The guy in the red apron: How a Salvation Army bell ringer brings heart to the job
By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — To hear Bruce Bachman tell it, he’s just a guy with a bell, a red apron and a heart to serve who gives a little of his time during the holiday season. He’s just one of the thousands of volunteer bell ringers who keep alive a 127-year tradition that the Salvation … Continue reading The guy in the red apron: How a Salvation Army bell ringer brings heart to the job
Closing doors: Small religious colleges struggle for survival
By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service SHAWNEE, Okla. — Duncan Tiemeyer chose St. Gregory’s University because he wanted a faith-based education that would teach him more than how to succeed in a career. The 550-student Catholic liberal arts college in Oklahoma traces its roots to French monks who moved to Indian Territory in 1875, intent on developing the bodies, minds and souls of … Continue reading Closing doors: Small religious colleges struggle for survival
Texas hero risked life to save others
With the death toll at 26, Stephen Willeford confronted — and shot — the Sutherland Springs gunman. Third Place, In-depth Coverage, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Heroes need prayers, too. Stephen Willeford — the Texan who confronted and shot the gunman who killed 26 people at a rural Baptist church Sunday — could use a bunch of prayers, his close friend John Wood … Continue reading Texas hero risked life to save others
After massacre, a prayer vigil
In a community grieving 26 victims, a Church of Christ opens its doors for service. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The Stockdale Church of Christ in rural South Texas was enjoying a monthly fellowship meal when the horrible news came Sunday afternoon. Just a few miles away, a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in the neighboring town of Sutherland Springs had claimed 26 … Continue reading After massacre, a prayer vigil
Satanic Temple billboard protesting corporal punishment rankles Texas town
By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service Arther Culpepper, a sheet-metal mechanic and part-time pastor in the South Texas town of Three Rivers, first noticed the billboard out of the corner of his eye. He was driving south on U.S. Highway 281 — near the local Dairy Queen — when the message caught his attention: “Our religion doesn’t believe in hitting children.” The sign was … Continue reading Satanic Temple billboard protesting corporal punishment rankles Texas town
After media swamp grieving Texas town, one journalist suggests: ‘We can do better’
By Bobby Ross Jr. | GetReligion
Coverage of Sunday’s mass shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, sparked a must-read opinion piece by Dallas Morning News journalist Lauren McGaughy.
“Dear Sutherland Springs, you deserve an apology from the news media” is the headline atop McGaughy’s viral column.
I want to highlight McGaughy’s powerful words as we dive into GetReligion weekend think-piece territory a little early.
But first, a bit of personal background: My first experience with the national news media descending on a community struck by tragedy came more than two decades ago when the unfathomable happened in Oklahoma City.
On the morning of April 19, 1995, I had just stepped off The Oklahoman’s eighth-floor newsroom elevator when we heard a giant boom and saw billowing black smoke in the distance. I was one of the reporters dispatched to the scene.
In all, 168 people died in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building — the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil until 9/11 six years later.
When I arrived downtown, I parked with no problem. Hours later, I found my car surrounded by news vans and television satellite trucks. This was the biggest news story in the world — and would be for weeks.
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All of my GetReligion columns (November 2017):
New Orleans church member shot dead after Sunday assembly
‘He wasn’t out there ripping and running,’ minister says of the victim. ‘He was a good kid.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle After Hurricane Katrina, Charles and Angela Marsalis found their calling in New Orleans’ high-crime Hollygrove neighborhood — where both grew up. The couple started Bible studies for boys and girls on the front porch of a relative’s flood-damaged home, serving snacks and soft drinks in … Continue reading New Orleans church member shot dead after Sunday assembly
18 vans, 150 volunteers, 465 miles, one goal: to help Harvey victims
‘These people are amazing,’ says an Iranian immigrant grateful for the love shown after his family’s home flooded. First Place, In-depth Coverage, Associated Church Press Second Place, Best Reporter portfolio, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HOUSTON — The homeowner was shirtless and sweating. He was still angry — he admitted that much — over the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey two months … Continue reading 18 vans, 150 volunteers, 465 miles, one goal: to help Harvey victims
Five reasons why churches should invest in security cameras
By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Law and Tax A mother accused a Sunday school teacher of molesting her young daughter. But the crime never happened — video from a church security camera proved the accusation false. A couple broke into a church intent on stealing the Sunday offering. But a camera captured their faces — and the surveillance footage was used to identify … Continue reading Five reasons why churches should invest in security cameras
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 