I don't see any any religious leader should get instant respect. And I don't see why they should enjoy any respect for their beliefs. If they happen to be good with helping feed the poor or something practical then great.
They can earn respect like anyone else. More.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.