Development and Faith : Where Mind, Heart, and Soul Work Together

The faith and development nexus is both a promising new focus for secular development agencies and a historic reality: for centuries, world faiths and individuals inspired by their faith have played many roles in social change and social welfare. Secular development agencies have largely operated in parallel to the world of faith-motivated development. The World Bank began in the late 1990s to explore ways in which faith and development are connected. The issue was not and is not about religion, but about the recognition that some of the best experts on development are faith leaders living and working in poor communities, where strong ties and moral authority give them unique experience and insight. The World Bank's goal is to act as a catalyst and convenor, bringing together development practitioners to find common ground, understand one another's efforts, and explore differences. 'Development and Faith' explores and highlights promising partnerships in the world between secular and faith development entities. It recounts the evolving history of relationships between faith and secular development institutions. It focuses on the Millennium Development Goals as a common framework for action and an opportunity for new forms of collaboration and partnership.

"Development and Faith: Where Mind, Hear, and Soul Work together is a significant contribution to a subject that is central to debates about the direction and shape of the twenty-first century. This inspiring book links the work of secular development practitioners to the world of faith. The largely untapped potential and the confluence of issues deserves our attention and action." --Dr. Akbar S. Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies, American University

"We need to do a better job to learn from successful faith and interfaith work to make the world a better, more peaceful place. This volume describes an impressive array of innovative partnerships and alliances. It inspires us to dream bigger about what development can accomplish." --David Saperstein, Director and Counsel, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism