RELIGION, FAITH OR ETHICS REPORTING

Judged by Ann Rodgers-Melnick, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

First Place
Tony Ortega, Phoenix New Times, "Preach of Trust"

"The [winner] has done copious reporting among both naive refugees from an aberrant Pentecostal holiness sect and the denizens of gay bars to produce a detailed and vivid account of a self-proclaimed prophet who conned both groups. While the facts of the story are bizarre, the author never descends to ridicule or caricature, but shows a good grasp of the theological context of this tale of sex and deceit."

Second Place
Betty Reid, The Arizona Republic, "The Way to Harmony"

"In this first person account of the rituals surrounding his or her father's burial, the writer eloquently describes the tension between the ancient Navajo religion s/he practices and the Christian faith that now pervades the Navajo culture. Written so beautifully that the most casual reader will long remember the short catechism of the Hozho religious practices."

Third Place
Kelly Ettenborough, The Arizona Republic, "Holy Project in Grand Canyon" "The author paints a compelling portrait of a couple who have spent 20 years translating the Bible into Havasupai. Includes a good explanation of the impact of culture on methods of Bible translation."

Honorable Mention
Tim Steller, The Arizona Republic, "Prayerful Pilgramage"