Photo: M.Hallahan/Sumitomo Chemical
In a recent Gallup poll, 82% of those surveyed in sub-Saharan Africa said their most trusted institution was a religious organisation (Gallup 2008).
In Mozambique Reverend Herminio describes the interfaith training around Malaria that begins with a Muslim prayer and ends with a Christian blessing but most importantly equips faith leaders to teach their congregations about malaria control, “The trainers are the same Imams and Pastors that people trust, we are not imported from outside, we cannot keep quiet about this, when our communities are dying. If we have the knowledge we have to share it.” It is stories and statistics like these that are encouraging the development community to look more and more at the potential of faith communities.
“Faith communities” (faith based organisations, faith communities and religious leaders) are seen as development’s missing link reaching those that governments and NGOs can’t. But what is the role of these faith communities? Do they have a justifiable role at the ‘development table’? And how effective can they be? This series is designed to answer some of these tough questions.
It all began last night with a key note address from Tony Blair on why faith matters for development, chaired by Karen Armstrong.
Visit the RSA’s website to view the video.
The next 5 seminars will explore the role faith communities play in conflict resolution, as healthcare and education service providers, installing ethics in the marketplace and as stewards of the environment. Douglas Alexander, Tariq Ramadan, Ken Costa and senior advisor to the World Bank Katherine Marshall will be joining a prestigious line up of academics, development workers, journalists, and government, business and faith leaders. The series ends with a closing keynote from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams chaired by Rabbi David Rosen. We are incredibly excited to have such an inspirational line up discussing some of the huge questions facing policy makers as they grapple with an increasingly interconnected world. This debate is not taking place in the abstract but in front of the people carrying out these ideas on the ground and making policy in government and we hope will produce real outcomes.
Join the debate at http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/series/faith-and-development
Programme of events
Wednesday 30 September Faith in the Marketplace?
Tuesday 6 October Poverty & Conflict: Faith as a Solution or Cause?
Tuesday 20 October Health and Education – Where Faith Fits?
Wednesday 4 November Towards a Sustainable Environment: What Can Faith Teach Us?
Thursday 12 November Closing keynote address from The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.
If you are interested in attending any of these events please visit the RSA website at http://www.thersa.org/events/our-events
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