Christians respond to George Floyd’s death with outrage, rallies and calls for justice. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Warren G. Blakney Sr.’s long fight for racial equality stretches back to 1961. At age 9, Blakney met civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and passed out voter registration handbills door to door. “I saw a lot of things,” said the … Continue reading Protests and prayers
From social distancing to individual communion packages, congregations take steps to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Masks or no masks? Sing and make a joyful noise — or not? Required temperature checks at the door? These are among the questions facing Churches of Christ nationwide as congregations increasingly move to resume in-person assemblies, a Christian Chronicle survey found. After nearly three … Continue reading More churches resume in-person worship, but COVID-19 brings changes
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. What’s left to say about the week’s biggest religion story? President Donald Trump’s now-famous walk from the White House to the nearby St. John’s Episcopal Church literally broke the internet. Or at least … Continue reading Pop quiz: Seven questions about Trump’s church photo op
Alumnus calls the daily chapel venue’s namesake ‘a vocal racist and supporter of segregation.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle After the videoed killing of George Floyd, Jackson House couldn’t stay silent any longer. The 2014 graduate of Harding University in Searcy, Ark., first learned during his student days of claims of racism against the late George S. Benson, whose name adorns the Christian university’s main auditorium. … Continue reading After George Floyd’s death, petition to rename Harding auditorium gains support
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. Culture wars, meet the coronavirus. In the nation’s latest religious freedom battle, church leaders in numerous states — from New York to Oregon — are clashing with governors over how and when to … Continue reading Faith vs. COVID-19: Restrictions prompt clashes over churches reopening
Josh and Ginger Willingham lead a program to feed hungry children in their Alabama hometown. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FLORENCE, Ala. — Josh Willingham stayed up most of the night praying. After going to the World Series with the Kansas City Royals in 2014, the 35-year-old slugger had a decision to make. A difficult one. The 11-year major-league veteran could play another season … Continue reading Retired MLB slugger and his wife are on a mission for God
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. It’s a heavenly time for the Godbeat. For the second year in a row, journalism’s most prestigious award committee has recognized the transcendent work of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette religion editor Peter Smith. Smith and … Continue reading Investigation into Amish, Mennonite sex abuse honored as Pulitzer finalist
Members of Churches of Christ adapt practices to serve storm victims during the coronavirus pandemic. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle After an EF3 tornado slammed into Jonesboro, Ark., on March 28, the Nettleton Church of Christ could have used the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse not to help. Instead, the 100-member congregation immediately mobilized while taking precautions designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. “Because … Continue reading COVID-19 challenges Christian relief ministries’ response to spring tornadoes
He leads a disaster relief ministry. She works as an ICU nurse. Avoiding the coronavirus is a challenge. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Hours after Easter Sunday tornadoes walloped the twin cities of Monroe and West Monroe in northeastern Louisiana, Ryan Lee came home from working with a chainsaw crew. The mask intended to protect him from the coronavirus dangled around his neck. … Continue reading Serving amid COVID-19, husband and wife try to balance safety and compassion
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 