Faith-based organisations between service delivery and social change in contemporary China: The experience of Amity Foundation

Theresa C Carino

doi:10.4102/hts.v72i4.3504

Abstract

China has undergone a profound paradigm shift in its approach to economic development since its policy of ‘opening and reform’ was first implemented in 1978. It has shifted rapidly from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one, speeding up its economic development through foreign investment, a more open market, access to advanced technologies and management experience. It is notable that its economic growth, marked by annual doubledigit rises in GDP over two decades, has lifted more than 400 million people out of extreme poverty. Today, the number of Chinese billionaires has ballooned, but so has the rich–poor gap. China’s ‘development’ has to address this urgent issue.This article examines, based on the experience of Amity Foundation, one of China’s largest faith-based organisations (FBOs), how religious organisations are being harnessed by the state to redress the wealth gap arising from ‘development’. The process of social engagement has empowered FBOs, made their presence more accepted and appreciated in Chinese society and contributed to the creation of more social and political space for a nascent civil society. The author argues that FBOs must provide visible, viable and replicable alternatives in their social practices that are firmly rooted in their faith, if they are to make any sustainable impact on the development debate.

Highlights

The ‘Four Modernisations’ in agriculture, industry, national defense and science and technology were adopted as a means of rejuvenating China’s economy in 1978 following the death of Mao Zedong
The experiences of faith-based organisations (FBOs) in China confirm that they must provide visible, viable and replicable alternatives in their social practices that are firmly rooted in their faith, if they are to make any impact
It is still difficult for FBOs to register at government departments, as religious affairs are usually considered politically sensitive and many of the policies and regulations concerning religious organisations involved in social services remain unclear

Summary

Introduction

The ‘Four Modernisations’ in agriculture, industry, national defense and science and technology were adopted as a means of rejuvenating China’s economy in 1978 following the death of Mao Zedong. In China, while it is true that 400 million have been lifted out of poverty, new challenges have emerged including the growing rich–poor gap, massive and rapid urbanisation that has torn apart families and undermined communities in rural areas, and high rates of air, water and soil pollution from industrial waste.3 In responding to some of the social problems and dislocations that have arisen from rapid change, FBOs have made considerable contributions to development over the last two decades, and these should be appreciated given the socio-political context in which

Results

Conclusion