Tag: human interest

Christian Chronicle

In a Mexican resort city, Christians care for homeless ‘angels’

The rescued children aren’t the only ones blessed — so are the American supporters who keep returning. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COZUMEL, Mexico — Scott Eller steered a rented Nissan March through this bustling Caribbean city as his wife, Andrea, talked about their “home away from home.” Driving away from the cruise ships and sandy beaches that draw thousands to Cozumel, Scott … Continue reading In a Mexican resort city, Christians care for homeless ‘angels’

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Religion Unplugged

God and pot: Both sides cite faith in Oklahoma’s recreational marijuana fight

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged OKLAHOMA CITY — Michelle Tilley says faith drives everything she does, including her fight to legalize recreational marijuana in her home state. Baptized at age 7 in the First Baptist Church of Comanche, Oklahoma, the longtime Democratic political consultant leads a group that has raised $3.2 million in support of State Question 820, a pro-marijuana initiative that the state’s voters … Continue reading God and pot: Both sides cite faith in Oklahoma’s recreational marijuana fight

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Associated Press

$50M shrine to honor slain priest, first US Catholic martyr

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY — The birth of Stanley Francis Rother was by all accounts ordinary, aside from the weather. The Catholic farm boy came into the world during an Oklahoma dust storm. But in life — and in death — he was extraordinary. The 46-year-old priest, shot to death in Guatemala in 1981, became the first person born in … Continue reading $50M shrine to honor slain priest, first US Catholic martyr

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Associated Press

A year later, Texas synagogue hostages cope, carry on

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press COLLEYVILLE, Texas — A year ago, Jeff Cohen and three others survived a hostage standoff at their Reform Jewish synagogue in this Fort Worth suburb. Their trauma did not disappear, though, with the FBI’s killing of the pistol-wielding captor, 44-year-old British national Malik Faisal Akram. Healing from the Jan. 15, 2022, ordeal remains an ongoing process. “Let’s be blunt: … Continue reading A year later, Texas synagogue hostages cope, carry on

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Christian Chronicle

‘It’s the same Jesus’

After a three-year pandemic delay, a unity service brings together Christians who worship in English, Korean and Spanish. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CHICAGO — To a visitor entering the Northwest Church of Christ this past Sunday, the assembly might have sounded like the Day of Pentecost. Distinct voices praised God in English, Korean and Spanish — all at the same time. The diverse crowd of Christians who … Continue reading ‘It’s the same Jesus’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press, Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged, The Ross News

Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I’m a journalist, so I have no choice but to do a year-end list, right? When I look back on 2022, a few special moments stand out. Crying happy tears as my son Keaton married Paige, the love of his life. Joining my granddaughter, Norah, at her first Texas Rangers game — a big deal in our family. … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022

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Christian Chronicle

Still the one: Alabama preacher marks 65 years with the same congregation

Gerald Romine says he ‘never saw any reason to leave’ the Roanoke Church of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ROANOKE, Ala. — In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent federal troops to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. The Soviet Union stunned the world with the launch of Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite. And football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant decided to leave Texas A&M for his … Continue reading Still the one: Alabama preacher marks 65 years with the same congregation

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Associated Press

Bison’s relocation to Native lands revives a spiritual bond

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press BULL HOLLOW, Okla. — Ryan Mackey quietly sang a sacred Cherokee verse as he pulled a handful of tobacco out of a zip-close bag. Reaching over a barbed wire fence, he scattered the leaves onto the pasture where a growing herd of bison — popularly known as American buffalo — grazed in northeastern Oklahoma. The offering represented a reverent act of thanksgiving, … Continue reading Bison’s relocation to Native lands revives a spiritual bond

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Christian Chronicle

Bobby Ross Jr. honored with RNA Award for Religion Reporting Excellence

The Religion News Association has announced the winners of the 2022 Awards for Religion Reporting Excellence. I am honored to be among the recipients. I won second place for reporting at magazines and non-daily newspapers. Winners were recognized Wednesday night in a ceremony at Columbia Journalism School in New York City. My portfolio features these stories from the 2021 contest period: • “At Tulsa massacre’s … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. honored with RNA Award for Religion Reporting Excellence

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