The Presbyterian Outlook received top honors at the Associated Church Press (ACP) 2025 annual conference in Chicago last week. The ACP awards recognize excellence in faith-based media — including magazines, news services, online media and podcasts. They offer three tiers of awards: an honorable mention, an award of merit, and an award of excellence.
This year, the award contest included 760 entries among nearly 90 categories. The Presbyterian Outlook – an independent, nonprofit publication – won five awards at the ACP “Best of the Church Press” ceremony:
Local reporting, long format: An Award of Merit for “Reviving Goodwill” by Dartinia Hull
Of “Reviving Goodwill,” the judge wrote: “So well written – had me hooked to know these people from the opening paragraph. Good research on an interesting local topic with historic, cultural and denominational significance.”
James Solheim Award for editorial courage: An Award of Merit for “Bound by love to bear witness” by Teri McDowell Ott
Of “Bound by love to bear witness,” the judge wrote: “This is a very moving personal account that had me wanting to go out on my own and learn more.”
Denominational politics, short format: An Award of Merit for “PC(USA) Board of Pensions announces pricing for new benefits structure” by Gregg Brekke
Of “PC(USA) Board of Pensions announces pricing for new benefits structure,” the judge wrote: “Clear, concise overview of how the benefits are changing and why with compelling quotes.”
Convention or meeting coverage: An Award of Excellence for “General Assembly 2024” by Presbyterian Outlook
Of Presbyterian Outlook‘s General Assembly coverage, the judge wrote: “Comprehensive coverage that is well laid out and thoughtfully organized.”
Magazine cover: An Honorable Mention for our January 2024 issue, “Small is beautiful” designed by Anne Walker
Of the cover design for the Outlook’s “Small is beautiful” issue, judges wrote: “This cover made me smile! Coverlines are spot on.”
