If you’ve watched Leland Vittert grill a politician on NewsNation or remember his gritty reporting from the front lines of Jerusalem for Fox News, you’ve probably noticed something. The guy is intense. He has this laser-focused, almost relentless way of dissecting an argument. Naturally, when people connect with a news personality that deeply, they start wondering about the "real" person behind the desk. They want to know where he comes from, what he believes, and, most commonly, what religion is Leland Vittert.
People search for this for a lot of reasons. Sometimes it's the last name. Sometimes it’s because he spent years living in the Middle East. Other times, it’s just that human itch to find common ground with the person talking to us through the screen every night.
The answer isn't a simple one-word label, though. Leland is a bit of a closed book when it comes to his private spiritual life, but if you look at his family history and his recent life milestones, a clearer picture emerges.
The Jewish Roots in the Vittert Family
Let’s get the facts straight first. Leland Vittert was raised in a Jewish household. His family has deep roots in the St. Louis area, and if you dig into the local history there, the Vittert name pops up in connection with the Jewish community quite a bit.
Specifically, his grandmother, Miriam “Mimi” Vittert, was a prominent figure in the St. Louis Jewish community. When she passed away, her life was celebrated in the St. Louis Jewish Light, which is a major nonprofit Jewish news source. That’s a pretty definitive breadcrumb. His father, Mark Vittert, and his mother, Carol Vittert, raised Leland and his sister, Liberty, in this environment.
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Growing up in that tradition clearly shaped his worldview. Even if he doesn’t spend his airtime talking about theology, that "Midwest Jewish" upbringing is part of his DNA. It’s that blend of intellectual curiosity and a strong emphasis on education that often defines his reporting style.
A Catholic Church Visit and a New Book
So, if he was raised Jewish, why do you sometimes see him at a church or talking about Christian values?
Journalism is a weird job. It takes you into places you’d never go otherwise. Recently, while promoting his book Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, a Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism, Leland spoke at a Catholic church on Long Island.
He shared a video of it on social media, mentioning how moved he was by the Monsignor’s introduction. He talked about "love and hope" being alive in America. This doesn't mean he converted; it means he’s a guy who finds value in the community and the message, regardless of the building he’s standing in. He seems to have a lot of respect for the role faith plays in the lives of Americans, even if he keeps his own prayer life (or lack thereof) off-camera.
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The 2025 Wedding: A Clue to His Personal Views?
If you really want to know what someone believes, look at how they get married. In June 2025, Leland married Rachel Ann Putnam.
The wedding took place at the stunning San Ysidro Ranch in California. Now, here’s the interesting part for those tracking his religious leanings: the ceremony was officiated by a minister from the Universal Life Church.
For the uninitiated, the Universal Life Church is a non-denominational organization. People often choose ULC ministers when they want a ceremony that is spiritual but not tied to a specific, rigid dogma—or when they are blending two different backgrounds. It’s the "middle ground" of wedding officiating. This suggests that Leland might identify more as "spiritually aware" or "culturally Jewish" rather than being a strictly observant member of a specific synagogue or church today.
Why the Mystery Matters (Or Doesn’t)
Leland has spent his career in the crosshairs. He was physically assaulted while covering protests in D.C., and he’s been harassed by trolls from every side of the political aisle. Because of that, he’s understandably protective of his private life.
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In his book, he talks extensively about his autism diagnosis and how his father basically quit his career to coach him through life. That story is about character, discipline, and a father’s devotion. It’s "religious" in its intensity, but it’s not about a specific deity.
He focuses on:
- Journalistic integrity over personal bias.
- Midwest sensibility, which he often cites as his guiding North Star.
- Universal values like truth and grit.
Honestly, in 2026, it’s almost refreshing. We live in an era where everyone wears their identity on their sleeve like a badge of war. Leland keeps his focus on the facts of the story. Whether he’s at a Seder table or sitting in a pew, his "religion" on air is the pursuit of a balanced perspective.
Summary of the Facts
If you're looking for the TL;DR version of Leland Vittert's religious background, here is how the pieces fit together:
- Heritage: He comes from a Jewish family in St. Louis.
- Upbringing: He was raised in a Jewish household with a strong emphasis on community service and education.
- Current Practice: He doesn't publicly identify as an active member of a specific congregation.
- Marriage: He had a non-denominational wedding ceremony in 2025.
- Public Stance: He expresses respect for all faiths, recently highlighting the "hope" he felt while speaking at a Catholic parish.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you’re interested in the man behind the NewsNation desk, don't just stop at his religious background. To truly understand his perspective, you should look into his memoir, Born Lucky. It explains his "superpower"—how being on the autism spectrum actually made him a better observer of human behavior and a more effective journalist.
You can also watch his nightly show, On Balance, to see how he applies his "Midwest sensibility" to complex national issues. Understanding his background helps you see why he approaches news the way he does: with a skepticism of labels and a deep respect for the individual's story.