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Bobby Ross Jr. honored as 2026 Diamond Journalist of the Year finalist

The regional award celebrates outstanding journalism in Arkansas and six neighboring states. By Bobby Ross Jr. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — I was honored Saturday night as a finalist for the 2026 Diamond Journalist of the Year award from the Arkansas professional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. I previously won this award in 2025 and was a finalist in 2024. The regional Diamond Journalism Awards … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. honored as 2026 Diamond Journalist of the Year finalist

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Why two churches came back together after six decades apart

Oklahoma merger reflects a desire to serve as ‘a single, unified body of Christ.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DURANT, Okla. — Just off U.S. 69/75 beside a Choctaw Travel Plaza billboard, nearly 500 Christians gather in a multipurpose room filled with four-legged cushioned chairs. “You are the melody. You are the harmony. Praise to your name I will bring,” the Durant Church of Christ sings … Continue reading Why two churches came back together after six decades apart

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Refugees stuck in limbo

At a Texas church, tears and talk of bombs underscore the precarious circumstances for thousands of Ukrainians losing their legal status. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HOUSTON — Liza Sharii-Yukabovska fled her native Ukraine four years ago after Russia attacked its Eastern European neighbor. In the U.S., the mother — who escaped with her daughter, Sophie, now 17 — connected with Houston’s Memorial Church of Christ and … Continue reading Refugees stuck in limbo

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Together again — decades after split

The pieces fit as two Pennsylvania congregations merge to become one body. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle POTTSTOWN, Pa. — A match made in heaven. In God’s timing. That’s how members and leaders alike characterize the merger of the Coventry Hills Church of Christ and the Chesmont Church of Christ. After decades apart, the congregations — halfway between the high-rises of Philadelphia and the horse-drawn … Continue reading Together again — decades after split

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Best in Class for 10th time: Christian Chronicle wins Associated Church Press’ top award

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — The Christian Chronicle, where I serve as editor-in-chief, earned 28 national awards in annual journalism contests sponsored by the Associated Church Press, the Evangelical Press Association and the Religion News Association. In the ACP’s “Best of the Church Press” competition, the Chronicle claimed the Best in Class honor as overall top newspaper for the 10th time. The prize was presented at the faith-based … Continue reading Best in Class for 10th time: Christian Chronicle wins Associated Church Press’ top award

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‘There’s nothing Calvin can’t do’

Evangelical Press Association honors Calvin Cockrell with its Emerging Journalist Award. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DALLAS — We have a saying at The Christian Chronicle: “There’s nothing Calvin can’t do.” In fact, we must resist the temptation to pile more and more duties on our friend and colleague. Calvin Cockrell, 30, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from the University of Alabama, maintaining a perfect 4.0 … Continue reading ‘There’s nothing Calvin can’t do’

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Bobby Ross Jr.’s ‘Faith in France’ series wins two Evangelical Press Association national awards

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — My “Faith in France” series earned two national awards from the Evangelical Press Association. EPA announced the winners this week at its annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee. My story on Christians bringing new life to an old monastery in Marseille won second place for reporting. Christianity Today’s Andy Olsen took first for his piece on “An American Deportation.” The … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr.’s ‘Faith in France’ series wins two Evangelical Press Association national awards

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Religion News Association honors Bobby Ross Jr. with eighth Excellence in Religion Reporting Award

By Bobby Ross Jr. DECATUR, Ga. — I was honored to receive my eighth Excellence in Religion Reporting Award at the Religion News Association’s recent annual convention. I earned second place in the national contest for Excellence in Analysis and Explanatory Reporting. The prize recognized the Weekend Plug-in column I write each Friday for Religion Unplugged. My entry featured these three columns: 1. COVID miracle: … Continue reading Religion News Association honors Bobby Ross Jr. with eighth Excellence in Religion Reporting Award

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Thank you, Victor Glover

NASA astronaut — our brother in Christ — made us proud. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Welcome home, Victor Glover! We know you must be tired, but you energized us. You and your Artemis II crewmates traveled 252,756 miles from Earth — a record for humanity. We won’t take a lot of your time. But as your brothers and sisters in Christ, we must thank you. … Continue reading Thank you, Victor Glover