Award-winning writing and art
CC takes home 10 awards from the Canadian Christian Communicators Association.
During an awards ceremony in Toronto, Ontario, on May 15, Christian Courier (CC) was recognized for excellence in writing, art and digital communications. The awards ceremony was put on in collaboration between the Canadian Christian Communicators Association and the Associated Church Press, which together represent more than 80 publications in Canada and the U.S.
First place
Derek Hiemstra, author of “Indigenous Studies in East Van,” received first place in the Student Award category, an award sponsored by Faith Today and Love is Moving magazines. Hiemstra wrote about tutoring students who attend Xpey̓ elementary school.
“A beautiful piece, sensitively written,” wrote Judge Ken Ramstead. “I feel as if I have visited the school through this read.”
CC’s other first-place win of the night went to Daniel DeVries for his book review of The Widening of God’s Mercy by Christopher B. Hays and Richard B. Hays. Daniel says he initially posted his take of the book on a Facebook page for pastors.
“I didn’t originally have my sights set on producing a review of this book. I just wanted to read it because I believed it was a deeply important release,” wrote DeVries in an email after hearing about his win. “I do think this book is significant, largely because Richard Hays had been cited widely for many years as a traditionalist voice. For him to collaborate with his son on this book so close to the end of his life is a beautiful gift and a testimony of scholarly humility.”
Second place
Angela Reitsma Bick was awarded second place for service journalism for her article “Unplugged: Four Canadians step away from their devices and tell us what they noticed.” The story was part of CC’s May 2025 issue on The Attention Economy.
Meghan Kort’s editorial “Time to lean European” also received second place in its category. Judge Michele Beacom wrote, “A year after writing this, it is even more relevant. It’s nearly a precursor to the Davos speech.”
In the competition for best original artwork, Malik Dieleman received second place for his October 2025 front page collage honouring CC’s 80th anniversary.
“This piece was my first project as Photo Editor with CC. To illustrate 80 years of an evolving publication was quite the undertaking!” said Malik after hearing about his win. “It made me grateful to be part of a publication rooted in such a rich history.” He also wanted to acknowledge the help of CC digital editor Jennifer Boone, who sourced dozens of images and archived issues for the project.
Marlene Bergsma was awarded second place in the biographical profile category for telling organist and composer Ron Greidanus’s story. Thinking back to the interview, Bergsma said: “Ron’s story about the harm he endured growing up in a Christian Reformed community and the pain he suffered because of the denomination’s position on his sexuality brought me to tears.” She remembers being humbled by his courage, resilience and wisdom.
Maaike VanderMeer’s poem “Blue Psalter Hymnal #379: Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow” received second place for poetry. CC has placed in the top three in this category since its inception in 2022.
Other accolades
Shannon Brink’s news story “Vital aid vanished” received an honourable mention for excellence in socially conscious religious journalism with the A.C. Forrest Memorial Award.
In the competition for Best Headline and Deck, CC received third place for Jake Benjamin’s article “Children are a gift, not benchmarks of your success: Contemplative practices can counter the pressure parents feel in our high-achievement society.” This witty one-liner was, of course, written by our beloved former editor, Angela Reitsma Bick.
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