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
How Trump’s Republican National Convention speech wove faith into the ‘great American story’
By Emily McFarlan Miller and Jack Jenkins — August 28, 2020
(RNS) — Accepting the Republican nomination for a second term, President Donald Trump said, 'Our country is blessed by God and has a special purpose in this world.'
More than 350 faith leaders to back Biden for president, including many first-time endorsers
By Jack Jenkins — August 27, 2020
(RNS) — ‘I think progressive Christianity is a sleeping giant,’ said the Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber.
Citing Scripture, Pence switches out Jesus for the American flag in convention speech
By Jack Jenkins and Emily McFarlan Miller — August 27, 2020
(RNS) — ‘Christians fix our eyes on Jesus, not the flag,’ tweeted InterVarsity staffer Greg Jao.
Mike Pompeo accused of violating Hatch Act in Jerusalem RNC speech
By Jack Jenkins — August 26, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The Hatch Act, which was passed in 1939, prohibits executive branch employees from ‘engag(ing) in political activity’ while on duty.
The fall of Falwell: A timeline of the ups, downs and scandals of his Liberty University presidency
By Emily McFarlan Miller and Jack Jenkins — August 25, 2020
(RNS) — Jerry Falwell Jr.’s resignation is but the resolution of years of smaller scandals. Here's a look back at the controversies chronicling the rise and fall of his career as president of Liberty University.
More than 300 faith leaders call on Trump, Republican delegates to change immigration policies
By Jack Jenkins — August 25, 2020
(RNS) — The letter is one of several initiatives launched by liberal religious groups in recent weeks, with political faith groups launching initiatives and even teaming up with secular groups to criticize the Trump administration ahead of the November election.
Jerry Falwell Jr. resigns from Liberty University. Again.
By Yonat Shimron, Emily McFarlan Miller, and Jack Jenkins — August 24, 2020
(RNS) — Jerry Falwell Jr., the embattled president of Liberty University and one of President Donald Trump's most vocal supporters, formally resigned from the evangelical Christian university founded by his father Monday evening after revoking a previous resignation earlier in the day.
As Republicans kick off convention, will Trump be able to keep conservative Christian votes?
By Jack Jenkins — August 24, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'Cultural appeals and discussions about cancel-culture LGBTQ issues, unisex bathrooms and all that kind of stuff is great when the economy is good. But when the economy is bad, no one cares about it. They care about jobs,' observed political scientist Ryan Burge.
The role of religion in Trump’s presidency so far: An interactive timeline
By Jack Jenkins — August 24, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — As Trump prepares to kick off the first day of the 2020 Republican National Convention and his bid for four more years, Religion News Service takes a look back at some of the most impactful religion moments of his administration thus far.
Joe Biden’s acceptance speech caps off an unusually faith-filled Democratic National Convention
By Jack Jenkins — August 21, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘For Joe, faith isn't a prop or a political tool,’ said Sen. Chris Coons.
Bishop Mariann Budde appeals to ‘better angels’ in Democratic convention prayer
By Jack Jenkins — August 18, 2020
(RNS) — The Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C., said her appearance is not partisan, and said she declined a request to film her Democratic convention prayer in front of St. John’s, where President Donald Trump held up a Bible.
Praising Israel-UAE deal, Trump points to influence of evangelicals
By Jack Jenkins — August 17, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Trump’s focus on the domestic implications of the Israel-United Arab Emirates deal points up the importance of religious conservatives to his strategy in the general election campaign.
New liberal Christian groups hope to turn Trump voters to ‘Pope Francis voters’
By Jack Jenkins — August 14, 2020
(RNS) — Several new progressive Christian groups hope to woo religious voters away from Donald Trump.
Democrats plan interfaith service to kick off convention
By Jack Jenkins — August 13, 2020
(RNS) — The virtual service is scheduled to convene on Aug. 16, the day before the Democratic National Convention officially begins in Milwaukee.
Jerry Falwell Jr. taking indefinite leave of absence from Liberty University amid calls to step down
By Emily McFarlan Miller and Jack Jenkins — August 7, 2020
(RNS) — Jerry Falwell Jr. is taking an ‘indefinite leave of absence’ from his role at Liberty University.
