EVANSTON, ILLINOIS, United States — A magazine published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States has received an international award for best journal design.

"World Order" received the award from the Council of Editors of Learned Journals (CELJ) in recognition of new designs for its cover and interior that convey the magazine's multidisciplinary nature and its relevance to the twenty-first century.

The CELJ, whose membership is comprised of more than 450 journal editors, is a major international organization dedicated to appraising academic journals in the humanities.

"World Order" managing editor Betty Fisher said the magazine, which has been published since 1966 and has an international readership, is devoted to consideration of the spiritual, moral, cultural, and social challenges confronting world society at a time when humanity must recognize its oneness and establish a global, just civilization.

"Through this new design, the editorial board hoped to convey a multidisciplinary approach to life, as well as a commitment to social engagement, open-mindedness, and intellectual curiosity," Dr. Fisher said.

"We wanted the design to reflect a publication that is thought-provoking but exciting, serious but engaging, innovative but accessible."

In creating a new cover for the magazine, designer Richard Doering chose a mix of classic and progressive elements to convey a sense of stability and timelessness and included the words "religion, society, polity, arts" to emphasize the magazine's wide focus.

The page design was developed by Patrick Falso of Allegro Design, Inc., who has worked with "World Order" since 1991.

CELJ Vice-President Jana Argersinger said the judges found that "World Order" had retained aspects of its original design that gave it a distinctive look -- such as the full-bleed photos that open each article -- and at the same time introduced improvements that lend it "a more dynamic feeling in keeping with its multifaceted editorial purview."

The judges also commended the new single-column format, which allows for "the graceful placement of asymmetrical pull quotes," and the upgraded paper and printing quality, which "add to the crispness of the whole package," Dr. Argersinger said.

"'World Order's' new incarnation is the outstanding entrant in this year's contest for journals that have launched a new design over the last three years," she said.

The award, presented in Philadelphia on 27 December 2004, was accepted by Dr. Fisher and Mr. Doering on behalf of the design and editorial staff.

"World Order" has published articles, editorials, and reviews on race and racism, the equality of men and women, human rights, the environment, the United Nations, spiritual approaches to economic problems, and interfaith dialogue. It also has a reputation for publishing poetry and photographs of high artistic merit.

Dr. Fisher said that although "World Order" is intended to provide a Baha'i perspective on topics of broad social concern, it also seeks submissions from individuals, regardless of their religious background, who are interested in exploring the relationships between contemporary life and contemporary religious teachings and philosophy.

Subscriptions to "World Order" magazine are available through the Baha'i Distribution Service at 800-999-9019 or on the Web at http://www.bahaibookstore.com .