Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

5Q+1: Bob Smietana on the Godbeat, #RNA2014 and, yes, GetReligion

Coming soon to GR: @bobbyross interviews @ReligionReport prez @bobsmietana in advance of #RNA2014 in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/GR3eJNfVl4 — GetReligion (@GetReligion) September 17, 2014 5Q+1 interview: Religion writer Bob Smietana on the Godbeat, #RNA2014 and, yes, GetReligion GETRELIGION.ORG — Godbeat pros will convene in Atlanta this week for the Religion Newswriters Association’s 65th annual conference. In advance of the national meeting of religion journalists, RNA President Bob Smietana did … Continue reading 5Q+1: Bob Smietana on the Godbeat, #RNA2014 and, yes, GetReligion

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Christian Chronicle

No R-rated movies shown at this family-friendly drive-in

No R-rated movies shown at this family-friendly drive-in  (reporting from Calvert City, Ky.): Kentucky church members stay true to their Christian values while operating one of the nation’s few remaining outdoor theaters. CALVERT CITY, Ky. — As the sun sets in rural western Kentucky, the marquee lights shine at the Calvert Drive-in Theatre. For many who enjoy the outdoor movie experience, the nightly double features stir nostalgia and fond memories … Continue reading No R-rated movies shown at this family-friendly drive-in

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Religion Unplugged

A medical miracle on NBC News

Watch @MLaeur’s NBC NEWS SPECIAL: Saving Dr. Brantley, a gripping story of his fight w/ Ebola http://t.co/x8Sm9faRVC pic.twitter.com/vHSwK1ZTZW — NBC News (@NBCNews) September 6, 2014 A medical miracle on NBC News: ‘The hand of God at work’ in saving Ebola patient Dr. Kent Brantly GETRELIGION.ORG — The hour-long NBC News special “Saving Dr. Brantly: The Inside Story of a Medical Miracle” aired Friday night. The report … Continue reading A medical miracle on NBC News

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Christian Chronicle

In Kentucky, a dispute over church, state and taxpayer-funded foster care

In Kentucky, a dispute over church, state and taxpayer-funded foster care (reporting from Melber, Ky.): Rather than adhere to proselytization rules, a Christian children’s home gives up its seven-figure state funding. MELBER, Ky. — Surrounded by pastureland and soybean, corn and tobacco fields, a rural children’s home associated with Churches of Christ cared for abused and neglected boys and girls for 24 years. In the last fiscal year, … Continue reading In Kentucky, a dispute over church, state and taxpayer-funded foster care

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Religion Unplugged

September 2014: GetReligion

Women as clergy: The stained-glass ceiling and one-sided journalism. Published Sept. 2. Howdy, partner: In Lone Star State, gospel with a front-page twang. Published Sept. 3. Secret no more: Executed journalist Steven Sotloff’s Jewish faith makes headlines. Published Sept. 4. Southern-fried stereotypes? Surprise, but this faith-and-football story serves up real meat. Published Sept. 5. A medical miracle on NBC News: ‘The hand of God at … Continue reading September 2014: GetReligion

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Christian Chronicle

Cristo can move mountains, Spanish-speaking church believes

Part of The Christian Chronicle’s “One Nación Under God” special project. Cristo can move mountains, Spanish-speaking church believes (reporting from Elgin, Ill.): In a Chicago suburb, a Latino congregation experiences growth and contemplates a multicultural future. First Place (with Erik Tryggestad and staff), Theme Issue, Section or Series, Associated Church Press ELGIN, Ill. — Tears of joy flowed as the Elgin Church of Christ, a Spanish-speaking congregation northwest of Chicago, stood and … Continue reading Cristo can move mountains, Spanish-speaking church believes

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Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged

Ebola patient Dr. Kent Brantly released from hospital

Ebola patient Dr. Kent Brantly released from hospital: ‘Today is a miraculous day. I’m thrilled to be alive, to be well and to be reunited with my family,’ the medical missionary says.  Just a few weeks ago, the prognosis for Dr. Kent Brantly — a Church of Christ member who contracted the often-deady Ebola virus while serving in Liberia — was described as “grave.” But today, … Continue reading Ebola patient Dr. Kent Brantly released from hospital

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Religion Unplugged

God and journalism: American reportedly beheaded by ISIS wrote about his faith

God and journalism: American reportedly beheaded by ISIS wrote about his faith GETRELIGION.ORG — What absolutely crushing news. Amid all the brutal headlines involving the Islamic State militant group in Iraq and Syria (important background here) came a YouTube video Tuesday purportedly showing the beheading of American journalist James Foley. Lord, have mercy. MT @mpoppel: BREAKING: Islamic State, in video “A Message to America,” beheads American journalist James … Continue reading God and journalism: American reportedly beheaded by ISIS wrote about his faith

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Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged

Amen to this question: ‘What the hell is happening in Ferguson, Mo.?’

Amen to this question: ‘What the hell is happening in Ferguson, Mo.?’ GETRELIGION.ORG — In Ferguson, Mo. — dubbed “Baghdad, USA” by The Huffington Post and labeled a “A CITY ON EDGE” in a banner headline by today’s St. Louis Post-Dispatch — Wednesday’s arrests of two prominent journalists for the apparent crime of doing their jobs caused a Twitterstorm. The social media outrage produced some, um, religious overtones. Jesus, this … Continue reading Amen to this question: ‘What the hell is happening in Ferguson, Mo.?’

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