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

Mike Johnson, pedigreed evangelical, suggests his election as House speaker ordained by God

By Jack Jenkins — October 25, 2023
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Johnson, who peppered his first speech as speaker with religious references, has a history of challenging interpretations of the separation of church and state.

Jewish-led demonstrations for Gaza cease-fire see hundreds arrested at Capitol

By Jack Jenkins — October 18, 2023
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Participants in the protest played guitars and blew shofars as they sang songs in English and Hebrew for at least three hours.

White House protest leads campaign for a cease-fire before Israeli ground invasion

By Jack Jenkins — October 17, 2023
(RNS) — Dozens of participants at a primarily Jewish protest were arrested on Monday where demonstrators chanted "Cease-fire now!"

New award honors Tim Keller and Sister Norma Pimentel for civic renewal

By Jack Jenkins — October 11, 2023
(RNS) — A new group plans to honor the Rev. Timothy Keller, an evangelical Christian theologian who died earlier this year, and Catholic nun Sister Norma Pimentel, known for her work with migrants.

Environmental faith groups laud Pope Francis’ new climate exhortation

By Jack Jenkins — October 5, 2023
(RNS) — ‘As this summer has shown, and as Laudate Deum emphasizes, we no longer have time to spare,’ Jose Aguto, executive director of Catholic Climate Covenant, said in a statement.

Trump, once ‘most pro-life president,’ riles anti-abortion activists with new stance

By Jack Jenkins — September 29, 2023
'President Trump’s disappointing comments only serve as an avenue for pro-lifers to find another candidate to support,' said anti-abortion activist Abby Johnson.

Faith-based resettlement orgs celebrate moves to maintain refugee cap

By Jack Jenkins — September 26, 2023
(RNS) — The groups celebrated keeping the ceiling at 125,000 but noted the administration has yet to come close to meeting that ceiling.

Pope Francis has stacked the next conclave — but will it matter?

By Claire Giangravé and Jack Jenkins — September 25, 2023
(RNS) — In Pope Francis' new global church, the Vatican pastime of predicting the next pope gets increasingly trickier.

Jerry Falwell’s legal battle with Liberty University — and his brother — escalates

By Bob Smietana and Jack Jenkins — September 20, 2023
(RNS) — In an amended complaint filed in federal court last week, Falwell Jr. alleged several board members diverted university funds to private causes and overlooked sexual misconduct by former leaders.

March for Our Lives, faith leaders call on Florida lawmakers to ‘cease and desist’

By Jack Jenkins — September 15, 2023
(RNS) — 'Instead of focusing on and addressing the real issues, you spend time promoting hate and division, contrary to our deepest religious values,' reads a letter from activists addressed to Florida lawmakers.

Reports of forced retirement prompt defiance from embattled Bishop Strickland

By Jack Jenkins — September 12, 2023
(RNS) — In an email, the East Texas bishop told RNS that he ‘cannot voluntarily abandon the flock that I have been given charge of as a successor of the apostles.’

Pope Francis chides his American critics — but who is he talking about?

By Jack Jenkins — September 5, 2023
(RNS) — When it comes to the pope’s right-wing critics here in the U.S., he has a broad spectrum to choose from.

Pastor indicted alongside Trump returns to pulpit

By Jack Jenkins — August 29, 2023
(RNS) — The Rev. Stephen Lee, who is facing multiple charges regarding his alleged attempt to meddle in Georgia’s 2020 election results, began the service by reading from a passage that calls on believers to ‘put on the full armor of God.’

Thousands gather for March on Washington’s 60th anniversary

By Jack Jenkins — August 26, 2023
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'Sixty years ago, Martin Luther King talked about a dream,' said the Rev. Al Sharpton, referring to King’s famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. 'Sixty years later, we’re the dreamers — the problem is we're facing the schemers.'

Sean Feucht event sparks political controversy in eastern Washington

By Jack Jenkins — August 23, 2023
(RNS) — Critics have expressed outrage that Spokane’s mayor attended the Christian nationalist event while wildfires raged in the region.
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