Oscar's not the only name in awards; think 'Christopher'

Published: 2004-02-17

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Recently, it seems that there is just as much news coverage on how media can adversely affect both children and adults as there are actual movies, television shows and video games. Some experts have even concluded that media is as positively stimulating for the mind as the couch is for the body. Not so, insists the Christopher Awards, which this year celebrates 55 years of singling out media that affirm "the highest values of the human spirit." Founded by Maryknoll missioner Father James Keller in 1945, The Christophers are rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and community. Essentially a Catholic organization, the Christophers' inspirational message of hope and of mining one's talents for the good of others has a wide-ranging audience. In fact, Father Keller's aim was to connect with "people of all faiths and of no particular faith." Understanding the power of media, The Christophers use print and the electronic media to spread their credo, "It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." "Award winners encourage audiences to see the better side of human nature and motivate artists and the general public to use their best instincts on behalf of others," says Judith Trojan, program manager of the Christopher Awards. This year's awards are to be presented Feb. 26 in New York.

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