It has been a devastating and difficult year. Terror attacks, police shootings, record-hot temperatures, and spikes in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism made 2016 feel almost too much to bear at times. With everything that happened, it’s no wonder some speculated, “Is 2016 the worst year in history?”
And yet, a review of the year in religion news reveals pockets of hope that got us through 2016. People of all different faiths stood up for social justice, for the rights of minorities and marginalized communities, for the environment, for freedom and for one another. These moments reminded us that no story is simply tragic or #blessed. Life is complicated and often full of suffering, but the journey can still be beautiful.
Here are 33 moments in religion news that made this difficult year just a bit easier to bear:
Proud to marry Brian and Joe at my house. Couldn't be happier, two longtime White House staffers, two great guys. pic.twitter.com/0om1PT7bKh
— Vice President Biden (@VP) August 1, 2016
Images from the #StandWithIslamberg rally In Holy Islamberg, NY. #justiceforislamberg #muslimchristianunity pic.twitter.com/p82Ge64NUP
— TMOA (@TMOAmerica) May 16, 2016
My daughter is Jewish. Her best pal is Muslim. For Halloween they created a superhero team: The Juslims. I've rarely been more proud. Truly. pic.twitter.com/zqPCCwzshR
— jeffpearlman (@jeffpearlman) October 30, 2016