David Gibson
David Gibson is a national reporter for RNS and an award-winning religion journalist, author and filmmaker. He has written several books on Catholic topics. His latest book is on biblical artifacts: "Finding Jesus: Faith. Fact. Forgery," which was also the basis of a popular CNN series.
All Stories by David Gibson
Founder of clergy abuse group quits in second major loss following lawsuit
By David Gibson — February 4, 2017
(RNS) Barbara Blaine's surprise departure from SNAP follows a lawsuit by a former employee alleging that the organization colluded with lawyers to refer clients and profit from settlements.
The Slingshot: Trump picks Falwell; Pro-gay president?; Facebook disses ‘God’
By David Gibson — February 2, 2017
(RNS) The president picked Jerry Falwell, Jr. to head his education task force, with an eye to reducing sex assault oversight. Trump’s little-noted action to continue LGBT protections. And Facebook unverifies God. Really.
Trump’s move to protect LGBT workers unsettles religious conservatives
By David Gibson — February 1, 2017
(RNS) The president’s decision to continue Obama’s policy was lost amid anger over the travel ban and the ecstasy over his Supreme Court pick. But Trump’s move began to draw delayed responses from social conservatives.
Trump statement on Holocaust remembrance does not mention Jews
By David Gibson — January 27, 2017
(RNS) Trump's words break from the traditional language followed by the president's Democratic and Republican predecessors, and upset some Jewish leaders.
Archbishop Chaput slams Trump critics, says Notre Dame should honor the president
By David Gibson — January 27, 2017
(RNS) This was the Philadelphia prelate's latest jab at the iconic Catholic university, and his strongest defense of Trump and blast at those who demonstrated against him.
The Slingshot: Trump gets pushback; Antiabortion divides; Venice’s Jewish community
By David Gibson — January 26, 2017
(RNS) Religious activists respond to Trump’s executive orders. March for Life activists split over Trump, now come together. Venice’s Jews don’t want to be a museum piece. Plus: Mary Tyler Moore’s ‘Jewish’ past, Mark’s Shriver’s pope, and bishops doing ‘Carpool Karaoke.’
Mark Shriver goes in search of Pope Francis, and gets more than he bargained for
By David Gibson — January 25, 2017
(RNS) A member of the nation’s most famous Catholic clan, Shriver talks about his new book on the pontiff, and how it changed him.
Knights of Malta head resigns on Pope Francis’ orders after dispute with Vatican
By David Gibson — January 24, 2017
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) Grand Master Matthew Festing had been locked in a bitter dispute with the Vatican over the firing of another leader of the ancient chivalric order.
Longtime leader of clergy victims group leaves as SNAP faces lawsuit
By David Gibson — January 24, 2017
(RNS) David Clohessy, longtime executive director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said his departure had nothing to do with allegations that the group colluded with plaintiff lawyers to profit from settlements.
The Slingshot: Faith-friendly Obamacare; Trump’s evangelicals; Nebraska nun ban?
By David Gibson — January 19, 2017
(RNS) Religious foes of Obama’s health care law have second thoughts. Trump’s tough-guy persona appeals to evangelicals. Polygamist feminists. No habits or hijabs in Nebraska.
Catholic bishops urge Congress to preserve health care coverage
By David Gibson — January 18, 2017
(RNS) In a shift from past opposition, the hierarchy is warning the GOP-controlled Congress not to repeal Obamacare without providing a replacement that provides as much coverage.
Vatican orders Knights of Malta to cooperate with papal inquiry
By David Gibson — January 17, 2017
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) This is the latest salvo in an increasingly bitter battle between the Vatican and the global charity, which has defied Pope Francis and tried to discredit the probe.
Trump’s rise and GOP economics may shift Catholic Church’s priorities
By David Gibson — January 13, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) A conference featuring leading voices from the U.S. hierarchy may be a preview of a new agenda that opposes Republican plans.
The Slingshot: Fast food faith; Answering Kim Burrell; Trump and persecution
By David Gibson — January 12, 2017
(RNS) A McDonald’s next to the Vatican will give free meals to the homeless. Activists say Trump must protect persecuted Christians. A pastor tells “Hidden Figures” actor gays are welcome at God’s table. Andrew Garfield on Jesuits and ‘Silence.’ Cardinal Dolan v. NY priests.
New Jersey’s first cardinal evokes Pope Francis as he takes helm in Newark
By David Gibson — January 6, 2017
(RNS) In his homily at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Cardinal Joseph Tobin declared that the church 'is neither an elite club nor static container of truth.'
