Paul O'Donnell
Paul O'Donnell is the editor in chief of Religion News Service.
All Stories by Paul O'Donnell
Kenyan court orders mediation to solve Anglican homosexuality dispute
By Paul O'Donnell — November 6, 2018
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — A bruising fight over unproven allegations has ended with a court order that the bishop and his priests settle their differences face to face.
A Washington state lawmaker’s notes on ‘biblical’ war threaten his re-election bid
By Paul O'Donnell — November 5, 2018
SPOKANE — A quiet race for a legislative seat in Washington state was thrust into the spotlight after a document outlining the biblical reason for war, written by incumbent Matt Shea, was leaked on Facebook.
Cameroon clergy condemn killing of American missionary
By Paul O'Donnell — November 1, 2018
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Charles Wesco, a clergyman from Indiana, died barely two weeks after arriving in the country, allegedly caught in crossfire between rebels and government soldiers.
A Vatican opening on sexuality worries conservatives — and cheers reformers
By Paul O'Donnell — October 30, 2018
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Bishops acknowledged they need to update their understanding of the science of sex and gender, and that means updating the church’s theology on sexuality.
Vatican synod calls for women leaders ‘at all levels,’ avoids using LGBT or gay
By Paul O'Donnell — October 27, 2018
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The language on the clergy abuse crisis was watered down, but the monthlong synod was a victory for Pope Francis in his efforts to reform the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis fires Memphis bishop after Vatican investigation
By Paul O'Donnell — October 24, 2018
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The move is another indication that Francis is moving, albeit fitfully, to hold bishops more accountable and not only on issues related to sexual abuse.
Facing scandal and division, US Catholic bishops to hold unprecedented retreat
By Paul O'Donnell — October 23, 2018
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The Catholic bishops of the U.S. announced Tuesday (Oct. 23) that at the behest of Pope Francis they will meet for a weeklong retreat in Chicago in January.
RNS Morning Report: Black Clergy Speak Out; Faith Takes the Bus; India’s #MeToo
By Paul O'Donnell — October 10, 2018
The Rev. Calvin Butts speaks during a news conference of the Progressive National Baptist Convention at the National Press Club, on Oct. 9, 2018, in Washington, D.C. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
Praise God and pass the plasticware
By Paul O'Donnell — September 26, 2018
JERUSALEM (RNS) — Home to the holidays for three religions, Israel uses more plastic cups per capita than any other people in the world.
At Yom Kippur, business leaders profit from reflecting on ethics
By Paul O'Donnell — September 18, 2018
JERUSALEM (RNS) — At the High Holy Days, a season for contemplating personal failings and achievements in the year past can be a time to take stock of financial practices and relationships too.
‘Connecting the dots’ between faith and climate change
By Paul O'Donnell — September 13, 2018
(RNS) — The Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco is a chance to raise the profile of the small and large ways California’s faith communities are fighting for the environment.
Group: Officials destroying crosses, burning Bibles in China
By Paul O'Donnell — September 10, 2018
(RNS) — The campaign corresponds with a drive to 'Sinicize' religion by demanding loyalty to the officially atheist Communist Party and eliminating any challenge to its power over people's lives.
What binds Muslims to the Democratic Party?
By Paul O'Donnell — August 9, 2018
(RNS) — Socially conservative Muslims have a surprising and seemingly easy affiliation with the Democratic Party. Why do Muslims abide these differences when other religious groups cannot?
RNS Morning Report: Putin and Graham; Ahmadis Convene; Eat Your Manna
By Paul O'Donnell — August 8, 2018
In April 2017, Franklin Graham tweeted a photo of his 2015 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
RNS Morning Report: Methodists’ Options; Death Undone; Jewish Retreat
By Paul O'Donnell — August 3, 2018
The Rev. Brian Atkins, second from right, speaks about the plans on offer from the Commission on a Way Forward during the For Everyone Born gathering in St. Louis in late July. Photo by Heather Hahn/UMNS
