Continuing its tradition of excellence, United Church News – the free-press news source for the United Church of Christ – earned prizes in three categories at the Associated Church Press' "Best of the Christian Press" awards.

The print edition of United Church News earned third-place (honorable mention) in the overall "Best in Class: National Newspaper" category for 2008. The Rev. Gregg Brekke and the Rev. J. Bennett Guess were recognized as editors along with the design of Randy Varcho.

Judge Pamela Hill Nettleton commented, "In the United Church News, writing often hits the mark of being clear and engaging, amid a wide and lively mix of stories that includes the national audience of this free-press publication."

Brekke, who began his role as editor and news director at the UCC in September 2008, was in Indianapolis to receive the award. "The dedication of the entire communications staff and all our contributors shows through in the recognition of UCNews for this coveted 'Best in Class' award," he said. "It is humbling to be among the best religious journalists in the nation and walk away with this honor."

The special insert section, "Tsunami! Four years later," earned two awards. The section was commissioned by the UCC's Wider Church Ministries Global Sharing of Resources to report on the progress that had been made in restoring homes and lives after the 2004 disaster.

The Rev. W. Evan Golder, former UCNews editor, was recognized with a second-place (award of merit) prize for his writing, photography and editorial direction in the "Theme Issue, Section or Series: Newspaper, News Service, Newsletter, Website" category.

Mandy Reyna, a former employee of UCNews' printer UMR Communications in Dallas, received third-place (honorable mention) honors in the "Newspaper Design, Spread or Story" category for her design work on the "Tsunami!" section.

Judge Paul L. Escamilla said the section had a "…diverse array of articles and inserts, nice blending of personal stories, factual information, testimonials of the result of mission giving, and missional invitation to further response. Photos are well-placed and personally engaging."

Guess, who leads the UCC's Proclamation, Identity and Communication Ministry in Cleveland, said the awards serve as reaffirmation of the denomination's longstanding commitment to excellence in news reporting.

"Even in the midst of ever-changing modes of sharing the news, we know that, in the beginning, a good news organization requires good content – responsible journalism, excellent writing, engaging photos and compelling design," Guess said. "These awards provide much-deserved recognition of our capable staff, volunteers and freelancers who have produced such excellent work during the past year."