wfn.org | ELCA Communicators Earn Religion Journalism Awards

[NEWS <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 28, 1999

ELCA COMMUNICATORS EARN RELIGION JOURNALISM AWARDS
99-113-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The communication efforts of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) were recognized by the Associated
Church Press (ACP), which presented awards for editing, writing,
graphics, design and electronic publishing at its convention April 18-21
in Portland, Ore.  The ACP encompasses 175 religious publications.
     The Southern Bulletin newsletter, Lutheran Theological Southern
Seminary, Columbia, S.C., earned an "Honorable Mention" in the "Best in
Class" category, ACP's top award.  The magazine's editor is the Rev.
Marguerite M. Rourk.
     The Lutheran magazine of the ELCA received 11 awards, three
"Awards of Excellence."   The "Awards of Excellence" were given for
"Breathing the Faith Deeply," by the Rev. Edgar R. Trexler, best
magazine opinion piece; "What Do Kids Need," by the Rev. David L. Miller
and Sally D. Ketchum, most personally useful article; and "Stories of
Resurrection," by the Rev. Mark A. Staples, Lois A. Rumfelt and Miller,
tied for best seasonal piece.
     The Lutheran also won four "Awards of Merit" for best mission
statement, news story, photography with article or cutline, and home
page design.  The magazine received Honorable Mentions for best
graphics, magazine cover, professional resource and best biblical
interpretation piece.
     "The 11 awards are the most ever received by The Lutheran during
any year," said Trexler, the magazine's editor.
     "The number of honors is gratifying, but I'm most pleased that so
many parts of the magazine were lifted up.  The award for best mission
statement was special.  It said that The Lutheran 'fulfills its mission
admirably by providing accessible content on a broad range of subjects
relevant, of significance and important to the church and its people.'
I am delighted at these affirmations about how the magazine is
fulfilling its ministry of journalism in our church," he said.
     Trexler was voted an ACP "Honorary Lifetime Member" by the ACP
board.  "At the same time this honor was shared, it was announced that
the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Alumni Association presented
Trexler its 'Alumni Award for Distinguished Leadership in the Church,'"
said the Rev. Eric C. Shafer, director for the ELCA Department of
Communication.
     "Roger Kahle, ACP president at the time of his death last
December, received 'The William B. Lipphard Award,' ACP's highest
honor," said Shafer.  Kahle is the fifth recipient of this award, which
was established in 1966 in honor of Dr. William B. Lipphard, a long time
ACP participant and executive secretary from 1951 to 1961.  Kahle's
wife, Susan, accepted the award during a worship service held at the
ELCA offices in Chicago April 27.
     Seeds for the Parish, a resource publication for ELCA congregation
leaders, edited by Elizabeth M. Hunter, tied for an "Honorable Mention"
in the mission statement category.  At the convention Hunter was elected
to the ACP's board of governors.
      Lutheran Woman Today, edited by Nancy J. Stelling, received an
"Award of Merit" in the Bible study category.  Lutheran Partners
magazine won an "Award of Merit" in a magazine cover category and an
"Honorable Mention" for a feature article.  ELCA member Linda Post
Bushkofsky accepted an "Award of Merit" in the "Best in Class"
newsletter category for the Presbyterian Life and Times.  Bushkofsky
edits the newsletter.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html