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
With Pope Francis’ blessing, Catholics pressed Biden White House to waive vaccine patents
By Claire Giangravé and Jack Jenkins — May 10, 2021
(RNS) — 'Pope Francis is very involved,' said the Rev. Augusto Zampini, one of the directors of the Vatican’s COVID-19 Commission.
LifeSiteNews removed from Facebook for violating COVID-19 misinformation policies
By Jack Jenkins — May 5, 2021
(RNS) — The ultraconservative website, which often features faith content, was removed for ‘repeatedly violating our COVID-19 policies,’ a Facebook spokesperson told RNS.
Catholic bishops who want to deny Biden Communion may have to reckon with the pope
By Jack Jenkins and Claire Giangravé — May 5, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — When polled in November 2020, most Catholics opposed denying Communion to politicians simply because they support abortion rights.
Biden raises refugee ceiling, and faith-based groups brace for rebuilding work
By Emily McFarlan Miller and Jack Jenkins — May 3, 2021
(RNS) — ‘The sad truth is that we will not achieve 62,500 admissions this year,’ the president said in his announcement. ‘We are working quickly to undo the damage of the last four years.’
Falwell invites Liberty students to ‘real’ graduation party at his farm despite lawsuit
By Emily McFarlan Miller and Jack Jenkins — April 30, 2021
(RNS) — 'If you're not a senior but you're dating one, you can come, too,' said Jerry Falwell Jr., who resigned as president of Liberty University last year in the wake of multiple scandals.
CDC director: Masked, fully vaccinated people can safely attend worship indoors
By Jack Jenkins — April 27, 2021
(RNS) — ‘As we gather more and more data on the real-world efficacy of vaccines, we know that masked, fully vaccinated people can safely attend worship services inside,’ said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.
DNC Chair Jaime Harrison: ‘I’m happy to take the role that the Lord has given me’
By Jack Jenkins — April 27, 2021
(RNS) — "My grandma told me after I lost the election for the U.S. Senate, she said, ’Jaime, sometimes in life, when one door closes, the Lord opens up others,’” DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison said.
Obama faith adviser accuses Trump counterpart of laying spiritual groundwork for Capitol insurrection
By Jack Jenkins and Adelle M. Banks — April 22, 2021
(RNS) — ‘The chickens came home to roost on Jan. 6,’ said Joshua DuBois, faith adviser to Barack Obama, in an exchange with Johnnie Moore, an evangelical Christian adviser to Donald Trump.
Survey: Faith leaders key to combat vaccine hesitancy among religious — and QAnon believers
By Jack Jenkins — April 22, 2021
(RNS) — Faith-based approaches to combating vaccine hesitancy could be crucial to achieving herd immunity.
Minnesota churches caught in standoffs between protesters and police
By Jack Jenkins — April 20, 2021
(RNS) — At least two congregations have found themselves at the center of standoffs between police and racial justice demonstrators over the past week, both in Brooklyn Center.
Sex discrimination suit against Florida church tests ‘ministerial exception’ rulings
By Jack Jenkins — April 19, 2021
(RNS) — A woman’s lawsuit alleging gender discrimination may reconcile unanswered questions about the so-called ministerial exception.
Biden reverses course on refugee cap after faith groups express outrage
By Jack Jenkins and Emily McFarlan Miller — April 16, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — "As a Christian, I’m reminded I should never have, as the psalmist said, put my ‘trust in princes,’" said Matthew Soerens, U.S. director of church mobilization and advocacy at the evangelical Christian refugee resettlement agency World Relief.
From the filibuster to DC statehood, clergy rally around a growing voting rights agenda
By Jack Jenkins — April 16, 2021
(RNS) — "I hear Jesus saying to America: 'I was hungry and you filibustered,’" said the Rev. Freddy D. Haynes.
Liberty University shake-ups continue as Falwell Jr.’s son leaves post as VP
By Emily McFarlan Miller and Jack Jenkins — April 14, 2021
(RNS) — Trey Falwell was a vice president of university operations at the evangelical Christian school.
Planned Parenthood announces new clergy advocacy board members, many from red states
By Jack Jenkins — April 13, 2021
(RNS) — 'As a clergyperson who discovered my call to ministry within a Planned Parenthood, it was a no-brainer,' said the Rev. Katey Zeh, who heads the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
