Jack Jenkins
Jack Jenkins is a national reporter for RNS based in Washington, covering U.S. Catholics and the intersection of religion and politics.
All Stories by Jack Jenkins
Catholic diocesan hermit approved by Kentucky bishop comes out as transgender
By Jack Jenkins — May 19, 2024
(RNS) — Matson is thought to be the first openly transgender person in his position in the Catholic Church.
Lawmakers unveil statue of Billy Graham in US Capitol
By Jack Jenkins — May 16, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Billy Graham’s son, the Rev. Franklin Graham, praised the statue but said his father ‘would want the focus to be on the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’
Former Trump official Elizabeth Neumann wants to combat Christian extremism
By Jack Jenkins — May 14, 2024
(RNS) — 'We've reordered, if you will, in the incorrect order: Politics is the premier as opposed to our trust and faith in Jesus,' said the extremism expert.
Catholic Bishop joins cease-fire prayer vigil protesting weapons for Israel
By Jack Jenkins — May 3, 2024
(RNS) — Asked about student protests on college campuses, Bishop John Stowe said he appreciated their 'interest in the situation and their solidarity with the Palestinians' but stressed the need to act peacefully.
Catholic leaders, urging cease-fire, call on Biden to halt weapons shipments to Israel
By Jack Jenkins — May 2, 2024
(RNS) — ‘As U.S. Catholics, we recognize our country’s contribution to the present violence and to the ongoing systemic injustices in Israel-Palestine,’ the letter reads.
Arizona pro-Palestinian protesters sue, argue authorities violated their religious freedom
By Jack Jenkins — April 30, 2024
(RNS) — ‘We were doing nothing but standing on that piece of property, singing, chanting, praying in the road when we were dragged off,’ said the Rev. Seth Wispelwey.
Conservative faith leaders praise Johnson for House’s approval of foreign aid
By Adelle M. Banks and Jack Jenkins — April 22, 2024
(RNS) — Passage of the aid packages came in the wake of letters and last-minute lobbying from a spectrum of religious groups.
Indiana appeals court upholds injunction on abortion ban, citing religious liberty
By Jack Jenkins — April 4, 2024
(RNS) — The ruling was another win for those who say their religious beliefs direct them to have abortions prohibited by the ban.
The strange world of Catholic ‘integralism’ — and Christian nationalism
By Jack Jenkins — April 3, 2024
(RNS) — ‘There’s the sense that the liberal order is so corrupt that elite Catholics have to find positions of influence and use them in a kind of noble and appropriate way,’ said Kevin Vallier.
Right-wing media descends into theological row over Israel-Hamas war
By Jack Jenkins — March 27, 2024
(RNS) — Over the weekend, right-wing pundits fiercely debated whether the phrase ‘Christ is King’ is antisemitic.
Threats to Catholic Charities staffers increase amid far-right anti-migrant campaign
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain and Jack Jenkins — March 22, 2024
(RNS) — Catholic Charities locations have become the target of far-right media personalities, conspiracy theorists and even members of Congress.
Poll: Most Americans say religion’s influence is waning, and half think that’s bad
By Jack Jenkins — March 15, 2024
(RNS) — There is also growing concern among an array of religious Americans that their beliefs are in conflict with mainstream American culture.
Shaun King converts to Islam
By Jack Jenkins — March 11, 2024
(RNS) — The controversial activist cited Palestinian suffering in Gaza as part of the inspiration for his conversion.
Scripture-quoting Alabama judge in IVF case bridges natural law and Christian nationalism
By Jack Jenkins and Paul O'Donnell — March 9, 2024
(RNS) — But those who know Tom Parker say his IVF concurring opinion was not simply a heartfelt expression of faith, but part of a strategy the chief justice has used to create legal precedent for conservative causes.
Freethought Caucus’ Huffman invites Christian nationalism critic to State of the Union
By Jack Jenkins — March 5, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The invite is the latest move by the Congressional Freethought Caucus to elevate criticism of Christian nationalism.
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