ACU rebuffs the left and the right in reaffirming its sexual stewardship policy
One group petitioned the West Texas university to loosen its stance on same-sex relationships. Another pushed for tougher language. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ABILENE, Texas — For students at Abilene Christian University, the debate over traditional vs. affirming views on same-sex relationships is not purely theological. It’s personal. Whether they support the university’s sexual stewardship policy, which calls for chastity outside of marriage between a man and … Continue reading ACU rebuffs the left and the right in reaffirming its sexual stewardship policy
How covering Pope John Paul II’s 1999 visit to St. Louis changed my journalism career
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged OKLAHOMA CITY — From a young age, I’ve loved Jesus and journalism. I never intended, though, to become a religion reporter. My career trajectory changed 25 years ago when — to my surprise — editors of The Oklahoman assigned me to cover Pope John Paul II’s Jan. 26-27, 1999, visit to St. Louis. At the time, I was a 31-year-old education … Continue reading How covering Pope John Paul II’s 1999 visit to St. Louis changed my journalism career
A lover of Jesus and paperbacks: Remembering a faithful Christian
Glynna Hartman, a former church secretary, exuded joy and feistiness. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — Glynna Hartman loved to read. The Bible. Religious books. Paperback romance novels. It’s that last one that drew so many chuckles at her memorial service Friday night at the Wilshire Church of Christ, the faithful Christian’s home congregation in Oklahoma City. As her son, David Hartman, recalls, she’d … Continue reading A lover of Jesus and paperbacks: Remembering a faithful Christian
No phones allowed, but machetes OK: Global program aims to build teens’ faith
Immersive learning experience on a South Pacific island stretches Australian ninth graders physically and spiritually. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle PORT VILA, Vanuatu — The journey begins 1,200 miles — and a world — away. Ninth graders at an affluent Christian school in Australia leave their smartphones at home and fly to this developing island nation in the South Pacific. Students cram in the … Continue reading No phones allowed, but machetes OK: Global program aims to build teens’ faith
Australian teen who lost her mom to cancer dreams of leading her country
Loved one’s Christian faith inspires high school senior, who is celebrated as ‘a symbol of resilience and service.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BRISBANE, Australia — Jada Electra Black has a big dream. The Christian teen would like to serve as prime minister of Australia. “That’s my goal,” said Black, who attends Redlands College, a K-12 school associated with Churches of Christ. “I want to study … Continue reading Australian teen who lost her mom to cancer dreams of leading her country
🐘 Defining the Iowa evangelicals who support Trump: Is going to church a requirement? 🔌
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. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged 2024 voting starts: What will happen Monday in the presidential campaign’s first formal test at the ballot box? “Donald Trump … Continue reading 🐘 Defining the Iowa evangelicals who support Trump: Is going to church a requirement? 🔌
🎊 Happy New Year: What will be the big religion stories in 2024? 🔌
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. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Good morning, Weekend Plug-in readers! Today’s edition marks the launch of Plug-in’s fifth year. If you enjoy it, please encourage … Continue reading 🎊 Happy New Year: What will be the big religion stories in 2024? 🔌
From MLB faith nights to refugee ministries, my Top 10 stories of 2023
By Bobby Ross Jr. I love what I do. I get paid to travel and tell interesting stories. 2023 marked my 34th year in full-time journalism, and I thank God for allowing me to live my dream. This year, I was blessed to report from a dozen states and four countries, including Cuba and Mexico. My stories from Australia and Vanuatu will publish early next year. Related: … Continue reading From MLB faith nights to refugee ministries, my Top 10 stories of 2023
For newly arrived refugees, an unexpected Christmas blessing
Caring hearts welcome Ukrainian family to America with food, furniture and friendship. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle It’s a Christmas miracle. In an incredible set of circumstances, God made a wonderful thing happen for a Ukrainian refugee family this busy holiday week. “This is how God works, whether we realize it or not,” said my good friend David Duncan, minister for the Memorial Church of … Continue reading For newly arrived refugees, an unexpected Christmas blessing
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 