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Federated Wirrwn‘s I “413150;. - 3*“! A moiQ‘ After nearly three decades of writing a religion column, Betty Cotton still has faith. Cotton has written her “Ecumenically Speaking” column in The Chronic/eJoumal since the late 1970’s. Every week, she sets out to educate people about religious issues and to share stories about people of faith doing good things. Qton has recently been selected for the Grand Prior‘s Commendation of the er of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, an international, interdenomrnarronal Christian Order that works in ecumenism and medical care. The Thunder Bay Council or Clergy recommended Betty unanimously for the national recognition "I think they thought of Betty Cotton right away because her article in The Chronicle Journal is consistently inclusive of all faith communities and consistently hopeful and optimistic”, said Tim Groulx. commander of the Order‘s Thunder Bay commandery. "it means a lot to me,” Cotton said. “I think any reporter is glad if ir-i F ‘ the work they do is recognized by a credible body.” V 9'5 He'ghtsw' Cotton began writing for The Chronicledoumal and the Times News in 1944, three yf'tlls after she moved to Thunder Bay from Winnipeg. She started as the Vickers Heights correspondent and covc-rerl Neebing Council meetings. Cotton later wrote a humour column. before she was asked to cover religious news. “And after that, people didn’t think I was funny rmy more,” she deadpanned. As a teenager, Cotton got involved in the ecumenical movement, which emphasizes the unity of all Christian denominations â€" or as Cotton sees it, all religions â€" working together. She draws inspiration horn the people she writes about, from bishops to church volunteers who serve food to the homeless. One of her biggest thrills as a religion writer has been learning about other faiths, particularly as people of other religious backgrounds moved into Thunder Bay Even after 60 years of writing, Cotton isn't letting up. " I thought of qullting many times,” she said. "Then I found out that people are reading it, and I think, OK, that's good. If people are encouraged seerng this in the paper. I want to keep dorng it " Reprinted in part from an article by Stephanie MacLe/lan in The Chronicn/Jorimal, Berry Cotton is a member oft/re Vickers Heights WI. . Ovarian Cancer Awareness. From Rainbow Country Bloom Where you are Planted Keeping our Roses Blooming. International Connections ............... Message from the ROSE Manager Protect Vourself from Breast Cance Cross Country Happenings... The Arthritis SelfManagemeni Program... 8 Anwhmg for a Good Cause” Do You Run Effectrve Meetings? 9 Uith