Tag: courts

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Christian Chronicle

‘Midland Christian Five’ say wrongful arrests devastated their lives and careers

Former educators open up about the federal lawsuit they filed — and their desire for an apology. By Bobby Ross Jr. and Kenneth Pybus | The Christian Chronicle Before life as they knew it disintegrated — before their jobs disappeared — Midland Christian School meant everything to Jared Lee and Dana Ellis. Both grew up in the K-12 Christian school and devoted their educational careers to the West Texas … Continue reading ‘Midland Christian Five’ say wrongful arrests devastated their lives and careers

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

She’s a mom, Sunday school teacher — and prominent religious freedom attorney

Lori Windham teaches children’s Bible classes and argues cases in the nation’s highest courts. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FAIRFAX, Va. — As the Fairfax Church of Christ stood to sing on a recent Sunday, Lori Windham stepped forward to interpret the hymn for deaf members. Windham, a 42-year-old wife, mother and attorney, learned American Sign Language so she could help with the suburban Washington, D.C., congregation’s … Continue reading She’s a mom, Sunday school teacher — and prominent religious freedom attorney

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Picket signs, honking horns and sidewalk sermons: Inside an anti-abortion ministry

Michigan church members say the Gospel, not politics, motivates them to gather at clinics and urge women not to end pregnancies. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A bullhorn amplified Conner Westerby’s words as he stood on a public sidewalk and tried to gain the attention of a woman entering a clinic about 75 feet away. Westerby, a 24-year-old Christian … Continue reading Picket signs, honking horns and sidewalk sermons: Inside an anti-abortion ministry

Bobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

Can government ban singing in worship? U.S. Supreme Court weighs in

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Legal battles over pandemic-era worship gatherings rage on. Last October’s confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett flipped the U.S. Supreme Court’s script on such questions. The … Continue reading Can government ban singing in worship? U.S. Supreme Court weighs in

Bobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

Landmark LGBT ruling: What it means for exemptions, evangelicals and the election

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling Monday barring workplace discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgender workers certainly seemed to catch some by surprise. Take USA Today, for example. The URL on the national … Continue reading Landmark LGBT ruling: What it means for exemptions, evangelicals and the election

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Forgiving Carla’s killers

Twenty-five years ago, a Harding University junior was raped and murdered. Her parents found peace by sharing their Christian faith with the men responsible. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Easter Sunday 1995 was a beautiful day for Roy and Jeanie Willmon. Blue sky. Temperatures in the 70s. Their daughter, Carla, home for the weekend. The 20-year-old junior at Harding University in Searcy, Ark., … Continue reading Forgiving Carla’s killers

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christianity Today, Religion News Service

ECFA faces scrutiny over Harvest investigation

The delayed penalties for James MacDonald’s church have some evangelicals challenging the financial watchdog’s role and others defending it. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service About five years ago, the Village Church of Barrington, a congregation northwest of Chicago with a $1.8 million annual budget and average weekly attendance of 600, decided to become accredited with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. ECFA … Continue reading ECFA faces scrutiny over Harvest investigation

Bobby Ross Jr.
Religion News Service

Harvest Bible Chapel sues bloggers for spreading ‘false information’

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service For six years, two bloggers at a website called The Elephant’s Debt have raised questions about an influential evangelical pastor and his Chicago-area megachurch, criticizing his leadership style and the church’s finances. Now, claiming that reputation-harming “false information” published by the bloggers caused 2,000 people to leave the congregation, pastor James MacDonald and Harvest Bible Chapel … Continue reading Harvest Bible Chapel sues bloggers for spreading ‘false information’

Bobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

In Dallas, Houston and elsewhere, Christians ask God to bring #Justice4Botham

Members of Churches of Christ celebrate the life of Botham Jean, who was shot to death 23 days before his 27th birthday. Second Place, In-Depth Coverage, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DALLAS — “Praise as protest,” declared the bold letters on the T-shirt that Ashley Hawthorne sported at the Dallas County courts building this weekend. On a gloomy Saturday, clouds … Continue reading In Dallas, Houston and elsewhere, Christians ask God to bring #Justice4Botham

Bobby Ross Jr.