Rural Redemption: Iowa church refuses to die

Iowa church refuses to die: 156-year-old congregation epitomizes the challenges faced by many small, rural Churches of Christ (reporting from Montezuma, Iowa). Page 1 lead. First part of “Rural Redemption” series. Third Place (with Erik Tryggestad and David Chenault), Theme Issue, Section or Series, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MONTEZUMA, Iowa — Snow coats the ground as Pauline Ell … Continue reading Rural Redemption: Iowa church refuses to die

March 2013: GetReligion

Way to go, Joe! Colorado civil-unions story hits the mark. Published March 1. Inside the History Channel’s epic TV miniseries ‘The Bible.’ Published March 4. Duck, duck, goose: Media miss faith angle on “Duck Dynasty.” Published March 6. The new evangelical Goliath? Online ed at Liberty U. Published March 7. Dudes with red hats deadlocked on pope winner. Published March 13. Pope Francis on Page … Continue reading March 2013: GetReligion

No GRACE in sexual abuse investigation of missionary kids

No GRACE in Sexual Abuse Investigation of Missionary Kids Reviewing decades-old abuse allegations isn’t simple, as firing by Baptist missions agency shows. From Christianity Today April print edition. It sounds straightforward enough: A missions agency faced with decades-old allegations of sexual abuse within its ranks hires an outside organization to investigate. But add to that mix physically and emotionally scarred victims and dueling standards of … Continue reading No GRACE in sexual abuse investigation of missionary kids

Social justice vs. kingdom work

Social justice vs. kingdom work: At a national meeting of youth ministers, the key role of the local church is emphasized (reporting from Colorado Springs, Colo.). Second Front. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Love Jesus. Tolerate the church. At a time when Americans’ confidence in organized religion has hit a 40-year low, that mindset seems particularly prevalent among younger Christians. At the recent National Conference on … Continue reading Social justice vs. kingdom work

February 2013: GetReligion

Don’t have a cow over Chick-fil-A, man! Published Feb. 2. Nah-nah-nah-nah: Navel-gazing at ninth anniversary. Published Feb. 5. Boy Scouts, Mormons and CNN’s tabloid-style ‘reporting.’ Published Feb. 7. Pod people: Boy Scout leak and grassroots sourcing. Published Feb. 9. Godbeat 101: Localizing the pope resignation story. Published Feb. 12. Definition, please: Who are these evangelicals? Published Feb. 15. Bang! Bang! Hey, eat some cotton candy! … Continue reading February 2013: GetReligion

Sovereign Grace Ministries: Courts shouldn’t ‘second-guess’ pastoral counseling of sex abuse victims

Sovereign Grace Ministries: Courts Shouldn’t ‘Second-Guess’ Pastoral Counseling of Sex Abuse Victims Legal observers question whether clergy-penitent privilege applies to denomination accused of covering up crimes. Christianity Today story published online Jan. 25. In response to a civil lawsuit alleging that it covered up numerous cases of child sexual abuse, Sovereign Grace Ministries (SGM) has pledged to “carefully review” each accusation. However, the lawsuit—which claims the association … Continue reading Sovereign Grace Ministries: Courts shouldn’t ‘second-guess’ pastoral counseling of sex abuse victims

Connecticut church ‘in shock’ after Sandy Hook school massacre

Congregation ‘in shock’ after school massacre: Connecticut member survives shooting. Page 1 lead. A teacher who attends the Danbury Church of Christ in Connecticut survived the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in which 20 students and six school employees died. Minister Doug Vile identified the teacher as Robin Walker. “She’s a special education teacher and was in a reading class,” Vile told The Christian Chronicle. … Continue reading Connecticut church ‘in shock’ after Sandy Hook school massacre

January 2013: GetReligion

2012 in review: Contraception vs. religious freedom. Published Jan. 1. Mixing scales of justice and songs of praise. Published Jan. 4. Faith, family, fastballs: Dale Murphy’s Hall of Fame bid. Published Jan. 7. NYT publishes ‘news story’ on pregnancy centers. Published Jan. 9. Muslims believe in adoption, or do they? Published Jan. 11. Meet Christian financial guru Dave Ramsey, minus the faith. Published Jan. 12. … Continue reading January 2013: GetReligion

2012 in review: My Top 10 bylines of the year

  By Bobby Ross Jr. My Top 10 bylines of 2012: 10. I’m going to Disney church! KISSIMMEE, Fla. — At a hotel a mile west of Walt Disney World’s main gate on U.S. Highway 192, aspiring princesses and little boys with Mickey Mouse ears fill up on scrambled eggs and cereal on a Sunday morning. In a banquet room next to the breakfast buffet, children … Continue reading 2012 in review: My Top 10 bylines of the year