Texas GOP leader who is Muslim declares victory over bigotry

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service Dr. Shahid Shafi, a trauma surgeon who is Muslim, declared victory over bigotry and a win for religious freedom after fellow Republicans in Texas’ most conservative urban county voted 139-49 with 10 abstentions to retain him in a key leadership position. The much-anticipated vote Thursday night (Jan. 10) by the Tarrant County GOP came during a … Continue reading Texas GOP leader who is Muslim declares victory over bigotry

Pompeo’s Kansas church asks God to ‘give him strength’ in Senate confirmation process

“Mike has enemies because of his faith who may try to paint him in a poor light and make it difficult for him to reach the Secretary of State position,” the pastor of nominee Mike Pompeo wrote to his congregation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service WICHITA, Kan. — Under fire from Muslim, Jewish and human rights groups for a record of … Continue reading Pompeo’s Kansas church asks God to ‘give him strength’ in Senate confirmation process

Build the wall? Bar refugees? Christians debate Trump’s orders

Faithful contemplate how to balance compassion for immigrants with concern for national security. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle An Iraqi refugee who serves as a Christian missionary in the heavily Arab community of Dearborn, Mich. Canadian church members who adopted a Syrian refugee family with six children. An Illinois minister who prays with loved ones of undocumented immigrants facing deportation. All voice strong opinions … Continue reading Build the wall? Bar refugees? Christians debate Trump’s orders

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

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

The long road from Baghdad

The long road from Baghdad (reporting from Dearborn, Mich.): Wissam Al-Aethawi endeavors to take the Gospel to the epicenter of Arab life in America.  DEARBORN, Mich. — In the heart of this Detroit suburb, Muslim women who wear hijabs to cover their heads abound. Signs for Middle Eastern restaurants, halal meat markets and even national chain stores such as Walgreens appear in Arabic and English. … Continue reading The long road from Baghdad

Muslims, Jews work together to build Habitat house in Tyler

January 26, 2005, Wednesday, BC cycle Muslims, Jews work together to build Habitat house in Tyler BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., AP Religion Writer SECTION: State and Regional LENGTH: 739 words DATELINE: TYLER, Texas Anwar Khalifa and Neal Katz laugh and joke as close friends do. The Muslim developer and the Jewish rabbi share meals at each other’s homes, reflect on the similarities in Arabic and Hebrew, and respectfully agree … Continue reading Muslims, Jews work together to build Habitat house in Tyler