Local faith leaders predict the issues of 2012 [The Kansas City Star, Mo.]

Another issue affecting Catholic institutions is that under health care reform, health care providers have to provide contraceptives, Scholl said.

"So Catholic institutions must do this even though the Catholic Church believes contraception is wrong," he said. "It's unclear what these institutions will do, since this mandate violates the conscience of the church."

Also, the church runs many programs that serve the poor, and some of the funds come from the government.

"Then the state says we have to comply with certain rules (to receive the funds), even if they go against the conscience of the church," he said.

Ultra-Orthodox in Israel and changing leadership

Rabbi Scott White of Congregation Ohev Sholom in Prairie Village said the growing influence of the ultra-Orthodox in Israel "is as large a threat to Israel as the threats from outside the country."

Of particular concern is the status of women among the ultra-Orthodox, whose custom is to separate men and women, for example, on the buses that go through their neighborhoods, White said.

"As their numbers have grown and their neighborhoods have expanded and come into contact with mixed neighborhoods, the ultra-Orthodox have flexed their muscles to insist that their values -- like separating men and women -- apply to others who live in their domain," he said.

White said Jerusalem and other cities are becoming more ultra-Orthodox, and other Jews are less comfortable there.

Recently violence broke out between the ultra-Orthodox and the Orthodox in Beth Shemesh, outside Jerusalem, White said. It started when an 8-year-old girl walking to school was told she was not dressed in a way the ultra-Orthodox thought was sufficiently modest.

"The ultra held public protests calling on women to be further separated out from the public square," he said. "For example, they wanted women to stay off certain sidewalks where men tended to walk. And they wanted the little girl to take a different route so she wouldn't have to walk through their neighborhood.

"The Orthodox resisted this, and things became violent, especially with the ultra having a violent reaction to the police."

White said that although the ultra-Orthodox are a small fraction in Israel, their numbers are increasing rapidly because of their large families. And they have political clout because they vote monolithically, he said.

"I think this story will take on legs this coming year," he said.

The other big issue is whether the Arab Spring, in which protesters ousted leaders of several countries, will bring about Islamic governments, especially in Egypt.

"I think the answer is yes," he said. "Then what will be their attitude toward Israel?"

Religious diversity and aid for the poor

The Rev. Donna Chavez, moderator-elect for Heartland Presbytery, said diversity in general and religious diversity in particular still will be in the headlines.

"I think there is a growing misconception and fear of Islam," she said. "And I don't think that will be going away in an election year where we'll be hearing about terrorism."

She said that to alleviate some of those concerns, more face-to-face discussion is needed between people of different faiths.

Chavez said the fear goes both ways, and the faith community has the opportunity and the obligation to seek paths for understanding and acceptance.

Another continuing issue will be the toll that the country's economic condition is taking on the poor and the shrinking middle class.

"Our legislators are trying to find ways to cut programs that help them," she said. "The church has the role and a voice to bring to bear in the discussion about how we help people survive day to day."

Jesus said in chapter 25 of Matthew that Christians have a responsibility to care for the least in society, she said.

"We seem to have lost the feeling in this country that we are all in this together."

Chavez sees 2012 bringing greater demand on all aid agencies and faith communities to help people in need.

"It's a good opportunity to serve, but we can't meet all the needs," she said.

Building bridges and more Mideast changes

Saima Khawaja, a physician active in the Muslim community, said she believes this year Muslims will make greater efforts to build bridges with people of other faiths to bring about more understanding and tolerance.

A lot of misunderstanding comes from ignorance, said Khawaja, whose husband is imam at the Islamic Center of Johnson County.

"Muslims are very practicing of their faith," she said. "And a lot of people are ignorant of Muslim beliefs."

This is not a prediction, she said, but a hope that the media will portray Muslims in a more positive light.

Khawaja said the Arab Spring brought to light the oppression in many Muslim countries, and what is happening is the only way to get rid of tyrants.

"I feel in this year, other countries will follow what has been happening in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya," she said.

To reach Helen Gray, call 816-234-4446 or email [email protected].

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