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
Incoming WCC head Jerry Pillay: ‘Our task is to proclaim God’s name’
By Jack Jenkins — July 5, 2022
(RNS) —The Rev. Jerry Pillay told Religion News Service that controversy after his election to lead the World Council of Churches was ‘expected.’
New World Council of Churches head draws criticism over Israel remarks
By Jack Jenkins — June 30, 2022
(RNS) — Jewish leaders voiced frustration with the Rev. Jerry Pillay's comparison of the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians to apartheid in South Africa.
As Roe falls, religious abortion-rights advocates prepare for next steps
By Jack Jenkins — June 25, 2022
(RNS) — 'We vow to keep fighting,' said Jody Rabhan, chief policy officer for the National Council of Jewish Women. 'This is not the end. There are things that we can do.'
For the religious right, a victory 50 years in the making
By Yonat Shimron and Jack Jenkins — June 24, 2022
(RNS) — A mighty coalition comprising mostly conservative Catholics, evangelical Christians and Mormons grounded its theological aims in the language of human rights and played its politics unrelentingly.
Poor People’s Campaign holds major DC rally to combat poverty
By Jack Jenkins — June 18, 2022
(RNS) — The Rev. William Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign, called legislation that hurts the poor ‘forms of policy murder.’
‘You wear out’: How chronic illness grounds and inspires William Barber’s activism
By Jack Jenkins — June 18, 2022
Earlier this year, Barber contacted Religion News Service to open up about his health struggles in detail for the first time.
Biden names Catholic activist Stephen Schneck to religious freedom panel
By Jack Jenkins — June 15, 2022
(RNS) — ‘I’m proud and humbled by President Biden’s appointment,’ Schneck told Religion News Service.
Patriot Front member arrested at Idaho Pride event tied to church led by ex-lawmaker
By Jack Jenkins — June 15, 2022
(RNS) — The pastor and former lawmaker claimed white nationalists arrested in Idaho were ‘antifa,’ but at least one attended his own church.
How Christian nationalism paved the way for Jan. 6
By Jack Jenkins — June 9, 2022
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The president seemed to frame himself as leading an existential fight against liberal foes, defending America from an attack on the Christian faith.
After abortion vote, Colorado Catholic bishops ask lawmakers to refrain from Communion
By Kathryn Post and Jack Jenkins — June 7, 2022
(RNS) — The bishops say Catholic lawmakers who voted for a law protecting abortion rights were ‘participating in a gravely sinful action.’
Faith leaders, labor advocates push for White House meeting on poverty
By Jack Jenkins — June 6, 2022
WASHINGTON (RNS) — President Joe Biden has yet to agree to the summit with the Poor People’s Campaign, despite endorsing the group while running for office and speaking at their events.
Pelosi now barred from Communion in at least four dioceses
By Jack Jenkins — May 26, 2022
(RNS) — Some of the bishops, all belonging to a small but vocal group of conservatives, seemed to point to an article of church law that they said compelled them to follow each other’s lead.
Christian leaders press lawmakers to extend child tax credit for poor families
By Jack Jenkins — May 25, 2022
(RNS) — The campaign supports a measure that had ‘remarkable success’ in lifting families out of poverty at the height of the pandemic.
Banned from Communion in San Francisco, Pelosi receives Eucharist in Washington
By Jack Jenkins — May 23, 2022
WASHINGTON (RNS) — During a homily before Communion, the priest at the church railed against 'election deniers and Vatican II deniers.'
Citing abortion rights, San Francisco Archbishop bars Pelosi from Communion
By Jack Jenkins — May 20, 2022
(RNS) — 'She is not to be admitted to Holy Communion unless and until she publicly repudiate her support for abortion ‘rights’ and confess and receive absolution for her cooperation in this evil in the sacrament of Penance,' Cordileone wrote.
