Editorial: A respected voice in Christian media falls silent

Among Churches of Christ, which follow the biblical pattern of congregational autonomy, news services perform the vital task of delivering information that unites us, occasionally concerns us and demonstrates that we are not alone.

Rocky Mountain Christian has served this role nobly for 42 years. The Colorado-based newspaper was founded by Jack Carter, Roy Lanier Jr. and Max Hughes. Carter’s son, Ron Carter, served as its longtime editor. His children, Bret Carter and Julie Oehlert, have continued the work.

We were saddened to learn that the May-June 2014 issue is the Rocky Mountain Christian’s last. The paper has been “a respected voice of teaching and local news for churches in the western states,” said Lynn McMillon, president and CEO of The Christian Chronicle. 

While we’re sorry to learn that an important voice of Christian journalism will fall silent, we certainly understand the challenges of producing — and mailing — news to people of faith. We’re encouraged by the editors’ words in the final issue: “Like all things in this temporary world, it is just a matter of time before the final word is printed. All things have a beginning and all things have an end, except for the kingdom of God.”

We’re equally encouraged that Bret Carter will continue to produce articles and editorials on his blog, www.nosmallcommotion.blogspot.com.

Rocky Mountain Christian will be remembered as an important voice of New Testament Christianity. As we grapple with the ever-changing landscape of news media, we thank you, dedicated readers, for your unyielding support of our efforts to deliver — in print and online — information that informs, inspires and unites.