A personal connection to synagogue where hostages were taken, plus 5 key storylines
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. When I first saw news on social media of a ranting man taking hostages at a Texas synagogue Saturday, I immediately clicked the link to an … Continue reading A personal connection to synagogue where hostages were taken, plus 5 key storylines
Breaking down barriers — new and old — to help tornado victims
As a Kentucky town recovers from a devastating storm, church members open an unlikely relief center. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MAYFIELD, Ky. — Before the tornado, Penny Wade Smith grew frustrated with the neighborhood behind her business. Rob Smith shared his wife’s concern. As the Christian couple saw it, the residents had become a nuisance — responsible for dumping trash and beer bottles … Continue reading Breaking down barriers — new and old — to help tornado victims
Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2021
By Bobby Ross Jr. The biggest — and best — news of the year was the birth of my granddaughter, Norah. But besides that banner headline, here are my top stories of 2021 (mostly in chronological order): 1. The pandemic: I started the year with coverage of many Christians welcoming the COVID-19 vaccines but others voicing skepticism. In a personal column, I reflected on the joy … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2021
The best religion journalism of 2021
Weekend Plug-in’s year in review 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. This week, I’m sipping hot chocolate and watching Christmas movies. So rather than pick the best reads and top headlines … Continue reading The best religion journalism of 2021
‘We lost everything, but we didn’t lose everything’: Where was God in Mayfield tornado?
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. Words fail to convey the emotions in Mayfield, Kentucky, after last weekend’s devastating tornado. Let’s try anyway, directly from the mouths of those relying on … Continue reading ‘We lost everything, but we didn’t lose everything’: Where was God in Mayfield tornado?
Serving Jesus and soft drinks — at 38,000 feet
From flight attendant to funeral director, secular jobs help pay the bills for bivocational ministers. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NEWNAN, Ga. — On a typical Sunday, Alan Henderson shares God’s word with 100 to 110 souls at the Newnan Church of Christ, about 35 miles southwest of Atlanta. The rest of the week, the part-time preacher lives out his faith from a different vantage point: … Continue reading Serving Jesus and soft drinks — at 38,000 feet
Americans favor religious exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines — to a point
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 a difference a year makes. Or not. Fifty-two weeks ago, this news topped Weekend Plug-in: Trump calls COVID-19 vaccine ‘a medical miracle,’ but many religious … Continue reading Americans favor religious exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines — to a point
‘Best of the Best’: Bobby Ross Jr. earns Best Reporter prize from Oklahoma SPJ
This was a nice surprise. The Society of Professional Journalists’ Oklahoma professional chapter honored me as Best Reporter at its 2021 virtual awards ceremony on Oct. 29. The “Best of the Best” prize recognized a portfolio of five stories that I wrote for The Christian Chronicle, The Associated Press and The Oklahoman: 1. ‘The world doesn’t stop’: Her 15-month-old daughter died in the bombing but … Continue reading ‘Best of the Best’: Bobby Ross Jr. earns Best Reporter prize from Oklahoma SPJ
Touch, prayer and the role of clergy at executions
U.S. Supreme Court weighs religious freedom. 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. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear religious freedom arguments Tuesday in the case of a Texas death-row inmate named John … Continue reading Touch, prayer and the role of clergy at executions
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 