Children’s homes across the nation adapt as pandemic deepens staffing concerns. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MOUNT DORA, Fla. — In their 29 years of marriage, Troy and Rebecca Allen have devoted themselves to caring for children. Through birth, adoption and foster care, they’ve raised — or helped raise — more than 40 boys and girls. They’ve spent the past six years as houseparents … Continue reading Wanted: loving Christian houseparents
Those who study the issue say it’s hard to tell exactly how such rules governing adoption affect the numbers of children placed in “forever” homes. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma lawmakers may soon sanction private adoption agencies turning away same-sex couples and other prospective parents who don’t meet their religious criteria, a possibility cheered by the Roman … Continue reading When adoption agencies can turn away gay prospective parents, what happens to the kids?
Second Place, Best Reporter portfolio, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists Third Place, Diversity Reporting, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DETROIT — The boys — one black, one white — were 10 years old. Ive Edwards lived close to where the chaos started. Smoke filled his nostrils as arsonists set his hometown ablaze. Looters ran by his window. Army … Continue reading No more ‘us and them’: At 50th anniversary of Detroit riot, churches model unity
Even some Republicans in GOP-run Oklahoma say that abortion and transgender bills are a distraction. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For The Washington Post OKLAHOMA CITY — Some public schools are starting summer vacation several days early. Others are contemplating a four-day week to cut costs. And more than 200 teachers in Oklahoma City were handed pink slips in March. But instead of addressing a burgeoning … Continue reading In this Bible Belt state, Democrats call hot-button issues a ‘smokescreen’
Voters still care about traditional values, but there is growing anger over underfunded schools and crumbling infrastructure. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service EDMOND, Okla. (RNS) In one of the reddest of the red states, appeals to traditional values have long resonated with many voters. But while lawmakers in this Bible Belt state of 3.9 million have been debating proposals to criminalize … Continue reading In a red state, the culture war shifts
Pistols in the pews make some feel more secure, but others are leery. Finalist (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle At many Churches of Christ across the nation, Christians bring more than their swords — as some refer to their Bibles — to Sunday worship. An untold number also carry concealed handguns into … Continue reading God, guns and keeping Christians safe
Boy Scouts’ gay-friendly policies draw mixed responses (reporting from Piedmont, Okla.): Some Churches of Christ maintain ties with BSA, while others align with a new national scouting organization. PIEDMONT, Okla. — Ken Richter loved the Boy Scout life. Starting as a 7-year-old Cub Scout, Richter embraced the outdoor adventure, the leadership training and the character development. “I loved to go camping and canoeing, and I made a … Continue reading Boy Scouts’ gay-friendly policies draw mixed responses
A church for the broken and hurting (reporting from Fort Worth, Texas): In urban Fort Worth, a 123-year-old congregation enjoys a spiritual revival as it ministers to wounded souls. FORT WORTH, Texas — Some in the group have been sober for years. Others measure recovery in days, not weeks. A few still smell like alcohol. To measure the heartbeat of the Southside Church of Christ, go to … Continue reading A church for the broken and hurting
Part of a special package tied to the abductions of 270 girls in Nigeria. Christians battle human trafficking in the U.S. (reporting from Dallas): Across the nation, individuals and ministries associated with Churches of Christ bring hope and freedom to victims. DALLAS — Think of Katie Pedigo as a modern-day abolitionist. A Church of Christ preacher’s daughter who grew up to become an attorney, Pedigo wages a daily battle … Continue reading Christians battle human trafficking in the U.S.
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 