at the ACP’s national convention in Chicago.

In all, the Chronicle — an Oklahoma City-based international newspaper for Churches of Christ with 260,000 monthly print readers — received 14 awards for content published in 2016.

Since 2007, the newspaper has won 87 national ACP awards and been recognized in the Best in Class contest for 11 consecutive years. This is the fifth time the Chronicle received first-place honors in the category, winning previously in 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2016.
AwardS of Excellence (First Place) Best in Class, National or International Newspaper: The Christian Chronicle: Lynn McMillon, president/CEO; Erik Tryggestad, editor; Bobby Ross Jr., chief correspondent; Chellie Ison; digital media reporter; Tonya Patton, advertising manager; Lynda Sheehan, administrative assistant; Joy McMillon, administrative assistant; Melinda Wilson, administrative assistant; Louise Beyer, staff accountant; Bailey McBride, editor emeritus; Katie Jones, intern.

Feature Article:  “Maid in Hong Kong” by Erik Tryggestad.

Judges: “Great read on this topic of domestic workers gathering together for worship and fellowship far from their homeland, and the people who make it possible. A gem of a story, well told. A clear winner.”

Domestic helpers from the Philippines pause for a photo Sunday, after worship activities in Hong Kong. (PHOTO BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD)

News Story: “In the GOP primaries, do politics Trump values and character?” by Bobby Ross Jr.

Judges: “In-depth look into the viewpoints of Republican primary voters; well done and provided reader with multiple perspectives of a critically important issue.”

Supporters cheer Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump in February 2016. (PHOTO BY BOBBY ROSS JR.)

Convention/Meeting Coverage: “Angkor of Faith: Coverage of a youth conference and mission trip in Cambodia” by Erik Tryggestad.

Judges: “Visually appealing from the beginning. Good use of color and photography throughout. Loved the spread on the inside page. Great sidebar, good quotes on bottom. Fascinated with the whole thing.”

John Lim and fellow Christians serve children in the village of Svean, Cambodia, during Angkor of Faith 10. (PHOTO BY TOMMY CHIA)

Electronic Newsletter:  The Christian Chronicle e-newsletter by Chellie Ison and Tonya Patton.

Judges: “Layout is professional ad story choice is newsworthy for each month. The story of Dr. Kent Brantly’s survival of the Ebola virus to coverage of the Flint water crisis. Reporters appear to go above and beyond for The Christian Chronicle.”
Award of Merit (Second Place):
Feature Article: “Young man with autism has a heart for homeless” by Bobby Ross Jr.

News Story: “Will spread of Zika take bite out of Gospel?” by Erik Tryggestad.

In-Depth Coverage: “Orlando massacre: a Christian response” by Bobby Ross Jr.

Theme Issue, Section or Series: “From the East” by Erik Tryggestad.

Newspaper/Newsletter Design (spread or story): “Currents: Exploring Israel” by Erik Tryggestad.
Honorable Mention:
Feature Article: “Canadian churches embrace Syrian refugees” by Bobby Ross Jr.

News Story: “Thirsty souls: Churches help victims of Flint water crisis” by Bobby Ross Jr.

In-Depth Coverage: “Police shootings, racial unrest and the church” by Bobby Ross Jr., Erik Tryggestad, Chellie Ison and Katie Jones.

Newspaper/Newsletter Design (entire issue): The Christian Chronicle by Erik Tryggestad.