Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

‘The devil is smart,’ says minister working to protect churches from child predators

‘The devil is smart,’ says minister working to protect churches from child predators: Pennsylvania preacher Jimmy Hinton says the stories he’s heard have ‘taken an emotional toll on me.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The sex, lies and videotapes don’t surprise Jimmy Hinton anymore. “No surprise at all,” the Pennsylvania preacher said of the latest case to make headlines — this one … Continue reading ‘The devil is smart,’ says minister working to protect churches from child predators

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Christian Chronicle

Canadian churches embrace Syrian refugees

Two congregations adopt a family displaced by a civil war that has claimed half a million lives. Third Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BEAMSVILLE, Ontario — As war ravaged their homeland, a Syrian family of eight fled for their lives. The Muslim father, mother and six children — among 4 million Syrians who have escaped to … Continue reading Canadian churches embrace Syrian refugees

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Christian Chronicle

Morgan Freeman hears Katrina survivors’ ‘Story of God’

Morgan Freeman hears couple’s ‘Story of God’: Hurricane Katrina survivors share faith on National Geographic Channel series. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle God doesn’t play favorites. Charles Marsalis stresses that message at the Hollygrove Church of Christ, the New Orleans congregation he and his wife, Angela, planted in a high-crime neighborhood after Hurricane Katrina. “I’m just plain ol’ Charles,” the minister said. “I’m … Continue reading Morgan Freeman hears Katrina survivors’ ‘Story of God’

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Christian Chronicle

Blessings flow as Pearl of a church is saved

Blessings flow as Pearl of a church is saved: Funds raised to buy Hawaii church’s land from military. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle A Hawaiian honeymoon sounded perfect, so Neil and Carolyn Myers decided to fly for the first time. Taking off, they were a little apprehensive. “We just held hands and said, ‘Lord, you may be taking us, but we’re coming together,’” … Continue reading Blessings flow as Pearl of a church is saved

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Religion Unplugged

Best of GetReligion: April 2016

Links to columns by Bobby Ross Jr. What media coverage tells us about the (lack of) faith of ‘Story of God’ host Morgan Freeman. Published April 4. Rocky Top, you’ll always be good for a great debate on the Bible’s place in Tennessee. Published April 5. How scary is this? GetReligion critic joins us in opposing ‘religious liberty’ scare quotes. Published April 6. Merle Haggard’s Church of … Continue reading Best of GetReligion: April 2016

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Christian Chronicle

When you took in a stranger: Mayo Clinic ministry has housed thousands

When you took in a stranger (reporting from Rochester, Minn.): Ministry that houses Mayo Clinic patients and their loved ones has cared for thousands. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ROCHESTER, Minn. — Creaky stairs. Wooden floors. To Lee Jamieson Sr., the old house down the street from the Mayo Clinic feels like home. “It reminds me of my grandparents’ house,” said Jamieson, … Continue reading When you took in a stranger: Mayo Clinic ministry has housed thousands

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Language of love spoken through FriendSpeak

Language of love spoken through FriendSpeak (reporting from Long Beach, Calif.): Hundreds of U.S. churches help internationally born neighbors improve their English skills by reading the Bible. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle LONG BEACH, Calif. — In this diverse Pacific Coast community, eavesdropping on your neighbor’s conversation can be a challenge. Hispanics and Asians comprise a majority of the 475,000 residents of … Continue reading Language of love spoken through FriendSpeak

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Religion Unplugged

Best of GetReligion: March 2016

Links to columns by Bobby Ross Jr. Dude, the St. Louis Cardinals’ chaplain is doing awesome, generic religious stuff with team. Published March 1. Jailhouse religion in Lone Star State’s toughest lockup raises church-state question. Published March 2. After ‘Spotlight’ Oscar euphoria, the hangover: Worry about the future of religion journalism. Published March 3. A high-profile believer’s ‘amazing’ cancer recovery: God is (not) in the details. … Continue reading Best of GetReligion: March 2016

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

In the GOP primaries, do politics Trump values and character?

Republican frontrunner’s personal background is an issue for some — but not all — going into Super Tuesday balloting.  First Place, News Story, Associated Church Press First Place, Election Reporting, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — To Ethan Garrett, a presidential candidate’s integrity and personal values matter. As Garrett sees it, Republican frontrunner Donald Trump lacks those … Continue reading In the GOP primaries, do politics Trump values and character?

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