Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

Texas GOP dispute pits religious freedom against claims of ‘stealth jihad’

The appointment of a Muslim doctor to a county’s party leadership has fractured the Republicans of Tarrant County. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service FORT WORTH, Texas  — Lisa Grimaldi Abdulkareem describes herself as a conservative Republican who believes in freedom and prosperity. “Less bureaucracy, lower taxes and stronger national security — it is simple for me,” said Abdulkareem, the Tarrant County … Continue reading Texas GOP dispute pits religious freedom against claims of ‘stealth jihad’

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Christian Chronicle

Christian universities face ‘extremely difficult’ recruiting outlook

Number of freshmen who identify with Churches of Christ hits new low, annual survey finds. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — Brynn Walker always thought she’d attend a large state university. But this fall, the 18-year-old from Fort Smith, Ark., packed up and trekked west on Interstate 40 to enroll at 2,300-student Oklahoma Christian University. “The introvert in me loved the smaller … Continue reading Christian universities face ‘extremely difficult’ recruiting outlook

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Christian Chronicle

‘No creed but Christ, no book but the Bible’

The Apostles’ Creed — which President Trump chose not to recite at George H.W. Bush’s state funeral — is not a part of worship for Churches of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The Apostles’ what? America’s roughly 1.4 million adherents of Churches of Christ generally proclaim “no creed but Christ, no book but the Bible.” As a result, many are unfamiliar with the Apostles’ … Continue reading ‘No creed but Christ, no book but the Bible’

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Christianity Today

Employee lawsuits against churches are on the rise

Why you need to consider employment practices liability insurance. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Finance Today Twenty years ago, employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) policies were scarce in the United States. Even a decade ago, most employers didn’t purchase that type of coverage. That has changed. In 2018, it’s estimated that half of all firms with 1,000 or more workers have in place some … Continue reading Employee lawsuits against churches are on the rise

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Religion Unplugged

What it means that Nashville has lost its only abortion provider

By Bobby Ross Jr. | GetReligion

Nashville, Tenn. — one of the 25 largest cities in America — has lost its last remaining abortion provider. At least for now.

That seems like a pretty major story.

And indeed, The Tennessean has the basic details on today’s front page:

But the newspaper’s coverage of this stunning development seems overly low-key and matter-of-fact. Ho-hum, in other words.

Read the full column.

• • •

All of my GetReligion columns (December 2018):

Continue reading “What it means that Nashville has lost its only abortion provider”
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Religion News Service

Houses of worship helping solve foster care crisis in Oklahoma

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service EDMOND, Okla. — When Cody and Breanna Brumley began the process of adoption a few years ago, they asked two dear friends in their Sunday school class for advice. “This is going to be hard,” Breanna Brumley remembers the friends telling them. “This is going to change you, but for the better.” The stern warnings surprised … Continue reading Houses of worship helping solve foster care crisis in Oklahoma

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Religion News Service

‘Fixer Upper’ stars Chip and Joanna Gaines to host church for the homeless

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service WACO, Texas — Tractor-trailer rigs roared overhead. Cigarette smoke wafted in the air as a praise band played drums and electric guitars on a stage set up amid tall concrete columns. On the Sunday (Nov. 18) before Thanksgiving, poor people riding bicycles and pushing old grocery carts lined up — as they do every week — … Continue reading ‘Fixer Upper’ stars Chip and Joanna Gaines to host church for the homeless

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Christian Chronicle

Can Churches of Christ reach millennials?

Florida church planters look to the Bible for inspiration as they seek to ‘reclaim’ a skeptical generation. First Place, Theme Issue, Section or Series, Associated Church Press (for “Big Questions” project) By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Roslyn Miller’s heritage in Churches of Christ runs deep. However, Reclaimed Church — the congregation she’s helping plant in Orlando, Fla. — is not a mirror … Continue reading Can Churches of Christ reach millennials?

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Christian Chronicle

‘Paradise is lost,’ but minister and wife escaped deadly wildfire ‘with the clothes on our back’

Fast-moving blaze that ravaged Northern California town destroyed the Church of Christ’s building and most members’ homes. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle On Thursday morning, minister Joe Glenn got a call at his Paradise Church of Christ office. A friend in the 50-member Northern California congregation, which Glenn has served for nearly 15 years, warned the preacher, “We’ve been ordered to evacuate.” A fast-moving … Continue reading ‘Paradise is lost,’ but minister and wife escaped deadly wildfire ‘with the clothes on our back’

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