Jack Jenkins
Jack Jenkins is a national reporter for RNS based in Washington, covering the intersection of religion and politics as well as U.S. Catholics. He is the author of “American Prophets: The Religious Roots of Progressive Politics and the Ongoing Fight for the Soul of the Country.” Before joining RNS in 2018, Jenkins was senior religion reporter at the Washington-based ThinkProgress. Jenkins was an RNS reporting intern in 2011 and later blogged for RNS. His work has appeared or been referenced in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, MSNBC and elsewhere. After graduating from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Arts in history and religion/philosophy, Jack received his Master of Divinity degree from Harvard University with a focus on Christianity, Islam and the media. Jenkins is based in Washington, D.C.
All Stories by Jack Jenkins
The Washington insiders helping Sean Feucht spread Christian nationalism in Congress
By Jack Jenkins — July 8, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'It is time in America that we take back territory,' Sean Feucht said in a video promoting his efforts to build a base on Capitol Hill.
Bills to enhance religion in schools spur fights between faiths
By Jack Jenkins — July 5, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — As lawmakers push faith-focused education bills, the statutes are facing pushback from an unexpected source: other religious people.
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.
