As women take on positions of leadership in every field of endeavor one of the last places they have succeeded is in religion. "Hope and Healing in a Troubled World: Stories of Women Faith Leaders" is a very personal look at how women chose to be faith leaders, what obstacles they encountered and how they have overcome the obstacles. Women from Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Bahai'a and Paganism tell their stories and share prayers or poems that inspire them. These stories not only show the strength and courage of the women interviewed, but they chart new directions in the practice of faith as women begin to make changes in the practice of services and rituals.