Faith-Based Identities

Who are the players in the varied world of faith-based NGOs (FBOs), how is faith expressed in the organizations, and what issues and debates shape FBOs’ roles in development? Several forms of religious action in international development are surveyed, including monastic traditions, missionary movements, and religious solidarity groups. Using profiles of four major US-based FBOs, and a larger database of FBOs, Nelson examines their religious identities and develops a typology of organizational relationships between FBOs and religious institutions and communities. Finally, he analyzes four critical issues for FBOs: Whether to serve all in need, or coreligionists; how to balance individual transformation and social change; whether to proselytize; and how religious belief is expressed in organizational culture and staffing.