Christian Journalism Honored for Tackling Supreme Court’s Transgender Battle

Faith Facts

• A Christian news podcast won national recognition for an episode featuring Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti discussing the Supreme Court’s biggest transgender case
• The Religion News Association honored the podcast with second place in audio conversation and commentary at its 77th annual conference
• The award-winning episode highlighted the intersection of faith, law, and public life in addressing transgender issues affecting children and families

Christian journalism received national recognition this weekend when a faith-focused podcast earned honors for covering one of the most significant religious freedom cases in recent memory. The Religion News Association announced its Excellence in Religion Reporting Contest winners at its 77th annual conference in the Atlanta area, spotlighting journalism that brings biblical values into important cultural conversations.

B.T. Irwin, podcast host and director, and Kenneth Pybus, a freelance correspondent, earned second place in the audio conversation and commentary category. Their winning episode featured an in-depth interview with Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti about his role defending state law in the U.S. Supreme Court’s most significant transgender case to date.

The award-winning episode tackled the intersection of parental rights, medical ethics, and religious liberty as these issues reached America’s highest court. For Christian families concerned about the push to allow minors to undergo life-altering transgender procedures, the podcast provided thoughtful analysis grounded in traditional values.

Bobby Ross Jr., editor-in-chief, accepted the award on behalf of Irwin and Pybus at the awards banquet.

“The greatest joy in receiving this honor with The Christian Chronicle team is knowing that we made something that the people in the pews received as fresh air and light,” Irwin said in a statement read at the ceremony. “On their behalf, thank you for encouraging us to always strive for higher standards.”

The recognition affirms the vital role Christian journalism plays in helping believers understand complex legal and cultural battles through a biblical worldview. Pybus, a professor and chair of communication and journalism at Abilene Christian University in Texas, emphasized this mission in his own statement.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition from the Religion News Association for my podcast interviewing,” Pybus said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage thoughtful discussions where faith connects with law and public life, and I appreciate the colleagues and listeners who make that work meaningful.”

The award arrives as Irwin prepares to conclude his role with the podcast after launching it in January 2023 and producing more than 150 episodes. His work has given Christian audiences access to important conversations often missing from mainstream media coverage.

“Being part of The Christian Chronicle team is one of my all-time favorite experiences,” said Irwin, who will remain in his role through the end of May. “It’s been such an honor and privilege to get to learn from some of the best journalists and most earnest Christians anywhere. And it’s been pure joy to get to meet and serve so many Christians from all over the world and all walks of life. I’m excited to see what The Christian Chronicle does next with new media like the podcast.”

Future plans for the podcast will be announced soon, ensuring that Christian voices continue to provide biblical perspective on the issues shaping American society.

“We’re grateful to Brad for all the hard work and expertise he has put into making the Chronicle’s podcast so relevant to our audience,” Ross said. “We have some exciting plans in the works to keep building and improving our audio journalism efforts.”

The Religion News Association conference also honored Ross with an award for analysis and explanatory reporting for his Weekend Plug-in column, marking the eighth RNA award of his distinguished career in Christian journalism.

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