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

Thousands of faith leaders, union members, activists rally for poor

By Jack Jenkins — June 29, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'It is wrong for the highest court in the land to criminalize homelessness,' said the Rev. Liz Theoharis, co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign.

Why the swing state faith voters who really matter in 2024 aren’t evangelicals

By Bob Smietana and Jack Jenkins — June 25, 2024
(RNS) — MAGA evangelicals grab all the headlines. But it’s swing state faith voters — Catholics, mainliners and Black Protestants — who will likely decide the election.

Clergy, parents file suit against Louisiana Ten Commandments law

By Jack Jenkins — June 24, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'This is religious favoritism, and it is not only dangerous, but runs counter to my religion and faith,' said the Rev. Jeff Sims, a Presbyterian Church (USA) minister and a plaintiff in the case.

Judge rejects effort by Missouri clergy to fight abortion ban

By Jack Jenkins — June 17, 2024
(RNS) — The judge wrote that while the argument that life begins at conception ‘may run counter to some religious beliefs, it is not itself necessarily a religious belief.’

Sean Feucht files lawsuit against Spokane, claims city violated establishment clause

By Jack Jenkins — June 7, 2024
(RNS) — The lawsuit is the latest in an ongoing controversy that dates back to last August.

Poll: Religious groups think Trump’s actions immoral in hush money case, split on whether he broke the law

By Jack Jenkins — June 5, 2024
(RNS) — A survey indicates while many believe Trump’s behavior has been immoral, it may not sway how people vote in November.

The second coming of Doug Wilson

By Jack Jenkins — May 31, 2024
(RNS) — Conservatives are elevating long-controversial Idaho pastor Doug Wilson, framing him as a champion of a relatively moderate form of Christian nationalism — but critics say his ideas remain extreme.

White House hosts fourth annual Vesak celebration

By Jack Jenkins — May 23, 2024
(RNS) — President Joe Biden’s administration has been the first to mark the Buddhist holiday at the White House.

Catholic diocesan hermit approved by Kentucky bishop comes out as transgender

By Jack Jenkins — May 19, 2024
(RNS) — Matson is thought to be the first openly transgender person in his position in the Catholic Church.

Lawmakers unveil statue of Billy Graham in US Capitol

By Jack Jenkins — May 16, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Billy Graham’s son, the Rev. Franklin Graham, praised the statue but said his father ‘would want the focus to be on the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’

Former Trump official Elizabeth Neumann wants to combat Christian extremism

By Jack Jenkins — May 14, 2024
(RNS) — 'We've reordered, if you will, in the incorrect order: Politics is the premier as opposed to our trust and faith in Jesus,' said the extremism expert.

Catholic Bishop joins cease-fire prayer vigil protesting weapons for Israel

By Jack Jenkins — May 3, 2024
(RNS) — Asked about student protests on college campuses, Bishop John Stowe said he appreciated their 'interest in the situation and their solidarity with the Palestinians' but stressed the need to act peacefully.

Catholic leaders, urging cease-fire, call on Biden to halt weapons shipments to Israel

By Jack Jenkins — May 2, 2024
(RNS) — ‘As U.S. Catholics, we recognize our country’s contribution to the present violence and to the ongoing systemic injustices in Israel-Palestine,’ the letter reads.

Arizona pro-Palestinian protesters sue, argue authorities violated their religious freedom

By Jack Jenkins — April 30, 2024
(RNS) — ‘We were doing nothing but standing on that piece of property, singing, chanting, praying in the road when we were dragged off,’ said the Rev. Seth Wispelwey.

Indiana appeals court upholds injunction on abortion ban, citing religious liberty

By Jack Jenkins — April 4, 2024
(RNS) — The ruling was another win for those who say their religious beliefs direct them to have abortions prohibited by the ban.
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