Faith writer Suderman honoured for her work

Free Press Faith page writer Brenda Suderman will be given the Ansar and Ihsan Awards from the Islamic Social Services Association Inc. -- Canada.

The awards are to "honour outstanding journalists who have helped build bridges of understanding between Muslims and their fellow Manitobans," said a press release from ISSA.

Suderman will receive the awards during a dinner at the Hilton Suites Hotel Winnipeg Airport on April 11.

Suderman said of the awards: "My priority on the faith beat is to understand the variety of Winnipeg's religious traditions and tell their stories. I've found every group I've visited to be welcoming and open to my questions. I'm honoured that my work is recognized by the Muslim community."

Free Press reporter Carol Sanders and CBC Radio's Terry MacLeod are also receiving the Ansar and Ihsan Awards on April 11.

"Brenda has been a trailblazer when it comes to connecting various faith communities in Manitoba and offering them the opportunity to tell their stories," said Shahina Siddiqui, president and executive director of the Islamic Social Services Association Inc. -- Canada.

"Her campaign of organizing trips for readers to various places of worship encouraged dialogue of understanding.

"Brenda's style of interviewing is very empathetic and has made it easier for our youth to speak to her on faith issues. She is able to put people at ease and not come across as judgmental. She has innate respect for religious diversity and presents it in a positive light."

Suderman has been writing for the Faith page since October 2006. Before that, she freelanced for the Free Press Arts & Life section, starting in 1997, and was the Child's Play columnist for six years.

She will receive her master's in theology from the University of Winnipeg this spring.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 26, 2013 j13