Category: Washington Post

Religion News Service, Washington Post

Pompeo’s Kansas church asks God to ‘give him strength’ in Senate confirmation process

“Mike has enemies because of his faith who may try to paint him in a poor light and make it difficult for him to reach the Secretary of State position,” the pastor of nominee Mike Pompeo wrote to his congregation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service WICHITA, Kan. — Under fire from Muslim, Jewish and human rights groups for a record of … Continue reading Pompeo’s Kansas church asks God to ‘give him strength’ in Senate confirmation process

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Washington Post

In this Bible Belt state, Democrats call hot-button issues a ‘smokescreen’

Even some Republicans in GOP-run Oklahoma say that abortion and transgender bills are a distraction. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For The Washington Post OKLAHOMA CITY — Some public schools are starting summer vacation several days early. Others are contemplating a four-day week to cut costs. And more than 200 teachers in Oklahoma City were handed pink slips in March. But instead of addressing a burgeoning … Continue reading In this Bible Belt state, Democrats call hot-button issues a ‘smokescreen’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Washington Post

Oklahoma State, faced with another tragedy, prays for healing

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For The Washington Post STILLWATER, Okla. — People in this college town grieved again Sunday. It was about four years after a plane crash killed two women’s basketball coaches and almost 15 years after 10 people died when a plane carrying members and coaches of the men’s basketball team went down. And it was one day after four people were … Continue reading Oklahoma State, faced with another tragedy, prays for healing

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Washington Post

Stripping away the stigma: Christian ministries help women escape sex industry

This story appeared in The Washington Post and in media outlets across the nation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion News Service COLLEYVILLE, Texas — The smoke, the loud music and the smell of perfumes trigger uncomfortable memories for Polly Wright. But Wright ignores those reminders of her past as she and a troupe of women make their way to the strip club’s dressing room … Continue reading Stripping away the stigma: Christian ministries help women escape sex industry

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Washington Post

No doughnuts on Sunday? Churches confront nutrition, fitness

This story appeared on the AP national wire and ran on Page A10 of The Washington Post. The Associated Press March 8, 2004, Monday, BC cycle DIET: No doughnuts on Sunday? Churches confront nutrition, fitness BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., Associated Press Writer SECTION: Domestic News LENGTH: 914 words DATELINE: GRAPEVINE, Texas Sunday morning worshippers at Fellowship Church used to satisfy their spiritual hunger with … Continue reading No doughnuts on Sunday? Churches confront nutrition, fitness

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Washington Post

Thousands flock to Mel Gibson’s ‘Passion of the Christ’

This story appeared in The Washington Post and in newspapers across the nation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press PLANO, Texas — The people streaming out of the movie theater looked as if they’d just attended a wake — and many said they felt as if they had. Red eyes and muffled crying were common as Christians and the merely curious flocked to … Continue reading Thousands flock to Mel Gibson’s ‘Passion of the Christ’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Washington Post

DIET: Nation’s food banks put more emphasis on nutrition

This story appeared on the AP national wire and ran on Page A08 of The Washington Post. February 13, 2004, Friday, BC cycle DIET: Nation’s food banks put more emphasis on nutrition BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., Associated Press Writer SECTION: Domestic News LENGTH: 749 words Just five years ago the Greater Boston Food Bank couldn’t give away a carrot. In fact, in 1999 it handed out no fresh produce … Continue reading DIET: Nation’s food banks put more emphasis on nutrition

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Washington Post

Megachurches put on megaproductions for the Christmas story

The Associated Press December 22, 2003, Monday, BC cycle Megachurches put on megaproductions for the Christmas story BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., Associated Press Writer SECTION: State and Regional LENGTH: 1430 words DATELINE: PLANO, Texas In the biblical account of the Christmas story, a heavenly host of angels appeared to shepherds tending their flock near the stable where baby Jesus lay in a manger. In … Continue reading Megachurches put on megaproductions for the Christmas story

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Washington Post

Senior citizens sue city over religious freedom

This story appeared on the AP national wire and ran on Page A11 of The Washington Post. October 27, 2003, Monday, BC cycle Senior citizens sue city over religious freedom BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., Associated Press Writer SECTION: Domestic News LENGTH: 717 words DATELINE: BALCH SPRINGS, Texas For years, senior citizens gathered at the Balch Springs Community Center on Monday mornings to enjoy a gray-haired gospel band known as “Silver … Continue reading Senior citizens sue city over religious freedom

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.