Tag: mass shootings

Religion News Service, USA Today

God and guns: Texas pastors undergo security training a month after Sutherland Springs massacre

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service PLANO, Texas — Shooting holes in a “paper bad guy” during target practice? That’s easy. Defending a house of worship against a real gunman? That’s a whole different story. As he led a security training on Tuesday (Dec. 5) at a Dallas-area megachurch, Sgt. Mike Gurley warned against thinking that worshippers licensed to carry handguns can offer reliable protection. … Continue reading God and guns: Texas pastors undergo security training a month after Sutherland Springs massacre

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Texas hero risked life to save others

With the death toll at 26, Stephen Willeford confronted — and shot — the Sutherland Springs gunman. Third Place, In-depth Coverage, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Heroes need prayers, too. Stephen Willeford — the Texan who confronted and shot the gunman who killed 26 people at a rural Baptist church Sunday — could use a bunch of prayers, his close friend John Wood … Continue reading Texas hero risked life to save others

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

After massacre, a prayer vigil

In a community grieving 26 victims, a Church of Christ opens its doors for service. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The Stockdale Church of Christ in rural South Texas was enjoying a monthly fellowship meal when the horrible news came Sunday afternoon. Just a few miles away, a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in the neighboring town of Sutherland Springs had claimed 26 … Continue reading After massacre, a prayer vigil

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

For survivors of Tennessee church shooting, healing will take time and patience

‘You don’t ever get over those things. You just learn how to get through them,’ says a minister familiar with tragedy. First Place, News Story, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The gunman took the love of Mavy Stoddard’s life. She refused to let him take her hope. “God’s been good to me,” said Stoddard, whose husband, Dorwan, 76, died … Continue reading For survivors of Tennessee church shooting, healing will take time and patience

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

San Bernardino massacre puts focus on Muslims

Jihadist theology vs. mainstream Islam debated.  Finalist (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Anger. That was minister and elder Royce Bell’s first reaction when a friend called to tell him her son, Robert Adams, had died in the terrorist attack on county employees enjoying a holiday celebration. In all, … Continue reading San Bernardino massacre puts focus on Muslims

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.