Religious Faith and International Humanitarian Action Conference
March 27-28, 2003
Washington, D.C.

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Module 3

“Host Government and Faith-Based Organization Relations” facilitated by Tom Getman, Director of Humanitarian Affairs and International Relations at World Vision International

All participants agreed that a good relationship with the host government is necessary in order to gain access to affected population and to achieve sustainability and longer-term goals of aid projects. It is imperative to emphasize an organization’s past record and successes to alleviate any reservations the host government or politicians may have about faith-based organizations (FBOs). The fear of proselytizing was discussed and it was recommended that FBOs address this issue upfront with the host government, stating that the mission is the relief work and not the conversion of people. Another strategy recommended incorporating local customs and traditions in the aid projects. Building trust and relationships with host governments must be a priority.


“Religious Freedom: Cornerstone of Civil Society?” facilitated by Chris Seiple, Executive Vice President at the Institute for Global Engagement

This group began with a discussion on religious freedom by defining what it is not. The participants discussed the multiple features of religious persecution: discrimination vs. persecution; active vs. passive forms of discrimination or persecution; individual vs. institutional; and the overlap of religious, national and ethnic identities. Everyone agreed that further in-depth analysis of the real motivations of religious persecution is needed in order to combat it. The discussion concluded with a brief discussion on how to bring religious tolerance to Iraq after the war.

“Perspectives on Faith-Based Organizations: International Organizations, UN Agencies, and the Media” facilitated by Keith Wright, Director of Food Security at Food for the Hungry

There was a general consensus that FBOs have been misrepresented by the media as well-intentioned, but unprofessional organizations. The media has aired scandalous stories on FBOs that support terrorism or proselytize in the field. This portrayal has affected the perception of the general public about FBOs. Thus, there is now a stigma attached to being associated with certain faiths. As for the UN or other international organizations, they are generally fair in their perceptions of FBOs. Everyone agreed that FBOs need to engage the public and media in dialogue and inform them of the organizations’ beliefs and goals as humanitarian aid providers. Many recommended more resources be invested in measuring and publicizing impacts as a way to improve outside perspectives of FBOs.


“Interaction with Affected Populations: Managing Impact” facilitated by Carrie Foti, Africa Region Program Manager for Catholic Medical Mission Board

Most participants agreed that FBOs offer more inclusive packages of services in comparison with secular humanitarian organizations. Although both deal with similar issues, FBOs bring an added element of faith while focusing on the spiritual and psychosocial needs of the affected population. There was much debate over whether or not FBOs have an advantage when dealing with psychosocial and HIV/AIDS programs. Generally, participants felt that FBOs may be more effective in psychosocial programs, and more limited in HIV/AIDS projects. The groups felt that FBOs are more effective in the sphere of community building than secular organizations, because of their own sense of community.
 

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