Cafod, Christian Aid, Islamic Relief, Tearfund, World Vision: all are major international NGOs with an avowedly religious imperative. All draw much of their support from adherents to their religion; giving to charity is an important tenet in Christianity and Islam.
Religion is not a mainstream topic in development. It is not mentioned in the millennium development goals, and the sustainable development goals only mention it in item 10, which deals with reducing inequality. Yet, with the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and evangelical Christianity, religion is increasingly making its presence felt across many aspects of society.
In a globalised world, where development agencies are dealing with the culturally sensitive issues of female genital mutilation, abortion, family planning and HIV – and where aid workers have been attacked because of their perceived religious allegiance – do religious NGOs still have a role to play? Should NGOs work in communities of a different religion to their own? Can humanitarians claim to be independent while working for a faith-based organisation?
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