Faith Communities Doing Good

A series of antisemitic incidents around Central Texas — including a potential arson outside an Austin, Texas synagogue this weekend — drew condemnation from a coalition of interfaith leaders and local politicians Monday.

Public libraries and faith-based organizations, such as mosques, churches, and non-profits grounded in religious belief, are supporting people experiencing homelessness.

Houses of worship own billions worth of empty, deteriorating, or underused real estate. Some local governments and denominations are overcoming obstacles to carve it into badly needed housing for their communities.

The Denver study proves that highly vulnerable people living on the street will accept housing and, with help, stay housed for the long term. That’s good news at a time when homelessness is rising nationally and service providers say more people appear to be suffering from mental illness.

One weekend in 2017, Amy Wolff and her family anonymously staked uplifting "Don't Give Up" signs in yards in their small town. They had just learned of suicide rates in their town and wanted to find a way to encourage community members. Quickly, the signs started making a buzz.

As COVID-19 vaccinations in Northern Nevada plateau, community leaders are trying a different approach. Local public health and medical experts are collaborating with clergy to provide vaccines to the Latino community.

According to the UNHCR, at the end of 2020, there were nearly 26.4 million refugees around the world forced to flee their homes because of war, violence, conflict or persecution. Almost half of them are under the age of 18, some are members of the LBGTQ+ community—and each has a unique story.

Muslim women's group 'Aisyiyah is helping the environment and local communities by restoring forests, tackling climate problems and raising awareness on the need to reduce waste

Some religious leaders are taking a stand to say that LGBTQ+ people have a place in their house of worship. Last December, more than 370 religious leaders from around the world called for a ban on conversion therapy — the attempt to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

In many places around the world, strangers aren’t welcome. But at Terou’s restaurant, all people are welcome. Many of the employees at the shop are also refugees, immigrants, or Muslims. He’s also hired ex-convicts, people struggling with drug addiction, and women fleeing dangerous situations.