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
Russia attacks Ukraine: Why some experts insist Putin is motivated by religion
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. What’s religion got to do with Russia’s attack on Ukraine? A whole lot, according to some experts. Here at ReligionUnplugged.com, Richard Ostling stresses that journalists shouldn’t … Continue reading Russia attacks Ukraine: Why some experts insist Putin is motivated by religion
Worship in PJs or pews?
Two years into the pandemic, church leaders reflect on the blessings — and drawbacks — of livestreaming. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Have some Christians gotten a little too comfortable worshiping at home in their pajamas? Trey Morgan asks that half-serious question about livestreamed services. “You honestly have to wonder,” said Morgan, senior minister for the Childress Church of Christ, a thriving Texas congregation halfway … Continue reading Worship in PJs or pews?
‘This is not God’s first pandemic’
Center for Christian Studies presents seminar on ‘Leading the Church in Tumultuous Times.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle AUSTIN, Texas — It’s a stressful time to be a church leader. From racial strife to rising inflation to pandemic culture wars, various factors conspire to divide congregations. “It’s never been easy to be a leader in the church,” said Keith Stanglin, director of the Austin-based Center for Christian Studies. “I think it’s just become … Continue reading ‘This is not God’s first pandemic’
How Canada truckers’ protest parallels American-style Christian nationalism
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. “Honk if you love Jesus.” That headline on a recent story by the Ottawa Citizen’s Blair Crawford sets the scene as the Canadian newspaper explains “Why … Continue reading How Canada truckers’ protest parallels American-style Christian nationalism
Not just nostalgia: Some pandemic-weary souls want to make Sunday a day of rest once again
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. In a hit song two decades ago, country music group Rascal Flatts offered banjo-tinged commentary on “the world spinning faster than it did in the old … Continue reading Not just nostalgia: Some pandemic-weary souls want to make Sunday a day of rest once again
The truth of Brown v. Board of Education
Plaintiff’s daughter sets the record straight on landmark school desegregation case. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged OKLAHOMA CITY — You may think you know the story of the Rev. Oliver Brown, the lead plaintiff in the landmark 1954 case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. You probably don’t. Nearly seven decades ago, the African Methodist Episcopal pastor’s name was etched in … Continue reading The truth of Brown v. Board of Education
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 