Forgiving Carla’s killers
Twenty-five years ago, a Harding University junior was raped and murdered. Her parents found peace by sharing their Christian faith with the men responsible. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Easter Sunday 1995 was a beautiful day for Roy and Jeanie Willmon. Blue sky. Temperatures in the 70s. Their daughter, Carla, home for the weekend. The 20-year-old junior at Harding University in Searcy, Ark., … Continue reading Forgiving Carla’s killers
COVID-19: The gap between news media and people of faith
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. A while back, I found myself asking a woman I’ve known all my life, “Do you really believe the news media is ‘the enemy of the people?’” “Yes, I do,” she replied. I … Continue reading COVID-19: The gap between news media and people of faith
As thousands die from the coronavirus, does Jesus care?
Amid a global pandemic, we can put our hope and trust in the Lord. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle I’m not the best daily Bible reader. I become distracted and neglect to open God’s word for a few days. Or after my eyes move over an entire passage, I realize I allowed my mind to wander. And I fail to grasp what the … Continue reading As thousands die from the coronavirus, does Jesus care?
Killing Grandma and other religion questions during the COVID-19 crisis
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. I bring this column to you, once again, from my news organization’s hastily configured satellite bureau. That’s correct: I’m writing from home, where I’m properly socially isolated in the time of coronavirus. (Right, … Continue reading Killing Grandma and other religion questions during the COVID-19 crisis
Bobby Ross Jr. honored with 10 ACP ‘Best of the Church Press’ awards for 2019
By Bobby Ross Jr. I was blessed to receive 10 honors — including first place in four categories — in the Associated Church Press “Best of the Church Press” contest. The awards, presented in a virtual awards ceremony March 19, recognized content produced in 2019. In all, The Christian Chronicle received 16 awards — including the top prize as best newspaper. In case my mother … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. honored with 10 ACP ‘Best of the Church Press’ awards for 2019
Global coronavirus pandemic is BIG, but exactly how big?
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. In my 30-year journalism career, I’ve covered more major news than I can recall. In most cases, I’ve experienced an adrenaline rush as I set about to do my job, which I consider … Continue reading Global coronavirus pandemic is BIG, but exactly how big?
Coronavirus pandemic prompts numerous Churches of Christ to cancel Sunday assemblies
Other congregations meet but with modifications such as individual, prepackaged communion. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COVID-19 has made one thing clear, if it was not already: The church is not a building. Amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Churches of Christ in the U.S. and abroad canceled regular worship assemblies this weekend. Some congregations did so for the … Continue reading Coronavirus pandemic prompts numerous Churches of Christ to cancel Sunday assemblies
Amid tornado wreckage, one man’s faith offers a huge measure of hope
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Heartbreak and hope. It’s a combination I’ve witnessed repeatedly when covering catastrophes, from the Oklahoma City bombing to Hurricane Katrina to, most recently, the March 3 Tennessee tornadoes that killed … Continue reading Amid tornado wreckage, one man’s faith offers a huge measure of hope
After tornado, a teen grieves her 4-year-old friend
‘You don’t ever think that’s the last time you’re going to see somebody,’ Izzy Stevens says. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Just three nights before the unimaginable happened, Izzy Stevens, 17, laughed with her 4-year-old friend, Hattie Jo Collins, across a table at Pizza Hut. Hattie, known for her colorful headbands adorned with flowers, rainbows and unicorns, was the daughter of … Continue reading After tornado, a teen grieves her 4-year-old friend
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 