In 2017, these Christians demonstrated faith, hope and love
Ten stories that inspired me — and hopefully you — over the past year. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle I am blessed. As chief correspondent for The Christian Chronicle, I am privileged to tell the stories of Christians living out their faith — often under difficult or extraordinary circumstances. Over the last 13 years, my travels with the Chronicle have taken me to all 50 states and 11 countries. Among the … Continue reading In 2017, these Christians demonstrated faith, hope and love
God and guns: Texas pastors undergo security training a month after Sutherland Springs massacre
By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service PLANO, Texas — Shooting holes in a “paper bad guy” during target practice? That’s easy. Defending a house of worship against a real gunman? That’s a whole different story. As he led a security training on Tuesday (Dec. 5) at a Dallas-area megachurch, Sgt. Mike Gurley warned against thinking that worshippers licensed to carry handguns can offer reliable protection. … Continue reading God and guns: Texas pastors undergo security training a month after Sutherland Springs massacre
Trump + Gillibrand + faith: ‘Why is religion only talked about when reporters profile Republicans?’
By Bobby Ross Jr. | GetReligion
Did you happen to hear where Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was last week when President Trump posted a tweet about her that the president’s critics labeled “sexually suggestive and demeaning?”
Yep, that’s right: The New York Democrat was at a bipartisan Bible study.
So what are the odds that the New York Times political writers who profiled Gillibrand in Sunday’s newspaper — in a lengthy A-section piece tied to the president’s kerfuffle with the senator — delved into her faith?
Hint: The Times makes passing reference to the aforementioned Bible study.
But any actual consideration of Gillibrand’s faith? Not so much. (Interestingly enough, the profile does point to the senator’s propensity to curse “freely in public venues.”)
In case you somehow missed Trump’s tweet and Gillibrand’s response, here they are:
I first became aware of Gillibrand’s participation in the regular Bible study when I did a Religion News Service profile of Sen. James Lankford earlier this year. I asked the Oklahoma Republican’s team for the names of Democrats involved in the study. They put me in touch with Gillibrand’s office.
I visited with Gillibrand about Lankford and her own faith, and a portion of that interview ended up in my story:
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All of my GetReligion columns (December 2017):
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):
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 