Bob Smietana

Bob Smietana is an award-winning religion reporter and editor who has spent two decades producing breaking news, data journalism, investigative reporting, profiles and features for magazines, newspapers, trade publications and websites. Most notably, he has served as a senior writer for Facts & Trends, senior editor of Christianity Today, religion writer at The Tennessean, correspondent for RNS and contributor to OnFaith, USA Today and The Washington Post.

As Election Day Looms, Wisconsin Clergy Pray and Stress That Every Vote Is Sacred

As two dozen pastors, poll chaplains and other leaders gathered for a pre-election press conference outside of First United Methodist Church in Wisconsin's capital Wednesday (Oct. 30), they got a taste of what life is like in a battleground state.

In Helene’s and Milton’s Wake, Faith-Based Disaster Relief Groups Prepare for the Long Haul

In the aftermath of back-to-back hurricanes, faith-based disaster groups deliver relief while planning for a long, slow recovery from Hurricane Helene.

Nuns on the Bus Tour Members Say God Wants Everyone To Thrive—So Vote Accordingly

After six years without hitting the road for a political advocacy tour, the Nuns on the Bus are back, and this time they have brought friends along for the ride.

Donald Trump’s Favorite Bible Might Be on the Way to Oklahoma Schools

The state of Oklahoma is in the market for some Bibles. They might get some help from Donald Trump.

In a New Film, 12 Pastors Take a Leap of Faith—Hoping Friendship Can Overcome Their Divides

A new documentary, directed by Nicholas Ma, looks at whether friendship and faith can overcome polarization in the age of Donald Trump. Ma's father, the famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, has been helping promote the film.

In North Carolina, Sound of Chainsaws Brings Hope as Faith-Based Workers Clear Roads

While emergency officials continue to search for victims of Hurricane Helene, faith-based groups start the long, slow cleanup efforts.

After Hurricane Helene, Faith Groups Ramp Up Disaster Relief

Even before Hurricane Helene made landfall in the United States, near Tallahassee, Florida, on Thursday (Sept. 26), faith-based disaster groups were on the move.

Proposed Deal with Vanderbilt Could Keep a Struggling Episcopal Seminary in NYC Afloat

An earlier plan to partner with a music school with ties to a conservative Catholic donor fell through. The new lease, if approved, could help GTS through a fiscal crisis.

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