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
Biden taps Delaware AME pastor to offer benediction at inauguration
By Jack Jenkins — January 14, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A longtime confidant of the Biden family, Silvester S. Beaman, made headlines when he was featured in a 2020 Trump campaign ad.
For insurrectionists, a violent faith brewed from nationalism, conspiracies and Jesus
By Jack Jenkins — January 12, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — As insurrectionists began the attack on the Capitol, a banner waved above the throng. It read: 'Proud American Christian.'
How House chaplain calmed tense hours in besieged Capitol with prayers for ‘God’s covering’
By Jack Jenkins — January 9, 2021
(RNS) — As a mob overtook the Capitol and the work of lawmakers ground to a halt, Rear Adm. Margaret Grun Kibben's work began in earnest.
As chaos hits Capitol, two forms of faith on display
By Jack Jenkins — January 6, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Hiding in the balcony while a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, at least one lawmaker led her fellow members of Congress in prayer.
As ‘Jericho Marchers’ descend on Washington, local faith leaders brace for attacks
By Jack Jenkins — January 5, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'Jericho Marchers' sang 'How Great Is Our God' as they processed around the U.S. Capitol holding Trump signs and waving Trump flags.
Historic Black church in DC sues Proud Boys for destroying Black Lives Matter sign
By Jack Jenkins — January 4, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'We, the descendants of these extraordinary women and men of God, will not allow white supremacist violence to go unchecked by the laws of the land,' said Metropolitan AME pastor the Rev. William H. Lamar IV.
Top German Catholic bishop urges shift on women’s ordination, homosexuality
By Jack Jenkins — December 29, 2020
(RNS) — Limburg Bishop Georg Bätzing referred to ‘well-developed arguments in theology in favor of opening up the sacramental ministry to women as well.’
Survey: UK teens are more likely than millennials to believe in God
By Jack Jenkins — December 29, 2020
(RNS) — The number is up from January, suggesting some may have embraced a belief in God during the pandemic.
For hospital chaplains, being vaccinated first brings a mix of emotions
By Jack Jenkins — December 23, 2020
(RNS) — ‘I felt such a sense of joy — like Christmas really was here,’ said Daniel Russell, a hospice and hospital chaplain in Los Angeles.
Why NBA star Kyrie Irving was burning sage before a game with the Celtics
By Bob Smietana, Jack Jenkins, and Emily McFarlan Miller — December 21, 2020
(RNS) — NBA star Kyrie Irving, who has Native American roots, burned sage during a warmup in a practice known as smudging.
Biden DHS nominee has ‘refreshing’ meeting with faith groups about immigration, refugees
By Jack Jenkins and Emily McFarlan Miller — December 18, 2020
(RNS) — One attendee described the meeting as 'a 180 degree change from what we've been enduring for the last four years.'
Rev. Warnock blasted for being a ’pro-choice pastor,’ but his position isn’t uncommon
By Jack Jenkins — December 18, 2020
(RNS) — Warnock’s remark has turned the run-off election into something of a debate over religious Americans' support of abortion rights.
DC church replaces Black Lives Matter banner destroyed by ‘Proud Boys’
By Jack Jenkins — December 18, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A growing chorus of religious groups have spoken out against the property destruction at four Washington churches last weekend, including the National Association of Evangelicals.
Biden laces Electoral College victory speech with Scripture and Prayer of St. Francis
By Jack Jenkins — December 15, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘For where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith, where there is darkness, light,’ President-elect Joe Biden said, invoking the Prayer of St. Francis.
‘Proud Boys’ burn Black Lives Matter signs at churches in Washington
By Jack Jenkins — December 13, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'For me it was reminiscent of cross burnings,' said the Rev. Ianther M. Mills, pastor of a church whose Black Lives Matter sign was burned.
