By Bobby Ross Jr.

The “Best of the Church Press” Awards were presented Friday night in Chicago.

I was blessed to receive six awards — including first-place honors in three categories — from the Associated Church Press.

My awards:

• First Place, News Story (Short Format), for “It’s the same Jesus” from Chicago.

“As an old news writer turned minister, I really enjoy well-done feature stories. This has it all. Really well done. Congrats.”

ACP judge

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First Place, Theme Issue, Section or Series (with Audrey Jackson), for “United Nations of Faith” from Chicago, New York and Houston.

“A thoroughly reported exploration of where the church meets a world without borders. The stories stand very well independently but truly come to life when held together. A fantastic series that is commendable and exemplary.”

ACP judge

• • •

First Place, Service Journalism (with Audrey Jackson), for “A lifeline for people who hurt — all the time” from Woodward, Okla., and related column “What it means to live in pain.”

“A fantastic piece rooted in data, carefully researched and presented. The recount of stories of pain, the inclusion of medical experts, the rawness of the room where people bear their souls — it’s all here as a wonderful illustration of a space the church must meet. This is a wonderful example of why religious journalism still matters.”

ACP judge

• • •

Second Place, International Reporting (Short Format), for “How a Russian immigrant came to serve Ukrainian refugees” from Houston.

Third Place (tie), Theme Issue, Section or Series (with Audrey Jackson), for “No Limits” from Fairfax, Va.; Raleigh, N.C.; Woodward, Okla.; and Lancaster, Texas.

Third Place (tie), Theme Issue, Section or Series (with Audrey Jackson, Cheryl Mann Bacon and Calvin Cockrell), for “Sacred Calling.”

In all, the Chronicle won a dozen awards from the ACP. I’m so proud of my colleagues. See the full list of honorees.

Photos by Audrey Jackson