Kevin Eckstrom

Kevin Eckstrom joined the Religion News Service staff in 2000 and became editor-in-chief in 2006.

All Stories by Kevin Eckstrom

‘Just As I Am’ was Billy Graham’s signature hymn

By Kevin Eckstrom — February 21, 2018

(RNS) — But 'Just As I Am' was more than a favorite Graham hymn.

We can’t make this up: The Blessing of the Toilet Paper

By Kevin Eckstrom — May 19, 2015

(RNS) Our guess is that they prefer Angel Soft.

Maryland bishop charged in DUI death is defrocked by Episcopal Church

By Kevin Eckstrom — May 1, 2015

WASHINGTON (RNS) Heather Cook faces manslaughter charges in a hit-and-run drunk driving accident, and church officials charged her with misrepresenting her battles with alcohol.

Colliding visions of marriage at the Supreme Court (ANALYSIS)

By Kevin Eckstrom — April 28, 2015

WASHINGTON (RNS) As the Supreme Court finally took up the vexing question of same-sex marriage, the case came down to two competing visions of marriage: what it's been, what it should be, and who gets to decide.

PHOTOS: Gay marriage supporters and opponents on Supreme Court steps

By Kevin Eckstrom — April 28, 2015

Supporters of gay marriage easily outnumbered opponents, who were drowned out by shouts of "Love Must Win!" and "Marriage Now!"

Bob Jones III apologizes for stone-the-gays remarks

By Kevin Eckstrom — March 23, 2015

(RNS) “Upon now reading these long-forgotten words, they seem to me as words belonging to a total stranger -- were my name not attached," former Bob Jones University President Bob Jones III said.

Breakaway Episcopalians win Texas church property fight

By Kevin Eckstrom — March 4, 2015

(RNS) The ruling is an about-face for a Texas court that originally sided with the national church, until the state Supreme Court stepped in and ordered a rehearing.

Evangelicals pull support for Portland church over LGBT stance

By Kevin Eckstrom — February 17, 2015

(RNS) The Evangelical Covenant Church bills itself as "evangelical, but not exclusive; biblical, but not doctrinaire; traditional, but not rigid."

Statue of controversial missionary Junipero Serra could get booted from U.S. Capitol

By Kevin Eckstrom — February 10, 2015

WASHINGTON (RNS) A California lawmaker wants to replace a bronze statue of soon-to-be saint Junipero Serra with a monument honoring Sally Ride, the nation's first female astronaut.

Breakaway South Carolina Episcopalians win major court case

By Kevin Eckstrom — February 4, 2015

(RNS) The Diocese of South Carolina said it helped form the national Episcopal Church in 1789, and was not legally bound to stay. On Tuesday (Feb. 3), a judge agreed.

Bess Myerson on being the first (and only) Jewish Miss America

By Kevin Eckstrom — January 6, 2015

(RNS) Bess Myerson has been described as a modern-day Queen Esther, the Jewish woman who used her talents and beauty to advocate for her people.

Lapsed resolutions * Cuomo Catholics * Angry monks : Friday’s Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — January 2, 2015

(RNS) All those resolutions to join a gym and work harder in 2015? Pish posh, says Billy Graham's grandson. That and more in today's Roundup.

Our 20 favorite RNS stories from 2014

By Kevin Eckstrom — December 31, 2014

(RNS) These are the 20 stories from 2014 that captured our imagination and reminded us why we love the religion beat.

What to buy for everyone on your holiday list : Thursday’s Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — December 18, 2014

(RNS) So you have absolutely no idea what presents to get for Pope Francis, Jeb Bush and that guy with the John 3:16 signs? Never fear. The Roundup Gift Guide will leave you merry and bright.