Visit to old family cemetery stirs fond memories and reflections. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CEDAR GROVE, Tenn. — My dad, Bob Ross, bent down and brushed leaves off the flat grave marker so he could read the inscription. “Lloyd Lee Ross. Sgt US Army. World War II,” the writing said. “Bronze Star Medal. Purple Heart.” The dates, March 24, 1918, to April … Continue reading ‘A hundred years goes faster than you think’
Ministers discuss experiences as panel explores how to protect congregations from attacks. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HENDERSON, Tenn. — A few minutes before stepping onstage, Britt Farmer and Joey Spann met for the first time. But the two preachers — one from Texas, the other from Tennessee — greeted each other like old friends. These ministers belong to an exclusive club. It’s one … Continue reading Two preachers. Two church shootings. An immediate bond
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. Surely there’s someone out there who doesn’t like Adelle M. Banks. I just haven’t found that person yet. A rare soul beloved by colleagues and competitors alike, Banks is … Continue reading This veteran religion journalist likes to sing spirituals — but not when she’s working
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. “To the One who loves justice.” That’s the simple dedication at the start of investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell’s long-awaited memoir, “Race Against Time,” which hits bookstores Tuesday. It reflects the deep Christian faith … Continue reading A journalist’s faith: New memoir tells how justice prevailed in civil rights era murders
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. Robert Downen almost burned out on newspapers and went into the insurance business. Instead, the talented journalist, now 28, stuck it out and spearheaded what the Religion News Association chose as the No. … Continue reading How the SBC sex abuse scandal turned a city hall reporter into a full-time religion writer
Game show host with cancer touts prayer, but faith story is complicated. 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 have wondered about Alex Trebek’s faith for a while. My curiosity was piqued last May … Continue reading (Who Is Alex Trebek?)
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 love journalism. I love my fellow journalists. But as I pointed out in last week’s column on the media barrage faced by minister Britt Farmer after a deadly shooting at his Texas church, I … Continue reading Seven tips for covering horrific events at houses of worship — and treating victims right
Editor’s note: Today we launch “Weekend Plug-In,” a column by veteran religion writer Bobby Ross Jr. Look every Friday for analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas — A few minutes after noon Sunday, my iPhone started pinging with messages from friends, alerting me to a shooting at the West Freeway Church … Continue reading Why Texas minister talked to me — and only me — about deadly church shooting
A day after two members were killed during the Lord’s Supper, congregation gathers to reflect and praise God. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas — The West Freeway Church of Christ, a close-knit congregation of about 280, didn’t get to finish its Sunday morning worship assembly. So Monday night — roughly 30 hours after a gunman killed two beloved Christians during the Lord’s Supper … Continue reading Texas church grieves, prays, sings after deadly shooting
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 