It’s awards season in journalism, and we’re thrilled to share that The residents magazine and sojo.net have won a total of 12 Associated Church Press awards, including second place in Best in Class National/International magazine. In addition, the Evangelical Press Association donated The residents magazine 11 awards, including first place in overall excellence for general print magazines and several awards for art and design.
We are grateful to work with so many talented writers, journalists and illustrators, and we want to take this opportunity to sing our collective horn. Take a moment to read some of our award-winning stories from 2021.
1. Finding Our Way in Post-Trump America by Jacqui Lewis, Margaret Atwood, Paul Ortiz, Leana Wen, Megan Rohrer, Ben Lowe, Wajahat Ali, Jenny Yang, Valarie Kaur, Otis Moss III
Historians, theologians, artists and activists ponder where we go from here. In-Depth Coverage, Award of Excellence (First Place), Associated Church Press
2. Here’s How Your Church Can Help Survivors of Domestic Violence by Maryclare Beche
Practical ways faith communities can recognize and prevent domestic violence while supporting those who experience it. Service Journalism, Excellence Award (First Place), Associated Church Press
3. It’s not a goodbye, it’s… Well, okay, it’s a goodbye from Ed Spivey Jr.
“I’ve spent most of my adult life at Sojourners, and it would take a superspreading event to thank everyone who’s been a part of that journey.” Humor, Writing, Achievement Award (First Place), Associated Church Press
4. What God Has Gathered: When Family Values Collide with Discipline Book by Lydia Wylie-Kellermann and Bill Wylie-Kellermann
Reflections on a forbidden marriage at a time of denominational divide. Personal experience — Long Form, Award of Excellence (First Place), Associated Church Press
5. Sniffing Nutmeg at Vacation Bible School with Lucy Dacus by Jenna Barnett
In his new album, home videoDacus unpacks his often ecclesiastical adolescence. Critical Review, Award of Merit (second place), Associated Church Press
6. Supreme Court Rules for Catholic Group in LGBTQ Foster Care Case by Gina Ciliberto and Joshua Eaton
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Philadelphia’s non-discrimination clause violated the First Amendment. New stories — short format, Honorable Mention #2, Associated Church Press
seven. Texas clergy take a stand against new abortion law by Sandi Villarreal
“I will help you get the health care you need, no matter the risk,” Reverend Shelby Dean Nowland said. New stories — Long Form, Honorable Mention, Associated Church Press
8. Meeting God Beyond Binary by Joy Ladin
How the Bible affirms transgender and non-binary people. Biblical interpretation or lectionary reflection — Long Form, Honorable Mention, Associated Church Press
9. Through the Fire by Danté Stewart
“We will have to be there for each other in ways we never imagined.” Devotional / Inspirational — Long Form, Honorable Mention, Associated Church Press
ten. Can you loosen Orion’s belt? by Deborah Haarsma
We are proof that science and God are not in competition. devotionalsecond place, Evangelical Press Association
11. God is becoming by Julie Polter
Artist Makoto Fujimura on loving what is broken and the sacred work of mending. General article — long format, second place, Evangelical Press Association
12. Pass Me Anything But Peace by Jenna Barnett
“I would stay until all the peace was over and all the post-church lemony sugar water was consumed.” Humoroussecond place, Evangelical Press Association
13. What is the Church now? by Christina Colon
Churches across North America are wondering how they will be different in the post-quarantine era. Reportsfourth place, Evangelical Press Association