A church makes a special connection with an Orlando victim’s family
How a New Jersey congregation came to bless a grieving mother who lost her son in the nation’s worst mass shooting. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ORLANDO, Fla. — “It’s been a while, man,” said my friend Jose Luis Cintrón, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas. Thirty years, to be exact. Sadly, I called after all these years because my friend just … Continue reading A church makes a special connection with an Orlando victim’s family
After a deadly week, a somber Sunday for Dallas churches
Christians look to God for comfort and guidance after a sniper kills five police officers. Third Place, In-Depth Reporting, Associated Church Press (part of a series of stories on police shootings, racial unrest and the church) By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DALLAS — A young mother on her way into worship hugged a Dallas police officer providing parking lot security at the … Continue reading After a deadly week, a somber Sunday for Dallas churches
Best of GetReligion: July 2016
Links to columns by Bobby Ross Jr. After a home run, a baseball player looks to the sky — might something religious be occurring? Published July 1. On the day after Fourth of July, four Godbeat developments you’ll want to know about. Published July 5. No religion angle as ChristianMingle.com opens website to gay singles? Really!? Published July 6. They’re praying, singing after Alton Sterling shooting. But … Continue reading Best of GetReligion: July 2016
Christian universities put on ‘shame list’
Gay-rights organizations target federal funding and NCAA ties of schools with traditional biblical beliefs. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Revoke Christian universities’ eligibility for federal student financial aid. Strip their membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. That’s what major gay-rights groups would like to do with higher education schools that espouse traditional biblical beliefs on sexuality and gender identity. “Some voices … Continue reading Christian universities put on ‘shame list’
Christians sing, pray at memorial site after Orlando massacre
By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle After Sunday’s terrorist attack on a gay nightclub claimed the lives of 49 souls, a dozen members of three Orlando, Fla.-area Churches of Christ brought flowers — and prayers — to a memorial site for the victims. “Together we #prayforOrlando,” said a poster signed by members of one of those congregations, the Concord Street Church of Christ. … Continue reading Christians sing, pray at memorial site after Orlando massacre
‘We really want to be there for people who are victimized’
By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lately, Kathy Hargis can’t turn on the television news without seeing another report of a sexual assault on a university campus. From the case of a former Stanford University swimmer who attacked an unconscious woman near a dumpster to the furor over Baylor University’s mishandling of rape allegations against football players, the issue has … Continue reading ‘We really want to be there for people who are victimized’
Finalists named for Religion Newswriters Association national awards — and I made the list
Congratulations to the 2016 RNA Award finalists! https://t.co/4mVb95I8bQ pic.twitter.com/LCUmJTbPSD — Religion Newswriters (@ReligionReport) June 6, 2016 By Bobby Ross Jr. The Religion Newswriters Association has announced the national finalists for its “Awards for Religion Reporting Excellence.” I am honored to make the list again this year. My portfolio in the Magazine News Religion Reporting category includes these stories from The Christian Chronicle: “The broken soul of … Continue reading Finalists named for Religion Newswriters Association national awards — and I made the list
Best of GetReligion: June 2016
Links to columns by Bobby Ross Jr. In this journalistic desert, abortion supporters thrive while pro-life advocates go thirsty. Published June 2. Exiles in their home country? A deep dive into the changing status of evangelical Christians. Published June 3. Town fighting transgender bathrooms has rattlesnakes and cougars. What about religion? Published June 7. Surprise! An abortion story from a major newspaper that doesn’t favor pro-choice side. Published … Continue reading Best of GetReligion: June 2016
In this Bible Belt state, Democrats call hot-button issues a ‘smokescreen’
Even some Republicans in GOP-run Oklahoma say that abortion and transgender bills are a distraction. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For The Washington Post OKLAHOMA CITY — Some public schools are starting summer vacation several days early. Others are contemplating a four-day week to cut costs. And more than 200 teachers in Oklahoma City were handed pink slips in March. But instead of addressing a burgeoning … Continue reading In this Bible Belt state, Democrats call hot-button issues a ‘smokescreen’
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 