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
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.
More than 100 chaplains urge Texans not to hire school chaplains
By Jack Jenkins — August 22, 2023
(RNS) — Texas school districts have until March 1 of next year to decide whether to hire school chaplains.
Pastor indicted alongside Trump in Georgia election meddling case
By Jack Jenkins — August 15, 2023
(RNS) — The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor is charged with attempting to influence witnesses and conspiring to solicit false statements and writings, all as part of an effort to influence an election worker.
Christian nationalism’s opponents are getting organized
By Jack Jenkins — August 11, 2023
(RNS) — Faith groups are teaming up with liberal secular organizations to combat the ideology, which they say is a threat to democracy — and, for many, their religion.
Will Trump’s latest indictment hurt him with evangelical Christians? Probably not.
By Jack Jenkins — August 4, 2023
(RNS) — 'The majority of white evangelicals have accepted this idea that Trump wants what they want,' said Michael Wear, who runs The Center for Christianity and Public Life. 'I’m not sure this indictment changes that.'
For Boebert and Greene, faith — and Christian nationalism — sells
By Jack Jenkins — August 1, 2023
(RNS) — For the two biggest right-wing firebrands in Congress, faith and fundraising have gone hand in hand.
Falwell Jr. sues Liberty University, alleging trademark infringement
By Jack Jenkins — July 31, 2023
(RNS) — In a statement, a Liberty University spokesperson insisted the school 'is confident it will ultimately prevail in this case.'
In targeting Catholic Charities, Republicans amplify right-wing Catholic fringe
By Jack Jenkins — July 24, 2023
WASHINGTON (RNS) — GOP representatives, who seem to be taking their cues from deeply conservative Catholic groups that vow to "#defund the bishops," plan to cut funding to a DHS program that supports Catholic relief centers at the United States' Southern border.
How an upstart conservative group is taking Christian nationalist politics local
By Jack Jenkins — July 12, 2023
(RNS) — Meet the group critics call ‘Moms for Liberty in suits.’
Josh Hawley tweets fake quote about US founding, sparking allegations of Christian nationalism
By Jack Jenkins — July 6, 2023
(RNS) — The quote, which was falsely attributed to Patrick Henry, originated in a 1956 edition of a magazine known for espousing antisemitic and white nationalist beliefs.
Bishop Strickland subject to Vatican investigation
By Jack Jenkins — June 26, 2023
(RNS) — The investigation, known as an apostolic visitation, comes after years of controversy surrounding Strickland.
Catholic Democrats issue new ‘statement of principles’ defending abortion rights
By Jack Jenkins — June 24, 2023
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The statement frames abortion as a personal choice in keeping with Catholic teaching regarding freedom of conscience and suggests restrictive abortion laws may violate the separation of church and state.
Bishops begin process that could ban gender-affirming care in Catholic hospitals
By Jack Jenkins — June 16, 2023
(RNS) — The vote doesn't ban gender-affirming care outright but sets in motion a process that could end up barring the practice at Catholic health care facilities.
