Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

Family who survived Katrina by escaping to church balcony marks storm’s 15th anniversary

God used the 2005 hurricane, the Marsalises believe, to prepare them for what came next. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NEW ORLEANS — Even a decade and a half after the storm, Angela Marsalis still prefers to avoid the subject of Hurricane Katrina. “I guess it feels like I’m still not ready to deal with it, even though I know all the … Continue reading Family who survived Katrina by escaping to church balcony marks storm’s 15th anniversary

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Religion Unplugged

Democrats tout faith, while a few DNC caucuses omit ‘under God’ from pledge

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. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Did the Democrats “get” religion or not? Certainly, lots of headlines coming out of this week’s virtual Democratic National Convention had strong faith elements. But a different storyline gained attention, too. The … Continue reading Democrats tout faith, while a few DNC caucuses omit ‘under God’ from pledge

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Christian Chronicle

After the pandemic, will people return to church?

Some ministers fear the attendance decline will outlive the COVID-19 outbreak. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle A note on the Facebook page of the Glendale Road Church of Christ in Murray, Ky., caught my attention recently. It referred to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and voiced understanding for anyone staying away from in-person worship for health reasons. “However, if the reason for your absence is because you’ve become … Continue reading After the pandemic, will people return to church?

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Religion Unplugged

Kamala Harris’ interfaith background draws focus, but some call her anti-Catholic

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. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Hang on for a wild ride. Try to avoid whiplash. Yes, it was another crazy week in the world of religion news — and we’re going to cover the highlights in a hurry. … Continue reading Kamala Harris’ interfaith background draws focus, but some call her anti-Catholic

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Christian Chronicle

Ousted by Democrats, anti-abortion preacher runs as independent in Tennessee

After 26 years in office, lawmaker faces the fight of his political life. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle As a teen, longtime Tennessee state Rep. John DeBerry Jr. integrated an all-White high school and witnessed civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech before his 1968 assassination. To supporters, DeBerry — a 69-year-old Black preacher from Memphis — is a man of … Continue reading Ousted by Democrats, anti-abortion preacher runs as independent in Tennessee

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Religion Unplugged

‘Racy picture’ of Liberty’s Jerry Falwell Jr. sparks curiosity and controversy

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. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. “Wut is happening,” Houston Chronicle religion writer Robert Downen quipped on Twitter this week. Downen’s colloquial query about an, um, unexpected snapshot of Jerry Falwell Jr. quickly went viral. Falwell is, of … Continue reading ‘Racy picture’ of Liberty’s Jerry Falwell Jr. sparks curiosity and controversy

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Religion Unplugged

Fact check: Did Tim Tebow kneeling for God on the field upset NFL?

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Tim Tebow’s outward expressions of his evangelical Christian faith made him a polarizing figure during his college and professional football career. There’s no doubt about that. But did Tebow’s prayers on the field … Continue reading Fact check: Did Tim Tebow kneeling for God on the field upset NFL?

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Religion Unplugged

90+ finalists were named for religion news awards. Why 1 stands out.

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. The Religion News Association named nearly 100 finalists in 22 categories last week for its 2020 Awards for Religion Reporting Excellence. Among the familiar names on the list: Religion Unplugged’s own Meagan Clark, … Continue reading 90+ finalists were named for religion news awards. Why 1 stands out.

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Christian Chronicle

Despite petition, Harding to keep George S. Benson’s name on its chapel venue

The Christian university’s president pledges to honor slain alumnus Botham Jean ‘in his own unique way on our campus.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Harding University will retain the name of its daily chapel venue — Benson Auditorium — despite an online petition signed by more than 18,000 that characterized the late George S. Benson as “a vocal racist and supporter of segregation.” Bruce McLarty, president … Continue reading Despite petition, Harding to keep George S. Benson’s name on its chapel venue

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