Under a bridge, come to the feast (reporting from Tulsa, Okla.): Christians show love for the homeless by preparing meals, washing feet and praying. TULSA, Okla. — Street people lying on the grass and perched inside concrete nooks watch as a long, yellow moving truck backs under a downtown bridge. Interstate 244 rumbles with traffic overhead as men, women and children from the Park Plaza Church … Continue reading Under a bridge, come to the feast
Embracing family, friends and faith on Opening Day (column from Arlington, Texas): Why I love root, root, rooting for the home team. ARLINGTON, Texas — My three favorite holidays: Thanksgiving. Christmas. Opening Day. I was blessed to join my 16-year-old son, Keaton, and 49,029 fellow baseball fans at my beloved Texas Rangers’ season opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday afternoon. I originally planned to watch the game … Continue reading Embracing family, friends and faith on Opening Day
From bat boy to major-league executive (reporting from Arlington, Texas): San Diego Padres’ vice president and assistant general manager Chad MacDonald devoted to his faith. ARLINGTON, Texas — On his frequent trips to the San Diego Padres’ international baseball academy in the Dominican Republic, Chad MacDonald usually takes along an extra suitcase. It’s not because MacDonald, the Padres’ vice president and assistant general manager of player personnel, has … Continue reading From bat boy to major-league executive
Pod people: Hobby Lobby and the Mennonite angle. Published April 1. And for a change, a ‘Noah’ movie story that sails smoothly. Published April 3. About that ‘complex’ doctrine Catholic teachers must follow. Published April 4. Final Four ghosts in long story on Kentucky’s Julius Randle. Published April 5. Ghosts in story on Catholic schools: real or imagined? Published April 8. Washington mudslide disaster: the … Continue reading April 2014: GetReligion
Ready, set, go! Hobby Lobby at the Supremes GETRELIGION.ORG — Hobby Lobby gets its hearing before the Supreme Court this morning. This is big, folks. As the Los Angeles Times describes it: WASHINGTON — A challenge to part of President Obama’s healthcare law that hits the Supreme Court on Tuesday could lead to one of the most significant religious freedom rulings in the high court’s history. USA Today puts it even more dramatically: WASHINGTON — President … Continue reading Ready, set, go! Hobby Lobby at the Supremes
For home congregation, Robertson family’s celebrity a blessing and a challenge. First Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press Honorable mention (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WEST MONROE, La. — Gasps of excitement wash over a crowded classroom at the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ as Phil Robertson arrives for Sunday … Continue reading Inside the ‘Duck Dynasty’ church
5Q+1: CNN Godbeat pro on his remarkable Lampedusa story GETRELIGION.ORG — When one of the best religion journalists on the planet produces one of the most gratifying stories of his life, news consumers are in for a real treat. Enter Eric Marrapodi, co-editor of CNN’s Belief Blog. His 4,500-word “Stepping-stones to Safety” story — featuring a family fleeing Syria’s war — ran over the weekend. The gripping lede: Lampedusa, … Continue reading 5Q+1: CNN Godbeat pro on his remarkable Lampedusa story
Half-naked dancers and public prayers in Oklahoma City. Published March 1. Dallas paper advocates for Methodist same-sex marriage. Published March 4. 5Q+1: CNN Godbeat pro on his remarkable Lampedusa story. Published March 5. Dallas Morning News advocacy journalism, the prequel. Published March 6. Kentucky church gun giveaway story shoots straight. Published March 7. * Giving both sides a voice in Methodist same-sex debate. Published March … Continue reading March 2014: GetReligion
Faith on his arm (reporting from Sewell, N.J.): A tattoo artist finds salvation. SEWELL, N.J. — Tattoos cover most of Harry J. Ake’s body — from his wife Linda’s name on his neck all the way down to his ankles. “I have things on me that are not real holy, and then I have other things that are nicer,” said Ake, owner of Headlight Tattoo and … Continue reading Faith on his arm: A tattoo artist finds salvation
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 