In Alaska, a Russian-speaking church becomes a hub for helping Ukrainians
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged ANCHORAGE, Alaska — An elevated cross reaches toward the blue sky at a nondescript corner of Alaska’s largest city. Viewed from the right vantage point, the cross towers over the snow-capped mountains that adorn Anchorage’s horizon. Inside a nearby church building, a few dozen immigrants from Ukraine, Russia and other Slavic nations gather in a circle at a Thursday … Continue reading In Alaska, a Russian-speaking church becomes a hub for helping Ukrainians
Evangelical Press Association honors Christian Chronicle as top print newspaper
In all, the Chronicle earned 14 awards in the annual contest. From Staff Reports | The Christian Chronicle COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Christian Chronicle earned top honors this week in the annual journalism contest sponsored by the Evangelical Press Association. The Chronicle claimed first place for best print newspaper — one of 14 overall awards received by the Oklahoma-based international publication for members of Churches of Christ. “Solid, in-depth writing,” … Continue reading Evangelical Press Association honors Christian Chronicle as top print newspaper
‘Beautiful are the faces’: Alaska Christians reunited, reinvigorated
By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Snow-capped mountains rise behind the Anchorage Church of Christ as the sun sets after 9 p.m. on a chilly April night. The peaks reflect the beauty of Alaska’s largest city, where an estimated 1,500 moose share the natural surroundings with nearly 300,000 human residents. Inside the church building this past weekend, Robert Kuenning, longtime minister for the Valley Church of Christ in Wasilla, north … Continue reading ‘Beautiful are the faces’: Alaska Christians reunited, reinvigorated
5 faith facts about about Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court
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. Faith. It’s an important part of Ketanji Brown Jackson’s story. Here are five religion facts about the 51-year-old judge who on Thursday became the first Black … Continue reading 5 faith facts about about Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court
Writing about religion with style: I helped update the Associated Press Stylebook
In her “State of Faith” newsletter this week, the Deseret News’ Kelsey Dallas wrote about the new religion entries in the Associated Press Stylebook. I was excited to make a cameo appearance: For this week’s newsletter, I spoke with David Crary, the AP’s religion news director, and Holly Meyer, the religion news editor, about the work that went into the new entries and some of … Continue reading Writing about religion with style: I helped update the Associated Press Stylebook
Just say no: The four-letter word religion writers really want to avoid
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. BETHESDA, Md. — “Don’t Call It a Cult.” That was the title of one of the more intriguing sessions at last week’s Religion News Association annual … Continue reading Just say no: The four-letter word religion writers really want to avoid
A time to praise the stellar work of my colleagues
From a special project on churches closing to in-depth coverage of war in Ukraine, Christian Chronicle journalists excel. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BETHESDA, Md. — The sun hasn’t risen yet as I type this. It’s still early at the Washington, D.C.-area hotel where I’m staying. I’m attending the annual meeting of the Religion News Association. Because of the pandemic, it’s the professional organization’s first in-person conference in 2½ years. I … Continue reading A time to praise the stellar work of my colleagues
Why news of sexual harassment inside Christianity Today is doubly shocking
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. “Sexual harassment went unchecked at Christianity Today.” The headline shocked me. The source of the news stunned me as much as the content of it. “Women … Continue reading Why news of sexual harassment inside Christianity Today is doubly shocking
In rural Oklahoma, a Ukrainian priest prays for his mother — and his homeland
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged JONES, Okla. — At a little country church 20 miles east of Oklahoma City, Ukrainian and U.S. flags fly outside. Inside, the Rev. Stepan Bilogan preaches and prays in his native language as a choir member translates his Ukrainian words into English. Immigrants founded St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church — the only Ukrainian Orthodox congregation for hundreds of miles — more … Continue reading In rural Oklahoma, a Ukrainian priest prays for his mother — and his homeland
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 