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
The Slingshot: Anti-Semitic toy? ‘Burqa’ Nativity; Reverent ‘Rogue One’
By David Gibson — January 5, 2017
(RNS) Martin Luther commemorations trip over a Playmobil figurine. Italian priest under fire for supposed Virgin Mary in a burqa changes the scenery. ‘Star Wars’ returns to its religious roots. Mosque controversy, and Huston Smith’s legacy.
New video of kidnapped priest raises hopes, concerns
By David Gibson — January 4, 2017
(RNS) Looking thin and wearing a beard, the Rev. Tom Uzhunnalil — kidnapped by Islamic extremists last March — speaks in a weak, almost robotic voice.
Pope Francis tells bishops to have zero tolerance for clergy sex abuse
By David Gibson — January 2, 2017
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) "I would like us to renew our complete commitment to ensuring that these atrocities will no longer take place in our midst," the pontiff said in a letter to the entire Catholic hierarchy.
The pope frustrates foes with silence, this priest nails them with tweets
By David Gibson — December 27, 2016
ROME (RNS) The Rev. Antonio Spadaro has become so closely identified with the pontiff that he is almost as big a target as Francis for critics whose complaints are louder than ever.
A Q-and-A with the Rev. Antonio Spadaro, a Jesuit who has the pope’s ear
By David Gibson — December 27, 2016
ROME (RNS) The Italian priest has interviewed the pontiff several times and is known as one of Francis’ trusted advisers. In this interview, Spadaro talks about the opposition to Francis, what’s next for the pope and the church, how the 80-year-old Francis deals with his workload, and why he is tired of seeing the popular pontiff described as a 'nice' pope.
The Slingshot: Merry Christmas? Happy Holidays? Seasons Greetings?
By David Gibson — December 20, 2016
(RNS) The latest on the ‘War on Christmas’ – in a poll, and in history. Marginalizing Russell Moore for opposing Donald Trump. Hanukkah sweaters? Conservative rabbi ousted over interfaith weddings. And Dominican friars play ice hockey. Because we needed that.
’Tis the season for animal rights
By David Gibson — December 18, 2016
Live Nativity scenes aren't even historically accurate. We don't need to exploit our four-legged friends to keep the magic of the holiday season.
Pope Francis holds talks with Colombia’s president and opposition rival
By David Gibson — December 16, 2016
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) The government is looking to build consensus for a peace deal with Marxist rebels.
The Slingshot: Top religion stories; Fake faith news; Best anti-Xmas cards.
By David Gibson — December 15, 2016
(RNS) Trump tops the list of 2016 ‘God beat’ pieces, ironically. Our annual anti-Christmas cards roundup. Anti-Muslim attack unfounded. And did that Santa really comfort a dying child? Say it ain’t so, but read it all here.
Texas Catholic cemeteries offer to bury fetal remains at no cost
By David Gibson — December 14, 2016
(RNS) The proposal is a response to a controversial new state regulation mandating the burial or cremation of fetal remains from an abortion or miscarriage.
Pope Francis jokes early birthday greetings may bring a jinx
By David Gibson — December 14, 2016
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) The pontiff, who turns 80 on Saturday, joked that the crowd singing "Happy Birthday" to him could bring bad luck.
Tech employees vow not to help Trump surveil Muslims
By David Gibson — December 14, 2016
WASHINGTON (Reuters) Drawing comparisons to the Holocaust and the internment of Japanese Americans, the employees signed an open letter rebuking ideas floated by Trump.
Dylann Roof made lists of South Carolina churches before attack
By David Gibson — December 13, 2016
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) An investigator testified that the lists included other African Methodist Episcopal churches, a predominantly black Baptist church and a black Catholic congregation.
Trump’s secretary of state pick may anger social conservatives
By David Gibson — December 13, 2016
(RNS) Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson helped convince the Boy Scouts to admit gay youths and the oil giant contributes to Planned Parenthood.
Dozens, as many as 100, killed in Nigeria church collapse
By David Gibson — December 12, 2016
UYO, Nigeria (Reuters) Reports on the casualty toll varied widely amid confusion following the roof collapse during a service over the weekend.
