Top Religion Scandals

Stories that Shook the Religious World

By Omar Sacirbey

This decade had more than its fair share of betrayal, deception, and abuse of power in the name of God. While many of their beliefs are different, Christians, Muslims and Jews all share the experience, pain and disappointment of having been taken advantage of by those who claim to represent God, or at least do good works in a religious guise.

Some scandals that marked this decade were less about private lives and salacious details, and more about the deceptions of individuals that harm the public. When those deceptions are committed by individuals who base their power and moral certainty on something divine, the transgression seems all the more contemptible.

We look back at those stories that shocked the public and tested the faith of believers.

Omar Sacirbey writes for the Religion News Service, and other outlets.