Michelle Boorstein

Washington, D.C.

Religion reporter

Education: University of Wisconsin at Madison, BA in journalism and history; New York University, MA in Near Eastern studies

Michelle Boorstein's path to her dream job as a religion reporter began as a kid, trying to make sense of a kosher Jewish home that had three sets of dishes: meat, milk and Chinese food. Her career included covering a small town, where she met and profiled the president of the International Julio Iglesias Fan Club. It also included a decade with the Associated Press that took her from Providence to Phoenix to Afghanistan. Her introduction to the Post and the DMV area was as a roaming feature reporter covering outside-the-Beltway Virginia. Boorstein received her BA in journalism and history f
Latest from Michelle Boorstein

    Putting chaplains in public school is the latest battle in culture wars

    Energized by Supreme Court rulings weakening church-state separation, lawmakers across the country are filing bills to put chaplains in public schools.

    March 22, 2024
    Texas state Rep. James Talarico (D) speaks about objections to school chaplain programs outside the Texas Capitol in Austin on Feb. 29.

    Pope Francis is out to prove he’s just a regular guy

    In a new memoir, “Life: My Story Through History,” and a self-help book, “A Good Life,” the pope reinforces his image as approachable.

    March 14, 2024

    Alabama judge says God opposes IVF. Religions hold varied views.

    Some organized faiths support in vitro fertilization, while others oppose it.

    February 28, 2024
    The American and Alabama state flags are displayed beneath a cross at Kimberly Church of God in Kimberly, Ala., on June 28, 2015.

    Lakewood Church shooter had troubled past, police say

    The shooter’s 7-year-old son remains hospitalized in critical condition. Law enforcement officials are investigating how she purchased the guns involved.

    February 12, 2024
    Emergency vehicles line a road outside Lakewood Church on Sunday after a shooting in the building that left one person dead and two injured.

    Police kill female shooter at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church; 5-year-old injured

    A woman wielding a long gun and accompanied by a small child was gunned down after she opened fire inside Lakewood Church, run by the pastor Joel Osteen.

    February 12, 2024

    More Americans are nonreligious. Who are they and what do they believe?

    A new report by the Pew Research Center finds that the number of Americans with no religious affiliation — known as the “nones“ — is now nearly 30 percent.

    January 24, 2024
    A new report by the Pew Research Center adds more detail to what the “nones” believe about spirituality, but it’s not clear whether they are simply slowly letting go of the supernatural, or something else.

    Thousands gather in D.C. for second March for Life since fall of Roe

    This is the second March for Life since Roe v. Wade was overturned. What has changed for antiabortion activists, and what are their 2024 election priorities?

    January 19, 2024
    Abortion opponents attend the annual March for Life rally on the National Mall on Friday in Washington. (Robb Hill for The Washington Post)

    ‘Anti-pope.’ ‘Blasphemous.’ Criticism of Francis comes in strident terms.

    The number of clerics loudly and proudly announcing their intent to disregard the pope grew after Francis approved blessings for same-sex couples.

    January 12, 2024
    Gerhard Müller receives his biretta cap, making him a cardinal, from Pope Francis in February 2014. Today, he is one of Francis's leading critics.

    ‘God & Country’ film spotlights Christian nationalism’s threat to democracy

    “God & Country,” a new documentary produced by Rob Reiner, spotlights the dangers of Christian nationalism.

    January 11, 2024
    A man holds a Bible as supporters of former president Donald Trump gather outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

    Ex-cardinal McCarrick declared incompetent in criminal assault case in Wisconsin

    Theodore McCarrick, former archbishop of Washington, is declared incompetent in criminal assault case in Wisconsin.

    January 10, 2024
    Then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick joins a processional in Washington.