Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

Music and memories: Life lessons on a family road trip

A nostalgic journey to Branson, Mo., the popular vacation destination in Ozark Mountains. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BRANSON, Mo. — I blink, and I’m a child again. It’s the late 1970s, and I’m bickering with my younger brother and sister over my birthright: a larger allotment of space in the back of our family’s station wagon.  We’re driving down the interstate, headed to my grandparents’ … Continue reading Music and memories: Life lessons on a family road trip

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Christian Chronicle

For Latino youths, a long-awaited reunión

After two years of pandemic delays, Spanish-speaking teens and 20-somethings welcome big national meeting. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ELGIN, Ill. — Some flew thousands of miles to attend. Others made 16-hour drives in church vans. All came — from Churches of Christ in more than 20 states — to sing praises to God, play soccer and volleyball and enjoy fellowship with Spanish-speaking peers. The … Continue reading For Latino youths, a long-awaited reunión

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Christian Chronicle

Churches of Christ helping in flood-stricken Appalachia

Ministries organize disaster relief as Kentucky’s death toll rises to 26. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle A tractor-trailer rig full of groceries and emergency supplies was more than the 40-member Lothair Church of Christ in Hazard, Ky., could fit in its building. So church members — eager to help struggling neighbors in flood-stricken Appalachia — unloaded the truck Saturday morning at nearby East Perry Elementary School. By midafternoon, … Continue reading Churches of Christ helping in flood-stricken Appalachia

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Religion Unplugged

The most compelling headlines from Pope Francis’ ‘penitential pilgrimage’ to Canada

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. Pope Francis made a “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada this week to apologize to Indigenous peoples for abuses at church-run residential schools. Rome-based journalists traveling with Francis … Continue reading The most compelling headlines from Pope Francis’ ‘penitential pilgrimage’ to Canada

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Religion Unplugged

5 key facts as Pope Francis travels to Canada to apologize to Indigenous peoples

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. Pope Francis is traveling to Canada this weekend. The purpose of the Catholic leader’s seven-day trip: to apologize to Indigenous peoples for abuses at church-run residential … Continue reading 5 key facts as Pope Francis travels to Canada to apologize to Indigenous peoples

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Christian Chronicle

When the editor gets COVID-19

Colleagues at The Christian Chronicle step up in time of need. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ELGIN, Ill. — COVID-19 stinks. That’s not exactly breaking news, right?   For 2½ years, I somehow avoided the coronavirus. But during a recent reporting trip to Chicago, I tested positive for the first time. So instead of doing the work I love, I isolated myself in my hotel room. Apparently, … Continue reading When the editor gets COVID-19

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Christian Chronicle

Christians reflect on Fourth of July parade shooting that claimed seven lives

‘It’s just a somber place to be right now,’ one church member says of Chicago’s North Shore, where the attack occurred. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. — On a lazy Fourth of July morning, Nicole Estes and her husband, Steve, decided to make a quick trip to Home Depot. Before they could pull out of their subdivision on Chicago’s North … Continue reading Christians reflect on Fourth of July parade shooting that claimed seven lives

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Christian Chronicle

Time to share a little good news

At a time of distressing headlines, enjoy these positive stories. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle “We sure could use a little good news today,” Anne Murray sang in a No. 1 country hit in 1983. Nearly four decades later, negative headlines abound: Mass shootings. The war in Ukraine. Church closings. Even when the news is bad, The Christian Chronicle strives to highlight Christians living out their faith in inspiring ways, as you’ll notice … Continue reading Time to share a little good news

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Religion Unplugged

5 key takeaways: Sex abuse reforms top Southern Baptists’ actions at annual meeting

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. 1979 was a highly consequential year for the direction of the Southern Baptist Convention. So was 1985. And 2021, come to think of it. No doubt … Continue reading 5 key takeaways: Sex abuse reforms top Southern Baptists’ actions at annual meeting

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