Covenant Companion Named Third-Best in North America

Associated Church Press made the announcement during its annual awards ceremony Tuesday in Minneapolis. The Companion tied for third place, just behind U.S. Catholic and The Lutheran.

"Overall, the content of this magazine connects well with concerns of everyday life and spiritual insights about these concerns," wrote judges Maureen Smith, Jean Ward and Andre Heuer of the University of Minnesota School of Journalism.

"Our staff research indicates this is the first time the Companion has received a best-in-class award," said Don Meyer, editor and executive director of the Department of Communication. "It reflects the talented group of individuals and the new directions the magazine is taking to better serve the Covenant," Meyer said.

"Jane Swanson-Nystrom, the magazine's managing editor, and all of the team in editorial, design and production deserve a great deal of credit for this accomplishment," Meyer continued. "The church is fortunate to have individuals of their talent and dedication in its service." The award also recognizes efforts to make content more timely and relevant to the interests and needs of Covenanters and others, as well as magazine covers that are more attention-getting and compelling, Meyer noted.

Bob Smietana and Craig Pinley won first place in the feature and news story categories for The Cost of Forgiveness in-depth feature from the July 2000 issue. The article profiled a family that publicly forgave a murderer. "Terrific story," wrote judge Sandi Dolbee, religion and ethics editor of The San Diego Union-Tribune. "Court story, murder mystery and human tragedy - the writers juggled all three elements beautifully."

Steve Luce won third place in magazine graphics for From the Ashes of Pokemon from the February 2000 issue. He also won third place for his October 2000 magazine cover. "This cover would catch the attention of anyone walking by a newsstand. This is another good example of a well-thought design matching the magazine's feature story," wrote judges Douglas Rojas-Sosa and Nancy Roberts of the University of Minnesota School of Journalism.

Heidi Griepp tied for third place in the magazine department category for her monthly feature Webwatch, a section that highlights Internet web sites of special interest. "Heidi Griepp has a created a practical and positive response to the problems young people encounter on the web. Her variety and constructive approach, along with a handsome design, make this a superb entry," the judges said.

The Companion also won praise from judges for "how-to" articles on When Faith and Politics Clash and Risky Business (about churches and liability) as well as theme issues on women in ministry (May 2000) and forgiveness (July 2000).

U.S. Catholic, The Lutheran, The Banner, The Other Side and Sojourners were among the other publications honored by Associated Church Press, which is comprised of 175 publications with a combined circulation of 28 million.

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