David Gibson
David Gibson is a national reporter for RNS and an award-winning religion journalist, author and filmmaker. He has written several books on Catholic topics. His latest book is on biblical artifacts: "Finding Jesus: Faith. Fact. Forgery," which was also the basis of a popular CNN series.
All Stories by David Gibson
The Slingshot: BLM theology; Pope on poop; Politics as religion.
By David Gibson — December 8, 2016
(RNS) Seminaries channel Black Lives Matter. Pontiff says reading fake news like eating … yeah. Gay priests banned. Gospel music’s ‘great disappearing act’ reappears. Ivanka really is Jewish. Religious Neanderthals?
President Trump may not get an invite to Notre Dame graduation
By David Gibson — December 5, 2016
(RNS) The Rev. John Jenkins, head of the iconic Catholic university, said the divisiveness Trump inspires could create a 'circus.'
For proper end-of-life care, medical professionals need to be religiously literate
By David Gibson — December 1, 2016
(RNS) Health care providers are often ill-equipped to discuss religion with patients, and that can affect their medical care.
The Slingshot: Mushroom medicine. Cruz damns Castro. ‘Dollywood’ Christmas.
By David Gibson — December 1, 2016
(RNS) New study on psychedelics and spirituality. Senator suggests Cuban dictator is in Hades. Dolly Parton on faith and Christmas. Plus: Gay man barred from singing at grandmother’s funeral, Tom Brady on religion, Leah Remini on Scientology, Benedictine beer and cuneiform cookies.
Pope Francis says mercy demands an ‘inclusive’ church open to all
By David Gibson — November 21, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In a message to wrap up the Holy Year of Mercy, the pontiff adds that all priests will continue to be able to absolve the 'grave sin' of abortion.
Pope Francis: A poor and welcoming church spreads the gospel
By David Gibson — November 20, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Using “power and success” to evangelize betrays the core of the Gospel message, the pontiff said as he closed a special holy year of mercy.
Pope Francis denounces growing ‘demonization’ of enemies and outsiders
By David Gibson — November 19, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff’s exhortation, at a ceremony to elevate 17 new cardinals, seemed to take aim at nationalist anger roiling countries around the world, including the U.S.
Is the pope Catholic? Francis dismisses critics of his teachings
By David Gibson — November 18, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) 'I don’t lose sleep over it,' the pontiff said in a new interview. Foes accusing him of 'Protestantizing' the church are legalists trying 'to foment divisions.'
Pope Francis, the ultimate headhunter
By David Gibson — November 17, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Many of the 17 churchmen the pontiff will honor with a red hat on Saturday were as stunned as everyone else that they were chosen. That’s because Francis is his own executive search firm.
Catholic bishops follow Trump’s election with a message of their own
By David Gibson — November 15, 2016
(RNS) The bishops put a Mexican-born archbishop in line to become the first Latino to lead the American hierarchy. But they seemed hesitant to fully endorse Pope Francis' approach.
The ’Splainer: What’s a cardinal?
By David Gibson — November 15, 2016
(RNS) On Nov. 19 at the Vatican, Pope Francis will officially name – or “create,” as the Catholic Church prefers to say – 17 new cardinals. What is a cardinal anyway? Where did they come from? What do they do? Let us ‘Splain …
The Slingshot: Green anxiety. Alt-right angst. Gay marriage ‘settled.’
By David Gibson — November 14, 2016
(RNS) Religious environmentalists are worried about a Trump presidency. Jews, Muslims and everyone not white and Christian is worried about his key White House pick. Trump says gay marriage is “settled,” end of argument.
The Slingshot: Evangelical expectations. Others regroup. And ‘cocktail theology’
By David Gibson — November 10, 2016
(RNS) Even the Baptists may be drinking after this election. Blacks, Jews, Muslims and atheists are scrambling. ISIS joins other extremists in celebrations. Priest who used fetus on altar faces probe. An evangelical scientist convinces climate skeptics.
Bishop launches probe of priest who posed with fetus on the altar
By David Gibson — November 9, 2016
NEW YORK (RNS) Bishop Patrick Zurek condemned the pro-Trump video posted by an anti-abortion crusader, but the Rev. Frank Pavone seemed unconcerned.
South Carolina church shooter’s trial delayed over competency issue
By David Gibson — November 9, 2016
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) Dylann Roof, who is accused of holding white supremacist views, faces 33 federal counts after he opened fire during a Bible study session at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
