(15 entries)

Judge: Gayle White, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
White, a 27-year veteran of the newspaper business, is president of the Religion Newswriters Association and author of "Believers and Beliefs," an overview of world religions and Christian denominations.

First Place
GILBERT GARCIA
Phoenix New Times
"Sid & Jesus"
"Colorfully written, well reported and puts the innovation of Christian punk into historical context without ever getting professorial. The writer gave a real sense of sights and sounds that put the reader squarely into the punk clubs and festivals. It was a very long story that was worth its words because of the extensive research that went into it and the creative way many of those words were used."

Second Place
LAWN GRIFFITHS
The Tribune
"Memories of an Angel"
"The article gave a sense of being with both Mother Teresa and Dr. Prasanta K. Nath. Quotes such as ŒShe was one of the most stubborn persons alive,' made a saintly woman seem more human."

Third Place
DENNIS WAGNER
The Arizona Republic
"Breach of faith"
"Portrays a controversy in the Catholic church through the battle within a band of blood relatives."