Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

#WeRemember: Keeping the faith at 25th anniversary of OKC bombing

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. OKLAHOMA CITY — At 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995, I had just stepped off The Oklahoman’s eighth-floor newsroom elevator when we heard the boom and saw the smoke in the distance. In all, 168 people died … Continue reading #WeRemember: Keeping the faith at 25th anniversary of OKC bombing

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press

25 years ago, a prayer service gave hope to a shaken America

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY — Search-and-rescue workers came straight from the blast site, hard hats atop their heads and mud and grime on their boots. Relatives of the missing joined loved ones of those already confirmed dead in holding teddy bears and wiping tears as this grieving heartland city — indeed, the entire shaken nation — came together to … Continue reading 25 years ago, a prayer service gave hope to a shaken America

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Oklahoman

Her 15-month-old daughter died in the OKC bombing, but she lived on

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For The Oklahoman MOORE, Okla. — I only met Deniece Bell once. Yet over the years, I often wondered what happened to her. At the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, I decided to find out. In April 1995, I was a young reporter for The Oklahoman, working overtime with my newsroom colleagues to tell the biggest story of … Continue reading Her 15-month-old daughter died in the OKC bombing, but she lived on

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Forgiving Carla’s killers

Twenty-five years ago, a Harding University junior was raped and murdered. Her parents found peace by sharing their Christian faith with the men responsible. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Easter Sunday 1995 was a beautiful day for Roy and Jeanie Willmon. Blue sky. Temperatures in the 70s. Their daughter, Carla, home for the weekend. The 20-year-old junior at Harding University in Searcy, Ark., … Continue reading Forgiving Carla’s killers

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

COVID-19: The gap between news media and people of faith

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. A while back, I found myself asking a woman I’ve known all my life, “Do you really believe the news media is ‘the enemy of the people?’” “Yes, I do,” she replied. I … Continue reading COVID-19: The gap between news media and people of faith

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.