A tragic death, a tough dialogue
‘Why are you even talking about it?’ some Christians ask in the year after George Floyd’s killing. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WOODBURY, Minn. — A year ago, George Floyd’s killing sparked outrage around the world. At the Woodbury Church of Christ, a predominantly White congregation about 20 miles east of Minneapolis, the Black man’s death under a police officer’s knee provoked difficult conversations. Some church … Continue reading A tragic death, a tough dialogue
‘I prayed that God’s justice … would prevail’
After ex-officer’s conviction in George Floyd’s killing, Jerry Taylor reflects on police reform, spiritual activism and peacemaking. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle As former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on all counts in George Floyd’s killing, millions of Americans watched on live television. Jerry Taylor, founding director of the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action at Abilene Christian University in Texas, was not … Continue reading ‘I prayed that God’s justice … would prevail’
Bobby Ross Jr.’s bombing, racial justice, tornado stories honored for outstanding journalism
My 2020 stories on topics such as the Oklahoma City bombing anniversary, racial justice protests and faith-based disaster relief have earned recognition in three regional and national journalism contests. • • • Great Plains Journalism Awards, an eight-state regional contest sponsored by the Tulsa Press Club Finalist, Great Plains Writer of the Year, for a portfolio of stories for The Oklahoman, The Associated Press and … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr.’s bombing, racial justice, tornado stories honored for outstanding journalism
Do you believe in medical miracles? The timely subject of religion and COVID-19 vaccines
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. After sticking close to home for over a year, I’ve returned to in-person worship at my church in Oklahoma. I’ve joined my sons and 2-year-old grandson … Continue reading Do you believe in medical miracles? The timely subject of religion and COVID-19 vaccines
Murder conviction in George Floyd’s death: Why the power of faith is important
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. Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. This week’s big news — former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s conviction on all counts in George Floyd’s murder — is a story … Continue reading Murder conviction in George Floyd’s death: Why the power of faith is important
‘Life-saving miracle’ gave Kansas church member five extra years
Heart transplant recipient Josh Oakley ‘wanted to be better because he understood his second chance.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The news hit me like a fastball to the gut. “With overwhelming sadness, we need to share that the Lord called Josh home today,” Krista Prindle, one of Josh Oakley’s five older sisters, wrote on Facebook. “Thank you for your continued prayers for our … Continue reading ‘Life-saving miracle’ gave Kansas church member five extra years
Double standard? Treatment of Boulder suspect’s religion raises the question
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. Another week. Another mass shooting. Another 21-year-old suspect. Last week’s news coverage of Robert Aaron Long, charged in the deaths of eight people — including six … Continue reading Double standard? Treatment of Boulder suspect’s religion raises the question
Visiting vs. virtual
For some Christians, moving during the COVID-19 pandemic complicates hunt for church home. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle James and Candice Wiser’s church family in Southern California shed tears this past summer as the couple and their two young daughters prepared to move to West Texas. The Camarillo Church of Christ, about 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles, organized a socially distanced going-away party in … Continue reading Visiting vs. virtual
After difficult year, COVID-19 vaccines bring joy and hope
‘It’s a great relief to see so many friends and family becoming more protected. We’ve had enough sickness and loss.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle “Celebrate. People need hope.” My friend David Duncan texted me that advice when I told him I was struggling to write this column. Related: An unfathomable toll A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to make sure I acknowledge the … Continue reading After difficult year, COVID-19 vaccines bring joy and hope
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 