January 2015: GetReligion

‘Devout Muslim’ killer?: New York Times profiles gunman who assassinated two New York City police officers. Published Jan. 3. Welcome to 2015: New year brings happy new developments to the Godbeat. Published Jan. 6. At least 12 dead as terrorists strike French satirical newspaper ‘that lampooned the Prophet Mohammad.’ Published Jan. 7. Muhammad, satire and blasphemy: In wake of Charlie Hebdo attack, exploring what Muslims … Continue reading January 2015: GetReligion

The year in tweets: My top stories, blog posts and columns of 2014

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Journalists love year-end lists.

This is mine.

Via Twitter, some of my top stories, blog posts and columns of 2014, along with a personal tweet or two:

Continue reading “The year in tweets: My top stories, blog posts and columns of 2014”

His dad was a preacher — and a pedophile

After discovering his father’s secret, Jimmy Hinton strives to create awareness of sexual predators. First Place, Feature Writing, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists Second Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press (a different story of mine won first place in this category) Honorable mention (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SOMERSET, Pa. — Jimmy Hinton grew up at the … Continue reading His dad was a preacher — and a pedophile

‘Worship is our protest’

In Ferguson, a predominantly black church focuses on healing its community by glorifying God. First Place, News Story, Associated Church Press Honorable mention (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FERGUSON, Mo. — Brian Owens feels a need to protest. But his protest doesn’t involve waving a “hands up, don’t shoot” sign, staging a “die-in” or … Continue reading ‘Worship is our protest’

5Q+1 interview: RNS writer David Gibson on the Godbeat, falling into journalism and his conversion to Catholicism

5Q+1 interview: RNS writer David Gibson on the Godbeat, falling into journalism and his conversion to Catholicism. GETRELIGION.ORG — On his Twitter profile, Religion News Service national reporter David Gibson describes himself as a Catholic convert, a Vatican veteran, a faith fan and an alliteration addict. His RNS bio notes that he has written two books on Catholic topics, including a biography of Pope Benedict XVI. … Continue reading 5Q+1 interview: RNS writer David Gibson on the Godbeat, falling into journalism and his conversion to Catholicism

December 2014: GetReligion

Are they crazy? Despite Ebola threat, Texas missionary couple planning return to Sierra Leone. Published Dec. 1. As D.C. bans gay conversion therapy of minors, where are the opposing religious voices? Published Dec. 3. Washington Post seeks an expert on ‘homegrown American extremist’ tied to Christian identity hate group. Published Dec. 4. 5Q+1: Godbeat pro Lilly Fowler on covering faith and the front lines in #Ferguson. Published Dec. … Continue reading December 2014: GetReligion

5Q+1: Godbeat pro Lilly Fowler on covering faith and the front lines in #Ferguson

5Q+1: Godbeat pro Lilly Fowler on covering faith and the front lines in #Ferguson GETRELIGION.ORG — “Everyone has an agenda.” That’s one lesson Lilly Fowler said she has learned covering faith and the front lines in Ferguson, Missouri, the St. Louis suburb engulfed in racial unrest and sometimes violent protests since the Aug. 9 police shooting of Michael Brown. Born in Mexico and raised on the … Continue reading 5Q+1: Godbeat pro Lilly Fowler on covering faith and the front lines in #Ferguson

Once again, #Ferguson defies easy analysis but demands solid journalism and context

• • • Once again, #Ferguson defies easy analysis but demands solid journalism and context GETRELIGION.ORG — This was the question three months ago: Amen to this question: 'What the hell is happening in #Ferguson?': http://t.co/v1ISW3xY8O #journalism http://t.co/VCkvxBBD78 — GetReligion (@GetReligion) August 14, 2014 Here we go again. I’m supposed to write a post this morning critiquing media coverage. But honestly, the situation at this point defies … Continue reading Once again, #Ferguson defies easy analysis but demands solid journalism and context

Modern-day Job preaching again

Modern-day Job preaching again (reporting from Ridgeland, Miss.): After the murders of his wife and son, Mississippi minister Les Ferguson Jr. wrestled with God. RIDGELAND, Miss. — Les Ferguson Jr. couldn’t help but scream at God. Why — the longtime minister demanded to know — didn’t the Almighty protect his wife and son from the predator who murdered them? In his darkest days, Ferguson couldn’t imagine ever trusting … Continue reading Modern-day Job preaching again