Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

More churches resume in-person worship, but COVID-19 brings changes

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

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Religion Unplugged

Pop quiz: Seven questions about Trump’s church photo op

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

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Christian Chronicle

After George Floyd’s death, petition to rename Harding auditorium gains support

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

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Religion Unplugged

Faith vs. COVID-19: Restrictions prompt clashes over churches reopening

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

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Christian Chronicle

Retired MLB slugger and his wife are on a mission for God

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

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Religion Unplugged

Investigation into Amish, Mennonite sex abuse honored as Pulitzer finalist

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

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Christian Chronicle

COVID-19 challenges Christian relief ministries’ response to spring tornadoes

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

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Christian Chronicle

Serving amid COVID-19, husband and wife try to balance safety and compassion

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

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Religion Unplugged, The Ross News

For lessons on closed houses of worship, look at 1918 flu pandemic

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. I thought I knew a little about my family’s history. I’ve written about my grandfather Lloyd Lee Ross, whose World War II service earned him a Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart. … Continue reading For lessons on closed houses of worship, look at 1918 flu pandemic

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