‘Time 100′ names three religious leaders

by David Masters

Three religious leaders have been named in the Time Magazine top 100 most influential people in the world.

The leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, and the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomeos I, were named in the ‘leaders and revolutionaries’ section.

Rev. Richard Cizik, of the National Association of Evangelicals, was named in the ’scientists and thinkers’ category.

The Dalai Lama was chosen for his dignity and strength in the face of a lifetime of exile and oppression.

His commitment to Tibet was lavishly praised by Deepak Chopra

68 year old Bartholomeos I, leader of the Eastern Orthodox church, was commended for his environmental activism.

Rowan Williams wrote that his commitment to the world is ‘brave and visionary.’

Richard Cizek was also chosen because of his concern in campaigning for the environment and for his pro-life theology that extends well beyond birth and out into the care for all creation.

The three leaders are placed amongst international politicians, celebrities and scientists, including George Bush, Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton, John McCain, Tony Blair, Peter Gabriel and George Clooney.

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