Faith Groups Research Articles

Social Assistance and Forced Displacement: A New Solution to an Old Problem?

Social protection is a well-accepted means to tackle poverty. This article focuses on social assistance, one aspect of social protection primarily involving non-contributory transfers, in cash or in-kind. Forcibly displaced people, particularly those displaced across international borders, have typically been excluded from state-provided social assistance. This has begun to change. In addition, informal sources of social assistance—community organizations, neighbours, faith groups, and family networks—are particularly significant for displaced people. A more transformative understanding of social protection should encompass this wider array of sources. Interpreted in this way, social assistance offers a new way of bridging humanitarian and development responses to displacement.

Recognizing the Rights of Unrecognized “Faith Groups” through National Identity Card Policy in Semarang, Indonesia

Recognizing the Rights of Unrecognized “Faith Groups” through National Identity Card Policy in Semarang, Indonesia

Can the Scope of Secularization Theory Be Expanded Beyond the Modern‐Christian‐West? Exploring the Alevi Experience in Turkey

AbstractThis study asserts that the secularization theory has the potential to offer insights into the processes of social change experienced by faith groups outside the modern West. The study focuses on the transformation undergone by Alevi groups in Turkey, who are now experiencing a more modern way of life compared to their past. In this qualitative study, data collection was conducted through semistructured interviews during field studies in the cities of Çorum (Turk Alevis) and Tunceli/Dersim (Zaza/Kurd Alevis). Based on the interview findings, the study concludes that the new Alevi generation leads a more modern and at the same time more secular daily life compared to their parents. Therefore, the main assertion of this research is that the classical secularization theory has the potential to provide valuable insights not only for modern societies where Christianity is dominant but also for understanding the transformations occurring within Alevi communities in Turkey.

Volunteering in the Middle of Crisis and Politicization: The Role of Religiosity, Political Ideology, and Personal Experiences in Volunteerism Among Muslims and Christians During COVID-19

Religion is a strong social identity cue that creates in-group and out-group identity. Yet individuals can harbor multiple identities, and a political ideology is another significant identity marker. Similarly, personal experiences with disease also create another social identity where individuals may feel part of the same social group as individuals who have experienced a similar adverse event. How do these identities intersect in an individual’s willingness to volunteer for individuals from and outside their faith during a crisis event? We attempted to answer this question using an original sample of Muslims and Christians and their willingness to volunteer for COVID-19-related causes. We find that stronger religiosity increases volunteering toward individuals in their faith group (in-group). However, conservative beliefs reduce volunteering toward causes outside of an individual’s faith community (out-group). We find that COVID-19 diagnosis increases volunteering, but only when an individual or their family member is hospitalized.

Understanding the SM gauge group from SMEFT

We discuss heavy particles that can be used to pin down the faithful Standard Model (SM) gauge group and their patterns in the SM effective field theory (SMEFT). These heavy particles are not invariant under a specific ℤ6 subgroup of SU(3)c × SU(2)L × U(1)Y, which however acts trivially on all the SM particles, hence the faithful SM gauge group remains undetermined. Different realizations of the faithful SM gauge group correspond to different spectra of heavy particles, and they also correspond to distinct sets of line operators with one-form global symmetry acting on them. We show that the heavy particles not invariant under the ℤ6 group cannot appear in tree-level ultraviolet completions of SMEFT, this enforces us to consider one-loop UV completions of SMEFT to identify the ℤ6 non-invariant heavy particles. We demonstrate with examples that correlations between Wilson coefficients provide an efficient way to examine models with ℤ6 non-invariant heavy particles. Finally, we prove that all the scalars that can trigger electroweak symmetry breaking must be invariant under the ℤ6 group, hence they cannot be used to probe the faithful SM gauge group.

The Role of Faith in Child Marriage: Empirical Evidence from Mozambique, Nepal, and the Philippines

Traditional and religious justifications have been identified to support the continued practice of child marriage. However, the role of faith in child marriage has not been widely studied. This mixed-method study investigates the role of faith in child marriage in Mozambique, Nepal, and the Philippines. Faith and religion are deeply ingrained in these communities, as most survey respondents identified with a faith group and practiced their religion in both private and public domains. Faith was found to have an impact on child marriage through beliefs around gender roles. Although this trend was observed in all countries, there were variations between them, highlighting the significance of local context. Addressing child marriage requires a comprehensive approach that considers both faith and gender norms.

Chaotic charisma: religious noise, crowds, and infrastructural disruption in Dar es Salaam’s Sinza ward

ABSTRACT This contribution explores the weaknesses, breakdowns, and possibilities of religious infrastructure in the Sinza ward, a multiconfessional residential suburb in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We focus on instances of infrastructural disruption connected to the grassroots activities of charismatic Christian churches and, to a lesser extent, Islamic piety movements. Through interviews, focus groups, fieldwork, and quantitative data, this study shows how the activities of grassroots faith groups exercising their right to the city in an infrastructurally fraught environment may exacerbate urban planning fault lines. This may result in hazards such as noise pollution, traffic congestion, and issues of structural safety and decorum. Religious sites and related assemblages may thus turn into ‘architectures of disruption’ generating uneven geographies of urban wellbeing. We posit that, despite these problems, religiously connoted urban assemblages are here to stay, and infrastructural thinking may productively be applied to this new normal.

Use of UK faith Centre as a COVID-19 community vaccination clinic: exploring a potential model for community-based health care delivery.

Effective and safe vaccines against COVID-19 are essential to achieve global control of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Using faith centres may offer a promising route for promoting higher vaccine uptake from certain minority ethnic groups known to be more likely to be vaccine hesitant. This cross-sectional study explored attendees' perceptions, experiences of being offered, and receiving COVID-19 vaccination in a local mosque in Woking, Surrey, UK. About 199 attendees completed a brief questionnaire on experiences, views, motivations about attending the mosque and vaccination on site. The most common ethnic groups reported were White British (39.2%) and Pakistani (22.6%); 36.2% identified as Christian, 23.6% as Muslim, 5.5% as Hindu, and 17.1% had no religion. Genders was relatively equal with 90 men (45.2%) and 98 women (49.2%), and 35-44-year-olds represented the most common age group (28.1%). Views and experiences around receiving vaccinations at the mosque were predominantly positive. Primary reasons for getting vaccinated at the mosque included convenience, accessibility, positive aspects of the venue's intercultural relations, and intentions to protect oneself against COVID-19, regardless of venue type. Negative views and experiences in regards to receiving the vaccination at the mosque were less common (7% expressed no intention of recommending the centre to others), and disliked aspects mostly referred to the travel distance and long waiting times. Offering COVID-19 vaccination in faith centres appears acceptable for different faith groups, ensuring convenient access for communities from all religions and ethnic backgrounds.

Examining How Religion is Addressed During Preoperative Stoma Counseling

IntroductionAn intestinal stoma creation is one of the most common surgical procedures. Despite benefits, a stoma can have serious effects on a patient's quality of life. Multiple dimensions of everyday life can be affected such as social life, body image, as well as ability to participate in some religious practices, with some faith groups being disproportionately affected. This study sought to understand the extent to which faith is addressed during these sessions given the integral role it plays for some patients. MethodsA survey was developed based on literature review and expert consultation. This was distributed to ostomy certified nursing staff, inflammatory bowel disease gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons caring for patients requiring a permanent stoma at a high-volume academic institution. Follow-up semistructured interviews were conducted to delve deeper into themes identified in the surveys. ResultsThe overall survey response rate was 57%. Only 35% reported training on how stomas interface with religious practices. Religious services were either rarely or never present during preoperative counseling discussions. During interviews, it was noted that religious beliefs often impact after care but are not always discussed during preoperative sessions. Interviewees found these conversations to be difficult with minimal support or direction on how to navigate them. ConclusionsAlthough very important, health-care providers are not including faith-based issues surrounding stomas in perioperative counseling partly due to lack of training or awareness of existing support systems. As our population diversifies, understanding cultural and religious practices that influence care is increasingly important.

The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on population health in the UK: rapid evidence review

BackgroundIn the UK, unique and unforeseen factors, including COVID-19, Brexit, and Ukraine-Russia war, have resulted in an unprecedented cost of living crisis, creating a second health emergency. We present, one of the first rapid reviews with the aim of examining the impact of this current crisis, at a population level. We reviewed published literature, as well as grey literature, examining a broad range of physical and mental impacts on health in the short, mid, and long term, identifying those most at risk, impacts on system partners, including emergency services and the third sector, as well as mitigation strategies.MethodsWe conducted a rapid review by searching PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and HMIC (2020 to 2023). We searched for grey literature on Google and hand-searched the reports of relevant public health organisations. We included interventional and observational studies that reported outcomes of interventions aimed at mitigating against the impacts of cost of living at a population level.ResultsWe found that the strongest evidence was for the impact of cold and mouldy homes on respiratory-related infections and respiratory conditions. Those at an increased risk were young children (0–4 years), the elderly (aged 75 and over), as well as those already vulnerable, including those with long-term multimorbidity. Further short-term impacts include an increased risk of physical pain including musculoskeletal and chest pain, and increased risk of enteric infections and malnutrition. In the mid-term, we could see increases in hypertension, transient ischaemic attacks, and myocardial infarctions, and respiratory illnesses. In the long term we could see an increase in mortality and morbidity rates from respiratory and cardiovascular disease, as well as increase rates of suicide and self-harm and infectious disease outcomes. Changes in behaviour are likely particularly around changes in food buying patterns and the ability to heat a home. System partners are also impacted, with voluntary sectors seeing fewer volunteers, an increase in petty crime and theft, alternative heating appliances causing fires, and an increase in burns and burn-related admissions. To mitigate against these impacts, support should be provided, to the most vulnerable, to help increase disposable income, reduce energy bills, and encourage home improvements linked with energy efficiency. Stronger links to bridge voluntary, community, charity and faith groups are needed to help provide additional aid and support.ConclusionAlthough the CoL crisis affects the entire population, the impacts are exacerbated in those that are most vulnerable, particularly young children, single parents, multigenerational families. More can be done at a community and societal level to support the most vulnerable, and those living with long-term multimorbidity. This review consolidates the current evidence on the impacts of the cost of living crisis and may enable decision makers to target limited resources more effectively.

Developing interfaith interventions to address hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccination: protocol for a focus group-based, exploratory qualitative study

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how vaccine hesitancy impacts are translated nationally and internationally. A predictor of vaccine hesitancy is religious beliefs (eg, the body being sacred and should be healed...

Digging deep into the Christianisation of Egypt

During the fourth century, Christianity went from being a prohibited faith group to the official religion of the Roman Empire, a shift which had colossal impacts on Egypt and the Empire as a whole. Researchers in the DEChriM project are investigating the factors behind Egypt’s Christianisation, building on recently uncovered archaeological records, as Professor Victor Ghica explains.

Community and healthcare team partnership addressing financial worries as a barrier to health

Background: A ground-breaking collaborative project called Reducing the Impact of Financial Strain, intentionally built a foundation through trust, shared purpose, and co-design, to support complex, inter-related health and social issues and system transformation.
 Who is it for? A diverse group of community stakeholders had a common goal of financial wellbeing as a determinant of health for the community. Primary care teams also worked together with communities to create services that respond to the needs of patients with financial strain.
 Who did you involve and engage with? In Alberta, Canada four participating rural community multi-sectoral teams worked with their Primary Care Networks to reduce financial strain as a barrier to health using co-design tools such as patient journey mapping, personas, asset mapping, simulations and collaborative decision making. The multi-sectoral community teams were supported with training, funding, collaborative learning conversations, community engagement tools, evidence-based strategies, and evaluation from provincial and regional partners including Alberta Health Services and Alberta Medical Association. Local health promotion and primary care leads supported multisectoral, interdisciplinary teams to co-create financial well-being goals and actions. Multi-sectoral partners included primary care, health and social organizations, municipalities, faith groups, indigenous communities, police, mental health, businesses, nonprofit groups, community agencies and community members.
 What did you do? Primary care teams brought empathy and financial well-bring into health care conversations by asking patients a question– ‘do you ever have difficulty making ends meet at the end of the month’? By understanding experiences of people living with financial strain, their mindsets shifted and interactions with patients became more meaningful. With the community, they mapped and connected patients to the assets. Some teams hosted an intense and transformational poverty simulation exercise.
 What results did you get? 623 patients were screened for financial strain, targeting select populations. About 30% screened positive, and 80% of this group accepted a referral for financial assistance, mental health, medication assistance, and social isolation. Most clinic team members embraced the need to talk about financial strain, and agreed that screening for financial strain is important, relevant to practice, and easily implemented.
 What impact did you have? Collectively, communities implemented 60 local initiatives inspired by evidence-based strategies in the Building Financial Well-being Toolkit, such as technology lending programs, transportation vouchers, system navigation, communities of practice, networking between clinic and community, and financial strain screening and interventions embedded into primary care practice.
 What is the learning for the international audience? Key learning that teams highlighted included: expand the health team into community, access deep wisdom of community and partners, look for ways to give power to communities and collaborate and co-design innovation solutions with diverse stakeholders.
 What are the next steps? Other health care and community partners have been inspired by the stories and discoveries shared at https://financialwellness.healthiertogether.ca/ website. A movement towards an integrated health-creating system has been started as primary care teams realize the unrecognized opportunity of collaborating with diverse partners. Primary care teams across the province are beginning to co-design solutions to complex social challenges.

It Takes a Village: Coordinating and Streamlining Access to Palliative Care Resources through a Centralized Referral and Contact

Introduction/Background: The Couchiching Ontario Health Team (COHT) is a first-round health team in rural Ontario, Canada, designed as part the Provincial Government’s new model of health care delivery that puts patients, families and caregivers at the center of the health care system. The COHT members include Family Health Teams, primary care physicians, home care support services, an acute care hospital, Indigenous healing providers, community housing support services, a fulsome Patient and Family Advisory Council and many others. As part of the year-one priority population strategy, improving resource allocation and multi-provider care delivery for Palliative Patients was identified as of utmost importance. 
 The COHT Palliative Care Network identified multiple doors of resource access, multiple referrals and a variety of disparate services available, but not formally connected, for one of the most vulnerable populations. We heard from patients, families and caregivers that they were confused about who to contact first, specifically those without a Primary Care Provider, and would often turn to acute care services as a result.
 Engagement – Shared Values and Vision: The Palliative Care Network Working Group brought together a fulsome compliment of multi-sectoral, interdisciplinary team members, on a monthly basis, to work towards a common goal; ensuring one-door access to all palliative care services within the Couchiching area.
 After a gap analysis identified not only gaps in the system, but also instances where work was being duplicated (from a lack of shared care plans and standardized communication), the group started to focus on identifying the needs for the palliative population, and their caregivers to access a fulsome resource complement, geared to every stage of their care journey, by ensuring no door would be the wrong door.
 This led to the creation of One-number and One-referral accessed by Primary Care, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses and even community members themselves, for the purpose of accessing and navigating necessary services. By completing one referral form and answering a few simple questions a patient or their caregiver can be directed to Nursing Services for symptom relief or end of life goals, Hospice to inquire about a bed, Social Work for grief and bereavement services, volunteer or faith groups and even connected with Primary Care.
 System Wide Governance and Leadership: By assigning governance through shared accountability agreements, to a multi-organizational OHT, each group member feels responsible for the outcomes of the population as a whole, providing a team-based approach to care delivery. While still working within the constraints of traditional funding principles, organizations are dividing up work, and creatively finding ways to ensure care is provided to patients in their preferred setting, which is often their own home. With human health resource scarcity, and burnout at the forefront of healthcare, the centralized referral’s ability to triage patients with the greatest needs, and share that responsibility with other Working Group members has been incredibly impactful and has allowed for the navigation, and coordination of integrated services to be seamlessly delivered by a varied group of providers to offer wraparound care for the most vulnerable population.

Chronic urban trauma, postsecular spaces and living with difference in a city neighbourhood

Abstract This article contributes to debates that articulate the complexity of living with difference. It brings together the literatures on chronic urban trauma and postsecularity to argue for the need to consider the impact on neighbourhoods where the withdrawal of the state is leading to more services being provided by faith-based volunteers. The empirical material applies these concepts to three neighbourhoods in Sheffield within the 10 per cent most socio-economically deprived in the UK where White residents now form around 79 per cent of the population, rather than 90 per cent 20 years previously. It focuses on the neglected micro-scale of neighbourhood activists. At the same time, as the neighbourhoods have been changing demographically, they have also been impacted by austerity and the struggles of daily existence, leaving many at survival level. The proliferation of foodbanks and other services designed to plug gaps in the safety net of the welfare state involve complicated judgements for those who, often on a voluntary basis, come forward to meet the need. As public buildings run by local councils continue to be closed in cost-saving measures, many services run by faith groups have stepped up to fill the gaps. However, with evidence that people do not apply their equality values equally, the article raises concerns about postsecular solutions to ongoing austerity. Where faith-based provision has become an important part of the landscape of the poor, absences of people from diverse faiths in a neighbourhood may be building divisions for the future.

Glasgow Alumni Column - An Interview with Prof. Rev. Sturrock and Eddie Carberry

For our first Surgo alumni column we wanted to include an interview between formerstudent Eddie Carberry and rheumatology consultant and medical school chaplainProf. Rev. Roger Sturrock. I trained in medicine at the Westminster Medical Schoolin London and worked in London before coming up toGlasgow to work as a lecturer. The opportunity arose forme to work in Nigeria for a little while and I taught in theAhmadu Bello University hospital which at the time wasthe only medical school in the North of Nigeria. I laterreturned to Glasgow to head up the Centre For RheumaticDiseases. Teaching and clinical research have always beenan important part of my working week.I have been involved in church life since my teenage years.Towards the end of my career I trained as a Reader in theChurch of Scotland and subsequently was ordained as aChurch of Scotland minister after returning to universityas a student, graduating in Divinity. I am now an honoraryChurch of Scotland chaplain to the University and I havejust taken on the role as chaplain to the medical school.I see myself as hopefully providing Spiritual Care andadvice to all students of whatever faith group or none.Roger Sturrock Eddie Carberry, FY1Having dropped in to Roger's Wednesday afternoonclinic in the Wolfson Library Room 10, I can say that hisskills of relating ethical and spiritual guidance to thetrials and tribulations of life as a medical student areincredibly useful. I would personally recommenddropping by for a chat if you have anything on yourmind An Interview with Prof. Rev. Sturrock and EddieCarberry I took the opportunity to attend one of Roger's Sunday morning sermons at KelvinsideHillhead Church. Interestingly, Roger manages to weave the religious aspects of hissermons into relevant advice and guidance for his congregation- Eddie. “ Your title is Revered Professor, whatwould you prefer students called you?” Roger.“ What is the best cytokine?” It depends on your perspective! Somecytokines are good - enhancing theinflammatory response to tumourswhereas others have the opposite effect.My favourite cytokine is TNF alpha!"What is the link between rheumatoidfactor and The X-Factor?" (the singingcontest TV show run by Simon Cowell). They are both easy to spot but withuncertain outcomes.“ Do you believe in hell?” If you mean fiery flames and devils withhorns and tails, then the answer is no.Sometimes we create our own hell forourselves."And unrelated to the previous question:Have you ever had to present a patient ata morning ward round after too manypints of Fun the night before?" (a 'pint offun' is now the signature drink at theGlasgow University Union, it's a deadlycocktail made with a triple measure ofvodka and tastes like fruit juice. It'sresponsible for the majority of studenthangovers). The short answer is no but as a juniorDoctor on one occasion I had to guide aninebriated consultant on a ward round!“ What's important about spiritual carein healthcare workers?” The NHS is now recognising theimportance of spiritual care forhealthcare workers. It is about helpingthe inner person to cope with thestresses of health care and to get thingsin the right perspective. How to copewith suffering and death etc.“ Would following all religions increasemy chances of getting into an afterlife?” No! I guess that it would be veryconfusing to follow every religion. It isnot quantity that counts but quality!“ There have been many famousscientists who were also greatlyreligious, have you ever found it difficultto think like a scientist and keep faith inreligion?” No. If anything religion helps to spur oneon to understand how God works increation

Exploring the Wisdom and Cultural Identity of Thai Muslim Pottery in Pattani Province

This research delves into the history, wisdom, and identity of Thai Muslim pottery in Pattani Province. The study's objectives are as follows: 1) To investigate the historical context of Thai Muslim pottery in Pattani Province, and 2) To explore the wisdom and cultural identity embedded within Thai Muslim pottery in Pattani Province. The qualitative research methodology was employed, with the target demographic consisting of pottery producers and individuals involved in the production process. The research focused on two specific locations: Ban Kubang Badok, Sakam Subdistrict, Mayo District, and Ban Rawo, Don Subdistrict, Panare District, Pattani Province. The study involved 10 knowledgeable individuals, 10 practitioners, and 5 relevant stakeholders. Data collection methods encompassed surveys, observation forms, interviews, and data analysis, employing conceptual frameworks such as Wisdom, Cultural Diffusion Theory, Functional Structure Theory, and Identity Theory, with findings presented using descriptive and analytical approaches, supplemented with illustrative examples.
 The study yielded valuable insights into the history of Thai Muslim pottery in Pattani Province. Historical records pointed to the presence of urban settlements in Pattani Province, with references to the Mayo District. Within Mueang Yaring Subdistrict, Pattani Province, the region was home to diverse indigenous communities including Malays, Persian, Arabs, South Indians, Javanese, and Zhuang people. Consequently, a unique and culturally rich Malay-Muslim social structure emerged.
 In terms of the wisdom embodied in Thai Muslim pottery in Pattani Province, it was evident that these ceramics were crafted from locally sourced clay, employing a low-fired pottery technique devoid of glazing. These pottery items played a pivotal role in various aspects of daily life, and their production methods remained steeped in tradition, passed down through generations.
 Regarding the identity of Thai Muslim pottery in Pattani Province, it was identified as possessing distinctive characteristics closely intertwined with personal, social, and cultural aspects. This was evident through the usage of Thai Muslim pottery in various contexts, including as containers for consumer goods, architectural elements, and utensils for rituals within specific faith groups and regions. These artifacts provided valuable insights into the evolving lifestyles of Thai Muslims in Pattani Province over time, reflecting the cultural and societal changes that have transpired.
 In conclusion, the wisdom and identity encapsulated in Pattani's pottery serve as invaluable tools for understanding the history, society, and culture of Thai Muslims in Pattani Province. Furthermore, these artifacts offer a window into the evolution of cultural beliefs from the past to the present, facilitating intergenerational communication and a deeper appreciation of the region's rich heritage.

Politik Kewargaan: Melacak Perjuangan Kelompok Penghayat Kerohanian Sapta Darma Kota Malang dalam Mendapatkan Hak sebagai Warga Negara

This study aims to explain how the struggle of the Sapta Darma kerokhanian group in Malang City in obtaining their rights as citizens. This research is important to do as a benchmark of the obligations that should be given by the government in the form of rights as citizens to marginalized people, in this case are followers of the Sapta Darma faith in Malang City. By borrowing the framework of citizenship political theory from Kristian Stokke which divides into four dimensions of citizenship, namely citizenship as a legal status, citizenship as a right, citizenship as membership, and citizenship as participation. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods with data collection through literature studies, document studies, interviews, and observations. The results of this study show that the Sapta Darma faith group has made various efforts as a form of struggle to obtain various rights, namely membership rights, legal status as an organization or community, civil rights, social rights, political rights, and participation rights. The findings of this study show that the Sapta Darma faith group in Malang City has proven to be very proactive and initiatives towards government institutions in various fields such as administrative, educational and social spheres.

Prevalence, Correlates, and Impact of Psychiatric Disorders and Treatment Utilization Among Muslims in the United States: Results from the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions.

There is a paucity of research on the true prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Muslim Americans. This research aims to explore the prevalence, correlates and impact of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) in Muslims as compared with a non-Muslim sample. We used propensity scores to match 372 individuals who self-identified as Muslims from The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III with a control group (n = 744) from the same dataset. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was similar in Muslim Americans and non-Muslims. Help-seeking was generally low, but Muslims with a lifetime history of PTSD were less likely than non-Muslims with PTSD to seek help through self-help groups (2.2% vs. 21.1%, p < 0.05). Moreover, Muslims with mood disorders experienced lower mental health scores compared to non-Muslims with mood disorders. Efforts need to be made to identify psychiatric disorders in this faith group and engage in treatment.

Effective Faith Partnerships during COVID-19: Lessons Learned from Development Practitioners

Abstract COVID-19 heightened interest in faith partnerships as governments and international agencies sought rapid behavior change to reduce the spread of the pandemic. It illuminated the unique capacity of local faith groups to reach people quickly, effectively, and relevantly. To increase resilience to future crises, the qualities of effective, ethical partnerships must be identified and developed. To support this effort, the Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities facilitated a learning process that explored key success factors and barriers to effective partnerships for eight faith actors (national and international organizations and networks) who responded to COVID-19, 2020–2021. Four themes recurred. Firstly, there were mixed views about the quality of partnerships with international agencies, some feeling instrumentalized in times of crisis. Secondly, where colonial exploitation has left mistrust of Western “experts,” effective programming with faith communities to counter misinformation requires either skilled, long-term investment in relationships or supporting faith groups already trusted by local communities. Thirdly, many of the most effective responses to COVID-19 emerged when local faith groups took the initiative and responded using their own assets. Finally, although technology facilitated connection, it also excluded, mediating the kinds of partnerships that were possible. The participating faith actors identified the need to build and sustain trusted relationships with local faith groups, increasing resilience by equipping them with asset-based approaches to take the initiative in their own context. They call on international agencies to value their complementary capacities and develop long-term structures for cross-sectoral engagement, supported by flexible funding.