Aleja Hertzler-McCain
Aleja Hertzler-McCain is a reporter for RNS covering Latino faith and American Catholicism. Before joining RNS, Hertzler-McCain reported at the National Catholic Reporter and Sojourners, where she won awards from the Catholic Media Association and The Associated Church Press. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music and anthropology from Pomona College in Claremont, Calif. Hertzler-McCain’s first languages are Spanish and English, and she also uses French and Portuguese in her reporting. She is based in Prince George’s County, Md.
All Stories by Aleja Hertzler-McCain
The Knights of Columbus will cover Rupnik mosaics, pending investigation
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 12, 2024
(RNS) — The lay Catholic men’s organization said it may cover the artwork in plaster after the conclusion of the Vatican's investigation into Rupnik's alleged sexual abuse.
‘Which parts of the world do we stop covering?’ Former leaders alarmed by USCCB layoffs ask
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 5, 2024
(RNS) — 'The budget of an organization reflects its priorities,' said retired Des Moines, Iowa, Bishop Richard Pates.
Judge rules against Texas Attorney General Paxton in campaign against migrant shelters
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 3, 2024
(RNS) — ‘The record before this Court makes clear that the Texas Attorney General’s use of the request to examine documents from Annunciation House was a pretext to justify its harassment of Annunciation House employees and the persons seeking refuge,’ Judge Francisco Dominguez wrote.
Partners of US Catholic bishops’ social justice department adjust after layoffs
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — July 2, 2024
(RNS) — ‘We are hoping that there is some kind of alternative plan to keep the church going, to keep the justice and peace programs going, to keep our advocacy work going,’ said Steven Nabieu Rogers, executive director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network.
Catholic bishops’ conference announces major layoffs to department focused on social justice
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — June 25, 2024
(RNS) — The department includes programs focused on international policy, environmental justice, racism and domestic anti-poverty initiatives.
Unitarian Universalists vote for action on Palestine, climate, LGBTQ+ issues and COVID-19
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — June 24, 2024
(RNS) — The new statement of values, which passed with 80% support, is the first wholesale revision of Article II, the Unitarian Universalist covenant clause, since 1987 and reflects over three years of feedback and discussions with thousands of Unitarian Universalists.
Ascension Catholic hospitals outsource staffing to private-equity-owned partners
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — June 18, 2024
(RNS) — According to a letter Sen. Chuck Grassley sent Ascension, whistleblowers disclosed proposed changes to staffing with SCP Health, the new firm overseeing physician staffing, that could have hospitalists seeing twice the national average of patients per day.
With Catholic anti-poverty program under attack, bishops and activists mount defense
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — June 14, 2024
(RNS) — A person familiar with the executive session’s deliberations told Religion News Service that ‘there was very strong support expressed for CCHD in the session. How it is worked out remains to be seen, but the program and collection will continue.’
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage passes through Washington, draws fervent Catholics
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — June 11, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — In Brookland, the Catholic crowd of more than 1,200 were fervent about their faith, but it remains to be seen if the evangelizing project will reach beyond those already committed.
‘Tense calm’ at the border as migrant shelters brace for impact of Biden’s asylum order
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — June 7, 2024
(RNS) — 'Everything that happens in the United States impacts the southern border of the US and the northern border of Mexico,' the Rev. Francisco Bueno said. 'We always have to be at the ready.'
Latino Episcopalians in the spotlight with Gutiérrez presiding bishop nomination
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — May 31, 2024
HYATTSVILLE, Md. (RNS) — Latino Episcopal clergy say that their congregations are thriving.
Christian organizations come together to take boycott, divestment action as Rafah campaign continues
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — May 29, 2024
(RNS) — ‘A core practice of nonviolent resistance, including within our tradition, is economic non-cooperation with injustice,’ the Christian organizations wrote.
Latinos play an important role in environmental movement, Georgetown panel says
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — May 24, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'Latinos are poised to be leaders in their communities and nationally on environmental issues,' said one panelist at this week's Latino Leader Gathering sponsored by Georgetown’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life.
Vatican overturns Texas bishop’s dismissal of Carmelite nun but backs his investigation
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — May 23, 2024
(RNS) — Though returned to the Carmelite order, the former prioress of the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, will not return to leadership of the monastery.
Despite pope’s clear ‘no’ on CBS, promoters of women deacons hold out hope
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — May 22, 2024
(RNS) — While they emphasized their resolve and hope, advocates for women deacons also expressed surprise and dismay at the interview.
