April 2014: GetReligion

Pod people: Hobby Lobby and the Mennonite angle. Published April 1. And for a change, a ‘Noah’ movie story that sails smoothly. Published April 3. About that ‘complex’ doctrine Catholic teachers must follow. Published April 4. Final Four ghosts in long story on Kentucky’s Julius Randle. Published April 5. Ghosts in story on Catholic schools: real or imagined? Published April 8. Washington mudslide disaster: the … Continue reading April 2014: GetReligion

Ready, set, go! Hobby Lobby at the Supremes

Ready, set, go! Hobby Lobby at the Supremes GETRELIGION.ORG — Hobby Lobby gets its hearing before the Supreme Court this morning. This is big, folks. As the Los Angeles Times describes it: WASHINGTON — A challenge to part of President Obama’s healthcare law that hits the Supreme Court on Tuesday could lead to one of the most significant religious freedom rulings in the high court’s history. USA Today puts it even more dramatically: WASHINGTON — President … Continue reading Ready, set, go! Hobby Lobby at the Supremes

Inside the ‘Duck Dynasty’ church

For home congregation, Robertson family’s celebrity a blessing and a challenge. First Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press Honorable mention (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WEST MONROE, La. — Gasps of excitement wash over a crowded classroom at the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ as Phil Robertson arrives for Sunday … Continue reading Inside the ‘Duck Dynasty’ church

5Q+1: CNN Godbeat pro on his remarkable Lampedusa story

5Q+1: CNN Godbeat pro on his remarkable Lampedusa story GETRELIGION.ORG — When one of the best religion journalists on the planet produces one of the most gratifying stories of his life, news consumers are in for a real treat. Enter Eric Marrapodi, co-editor of CNN’s Belief Blog. His 4,500-word  “Stepping-stones to Safety” story — featuring a family fleeing Syria’s war — ran over the weekend. The gripping lede: Lampedusa, … Continue reading 5Q+1: CNN Godbeat pro on his remarkable Lampedusa story

March 2014: GetReligion

Half-naked dancers and public prayers in Oklahoma City. Published March 1. Dallas paper advocates for Methodist same-sex marriage. Published March 4. 5Q+1: CNN Godbeat pro on his remarkable Lampedusa story. Published March 5. Dallas Morning News advocacy journalism, the prequel. Published March 6. Kentucky church gun giveaway story shoots straight. Published March 7. * Giving both sides a voice in Methodist same-sex debate. Published March … Continue reading March 2014: GetReligion

Faith on his arm: A tattoo artist finds salvation

Faith on his arm (reporting from Sewell, N.J.): A tattoo artist finds salvation. SEWELL, N.J. — Tattoos cover most of Harry J. Ake’s body — from his wife Linda’s name on his neck all the way down to his ankles. “I have things on me that are not real holy, and then I have other things that are nicer,” said Ake, owner of Headlight Tattoo and … Continue reading Faith on his arm: A tattoo artist finds salvation

5Q+1: Godbeat pro reflects on reporting inside Pakistan

5Q+1: Godbeat pro reflects on reporting inside Pakistan GETRELIGION.ORG — Jaweed Kaleem, the Religion Newswriters Association’s 2013 Supple Religion Feature Writer of the Year, produces exceptional journalism on a regular basis. Don’t be surprised if his latest story — in which he goes inside Pakistan to report on religious minorities — turns out to be one of the best religion news stories all year. It’s a must read: KARACHI, Pakistan — Every … Continue reading 5Q+1: Godbeat pro reflects on reporting inside Pakistan

In the Big Easy, despair meets hope

In the Big Easy, despair meets hope (reporting from New Orleans): In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, church planters see God at work in a ‘dark and difficult part of New Orleans.’ NEW ORLEANS — Charles and Angela Marsalis survived the flood that followed Hurricane Katrina by escaping to the balcony of their home congregation, the Carrollton Avenue Church of Christ. Later, the couple returned to Hollygrove … Continue reading In the Big Easy, despair meets hope

February 2014: GetReligion

A ‘new twist’ in states’ same-sex marriage debates. Published Feb. 4. God News? Can Christian and atheist swap lives for a month? Published Feb. 5. * 10 years of GetReligion: Women and the Godbeat. Published Feb. 7. * 10 years of GetReligion: Five things they didn’t tell me. Published Feb. 7. 5Q+1: Godbeat pro reflects on reporting inside Pakistan. Published Feb. 11. Baring their souls: … Continue reading February 2014: GetReligion