Kevin Eckstrom

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

All Stories by Kevin Eckstrom

Today in history: The ‘camouflage kippa’ and the 1983 Beirut bombing

By Kevin Eckstrom — October 23, 2013

(RNS) "After I had used my kippa (skullcap) to wipe blood and dirrt off the face of a wounded Marine, Catholic Chaplain George Pucciarelli made me a makeshift "camouflage kippa," using material he tore off his uniform."

Lady Cardinals * God in Gotham * Colbert Quips : Friday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — October 18, 2013

(RNS) Only Stephen Colbert could get away with calling NY Cardinal Timothy Dolan a fat matador and a "flamboyant Zorro." See what else he said last night in today's Roundup.

DIY Communion * Exorcist @ 40 * Ruined hymns : Friday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — October 11, 2013

Some positively spooky stuff in today's Roundup: Thug rabbis, "The Exorcist" turns 40 and something that you'll hopefully never hear in church: "The Old Rugged Cross-Dresser."

Religious groups feel the pinch of government shutdown

By Kevin Eckstrom — October 8, 2013

WASHINGTON (RNS) As the government shutdown enters its second week, some religious groups are starting to feel the pinch, and they're also finding ways to reach out.

Quote of the Day: Media consultant Phil Cooke

By Kevin Eckstrom — October 4, 2013

“Get a life. After all, why did you give in the first place? To build something significant for God and for humanity or to get your name engraved on a sidewalk brick?” _ Media consultant Phil Cooke’s advice to disgruntled donors upset that their memorial bricks at California’s Crystal Cathedral are being pulled up at […]

Francis in Assisi * Hobby Hanukkah * Communion burger: Friday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — October 4, 2013

(RNS) Hobby Lobby changes course (sort of), a Chicago restaurant serves up a Communion burger and don't dance naked on a car in Saudi Arabia.

Eau de Francis * Mainline 2.0 * Messiah returns: Thursday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — September 19, 2013

(RNS) Messiah has returned, and maybe not the one you're thinking of. Lots of people want to live like Pope Francis, and now you can smell like him, too.

Shabbos drug deals * Ohio is a 4-letter word * Celibacy ‘modifications’: Wednesday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — September 11, 2013

(RNS) Michele Bachmann summons the image of David v. Goliath in trying to take down Hillary Clinton. Buy your drugs before your dealer shuts down for Shabbos. And Pope Francis has more surprises in store.

Nauseated Catholics * NALT Christians * Free Pass on Iraq: Friday’s Religion News Roundup

By Kevin Eckstrom — September 6, 2013

(RNS) You probably didn't get a vote in the papal conclave, but you can vote for your favorite pope here at RNS.

Quote of the Day: Mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner

By Kevin Eckstrom — September 5, 2013

“Where do you get the morality to judge me? Do you know who judges me? Not you. You don’t get to judge me because you have shown no sign you are superior to me, and you are not my God.” — New York mayoral candidate Anthony Wiener, defending himself after a customer at at a […]

Quote of the Day: Comedian Stephen Colbert

By Kevin Eckstrom — September 4, 2013

“You heard what he said about atheists? He said even atheists are redeemed by Christ … If even atheists are redeemed by Christ, why have I been going to Mass every Sunday? I could have gotten another nine holes in!” — Comedian Stephen Colbert, talking about Pope Francis with New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan on […]

Quote of the Day: Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone

By Kevin Eckstrom — September 3, 2013

“On balance I consider these seven years to have been positive. Naturally there were problems, particularly in the last two years, they have made many accusations against me… A mix of crows and vipers.” — Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s outgoing Secretary of State, on the problems that plagued Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy on his […]

Quote of the Day: Jonathan Rausch of the Brookings Institution

By Kevin Eckstrom — August 30, 2013

“What the gay rights movement is fighting for is not just equality for gays but freedom of conscience to live openly according to their identity. I don’t think we should be in the business of being as intolerant of others as they were to us.” — Jonathan Rausch, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, arguing […]

Quote of the Day: Army prosecutor Col. Michael Mulligan

By Kevin Eckstrom — August 29, 2013

“Do not be fooled. He is not giving his life. We are taking his life. This is not his gift to God. This is his debt to society.” — Army Col. Michael Mulligan, the lead prosecutor in the case against convicted Fort Hood shooter Maj. Nidal Hasan, before Hasan was sentenced to death for the […]

Sinful goats * Sexpo Salvation * American ATHE1ST : Thursday’s Religion News Roundup