New editor named for The Christian Science Monitor

Christa Case Bryant has been elected as the next editor of The Christian Science Monitor, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s 116-year history. She will be the second woman to hold the editorial leadership role, following in the footsteps of previous editors.

The Christian Science Board of Directors announced the decision, highlighting Ms. Bryant’s extensive experience and dedication to the Monitor’s mission. Currently serving as the senior congressional correspondent, she has contributed to the publication’s transition to a web-first model and has covered major political events with distinction. Her work has earned her two prestigious awards: the National Press Foundation’s Dirksen Award for Distinguished Reporting of Congress in 2022 and the 2023 Sigma Delta Chi Award for Washington Correspondence.

Ms. Bryant’s career at the Monitor has included roles such as Jerusalem bureau chief and leading the development of the CSMonitor.com website. She is also a graduate of the Nieman Fellowship for Journalism at Harvard University, further underscoring her commitment to rigorous and ethical reporting.

Current editor Mark Sappenfield will step down from the position, choosing to extend his stay in Berlin, where he and his family have resided since 2023. He will continue to work with the Monitor in a senior capacity until the transition is complete. In a statement, Mr. Sappenfield praised Ms. Bryant for embodying the Monitor’s core values of fairness, unity, and a deep understanding of its connection to Christian Science.

The Board of Directors expressed appreciation for Mr. Sappenfield’s eight years of editorial leadership, noting his contributions to the Monitor’s “values projects,” including initiatives such as The Respect Project, Finding Resilience, and Rebuilding Trust. These projects reflect the Monitor’s ongoing efforts to promote ethical journalism and community engagement.

The exact date of the transition has not yet been finalized, but it is expected to occur in the early months of 2025. During this period, Mr. Sappenfield will remain in the editor role, ensuring a smooth handover. Ms. Bryant’s appointment underscores the Monitor’s commitment to maintaining its high standards and expanding its impact through thoughtful and principled journalism.

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