Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

Bobby Ross Jr. is an award-winning journalist who has reported from all 50 states and 20 countries.
Religion Unplugged

Big week in religion news: From Loretta Lynn to Aaron Judge, 9 names to know

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. A country music queen. A home run king. A former White House press secretary. A current U.S. Supreme Court plaintiff. They are among nine key religion … Continue reading Big week in religion news: From Loretta Lynn to Aaron Judge, 9 names to know

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Associated Press

Amid crises, rural roots anchor Southern Baptists’ president

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press FARMERSVILLE, Texas — On the first Saturday of fall, a sweating Bart Barber trekked across a weedy pasture in search of Bully Graham, the would-be patriarch of the rural Baptist pastor’s fledgling cattle herd. With the afternoon temperature in the mid-90s, the 52-year-old Texan found the bull — whose nickname reflects his owner’s deep affection for the late … Continue reading Amid crises, rural roots anchor Southern Baptists’ president

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Christian Chronicle

In Georgia county with history of racial violence, Christians seek unity

‘It’s mentally hard for a lot of folks to cross that county line,’ Black minister says. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CUMMING, Ga. — Kelvin Teamer stood on the stage of the Grace Chapel Church of Christ and marveled at the crowd. In this small town about 40 miles northeast of Atlanta, about 600 Christians — Black, White and Hispanic — filled the pews for a … Continue reading In Georgia county with history of racial violence, Christians seek unity

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Religion Unplugged

‘Faith-based FEMA’: Relief organizations mobilize to help after Hurricane Ian

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Over the years, I’ve covered the faith-based response to a variety of hurricanes. I traveled to New Orleans after Katrina, Houston after Harvey, the Florida Panhandle … Continue reading ‘Faith-based FEMA’: Relief organizations mobilize to help after Hurricane Ian

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Associated Press

At 50, TV’s ‘The Waltons’ still stirs fans’ love, nostalgia

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press The Rev. Matt Curry’s parents were children of the Great Depression, just like “The Waltons” — the beloved TV family whose prime-time series premiered 50 years ago. When Curry was growing up on a farm in northern Texas, his carpenter father and teacher mother often argued playfully over who had a poorer childhood. “The Depression was the seminal … Continue reading At 50, TV’s ‘The Waltons’ still stirs fans’ love, nostalgia

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Christian Chronicle

Pandemic and politics exacerbate challenges facing an Ohio church

The congregation’s experience reflects ‘the emotional tension that seems to be really big in the country as a whole.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MARYSVILLE, Ohio — This one-time farm town about 30 miles northwest of Columbus is booming. The century-old Marysville Church of Christ is not. Even before the pandemic, the congregation in central Ohio struggled to increase its flock, much less match the area’s … Continue reading Pandemic and politics exacerbate challenges facing an Ohio church

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Christian Chronicle

Why are some Christians so angry?

As political rancor festers, believers urged to focus not on the donkey or the elephant — but the Lamb. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Chris McCurley has noticed something. “People are angrier than ever,” he said. That includes many Christians, said McCurley, who preaches for the Oldham Lane Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. “I believe it’s a combination of things: COVID, politics, etc.,” he … Continue reading Why are some Christians so angry?

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Religion Unplugged

5 facts about religion in the life of Queen Elizabeth II, who served Jesus her king

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. When news broke Thursday of Queen Elizabeth II’s death at age 96, I immediately consulted with the leading expert of her 70 years on the throne … Continue reading 5 facts about religion in the life of Queen Elizabeth II, who served Jesus her king

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Associated Press, Religion Unplugged

Is Nashville the center of the religion news universe? For today, let’s say so

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Twenty years ago, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to work for The Associated Press. I spent less than a year in Music City before transferring to … Continue reading Is Nashville the center of the religion news universe? For today, let’s say so

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