Tulsa officer charged in shooting still welcome at church
By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GLENPOOL, Okla. — After a week in the national headlines, Betty Shelby received hugs and well-wishes from her church family Sunday. Shelby, the Tulsa police officer charged with first-degree manslaughter in the shooting of an unarmed black suspect, offered to stay home from worship to avoid causing a commotion. But leaders of the Glenpool Church of … Continue reading Tulsa officer charged in shooting still welcome at church
Sparse numbers, strong faith in North Dakota
Small, isolated congregations face challenges in the state with the nation’s fewest Churches of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BISMARCK, N.D. — Talk about a Sunday commute. For 15 years, Rod and Rosalyn Genrich drove 100 miles each way to worship with the Minot Church of Christ. The Genriches, who farmed 1,900 acres of wheat in the small North Dakota community … Continue reading Sparse numbers, strong faith in North Dakota
Best of GetReligion: September 2016
Links to Bobby Ross Jr.’s top columns.
‘End-times cat cult’: Why Bob Smietana’s ‘Apocalypse Meow’ story really is the cat’s meow. Published Sept. 8.
The Palombo 10: At the 9/11 anniversary, an exceptional story of family and faith from CNN. Published Sept. 12.
Thousands of strangers help an 89-year-old Popsicle vendor — surely there’s no holy ghost? Published Sept. 14.
Let’s dig below the surface of Donald Trump’s awkward visit to a black church in Flint, Mich. Published Sept. 15.
‘Respect the culture’ of family of black man shot dead by Tulsa police — but what culture? Published Sept. 20.
How do you report on ‘Muslims Get Out’ sign? Interview diner owner who put it up, of course. Published Sept. 21.
That political despair among white evangelicals? New York Times nails it. Published Sept. 29.
Click below for additional September 2016 columns.
Young man with autism has a heart for homeless
California church member overcomes fears as he leads ministry that serves the needy. Second Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CAMARILLO, Calif. — A few miles from the Camarillo Church of Christ, a man with a backpack and a bicycle squats at a busy intersection. Chris Kibbe, who describes himself as between jobs and homeless, holds a … Continue reading Young man with autism has a heart for homeless
Amid massive biker rally, Bible camp thrives
Deep in the Black Hills National Forest, Christians from the Dakotas and beyond renew ties and enjoy fellowship. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DEADWOOD, S.D. — Revving engines of Harleys, Yamahas and Kawasakis are the first clue you’re getting close to Black Hills Bible Camp. For a half-century, the youth and family camp has brought together members of Churches of Christ during … Continue reading Amid massive biker rally, Bible camp thrives
Best of GetReligion: August 2016
Links to Bobby Ross Jr.’s top columns
Was I too easy on Religion News Service for covering Democratic convention but not GOP one? Published Aug. 2.
In era of Donald Trump, is it true Muslim scholars are no longer split on ethics of voting? Published Aug. 3.
Prosperity gospel vs. social gospel: What religion means to Trump, Clinton & Co. Published Aug. 4.
Husband and wife of 63 years die 20 minutes apart — and the religious details are beautiful. Published Aug. 12.
Battling cancer, major-league coach puts faith into action — but what exactly does that mean? Published Aug. 22.
Bible Belt jackpot: Might Alabama lose its religion and approve a state lottery? Published Aug. 25.
Click below to read more August 2016 columns.
After devastating fire, St. Louis church refuses to lose hope
Missouri congregation that ‘lost everything’ keeps letting its light shine as it seeks God’s guidance — and funding. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ST. LOUIS — A fire destroyed the leased storefront facility where the St. Louis Metropolitan Church of Christ met for more than a decade. But amid the charred debris, an imprint of a cross remained on a wall — … Continue reading After devastating fire, St. Louis church refuses to lose hope
After Orlando, Christians eager to learn more about jihad and ordinary Muslims
In the Florida city where the nation’s worst mass shooting occurred, sessions on ‘Understanding Islam’ draw crowds. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ORLANDO, Fla. —Months ago, organizers of a biennial Christian conference in Florida invited longtime minister James Moore to speak on “Understanding Islam.” Interest in the subject intensified, though, after a gunman who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist group … Continue reading After Orlando, Christians eager to learn more about jihad and ordinary Muslims
In Orlando, a call for more openness, less fear
After gay nightclub massacre, showing love to LGBT community a focus at Christian conference. Second Place, In-Depth Reporting, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ORLANDO, Fla. — Sally Gary couldn’t come to Orlando and fail to visit the site of the gay nightclub massacre where 49 people died. The founder of CenterPeace, a Dallas-based ministry that provides support and resources … Continue reading In Orlando, a call for more openness, less fear
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 