Kevin J. Jones

Kevin J. Jones

Kevin J. Jones is a senior staff writer with Catholic News Agency. He was a recipient of a 2014 Catholic Relief Services' Egan Journalism Fellowship.

Articles by Kevin J. Jones

Catholic bioethicist advises caution in Jahi McMath case

Jan 4, 2014 / 06:03 am

The “tragic” case of teenage girl Jahi McMath – now at the center of a legal controversy over brain death – shows the need to determine the facts before making ethical conclusions, says a bioethicist.

Health group slams push for abortion in Catholic hospitals

Dec 18, 2013 / 17:03 pm

The New York Times was “inaccurate and irresponsible” to claim that Catholic hospitals' refusal to perform abortions threatens pregnant mothers in obstetric emergencies, the Catholic Health Association says.

Respond to divorced Catholics with love, theologians urge

Dec 18, 2013 / 02:02 am

The Catholic Church must reach out to Catholics who are divorced and remarried to let them know they are welcome even if they cannot receive the sacraments, several theologians have noted.

Bishop: Christ's love conquers sorrow of Sandy Hook

Dec 14, 2013 / 08:58 am

One year after the murder of 20 school children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., the local Catholic bishop says that Jesus Christ's love can be victorious, even over such “profound” sorrow.

Pa. sexual orientation bill could 'coerce' Catholic institutions

Dec 13, 2013 / 02:19 am

Legislation introduced in Pennsylvania to prevent discrimination could end up prohibiting Catholic schools from requiring teachers to abide by Catholic teaching, religious freedom advocates in the state are warning.

Congressman highlights ongoing Philippines recovery efforts

Dec 12, 2013 / 04:35 am

Despite facing a long path to recovery after the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan, the people of the Philippines have not given up hope, says a U.S. Congressman who recently visited the country.Congressman highlights ongoing Philippines recovery efforts

Jesuit theologian remembered for scholarship, joyfulness

Dec 6, 2013 / 16:21 pm

Catholic theologian and professor Father Edward T. Oakes, S.J. died in St. Louis Dec. 6, prompting his colleagues to remember his work in Christology, his wit, and his lasting effect on students.

Amid persecution, Christianity growing in 'Global South'

Dec 5, 2013 / 17:10 pm

Researchers say the Christian population is growing in regions that experience anti-Christian persecution, though this threatens their ability to contribute to societies.

'No sense' in ACLU suit against bishops, law professor says

Dec 4, 2013 / 16:41 pm

A lawsuit against the U.S. bishops for teaching Catholic hospitals not to perform direct abortions ignores religious freedom protections and laws, a legal expert has said.

Lawsuit against US bishops wrong on abortion, doctor says

Dec 3, 2013 / 17:44 pm

A lawsuit charging that the U.S. bishops’ ethical standards for hospitals caused negligent care of a pregnant woman wrongly claims that abortion was medically necessary, a doctor and professor of medicine has said.

Decision to move US embassy to Vatican sparks controversy

Nov 27, 2013 / 16:56 pm

The relocation of the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See has come under fire from past U.S. ambassadors who say the move will diminish its influence, though State Department officials defend the decision as good for security.

Pope's exhortation praised as a guide to Christian outreach

Nov 27, 2013 / 02:02 am

Pope Francis' new document on the “joy” of evangelization is an opportunity for Catholics to re-examine how to share the gospel in today's world, several Catholic commentators note.

Make God's priorities your 'bucket list,' author says

Nov 24, 2013 / 06:17 am

Teresa Tomeo, author of the new book “God’s Bucket List,” says that she knows from her own life how “freeing” it is to put God’s priorities first.  

Catholics remember sorrow of JFK assassination

Nov 22, 2013 / 10:12 am

The 50th anniversary of U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s assassination has prompted many Catholics to remember the first Catholic president’s impact on American life and the deep grief and shock his death caused.

Reports of a more lax one-child policy in China 'misleading'

Nov 15, 2013 / 14:39 pm

Recent news that the Chinese government is easing its one child policy is “very misleading” because they do not address the human rights violations at the policy's core, a leading critic says.

Faithful pray in Philippines as Typhoon Haiyan strikes

Nov 8, 2013 / 14:53 pm

As Typhoon Haiyan – one of the strongest storms in history – hit the islands of the Philippines today, the country's bishops called for prayers to be said for the safety of the nation's people.

Colorado parish cultivates 'new evangelization' spirit

Oct 24, 2013 / 23:10 pm

A Denver-area parish’s mission week seeks new and creative ways to bring people to church and to encourage Catholics to create “a culture of the new evangelization.”

Archbishop Müller affirms Catholic marriage, urges care for divorced

Oct 23, 2013 / 01:01 am

The Vatican’s head official on doctrinal matters has reaffirmed that Catholics in irregular marital unions after divorce cannot receive communion, but he urged that this means it is “all the more imperative” to show “pastoral concern” for them.

Ave Maria University reduces tuition to ease burden on families

Oct 3, 2013 / 03:05 am

Citing a desire to ease financial pressures on parents and students, Ave Maria University in Naples, Fla., has announced that it will reduce its annual undergraduate tuition for new students by $5,000 next year.  

Poverty challenge asks Americans to live on four liters of water a day

Oct 1, 2013 / 03:08 am

A project encouraging Americans to live for a few days on the bare minimum of water will help them understand poverty and treat those without clean water as brothers, a water access advocate has said.