🕎 At the anniversary of Texas synagogue hostage crisis, a new report on antisemitism 🔌

Think hostility or prejudice toward Jews is fading in America? Think again. “Classical fascist” antisemitic views are widespread in the U.S., according to a new survey by the Anti-Defamation League. Religion writer Michelle Boorstein details the findings for The Washington Post. At the same time, rising antisemitism in the U.S. is seeping into the workplace, Bloomberg’s Arianne Cohen reports. “It’s not just high-profile incidents,” Cohen’s story notes. … Continue reading 🕎 At the anniversary of Texas synagogue hostage crisis, a new report on antisemitism 🔌

A year later, Texas synagogue hostages cope, carry on

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press COLLEYVILLE, Texas — A year ago, Jeff Cohen and three others survived a hostage standoff at their Reform Jewish synagogue in this Fort Worth suburb. Their trauma did not disappear, though, with the FBI’s killing of the pistol-wielding captor, 44-year-old British national Malik Faisal Akram. Healing from the Jan. 15, 2022, ordeal remains an ongoing process. “Let’s be blunt: … Continue reading A year later, Texas synagogue hostages cope, carry on

‘It’s the same Jesus’

After a three-year pandemic delay, a unity service brings together Christians who worship in English, Korean and Spanish. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CHICAGO — To a visitor entering the Northwest Church of Christ this past Sunday, the assembly might have sounded like the Day of Pentecost. Distinct voices praised God in English, Korean and Spanish — all at the same time. The diverse crowd of Christians who … Continue reading ‘It’s the same Jesus’

🚀 Launching the new and improved Weekend Plug-in 🔌

The best roundup of religion news you’ll find anywhere. 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. I’m your Weekend Plug-in columnist, and I’m excited to launch the fourth year of this popular newsletter. Each Friday, Plug-in aims to highlight … Continue reading 🚀 Launching the new and improved Weekend Plug-in 🔌

Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I’m a journalist, so I have no choice but to do a year-end list, right? When I look back on 2022, a few special moments stand out. Crying happy tears as my son Keaton married Paige, the love of his life. Joining my granddaughter, Norah, at her first Texas Rangers game — a big deal in our family. … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022

Weekend Plug-In year in review: The best religion journalism of 2022

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. Earlier this week, veteran religion journalist Kimberly Winston invited me to talk about the year’s top religion stories for an upcoming feature on Interfaith Voices’ “Inspired” … Continue reading Weekend Plug-In year in review: The best religion journalism of 2022

From Ukraine to Uvalde, The Christian Chronicle’s Top 10 news stories of 2022

In a year full of major headlines, these were the biggest ones. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Journalists for The Christian Chronicle traveled across the United States — and around the world — to cover important news during 2022. Ranking the Top 10 stories of the year is highly subjective. But these are my choices: Read the full story. This story appears in the online … Continue reading From Ukraine to Uvalde, The Christian Chronicle’s Top 10 news stories of 2022

7 holly jolly Christmas reads: Enjoy the final regular Weekend Plug-In of 2022

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. (ANALYSIS) Santa Claus is coming to town! Next week, in fact. With Christmas and New Year’s on the way, this marks the final regular edition of … Continue reading 7 holly jolly Christmas reads: Enjoy the final regular Weekend Plug-In of 2022

Still the one: Alabama preacher marks 65 years with the same congregation

Gerald Romine says he ‘never saw any reason to leave’ the Roanoke Church of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ROANOKE, Ala. — In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent federal troops to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. The Soviet Union stunned the world with the launch of Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite. And football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant decided to leave Texas A&M for his … Continue reading Still the one: Alabama preacher marks 65 years with the same congregation