The Top Religion News of 2011

Water Bottles and Plastic Bags: The Unholy Side of Pilgrimages

Begins at 27 min 29 sec

One hundred million people make pilgrimages each year, whether it’s Sikhs traveling to Pakistan or Muslims traveling to Mecca. But there’s nothing holy about the tons of used water bottles, plastic bags and airplane exhaust that these trips create. Alison Hilliard explains how to make a religious pilgrimage a greener experience.

Pictured: The Kaaba, or 'Black Stone," at Mecca is the holiest site for Muslims.

Alison Hilliard, deputy director of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation

Druids, Stonehenge and the Winter Solstice

Begins at 38 min 16 sec

On Dec. 22, the northern tip of our planet will tilt further away from the sun than on any other day of the year, making it the longest and darkest day. This is the annual winter solstice – a word taken from the Latin phrase for "sun stands still.” For Druids and other pagans it’s one of the most sacred days of the year, a time to honor the mystery and power of the natural world.

Pictured: Arthur Pendragon leads a solstice celebration at Stonehenge.

Arthur Uther Pendragon, Battle Chieftain of the Council of British Druid Orders

John Michael Greer, Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America