Oklahoma
At 87, ‘disaster deacon’ opens his heart — and church — to flooding victims
By Bobby Ross Jr. — June 17, 2019
TULSA, Okla. (The Christian Chronicle) — Across the Midwest, 28 Red Cross and community shelters in five states have tended to the victims of flooding, tornados and other natural disasters. Many of those shelters are at houses of worship.
Civil rights advocates drop lawsuit against Oklahoma’s ‘Muslim-free’ gun range
By Aysha Khan — April 24, 2019
(RNS) — The gun shop owners say 'terrorists,' and not Muslims, were the true object of their ban.
Interfaith service blesses Oklahoma Democrat Kendra Horn for her new role in Congress
By Bobby Ross Jr. — December 17, 2018
OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) — A diverse group of religious leaders blessed Kendra Horn, a newly elected U.S. representative, as she prepares to take office. Horn, an Episcopalian, is the first Democratic woman elected to Congress from Oklahoma.
Houses of worship helping solve foster care crisis in Oklahoma
By Bobby Ross Jr. — November 27, 2018
EDMOND, Okla. (RNS) — In the Bible Belt state, churches have become a crucial community partner with government officials to address a foster care crisis.
Oklahoma conservatives’ views on medical marijuana evolving
By Sean Murphy — June 23, 2018
Their support for a medical marijuana measure on Tuesday's ballot could ensure Oklahoma joins the growing list of states that have legalized some form of pot.
In red-state Oklahoma, marijuana ballot question splits people of faith
By Bobby Ross Jr. — June 6, 2018
OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) — Clergy on both sides of State Question 788, which would permit the distribution of medical marijuana, call it a moral issue, with proponents arguing that pot will reduce dependence on opioids and critics, including the state's Southern Baptist convention and Catholic conference, saying it will lead to recreational use.
Satanic Temple plans to sue Arkansas over Ten Commandments monument
By Yonat Shimron — April 26, 2018
(RNS) — The Satanic Temple, which claims it has 100,000 members around the world, has become a vocal defender of religious freedom.
Where the buffalo roam, a Passion play approaches the century mark
By Bobby Ross Jr. — March 27, 2018
WICHITA MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE REFUGE, Okla. (RNS) — Oklahoma’s version of old Jerusalem — mixing rough stone structures resembling those in the Holy Land with occasional sightings of buffalo and longhorn — provides the setting for what organizers describe as North America’s longest continuously running outdoor Passion play.
When adoption agencies can turn away gay prospective parents, what happens to the kids?
By Bobby Ross Jr. — March 23, 2018
OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) — 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.
Closing doors: Small religious colleges struggle for survival
By Bobby Ross Jr. — November 20, 2017
(RNS) — St. Gregory’s Roman Catholic university in Oklahoma is just the latest small religious college to close in an increasingly difficult higher education marketplace.
First beatification Mass for US-born priest and martyr draws thousands
By Bobby Ross Jr. — September 23, 2017
OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) — An estimated 20,000 Catholics attended the special Mass celebrating the Rev. Stanley Francis Rother, who was shot to death during Guatemala’s civil war.
Amid partisan din, Sen. James Lankford walks a fine line: Pastor and politician
By Bobby Ross Jr. — July 11, 2017
OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) — Lankford's emphasis on kindness and civility has kept him from fully embracing President Trump or the anger-fueled movement that propelled him into the White House.
As major cities crack down on panhandling, people of faith wrestle with their consciences
By Bobby Ross Jr. — May 26, 2017
OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) Ordinances making it a crime to approach vehicles at intersections are touted as safety measures. Civil liberties advocates say the homeless are being treated as 'human blight.'
Bible Belt state with nation’s highest execution rate considers death penalty flaws
By Bobby Ross Jr. — May 3, 2017
OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) Last week, the Oklahoma Death Penalty Review Commission recommended that the moratorium on the death penalty be extended.
Let us pray: Give us this day our daily gusher
By Kimberly Winston — October 12, 2016
(RNS) Where would Jesus drill? Apparently in Oklahoma, where Gov. Mary Fallin has declared "Oilfield Prayer Day." Surprisingly, the proclamation has sparked some controversy.
