Episcopal Life Launching New Design with September Issue
Episcopal News Service. August 9, 2001 [2001-210]
(ENS) Readers of Episcopal Life will see major changes when they receive their September issue.
"It's the first really major redesign we've done in 10 years and it's sure to be noticed," according to editor Jerry Hames. "Readers will find a more open, attractive design, with more color, a more readable typeface, more graphics and illustrations to accompany photographs and a more in-depth approach to some of the topics that are vital to us as Episcopalians."
The Internet will make its presence felt, with more links to Web sites and e-mail links for readers to comment on topics of interest. The paper's Web site will be upgraded gradually to include more reader participation, Hames said.
The newspaper's new design incorporates new features and four new departments. "Readers of the September issue will immediately see the modern logo on the front page and a cover story featured in each issue," said Hames. "Called 'Closer Look,' the September story talks about Episcopal missionaries who serve overseas and the life-changing effect of their work on the people to whom they minister, as well as upon themselves and the parishes who send them.
"We have other articles on the history of mission work, a graph that shows our missionary presence is increasing and places where readers can learn more about needs for mission work," he said. In the future, the special section will deal with subjects such as Generation X, prayer and the "wired church."
The remainder of the newspaper is divided into four sections: The first will cover the news; the second, "Faith Works," is a new section with stories about mission and ministry, with aids to help newcomers to the church, and resources and a sample of the conferences and events that are on Episcopal Life's Web site.
The third section is called "Art & Soul." It will offer articles on the visual and performing arts, interviews with authors, poets, artisans and artists; book reviews, commentaries on film, video and CDs. The spiritual life will also be celebrated with columns by award-winning writers and practical help to inspire and provide guidance.
The fourth section, called "Active Voice," is also new. "It will be the interactive section of the publication, a place for thought-provoking columnists with an opportunity for reader response, commentaries and opinion articles, first-person experiences, the presiding bishop's column and letters to the editor," Hames said.
"We are excited because we are convinced that the attractive design is more reader friendly, helping our subscribers to easily locate stories of particular interest. In addition to the design changes, we are also committed to even more clarity in our writing on a broad range of relevant topics," he said.
"The new Episcopal Life represents one way we're making communication about the Episcopal Church more attractive, easier to use, with timely, accurate information that people really care about," said Daniel England, director of communications for the Episcopal Church. "I think people will really take to this new format and will appreciate its more thoughtful approach to news and information."
Some things will not change. The newly designed Episcopal Life will continue to be published in the same size and format and mailed both as a national edition and in partnership with 30 diocesan publications. And the subscription price will stay at $10.95 a year, with discounted rates for small groups, parishes and diocesan-wide subscriptions. The paper reaches 255,000 households, including all clergy and bishops of the church, and is sent to every primate of the Anglican Communion.