The joining of the publisher’s role with that of the president of America Press is an early outcome of the press’s strategic planning process which will conclude in late February. As president, Schlegel succeeds Jesuit Father Drew Christiansen, who will remain America’s editor in chief. The publisher’s position has been open since the resignation of Jan Attridge, the press’s first publisher, in April.

Schlegel, a weekly reader of America, expressed enthusiasm at taking on a new ministry. “America,” he said, “is a vital national Jesuit apostolate bringing Catholic opinion to bear on the great public issues of the day. I am grateful for the opportunity to help secure and improve America’s presence in today’s new media environment.” He was buoyed in his decision, Schlegel said, “by the encouragement of brother Jesuits, friends and colleagues that America is the right challenge” for him to take on at this time.

Fr. Schlegel was ordained a priest in 1973. He holds a doctorate in international relations from Oxford University. In addition to his presidency at Creighton (1999-2011), he also served as president of the University of San Francisco. Under his leadership, Creighton carried out its most successful philanthropic effort ever, raising $400 million in a capital campaign. He oversaw the expansion of the campus from 90 to 130 acres, improving the campus living environment and contributing to the renaissance of downtown Omaha. During his time, the university also received high rankings in both regional and national listings of institutions of higher learning.

Albert C. Pierce, chairman of the America board, in announcing the appointment, said “Father Drew Christiansen has ably guided America through a new phase in its 100-plus year history, and we salute him for his continuing contributions to this wonderful ministry. I join everyone at America in welcoming Father John Schlegel, who has all the right experience and expertise to lead us into the next phase in America’s history. These are exciting times for America!”

Attridge, the retired publisher, came to America after 30 years in non-profit administration in Catholic healthcare and for religious congregations. During her tenure, she helped implement changes in the legal structure of the press, conducted surveys of current and former readers, developed partnerships with other Catholic groups, labored ardently for the interests of young readers, and strove to enhance America’s digital media. “Her lasting legacy,” Fr. Christiansen said, “was to make us think of ourselves as a communications ministry, not just a print magazine.”

Jesuit Father Drew Christiansen, editor-in-chief of America magazine and former director of the U.S. bishops’ Office of International Justice and Peace, said that the success of a nonviolent revolution in Egypt is one of “multiple signs of spring in the North African winter.”

Fr. Christiansen, an expert on the Middle East, was keynote speaker at the Diocese of Arlington’s annual peace symposium on Feb. 12.

“I think it’s wonderful that Egypt was a nonviolent revolution. It was so unexpected. For 18 days in a country of 80 million people, how do you get that to happen?” Christiansen asked. “Those that preached that nonviolence wasn’t to be found in the Muslim world have been proved wrong again.”

As for what’s next for Egypt, he said it will be a waiting game, with the hope that the country will end up with a responsible democratic government.

Christiansen also focused his talk on religious freedom in other Middle Eastern countries and the role the United States is playing and has played. For more on Christiansen’s talk, visit Catholic News Service.

Jesuit Father Drew Christiansen, editor-in-chief of America magazine and former director of the U.S. bishops’ Office of International Justice and Peace, said that the success of a nonviolent revolution in Egypt is one of “multiple signs of spring in the North African winter.”

Fr. Christiansen, an expert on the Middle East, was keynote speaker at the Diocese of Arlington’s annual peace symposium on Feb. 12.

“I think it’s wonderful that Egypt was a nonviolent revolution. It was so unexpected. For 18 days in a country of 80 million people, how do you get that to happen?” Christiansen asked. “Those that preached that nonviolence wasn’t to be found in the Muslim world have been proved wrong again.”

As for what’s next for Egypt, he said it will be a waiting game, with the hope that the country will end up with a responsible democratic government.

Christiansen also focused his talk on religious freedom in other Middle Eastern countries and the role the United States is playing and has played. For more on Christiansen’s talk, visit Catholic News Service.

On January 25, Rowan Williams, the archbishop of Canterbury, accepted the 2009 Campion Award from the editors of the Jesuit magazine, America. A renowned scholar, theologian, ecumenist, pastor, professor and poet, Archbishop Williams is the author of more than a score of books.

Jesuit Father Drew Christiansen, the editor-in-chief of America, introduced the archbishop, and literary editor Patricia A. Kossmann presented him with the award.

Read Fr. Christiansen’s introduction, or listen to an

A slideshow of pictures from the evening is also now available.

The Campion award is given on a regular basis to a notable Christian person of letters. It is named after St. Edmund Campion, an English writer and Jesuit martyr who is honored in both the Anglican and Catholic traditions.