Reporter | Religion, Faith & Values

A veteran reporter, Hopfensperger has covered religion, philanthropy, immigration, the state legislature, human services and Central American issues. Before joining the Star Tribune, she worked for several years in Central America, reporting on conflicts for U.S. newspapers such as The Christian Science Monitor. She has a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a M.A. in Political Science from the University of Minnesota focusing on international politics and U.S. social policy.


Bankruptcy court approves St. Cloud Diocese plan for sex abuse victims

Victims of priest sex abuse would receive $22.5 million.


Minnesota churches launch 10-year plan for racial healing, reparations

The Minnesota Council of Churches, leveraging its 25 denominations with more than 1 million members, prioritizes path to "truth and reparation."


Minnesota faith leaders pray for peace for Armenian people

Civilians, soldiers among casualties of Azerbaijan shelling in a bloody conflict over disputed territory.


'Too much death': All Saints' Day has new resonance for many

The remembrance rituals of All Saints' Day and All Souls Day, marked this week, have taken on particular poignancy as the faithful mourn not just the deaths of loved ones, but the loss of more than 225,000 Americans from COVID-19.


Catholic composer Haas' sexual misconduct report alleges 44 victims in 41 years

Women describe decades of sexual misconduct by church musician.


200 Minnesota faith leaders endorse Biden

Leaders say these are unprecedented times.


Pope's civil union comments stir up Minnesota Catholics on both sides of issue

Gay Catholics say he should go further; traditionalists are irked.


People of Praise, Barrett's small faith community, has deep roots in Minnesota

A tiny faith group that shaped the life of Amy Coney Barrett has its largest chapter in Minnesota.


Virginia Louise 'Ginny' Jacobson, retired teacher and community volunteer, dies of COVID-19 at 83

Virginia Louise “Ginny” Jacobson was a Twin Cities teacher, outdoors enthusiast and an avid volunteer for organizations including the Linden Hills Co-op and Minneapolis Park…


Trump, Biden court Minnesota's Catholic vote

Biden, Trump focus on the wide swath of religious voters.