Tag: U.S. politics

Christian Chronicle

Pandemic and politics exacerbate challenges facing an Ohio church

The congregation’s experience reflects ‘the emotional tension that seems to be really big in the country as a whole.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MARYSVILLE, Ohio — This one-time farm town about 30 miles northwest of Columbus is booming. The century-old Marysville Church of Christ is not. Even before the pandemic, the congregation in central Ohio struggled to increase its flock, much less match the area’s … Continue reading Pandemic and politics exacerbate challenges facing an Ohio church

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Why are some Christians so angry?

As political rancor festers, believers urged to focus not on the donkey or the elephant — but the Lamb. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Chris McCurley has noticed something. “People are angrier than ever,” he said. That includes many Christians, said McCurley, who preaches for the Oldham Lane Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. “I believe it’s a combination of things: COVID, politics, etc.,” he … Continue reading Why are some Christians so angry?

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

Why my old school district removed 41 books, including the Bible, from its libraries

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. KELLER, Texas — I don’t remember the Keller Independent School District making national headlines when I was a student here in the 1980s. Even back then, this … Continue reading Why my old school district removed 41 books, including the Bible, from its libraries

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

After yet another mass shooting, Tulsa church prays, reflects: Is there a solution?

Two doctors, a receptionist and a clinic visitor were killed in a medical office attack. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle TULSA, Okla. — Shock. Tears. Prayers. Gun debate. All ripple through The Park Church of Christ, a 2,000-member congregation that is a microcosm of Tulsa, as yet another American city mourns lives lost in a mass shooting. “A few days ago, we all found … Continue reading After yet another mass shooting, Tulsa church prays, reflects: Is there a solution?

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

‘The mass shooting that would end mass shootings’ didn’t

For some Christians, the recent attacks in Buffalo, N.Y.; Uvalde, Texas; and elsewhere rekindle painful memories. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle When a gunman killed 32 people at Virginia Tech in 2007, Seth Terrell was a 21-year-old campus minister for the nearby Blacksburg Church of Christ. Freshly graduated from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn., with a double-major in Bible and history, Terrell suddenly faced the biggest challenge of his young … Continue reading ‘The mass shooting that would end mass shootings’ didn’t

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Virginia congregation helps an Afghan refugee family — and reaps its own blessings

‘It is a humbling honor and immeasurable gift they have given us to share their lives right now,’ minister says. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SPRINGFIELD, Va. — The Afghan refugee’s words trailed off. He spoke in a whisper. Finally, he lowered his head and fought back tears. “I’m sorry,” he said, apologizing for losing control of his emotions. “No,” I replied. “We’re honored … Continue reading Virginia congregation helps an Afghan refugee family — and reaps its own blessings

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

She’s a mom, Sunday school teacher — and prominent religious freedom attorney

Lori Windham teaches children’s Bible classes and argues cases in the nation’s highest courts. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FAIRFAX, Va. — As the Fairfax Church of Christ stood to sing on a recent Sunday, Lori Windham stepped forward to interpret the hymn for deaf members. Windham, a 42-year-old wife, mother and attorney, learned American Sign Language so she could help with the suburban Washington, D.C., congregation’s … Continue reading She’s a mom, Sunday school teacher — and prominent religious freedom attorney

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Picket signs, honking horns and sidewalk sermons: Inside an anti-abortion ministry

Michigan church members say the Gospel, not politics, motivates them to gather at clinics and urge women not to end pregnancies. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A bullhorn amplified Conner Westerby’s words as he stood on a public sidewalk and tried to gain the attention of a woman entering a clinic about 75 feet away. Westerby, a 24-year-old Christian … Continue reading Picket signs, honking horns and sidewalk sermons: Inside an anti-abortion ministry

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

In city where George Floyd died, minister emerges as key champion for justice

Russell A. Pointer Sr. thanks God for Derek Chauvin’s murder conviction but says the struggle goes on. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MINNEAPOLIS — To Russell A. Pointer Sr., feeding hungry neighbors is biblical. So, too, is fighting for justice. The 56-year-old preacher might not be a household name in this Midwestern city of 435,000. But to prominent leaders from Minnesota Gov. Tim … Continue reading In city where George Floyd died, minister emerges as key champion for justice

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.