"It's such a fascinating beat," Shimron says. "There are so many people who are intensely passionate about it."

Shimron still gets a lot of mail (although now it's typically e-mail). Her editors also receive messages from readers praising her work.

That's not because Shimron writes puff pieces. She doesn't. She digs deep and writes with authority. She asks hard questions but respects her subjects and readers.

This e-mail from a Baptist minister to Shimron is typical.

"Of all the journalists I have worked with during my years of ministry, none has offered a more accurate and fair portrayal of issues and events related to North Carolina Baptists than you have," he wrote.

"We Baptists often do and say things that provide great opportunity to be misunderstood, and things that are easily criticized or blown out of proportion even when properly understood. You have shown an incredible ability to sort through our 'messes' and our 'blessings' and share the truth - good, bad, ugly, and encouraging. I could not ask for anything more of a journalist. Your professionalism and integrity are refreshing, even on the occasions that the news you report is painful to read."

On Thursday, Shimron was honored with the Duke Divinity School award for excellence in religion reporting. Since the award was created in 2002, Shimron has won it six of seven years.

(The honor was presented at the annual N.C. Press Association awards banquet. The N&O won first place for general excellence among large dailies.)

Shimron grew up in the United States and Israel but decided to spend her career here.

Sometimes, sources ask her about her faith. There is debate among religion writers about how to reply.

Reporters prize their independence. Some religion reporters feel they should maintain that independence, as a political reporter would, and demur.

But Shimron thinks that if she is going to ask deeply personal questions about faith, she needs to reveal a bit about herself. She says she is Jewish and moves on.

What reaction does she typically get? "Respect," she said.

Shimron returns that respect -- and sources open up to her.

One of her most memorable pieces was about Bill Vassey of Raleigh, a retired Presbyterian minister who a year ago was dying of lung cancer. Vassey, 71, who could no longer walk and relied on an oxygen tank to breathe, was determined to cherish life until the end.

He did. Shimron was with him when he bid farewell to the White Memorial Sunday school class he had taught for nearly 18 years.

He died soon after, his final days documented by a reporter you trust to write your obituary.