Unlocking the potential of faith-based organisations: A theoretical perspective

FBOs have historically been marching ahead in the field of social welfare and service. Even today, religion and faith are important vehicles of the socio-economic development. The FBO‘s entry into the domain of social welfare has substantiated their role and relevance but in the absence of serious and scientific efforts to explore their potentials, working style and value pattern, much need to be desired. This paper, here, is an effort towards this direction. It analyzes the position of the FBOs under the broad categories of the voluntary sector, provides a conceptual definition of faith based organizations proceeded by the definition of faith, explores the theoretical linkages between the Public Administration and Faith-based Organizations. The paper concludes that FBOs play a significant role in changing taboos and regressive social norms and values, catalyzing social action and providing relief and charitable services in ways that encompass groups beyond their own followers. It is the right time to take such FBOs seriously. In fact, they influence people, their values, attitude and behaviour. Faith offers hope, brings meaning to the lives of millions and is a significant source of inspiration for meaningful life. There should be a paradigm shift in understanding the context in which faith and religion are significant for people and development.