The Presbyterian Outlook received five honors at the 2026 Associated Church Press (ACP) “Best of the Church Press” awards, recognizing excellence in faith-based journalism, criticism and theological writing.
The awards were announced during the ACP annual convention held in Toronto in May. The Associated Church Press is one of the nation’s oldest religious media organizations, representing magazines, news services, podcasts and digital publications across a wide range of Christian traditions.
This year’s competition included more than 700 entries across nearly 90 categories.
The Presbyterian Outlook — an independent, nonprofit publication serving the PC(USA) and the wider church — received the following recognitions for work published in 2025:
In-Depth Coverage: Newspaper, Newsletter, News Service, or Website
An Award of Merit
“Presbyterian Outlook reports on the PC(USA)’s mission restructuring.”
News Story – Long Format
An Honorable Mention
“Chicago pastors confront escalating violence at ICE detention center” by Harriet Riley
One judge praised the story for its “strong on-the-ground reporting and firsthand perspectives,” noting that it “captures both conflict and witness” while thoughtfully integrating faith through the convictions and actions of those involved.
Personal Experience — Long Format
An Award of Merit
“What Donald Trump and I have in common” by Patrice Gaines
The judge commended the essay’s “strong voice throughout,” writing that “the structure is tight and the writer builds her point carefully through well-selected details that make the argument land well.”
Critical Review
An Award of Merit
“Why ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ may be the most Christian film of 2025” by Brendan McLean
Scholarly Article
An Award of Merit
“Public theology and the many faces of Jesus” by Rachel Baard
“These awards reflect the breadth of thoughtful reporting, commentary and theological reflection that our writers bring to the church,” said Presbyterian Outlook Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott. “We’re grateful to the ACP for recognizing work that seeks to equip and challenge readers in a rapidly changing world.”
Founded in 1819, the Presbyterian Outlook equips and empowers the church to address today’s pressing issues by publishing diverse, creative content that witnesses to God’s justice and Christ’s radical welcome.
Want the behind-the-scenes scoop about our awards and this year’s Associated Church Press conference? Watch our recorded conversation featuring Digital Content Editor Rose Schrott Taylor and Social Media Producer Jesy Littlejohn.
