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Understanding faith-based organizations: How FBOs are contrasted with NGOs in international development literature

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  • Matthew Clarke

    (Deakin University, Burwood, Australia)

  • Vicki-Anne Ware

    (Deakin University, Burwood, Australia)

Abstract

Organizations with a faith basis play a prominent, sometimes dominant, role within the development sector. In the latter half of the twentieth century, many faith-based organizations (FBOs) – motivated by their religious faith and beliefs – began to work beyond their own borders to improve the material well-being of the world’s poor. However, despite the significant presence of FBOs within the arena of aid and development, little agreement exists within the development literature as to the similarity or distinction between aid agencies that are faith based and secular non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Drawing on approximately 50 studies, this article reviews the existing literature on FBOs in order to analyze how FBOs are understood in relation to NGOs. This article then suggests a number of different typologies that captures these diverse range of views of how FBOs are understood.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Clarke & Vicki-Anne Ware, 2015. "Understanding faith-based organizations: How FBOs are contrasted with NGOs in international development literature," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 15(1), pages 37-48, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:prodev:v:15:y:2015:i:1:p:37-48
    DOI: 10.1177/1464993414546979
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gerard Clarke, 2006. "Faith matters: faith-based organisations, civil society and international development," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 18(6), pages 835-848.
    2. Elizabeth Olson, 2008. "Common Belief, Contested Meanings: Development And Faith‐Based Organisational Culture," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 99(4), pages 393-405, September.
    3. Bruno De Cordier, 2009. "The ‘Humanitarian Frontline’, Development and Relief, and Religion: what context, which threats and which opportunities?," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(4), pages 663-684.
    4. Jenny Lunn, 2009. "The Role of Religion, Spirituality and Faith in Development: a critical theory approach," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(5), pages 937-951.
    5. Duncan McDuie-Ra & John A. Rees, 2010. "Religious actors, civil society and the development agenda: The dynamics of inclusion and exclusion," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 22(1), pages 20-36.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Oscar S. Mmbali, 2015. "Engaging indigenous community in development: The case of an informal Quaker movement in Kenya," Journal of Community Positive Practices, Catalactica NGO, issue 4, pages 33-48.

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