Documentation centre

Re-casting development : Islamic banking and the case of the Islami bank's rural development scheme in Bangladesh

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The development narrative of a leading Islamic bank in Bangladesh is explored, utilizing a discourse analytical approach. Though the Islami Bank's development programme appears to be similar to mainstream interventions, it sees development as a holistic process in a spiritual and material way.

A view on the current situation regarding sexual violence in Burundi : the role of the church and possible avenues for intervention

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

This study gives examples of committed sexual violence during the long conflict (1994---2005) in Burundi. Girls and women are met by indifference and are stigmatized. The study recommends some actions to be taken especially by Christians. The Church should lead the way in breaking the silence.

Local church and livelihood construction : interlocking social domains and evolving scenarios of synergy for mission in Nyamira, Kenya

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Northern development expertise acknowledges religion mostly as impeding development processes and aim to secularize and ‘modernize’ the South. This paper seeks to map out the various intersections of church and actors’ livelihoods, and explain those nodal points through villagers’ eyes.

Faith-based organizations and development : prospects and constraints

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

This paper explores the various forms and dimensions of engagement of faith-based organizations with development in Nigeria and their interaction with other development aid actors in Nigeria. Most importantly, it examines their interaction with donors and the Nigerian state.

Convergences : decent work and social justice in religious traditions : a handbook

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Spirituality and values are essential for a fair globalization. This handbook demonstrates that in different religions and spiritual traditions there is great convergence of values with regard to work, such as human dignity, solidarity and the connection between work, social justice and peace.

The right to future : empowerment against poverty and exclusion

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Church development cooperation has always been centred around the needs and the potential of the underprivileged and marginalised. Presented are nine examples of community based empowerment processes from Africa, Asia, Latin America and south east Europe, supported by EED.

Innovations in agriculture and food security : providing food assistance while supporting local production

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Local and Regional Procurement of food aid involves using cash resources to purchase food commodities within the country or region of programming. Two recent programs in Mali and Burkina Faso not only supplied commodities to schools but also used USDA resources to support smallholder farmers.

The international connections of religious higher education in sub-Saharan Africa : rationales and implications

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The growth in Africa's private higher education has been among institutions with religious affiliations. The rise of private, religious higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa with international affiliations is examined, and the global divide between secular and religious ideologies is discussed.

Reducing risk of disaster in our communities

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

From a Christian perspective, this book describes a methodology called Participatory Assessment of Disaster Risk (PADR). PADR enables communities to assess any potential disaster and to develop locally owned plans to address those risks, including church mobilization.

Christian mission and earth-care : an African case study

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

This article draws attention to a case study of African Initiated Churches (AICs) in Zimbabwe that, over a fifteen-year period (1988-2003), developed a remarkable ministry of earthkeeping. Their effort poses an arresting challenge to the world church. Free registration is required.

Christ, creation stewardship, and missions : how discipleship into a biblical worldview on environmental stewardship can transform people and their land

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Too often followers of Christ have neglected the environment as not being important in God's eyes. However, when God is put back into the center of our perspective on creation, transformation can take place. Free registration is required to access and download the document.

Religious minorities and provision of public goods : evidence from rural West Bengal

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

In several districts of West Bengal, concentration of religious minorities, namely Muslims is higher than state and country-level averages. Access to public goods for different strata of minority concentration is measured. Evidence is found of strong horizontal inequality against Muslims.

Well-being and religion in India : a preliminary literature review