Associated Church Press and Evangelical Press Association bestow accolades on the international newspaper for Churches of Christ.
By Bobby Ross Jr.
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Christian Chronicle, where I serve as editor-in-chief, earned 34 national awards in annual journalism contests sponsored by the Associated Church Press and the Evangelical Press Association.
The Oklahoma-based newspaper, which covers Churches of Christ around the world, captured first place in 10 categories. The contests recognized outstanding journalism published in the 2024 calendar year.
In the ACP’s “Best of the Church Press” competition, the Chronicle claimed the Best in Class honor as overall top newspaper for the ninth time.
“Really like the very classical and elegant cover,” the judge commented, praising the publication’s print redesign. “Nice choice of images and use of white space throughout. Great work!
“The Chronicle territory covers a vast swath of earth,” the judge added. “Readers sit down to a buffet of relevant, timely topics. Opinion page showcases well-informed, diverse points of view. Well-balanced coverage. Strong front-page art tied to cover stories; teaser boxes that effectively entice the reader to step inside to explore. Overall, a bright, reader-friendly presentation.”
My personal honors included:
Associated Church Press “Best of the Church Press” Contest
• First Place, Best Newspaper, for The Christian Chronicle (staff award).
• First Place, News Story (Short Format) for “All I could see was destruction” from Sulphur, Okla.
• First Place, Biographical Profile, for “Culture warrior, MAGA champion, Church of Christ member: Who is Ryan Walters?” from Oklahoma City.
• First Place, Theme Issue, Section or Series (with Cheryl Mann Bacon and Calvin Cockrell), for “Special project: Reading, ’riting … religion.”
• Second Place, In-Depth Reporting (with Erik Tryggestad and Ted Parks), for “Ukraine war coverage,” including my story “Ukraine refugees prepare a special feast to show gratitude to Texas Christians” from Houston.
• Second Place, Service Journalism, for “These Christians not afraid to address sexual trauma” from Lubbock, Texas.
• Third Place, Local Reporting (Long Format), for “ACU rebuffs the left and the right in reaffirming its sexual stewardship policy” from Abilene, Texas.
• Third Place, National Reporting (Long Format), for “Culture warrior, MAGA champion, Church of Christ member: Who is Ryan Walters?” from Oklahoma City.
• Third Place, Interview (Long Format), for “Momma, I can see Jesus” from Cookeville, Tenn.
Evangelical Press Association National Contest
• First Place, Article Series (with Cheryl Mann Bacon and Calvin Cockrell), for “Special project: Reading, ’riting … religion.”
• First Place, Publication Redesign (with José Reyes, Nikolle Reyes, Audrey Jackson, Erik Tryggestad, Christi Roméo), for The Christian Chronicle.
• Second Place, Best Newspaper (Print), for The Christian Chronicle (staff award).
• Newspaper Place, Best Newspaper (Online News), for The Christian Chronicle (staff award).
• Second Place, Interview Article, for “Momma, I can see Jesus” from Cookeville, Tenn.
• Fourth Place, Reporting (with Kenneth Pybus), for “‘Midland Christian Five’ say wrongful arrests devastated their lives and careers.”
• Fifth Place, Editorial, for “Reporting on controversies.”
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 