Tag: courts

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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion News Service, USA Today

As major cities crack down on panhandling, many wrestle with their consciences

In a number of cities, the ordinances are sparking legal battles with civil liberties advocates, who accuse communities of treating the homeless as ‘human blight.’ Third Place, Government Reporting, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) Driving to his downtown clothing business, Hans Herman Thun finds it impossible to ignore the beggars. They catch his … Continue reading As major cities crack down on panhandling, many wrestle with their consciences

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion News Service

Bible Belt state with nation’s highest execution rate considers death penalty flaws

The Oklahoma Death Penalty Review Commission recommends that the moratorium on the death penalty be extended. Third Place, Criminal Justice Reporting, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) Most Oklahomans believe the devil is real. State Rep. Mike Ritze thinks that’s why they overwhelmingly support capital punishment, despite highly publicized problems with lethal-injection drugs that prompted state … Continue reading Bible Belt state with nation’s highest execution rate considers death penalty flaws

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A baptism, then a murder confession

Texas woman gave her life to Christ, owned up to a slaying — and got a life sentence. Second Place, Best Reporter portfolio, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GATESVILLE, Texas — Lucinda Wilson might have gotten away with murder. Except that she became a Christian and confessed to her crime. Now 48, Wilson has served 20-plus years … Continue reading A baptism, then a murder confession

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Why a Georgia church elder is making news at U.S. Supreme Court

Why a Georgia church elder is making news at U.S. Supreme Court (reporting from Rome, Ga.): In a death-row murder case, all the potential black jurors — including Eddie Hood — were excluded.  ROME, Ga. — Eddie Hood chuckles when discussing his newfound celebrity status. Hood, 75, serves as an elder for the 125-member Callahan Street Church of Christ in this northwest Georgia city of … Continue reading Why a Georgia church elder is making news at U.S. Supreme Court

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Same-sex marriage legalized — now what?

Landmark ruling alarms Christians who view marriage as a sacred union between one man and one woman. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle “If Caesar gives it, he can take it away.” So warns minister and lawyer Melvin Otey in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark 5-4 decision legalizing same-sex marriage. Despite declarations of support for religious freedom by President Barack … Continue reading Same-sex marriage legalized — now what?

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christianity Today

Will Supreme Court pop abortion clinic bubbles?

Will the Supreme Court pop abortion clinic bubbles?: A challenge to ‘buffer zones’ against anti-abortion protesters gets a surprise hearing Jan. 15.  The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly allowed “buffer zones” that keep abortion protesters from approaching medical facility entrances. So the court surprised many observers when it agreed to hear a challenge to a Massachusetts “buffer zone” law on Jan. 15. Mark Rienzi, lead counsel for the … Continue reading Will Supreme Court pop abortion clinic bubbles?

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christianity Today

Supreme Court won’t reconsider ban on ‘gruesome church protest’

Supreme Court Won’t Reconsider Ban on ‘Gruesome’ Church Protest Case pitted freedom of speech against freedom of religion. But protecting children from disturbing pictures was the trump card. Christianity Today story published online June 12. The U.S. Supreme Court this week said it would not take up a case involving an anti-abortion protester’s free speech right vs. a Denver church’s right to free exercise of … Continue reading Supreme Court won’t reconsider ban on ‘gruesome church protest’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.Leave a comment
Christianity Today

Sovereign Grace Ministries: Courts shouldn’t ‘second-guess’ pastoral counseling of sex abuse victims

Sovereign Grace Ministries: Courts Shouldn’t ‘Second-Guess’ Pastoral Counseling of Sex Abuse Victims Legal observers question whether clergy-penitent privilege applies to denomination accused of covering up crimes. Christianity Today story published online Jan. 25. In response to a civil lawsuit alleging that it covered up numerous cases of child sexual abuse, Sovereign Grace Ministries (SGM) has pledged to “carefully review” each accusation. However, the lawsuit—which claims the association … Continue reading Sovereign Grace Ministries: Courts shouldn’t ‘second-guess’ pastoral counseling of sex abuse victims

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.Leave a comment