Religion has made its way into many global conflicts, and there is no doubt that religion can be divisive and cause harm. That said, countless religious groups, congregations and individuals around the world offer daily demonstrations that faith can offer deep spiritual wisdom, be a major vehicle for service to the world and promote peace.
Here are 100 examples of how faith-based groups are doing good in the world today in no particular order. Many of them we found through #ReligionDoingGood – tweet us other examples of your religious community doing good with that hashtag.
Giving formerly gang-involved youth a second chance
Founded by Father Greg Boyle in 1988, Homeboy Industries supports formerly gang-involved and incarcerated youth transition into a healthy and successful livelihood. In addition to offering social services, including case management, tattoo removal, mental health services and more, Homeboy operates several social enterprises. One such enterprise is Homegirl Café & Catering which employs past offenders, often in their first real jobs, assisting them through an 18-month training program for career development.
Providing trainings and support groups for people with disabilities in Sierra Leone
Founded in 2010 by a group of concerned Christian women, Women of Hope International works with people living with disabilities in Sierra Leone. The organization runs the HOPE center in Makeni, Sierra Leone which provides trainings, support groups, meetings and career development to women in the community.
Inspiring kids to care for the environment through immersive workshops
Эта Teva Learning Cener hosts immersive classes and retreats focused on the Jewish commitment to tikkun olam — healing the world. Included in this is a series of youth programs aimed at inspiring kids to see the beauty in the natural environment and work toward sustainability in their communities.
(…)
Caring for the environment as a religious cause
The Bhumi Project falls under the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and tackles environmental issues through the lens of Hindu values. The project works with Hindu organizations, communities, temples and individuals to voice concerns about the environment.