Kevin Eckstrom

Kevin Eckstrom joined the Religion News Service staff in 2000 and became editor-in-chief in 2006.

All Stories by Kevin Eckstrom

Kosher penguins * Bishop’s mansion * Francis calling : Friday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — January 3, 2014
So the boss calls but you can't get to the phone. Except the boss is Pope Francis. If he does call, pray that you're the bishop who just bought an eight-bedroom mansion with a five-car garage. All that and more in today's Roundup.

The Rev. Bob Nugent, silenced for his work with gay Catholics, dies at 76

By Kevin Eckstrom — January 2, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) The scrutiny of the Rev. Bob Nugent's activism symbolized the Vatican's approach to all talk of homosexuality under Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI compared with the more tolerant "who am I to judge?" tone set recently by Pope Francis.

Polygamy priest * Marxist pope * Offensive Satanists: Friday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — December 20, 2013
(RNS) An Episcopal priest who said she's in love with polygamy has second thoughts. Pope Francis praises trash pickers and did anyone notice that yet another state has OK'd gay marriage?

2013 in Review: Pope Francis dominates the headlines

By Kevin Eckstrom — December 18, 2013
(RNS) Yes, Pope Francis dominated the headlines for 2013. But he wasn't the only big religion story to receive front-page treatment.

Pope Francis names Peter Favre, his favorite Jesuit, a saint

By Kevin Eckstrom — December 17, 2013
(RNS) Favre, who lived from 1506-1546, was a roommate of St. Francis Xavier and St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founders of the Jesuits, at the University of Paris.

Father Whatawaste * Holy cow! * Macho Jesus: Friday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — December 13, 2013
Who's the biggest name in history? (Here's a hint; his birthday is coming up). Lessons on prayers from St. Kevin of Chicago. And the world's largest beef exporter? India, where cows are sacred.

St. Nelson * New New Life * Wilderness wandering 2.0: Friday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — December 6, 2013
(RNS) Words fail on a day like this for a man like Nelson Mandela. We all know Martin Luther told us to "sin boldly," but did you know he also had a potty mouth? And a NYC rabbi offers a new face (literally) of American Judaism.

Washington National Cathedral to charge visitors

By Kevin Eckstrom — November 26, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) Borrowing a page from the storied cathedrals of Europe that charge admission to tourists, Washington National Cathedral hopes the estimated $300,000 in annual ticket sales can help restore the building to its original glory.

Pray like JFK * Hug like Francis * Chanukkah Honey: Thursday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — November 21, 2013
(RNS) We're toying around with the Roundup format -- we wanna keep it interesting for y'all -- so let us know what you think.

What Dallas pastors preached the Sunday after JFK was killed

By Kevin Eckstrom — November 19, 2013
(RNS) Dallas clergy took to the pulpits on Nov. 24, 1963 to try to make sense of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy just two days before. As they drew their sermons to a close, some would learn that the president's assassin had just been gunned down.

U.K. minister Sayeeda Warsi calls on West to protect Christian minorities

By Kevin Eckstrom — November 15, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) Baroness Sayeeda Warsi said protecting the religious freedom of minorities is a responsibility of all faiths. "It shouldn't just be for Christians to speak for Christians, and Jews to speak for Jews, and Muslims to speak for Muslims."

Billy Graham @ 95 * Atheists (heart) Francis * Fallen patriarch : Friday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — November 8, 2013
ENDA's surprising supporters: Mormon Republicans. How do you say Twitter in Latin? Should polluters be denied Communion? What happens when monks engage in dirty campaigning? And more...

November/December Religion Calendar

By Kevin Eckstrom — November 1, 2013
Note: Holidays that begin at sundown continue through sundown the next day, unless otherwise noted. This calendar will be updated in two-month increments throughout 2013. Oct. 30-Nov. 8 World Council of Churches: General Assembly, Busan, Korea. Email: [email protected]; website: http://wcc2013.info/en Nov. 1 All Saints’ Day (Christian) Nov. 2 All Souls’ Day (Christian) Nov. 3 Al-Hijra […]

Billy Graham * Santa Cruz * Greece v. Galloway : Friday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — November 1, 2013
(RNS) Jesus was briefly expelled for possibly offending "religious sensibilities" but was later allowed back in class. All that and more in today's Religion News Roundup.

Our Papi * Dangerous Communion * New RNS Editor : Friday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — October 25, 2013
There's a new sheriff in town here at RNS, and he's taking his cues from Mark Driscoll's tough-guy view of Jesus. But he's not spreading hepatitis A at Communion, or having dreams of Cardinal Bernardin. Find out more in today's Roundup.
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