The shepherds who witnessed the infant lying in the manager “made known the message,” the gospel reading for Sunday, January 1 tells us. The message that Osama bin Laden had been killed was made known far and wide via news outlets as soon as it happened last May. While some celebrated in the streets, it was the more nuanced and reflective response by many faith groups that was voted the top religion story of the year by the Religion Newswriters Association (RNA).

Bin Laden’s death spurred discussions among people of faith on issues of forgiveness, peace, justice, and retribution, RNA members said, making it the most important religion story of the year. Faith-based groups reacted to the terrorist leader’s death in a range of ways--with sympathy for victims’ families everywhere, scriptural citations justifying the demise of evil, and hopeful prayers for peace among the nations.

Earlier in the year, U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y) chaired a series of controversial hearings in the House alleging radicalization among U.S. Muslims. Meanwhile, U.S. Senate hearings centered on crimes against Muslims. The hearings were voted the No. 2 religion story of 2011.

“Christmas is a time for forgiveness. Jesus comes to save us from our sins,” says Alice Camille in “A time to love,” her Exploring the Word commentary for Christmas Sunday. In the wake of bin Laden’s death, the Vatican released a statement that said in part, "In the face of a man's death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred.”

Sources: Articles by Debra Mason for Religion Newswriters Association and John Thavis for Catholic News Service