Julie Roys
Reporting the Truth. Restoring the Church. Christian investigative journalist, author, & podcaster.
JulieRoys.com
- CBN says it is cutting 8.4% of its U.S. workforce in a strategic realignment. The Christian network said Operation Blessing will be unaffected and reports its global audience has grown to 745 million people in 2025. Read more: julieroys.com/cbn-trims-wo...
- Five Christians facing trials under an anti-conversion law in northern India have been acquitted after courts found insufficient evidence. Read more: julieroys.com/5-christians...
- Gender-based violence in South Africa is being exposed inside churches, with pastors accused and convicted of sexual abuse against women and children. Survivors say the crisis reflects a national emergency. Read more: julieroys.com/south-africa...
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- For the 2026 Super Bowl, the “He Gets Us” campaign is shifting direction, moving away from social and political themes to focus on the pressures of modern life, according to organizers. Read more: julieroys.com/for-2026-sup...
- Texas woman Suzanne Lander has filed a lawsuit alleging that Rodney Loy, longtime lead pastor of First NLR, groomed and sexually abused beginning when she was 16. The suit also alleges church leaders failed to protect her. The church and Loy deny the claims. Read more: julieroys.com/lawsuit-asse...
- Southern Baptist leader Keny Felix joined faith and civic leaders in Ohio to advocate for extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants, as a federal judge moved to extend TPS while a legal challenge proceeds. Read more: julieroys.com/baptist-lead...
- Podcaster Shawn Ryan says he will not back down after Kanakuk Ministries threatened legal action over comments about past child sexual abuse at the Christian summer camp. Read more: julieroys.com/shawn-ryan-d...
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- This week, Mercy Culture Pastor Landon Schott visited former Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris in jail and declared that God has forgiven him. Morris pleaded guilty last year to child sexual abuse charges and is serving a six-month sentence. Read more: julieroys.com/pastor-lando...
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- Joel Firebaugh, a youth leader at Crossroads Church in Ohio, was fired after police alleged he secretly recorded women at a gym. Leaders of the megachurch said the accusation represents a breach of trust and that the matter is under police investigation. julieroys.com/youth-leader...
- As immigration enforcement intensifies, evangelicals are divided over what faith demands. Polls show support for reform alongside fears about safety and resources, as church leaders clash over welcoming immigrants versus tighter borders. julieroys.com/evangelicals...
- A former Tulsa pastor, Bertheophilus Maurice Bailey Sr., pleaded no contest to rape, incest, and child sexual abuse involving his daughter. With Bailey facing a possible life sentence at his next hearing, one victim shared online: “Finally got justice.” julieroys.com/former-tulsa...
- Accounts of how minister Shawn Bolz fabricated prophecies and sexually harassed staff have sparked scrutiny of Bethel Church in Redding. With Jono Hall and Lance Ford, we examine Bethel’s response & whether apologies signal repentance & accountability—or damage control. julieroys.com/podcast/beth...
- Scholars meeting in Chicago this weekend say Christian nationalism is not limited to the U.S., but is shaping politics worldwide. The academic conference is examining the tension btwn Christianity as a moral force and as a weapon for political power across nations. julieroys.com/christian-na...
- Reformed pastor Dale Partridge says women lack the emotional capacity to vote and has argued for repealing the 19th Amendment. His remarks, targeting women and feminism, have drawn criticism from scholars and faith leaders as misogynistic and anti-democratic. julieroys.com/pastor-dale-...
- Revelations that Shawn Bolz faked prophecies and harassed staff are fueling scrutiny of Bethel Church in Redding, which promoted him despite warnings. Tune in tonight LIVE at 6PM CT as guests Jono Hall, Lance Ford and I probe apologies, accountability & cover-up claims julieroys.com/podcast/beth...
- A new Lifeway Research study finds US churchgoers average 68 out of 100 across key measures of Christian discipleship. While many believers score high in seeking God, sharing Christ ranks lowest, revealing a persistent gap that pastors say needs attention. julieroys.com/study-shows-...
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- Turning Point USA has reportedly sent a cease-and-desist letter to right-wing media personality Candace Owens after she accused the organization and its leaders—including current head Erika Kirk—of covering up the 2025 killing of founder Charlie Kirk. julieroys.com/tpusa-report...
- The Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America has excommunicated minister Samuel Ketcham for promoting white supremacist ideology. Church leaders said his writings distort Scripture, violate his ordination vows, and threaten the unity of the church. julieroys.com/reformed-pre...
- Disgraced pastor and former Morningstar Ministries president Chris Reed has admitted dependence on kratom, blaming stress and trauma while denying addiction. Former allies accuse Reed of preaching while high, using false prophecy and lacking any accountability. julieroys.com/pastor-chris...
- A longtime leader at televangelist Mark Barclay’s Living Word International Church has been convicted of multiple sex crimes, marking the third criminal conviction tied to the central Michigan megachurch in just two years. julieroys.com/third-leader...
- Citizen journalist Sarah Young of Check My Church joins me to discuss being sued by Apologia Church and how defamation lawsuits are used to intimidate critics. Find out how her case compares to ones I've faced ... and why truth-telling comes at a cost. julieroys.com/podcast/citi...
- An Arizona church sued former congregants & bloggers over critical social posts & reporting. The defendants are pushing back w/ an anti-SLAPP motion, arguing the lawsuit & restraining order attempt are unconstitutional efforts to silence protected speech. julieroys.com/arizona-chur...
- At least 163 worshippers were kidnapped when armed bandits stormed 2 churches during Sunday services in Nigeria’s Kaduna state. The attack underscores ongoing insecurity, with officials facing criticism for failing to protect freedom of worship amid kidnappings. julieroys.com/163-worshipp...
- Lawmakers in Oklahoma and Alabama, along with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, are advancing Trey's Law to ban non-disclosure agreements in child sexual abuse cases. Advocates say the bills would help expose abusers, protect children and give survivors a long-denied voice. julieroys.com/politicians-...
- A viral parody video by comedian Druski skewering prosperity gospel excess has sparked a debate over money, modesty, and whether satire exposes real abuses or crosses the line into mocking the faith itself. julieroys.com/druskis-vira...
- Leaders of Bethel Church issued an emotional public apology Sunday, conceding they mishandled allegations against prophetic minister Shawn Bolz and failed to warn the public despite having promoted him on a global stage. julieroys.com/bethel-churc...
- Ark. father is suing Southern Baptist ldrs & a prominent SBC church, alleging willful negligence allowed youth minister Keenan Hord to groom & sexually abuse his son. The lawsuit says church & SBC officials ignored red flags & failed to implement basic safety measures. julieroys.com/arkansas-law...
- An exposé from Mike Winger alleges Bethel Church knew of Shawn Bolz’s misconduct yet delayed public warning. Now Jono Hall analyzes how Bethel minister Kris Vallotton responded, revealing how victims are harmed when accountability is called persecution. julieroys.com/bethel-churc...
- Hillsong’s decline continues as its Russian church has rebranded, ending the network’s presence in the country. The pastors in Moscow cite Russian law & governance requirements, while their mentors say long-running tensions with Hillsong Global made a split inevitable. julieroys.com/hillsong-chu...
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- A Minnesota church says it may pursue legal action after protesters disrupted a Sunday service over elder David Easterwood’s leadership role with ICE. Federal authorities made an arrest under the FACE Act as critics renewed calls for Easterwood’s removal. julieroys.com/minnesota-ch...
- Three Pentecostal Christians charged in a 3-year-old’s exorcism death have asked a California judge to dismiss the case, alleging racist and anti-religious bias. Prosecutors deny prejudice—pointing to autopsy findings of asphyxiation and injuries from a day-long ritual. julieroys.com/pentecostals...
- A Tennessee youth pastor has been arrested after being charged with abusing a minor. Wesley Brobeck, a former youth pastor at Freedom Fellowship Church in Greeneville, faces charges of statutory rape and sexual battery involving a 17-year-old girl. julieroys.com/48-year-old-...
- A church court acquitted ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch, saying prosecutors failed to prove he violated church law despite acknowledged mistakes. The ruling prompted survivor criticism and renewed calls to overhaul how the ACNA investigates and disciplines bishops. julieroys.com/stewart-ruch...
- Former Life Church intern Austin Sewell was sentenced to more than 14 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material. The sentence includes lifetime supervision, sex offender registration, and $15,500 in restitution to victims. julieroys.com/former-life-...
- For many believers, Scripture has been misused in ways that caused deep harm—but it can also restore. This month, when you support survivor-centered reporting at The Roys Report, receive 'To Heal or Harm,' a guide to reclaiming Scripture’s healing power. julieroys.com/donate/
- In a new report, @pewresearch.org finds U.S. Christianity has leveled off after decades of decline. For Gen Z, faith isn’t surging nationwide, but steadier participation and higher engagement among the youngest adults point to a complicated, uneven rebound. julieroys.com/gen-z-return...
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- Protesters disrupted Sunday worship at Cities Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in St. Paul, Minnesota, after learning that pastor David Easterwood also serves as one of the region’s top Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. julieroys.com/protest-agai...
- Life Surge, a Christian wealth-building seminar company known for its high-profile conferences and celebrity speakers, is facing a federal lawsuit alleging it illegally classified sales advisors as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime. julieroys.com/lawsuit-accu...
- Atlanta pastor Sam Collier returned to the pulpit with leadership support despite recent misconduct allegations. Critics say key questions remain about repentance, accountability and whether the restoration process addressed specific claims or harmed parties. julieroys.com/disgraced-at...
- The Bible is meant to heal, yet it is often weaponized against abuse survivors. Guest host @lanceford64.bsky.social and theologian Steve Tracy examine how misapplied Scripture causes harm—and why Jesus’ posture toward the vulnerable must guide faithful interpretation. julieroys.com/podcast/usin...
- A Nigerian Christian survivor told USCIRF that airstrikes won’t end persecution, saying bombs traumatize civilians and fuel more violence. She urged strategies that strengthen communities, including intelligence-sharing, to thwart militants and protect innocents. julieroys.com/bombs-will-n...
- Rick Olmstead, the longtime sr pastor of Arise Vineyard Church in San Luis Obispo, California, has resigned after old allegations resurfaced that he secretly photographed young women—rekindling criticism that church leaders kept serious concerns from the congregation. julieroys.com/vineyard-pas...
- A leaked financial review alleges Fount NYC pastors Josh & Georgie Kelsey spent $1.4 million on church credit cards for flights, alcohol and surfing rentals without approval. Church leaders also say Kelseys disbanded the oversight board—prompting calls for transparency. julieroys.com/nyc-megachur...
- Israel has barred World Vision from operating in Gaza, citing concerns about Hamas infiltration. In op-ed, attorney Cliff Smith argues it reflects yrs of unresolved allegations, disputed audits & refusal to address claims its frmr Gaza director diverted funds to Hamas. julieroys.com/israel-banne...
- Closures of U.S. Protestant churches now outpace new plants, with about 4,000 closing and 3,800 opening in 2024. Lifeway Research says the gap has narrowed significantly, showing resilience even as attendance and Christian identification continue to decline. julieroys.com/closures-of-...
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- U.S. airstrikes carried out with Nigeria’s military have sparked cautious hope among Christians targeted by violence. Church leaders say the action signals overdue recognition of their suffering, while analysts warn strikes alone won’t solve Nigeria’s crisis. julieroys.com/us-airstrike...
- A prosecutor says the 2024 shooting at Pastor Greg Locke’s home had nothing to do with his preaching. The gunfire stemmed from a feud involving Pastor Locke’s stepson, and the shooter, Tyler Poole, pleaded guilty, receiving a five-year sentence. julieroys.com/2024-shootin...
- Former South Carolina pastor John-Paul Miller pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges of cyberstalking and lying to investigators in connection with the 2024 death of his estranged wife, Mica Miller. julieroys.com/controversia...
- A former Kentucky worship leader and Creation Museum performer has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting to sexually abusing a teenage boy he met through church. julieroys.com/creation-mus...
- An evangelist to Mideast nations reports that Christians have been shot as Iran’s violent protests escalate, with believers ministering amid blackouts. Church leaders are urging global prayer for protection, truthful reporting, and an end to bloodshed. julieroys.com/christians-c...
