Huffington Post collects 14 moments in 2014 when religious people offered inspiration and hope:
It has been a difficult year around the world with wars, conflicts and disease afflicting far too many people. Religion has too often played an unhelpful or even harmful role. However, throughout the year there have been people of all different religions standing up for what is right, increasing understanding and peace between peoples, helping to serve humanity, and offering a prophetic witness for justice. Here are 14 religious moments during 2014 that give us inspiration and hope for 2015.
Clergy took a major stand for racial equality
Muslims and non-Muslims alike took a stand against Islamophobia.
Pope Francis worked with leaders around the world to sow seeds of peace and freedom.
The Nobel Peace Prize broke through religious, ethnic, gender and age lines.
Women took major strides in some denominations.
Many Jews and Arabs refused to be enemies.
Some churches mobilized volunteers to help Ebola victims.
Faith-based activists took to the streets for the environment.
Ukraine’s priests stood between police and protestors with a message of peace.
Homeless Los Angelenos found loving support at the laundromat.
LGBT-affirming clergy members found some major pockets of hope.
A high school girls soccer team showed religious discrimination has no place in sports.
Coca-Cola took a stand for diversity and equality.
Sikhs reminded everyone what true human decency looks like.
Read about each event here.
Posted by Ann Fontaine