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. When I first saw news on social media of a ranting man taking hostages at a Texas synagogue Saturday, I immediately clicked the link to an … Continue reading A personal connection to synagogue where hostages were taken, plus 5 key storylines

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. What a difference a year makes. Or not. Fifty-two weeks ago, this news topped Weekend Plug-in: Trump calls COVID-19 vaccine ‘a medical miracle,’ but many religious … Continue reading Americans favor religious exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines — to a point

U.S. Supreme Court weighs religious freedom. 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. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear religious freedom arguments Tuesday in the case of a Texas death-row inmate named John … Continue reading Touch, prayer and the role of clergy at executions

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. Here’s a scary thought: Who wants to dress up as an evangelical for Halloween? Except, exactly what would that look like? Would it involve wearing a … Continue reading Boo! Just in time for Halloween, five frightening headlines about evangelicals

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. As a journalist who covers religion, I’ve been blessed to report firsthand from countries such as Israel, Mexico, Nicaragua and South Africa. As a result, when … Continue reading Ransom demands and prayers: The kidnapping of a mission group in Haiti