The Banner Wins Awards

– The Banner, the monthly magazine of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, received four awards from The Associated Church Press for editorial and design excellence.

Each year the ACP sponsors a "Best of the Christian Press" awards competition for its members, which include newspapers, newsletters, magazines, journals, news services, E-zines and Web sites.

The competition, drawing more than 1,000 entries in approximately 70 categories, provides an opportunity to recognize professional excellence among ACP members. 

This year’s winners were announced at the ACP’s annual meeting, held in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

The Banner’s awards included:

• Best in Class Denominational Magazine: honorable mention for “The Banner’s editorial desire to … present information and commentary that creates dialogue within the church, is commendable—each issue is jam-packed with useful information."
• Editorial Courage: honorable mention for “A Modest Proposal” by Sam Hamstra Jr.
• Award of Excellence: The Banner for “Just for Kids” by Sandy Swartzentruber and Joanne De Jonge. “This is, quite frankly, one of the best features for young readers I have ever seen in a church publication. It is terrific—a treat both to read and to look at. The pieces are well-written and creative. The presentations are smashing.”
• Magazine Design: Spread or Story, honorable mention for “Where Did Our Young Adults Go?”