It’s time to talk about predators in the church
‘Christian Chronicle Live’ panel tackles sexual abuse in Churches of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SEARCY, Ark. — The predator repented. Or so he claimed. He’d done his time and confessed his sins. He was a changed man. Or so he told the elders of a congregation willing to forgive. He was welcomed into the fold. But to protect children, the leaders determined … Continue reading It’s time to talk about predators in the church
Hug seen around the world: Botham Jean’s brother forgives officer convicted of murder
By Bobby Ross Jr. | GetReligion
Stunning.
Absolutely stunning.
That’s the only way to describe what happened in a Dallas courtroom Wednesday.
If you pay attention at all to the news, you know what I’m talking about, of course: the hug seen around the world.
The hug, as you know, followed an amazing gesture of forgiveness that nobody — absolutely nobody — saw coming.
Here’s how it played out on the front page of today’s Dallas Morning News, the local newspaper that has covered this story so well from start to finish:
‘I don’t want to be the sacrificial lamb’
A minister transition can be difficult. An Oregon congregation seeks to make it work. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CORVALLIS, Ore. — After 38 years of ministry with the Circle Church of Christ, Gregg Strawn sprinkled bits of humor, warning and reflection into his final sermon. Sporting a tie that belonged to his late father — a former elder of this 150-member congregation in the … Continue reading ‘I don’t want to be the sacrificial lamb’
Bobby Ross Jr. wins RNA Award for Religion Reporting Excellence
By Bobby Ross Jr. LAS VEGAS — The Religion News Association presented the 2019 Awards for Religion Reporting Excellence at its annual convention this past weekend. I was honored to receive third place for reporting at magazines and non-daily newspapers. Emma Green of The Atlantic won first place, while Tiffany Stanley of the Washington Post Magazine earned second place. My entry portfolio included these three … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. wins RNA Award for Religion Reporting Excellence
Touchdown! Oklahoman scores with feature on Sooners game combining two faiths
By Bobby Ross Jr. | GetReligion
If you follow college football, you probably know that Oklahoma opened with an impressive win Sunday night, highlighted by 508 yards of total offense by Alabama transfer quarterback Jalen Hurts.
One game into the season (a small sample size, no doubt), it even seems possible that a different Sooners QB could claim the Heisman Trophy for the third straight year.
To which I say: Boomer Sooner!
Here in Oklahoma, The Oklahoman offered readers a special treat on the front page Sunday: a smart news-feature by longtime sports columnist Jenni Carlson on the Sooners playing on what many consider the Lord’s Day. (FYI: Carlson recently celebrated 20 years with the newspaper, which sparked a tribute column by colleague Berry Tramel.)
I loved the headline, which captures the storyline perfectly:
Continue reading “Touchdown! Oklahoman scores with feature on Sooners game combining two faiths”
In new memoir, Randy Travis goes ‘diggin’ up bones’
Country star baptized in a Church of Christ reflects on his spiritual highs and soul-wrenching lows. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle And it was down with the old man, up with the new. Raised to walk in the way of light and truth. I didn’t see no angels, just a few saints on the shore. But I felt like a newborn baby, … Continue reading In new memoir, Randy Travis goes ‘diggin’ up bones’
In New Mexico town, single parents get free rent, benefits — if they’ll go to church
Faith-based program ties opportunities to behavior. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle PORTALES, N.M. — Biatriz Larez knows what it’s like to struggle to feed her family. A few years ago, the single mother and her three young children made do in a crumbling, two-bedroom mobile home. She worked an hourly, low-wage job as a custodian. “It was paycheck-to-paycheck living,” said Larez, who was born … Continue reading In New Mexico town, single parents get free rent, benefits — if they’ll go to church
After El Paso massacre, one Mexican-American grandmother turns to God for answers and comfort
22 white balloons, ‘Amazing Grace’ and a little hope. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle For Monica Moreno, the first news of the El Paso, Texas, massacre came via social media. A glance at Snapchat drew her attention to a relative’s post warning of an active shooter at a Walmart in Moreno’s hometown. By the time the rampage ended that Saturday, 22 people … Continue reading After El Paso massacre, one Mexican-American grandmother turns to God for answers and comfort
Houston-area Churches of Christ unite to feed the hungry
Organizers eye a single-day meal assembly record, as 1,200 racially diverse volunteers serve at the nation’s largest food bank. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HOUSTON — A sea of blue washed over America’s largest food bank this past weekend. That was the color of matching T-shirts worn by 1,200 Christians and their friends who showed up Saturday for “Mission Day 2019” — an effort by … Continue reading Houston-area Churches of Christ unite to feed the hungry
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 