Tag: U.S. politics

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.
Christian Chronicle

A tragic death, a tough dialogue

‘Why are you even talking about it?’ some Christians ask in the year after George Floyd’s killing. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WOODBURY, Minn. — A year ago, George Floyd’s killing sparked outrage around the world. At the Woodbury Church of Christ, a predominantly White congregation about 20 miles east of Minneapolis, the Black man’s death under a police officer’s knee provoked difficult conversations. Some church … Continue reading A tragic death, a tough dialogue

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

Christians and the conspiracy theories that helped fuel the Capitol mob

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. Nearly 20 years ago, I wrote a column for The Oklahoman headlined “Internet deception runs wild.” In that July 2001 piece, I highlighted the claim that … Continue reading Christians and the conspiracy theories that helped fuel the Capitol mob

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Flags, faith and fury

Christian nationalism on display in U.S. Capitol riot. By Bobby Ross Jr. and Hamil R. Harris | The Christian Chronicle WASHINGTON — “Jesus Saves.”  “For the Glory of God.”  “God, Guns and Trump.” As thousands rallied to support President Donald Trump’s unproven claim of a stolen election — a protest that turned deadly as an insurrectionist mob stormed the U.S. Capitol — many waved signs linking the Republican political leader … Continue reading Flags, faith and fury

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

Faith and politics: Five revealing questions to ask on Election Night

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. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. When it comes to Tuesday’s big vote, politics matter. So, too, does religion. On Election Night, here are five revealing questions that Godbeat pros will be asking: 1. Was President Donald Trump … Continue reading Faith and politics: Five revealing questions to ask on Election Night

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.