Category: Associated Press

Associated Press

$50M shrine to honor slain priest, first US Catholic martyr

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY — The birth of Stanley Francis Rother was by all accounts ordinary, aside from the weather. The Catholic farm boy came into the world during an Oklahoma dust storm. But in life — and in death — he was extraordinary. The 46-year-old priest, shot to death in Guatemala in 1981, became the first person born in … Continue reading $50M shrine to honor slain priest, first US Catholic martyr

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Associated Press

A year later, Texas synagogue hostages cope, carry on

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press COLLEYVILLE, Texas — A year ago, Jeff Cohen and three others survived a hostage standoff at their Reform Jewish synagogue in this Fort Worth suburb. Their trauma did not disappear, though, with the FBI’s killing of the pistol-wielding captor, 44-year-old British national Malik Faisal Akram. Healing from the Jan. 15, 2022, ordeal remains an ongoing process. “Let’s be blunt: … Continue reading A year later, Texas synagogue hostages cope, carry on

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Associated Press, Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged, The Ross News

Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I’m a journalist, so I have no choice but to do a year-end list, right? When I look back on 2022, a few special moments stand out. Crying happy tears as my son Keaton married Paige, the love of his life. Joining my granddaughter, Norah, at her first Texas Rangers game — a big deal in our family. … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022

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Associated Press

Bison’s relocation to Native lands revives a spiritual bond

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press BULL HOLLOW, Okla. — Ryan Mackey quietly sang a sacred Cherokee verse as he pulled a handful of tobacco out of a zip-close bag. Reaching over a barbed wire fence, he scattered the leaves onto the pasture where a growing herd of bison — popularly known as American buffalo — grazed in northeastern Oklahoma. The offering represented a reverent act of thanksgiving, … Continue reading Bison’s relocation to Native lands revives a spiritual bond

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press

Amid crises, rural roots anchor Southern Baptists’ president

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press FARMERSVILLE, Texas — On the first Saturday of fall, a sweating Bart Barber trekked across a weedy pasture in search of Bully Graham, the would-be patriarch of the rural Baptist pastor’s fledgling cattle herd. With the afternoon temperature in the mid-90s, the 52-year-old Texan found the bull — whose nickname reflects his owner’s deep affection for the late … Continue reading Amid crises, rural roots anchor Southern Baptists’ president

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press

At 50, TV’s ‘The Waltons’ still stirs fans’ love, nostalgia

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press The Rev. Matt Curry’s parents were children of the Great Depression, just like “The Waltons” — the beloved TV family whose prime-time series premiered 50 years ago. When Curry was growing up on a farm in northern Texas, his carpenter father and teacher mother often argued playfully over who had a poorer childhood. “The Depression was the seminal … Continue reading At 50, TV’s ‘The Waltons’ still stirs fans’ love, nostalgia

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press, Religion Unplugged

Is Nashville the center of the religion news universe? For today, let’s say so

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Twenty years ago, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to work for The Associated Press. I spent less than a year in Music City before transferring to … Continue reading Is Nashville the center of the religion news universe? For today, let’s say so

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Associated Press

Writing about religion with style: I helped update the Associated Press Stylebook

In her “State of Faith” newsletter this week, the Deseret News’ Kelsey Dallas wrote about the new religion entries in the Associated Press Stylebook. I was excited to make a cameo appearance: For this week’s newsletter, I spoke with David Crary, the AP’s religion news director, and Holly Meyer, the religion news editor, about the work that went into the new entries and some of … Continue reading Writing about religion with style: I helped update the Associated Press Stylebook

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press

For tornado-ravaged Kentucky churches, rebuilding means rethinking

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press MAYFIELD, Ky. — Mayfield First United Methodist Church, a century-old temple with stately columns and stained-glass windows, has long been an anchor in the life of Kathy O’Nan, the city’s 68-year-old mayor. She directed the children’s choir for 42 years and attended countless worship services and ceremonies, from weddings to funerals to the baptisms of both her children … Continue reading For tornado-ravaged Kentucky churches, rebuilding means rethinking

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