Interfaith Networks and Development: Case Studies from Africa

✍ Scribed by Ezra Chitando, Ishanesu Sextus Gusha

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Year: 2022
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 310
• Series: Sustainable Development Goals Series, 10
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Although there is growing interest in the role of religion in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2030, very few studies have focused on the contributions of interfaith networks. Most of the contemporary publications on religion and development focus on single religions or faith-based organizations. This volume addresses the lacuna in the available scholarship by undertaking detailed analyses of how interfaith networks in diverse African contexts contribute to development. Chapters in this volume engage in theoretical debates on interfaith networks and development, while describing concrete, fresh case studies on how particular interfaith networks are contributing towards the meeting of the SDGs in specific contexts. Thus, the volume describes older and newer interfaith networks and analyses their achievements and challenges. Contributors focus on SDGs that include peacebuilding, gender, youth, the environment, as well as overviews of interfaith initiatives in different African contexts.

✦ Table of Contents

Contents
Notes on Contributors
List of Figures
Part I: Interfaith Networks: Conceptualisation and Examples of Pan-African Organisations
Chapter 1: Interfaith Networks and Development
Interfaith Networks and Development: An Overview
Interfaith Networks
On Networks
Development
Interfaith Networks and Development: Summarising Areas of Engagement
Peacebuilding
Women’s Issues
Health
Children and Youth
Climate Change
Other Themes
Developing a Typology of Interfaith Networks Contributing towards Development
Global Interfaith Networks Promoting Dialogue and Tolerance
Global Interfaith Networks Focusing on Specific Themes
Global Ecumenical, Denominational and Religion-Specific Organisations
Regional Interfaith Networks Addressing Particular Concerns
National and Local Interfaith Networks Addressing Broader or Specific Concerns
Interfaith Networks and Development: Summarising the Challenges
The Dominance of Global North Christian Actors
Duplication of Activities and Limited Coordination
The Marginalisation of Women and Youth
Limited Funding
Chapters in This Volume
Conclusion
References
Chapter 2: Exploring Interfaith Networks in the Context of Development: Key Considerations
Introduction: Social Networks, Religion and Development
The United Religions Initiative (URI)
Modelling the URI Network in West Africa
Network Description
Considerations for Interfaith Collaboration in the Context of Development
Spiritual and Value Foundation
Network Size
Connectedness
Multiplicity of Affiliations
Brokerage
Centrality and Centralization
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3: Faith to Action Network: A Permanent Balancing Act
Introduction: Tensions Between Sustainable Development Goals, Human Rights and Faith Teachings and Values?
The Faith to Action Network
The Mask of Religion Has Been Removed
Alternative Paths to Engage in the SDGs
Walking a Thin Line
Conclusion: Starting from Where There’s Agreement
References
Chapter 4: KAICIID: An Emerging Significant Player in Global Interfaith and Development Initiatives
Introduction
Background to KAICIID
KAICIID as a Rising Giant in the Global Interfaith Network
KAICIID Initiatives
Interreligious Dialogue for Peace and Reconciliation
The Arab Region (Syria and Iraq)
The Central African Republic
Myanmar
Nigeria
Capacity Building
Fellows Programme
Success
Challenges
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5: The Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) Work in Building Peaceful and Inclusive Societies
Introduction
A Brief History and Interfaith Work
Interfaith Work
Awareness Creation on Christian-Muslim Relations and Vanguards of Peace Youth Programmes
Achievements
Networking
Engagement in South Sudan
Activities in the Central African Republic
Additional Developmental Activities
Communication and Information Sharing
Research Training, Facilitation and Accompaniment
Empowerment of Women on Christian-Muslim Relations
The Empowerment of Youth
Challenges
Conclusion
References
Part II: Interfaith Networks and Gender in Africa
Chapter 6: Women of Faith Working Together as Mothers of a Culture of Peace: The Women’s Interfaith Council in Northern Nigeria
Introduction
Some Background to Interfaith Relations in Nigeria
Women in Nigeria
Women’s Interfaith Council, Nigeria
Why Interreligious Dialogue of Women Is Necessary
Common Concerns
Discourse About Women in Divisive Identity-Politics
Women’s Role as Mothers of a Culture of Peace
Important Role of Women in Peacebuilding
Women and Official Interreligious Dialogue Encounters
Salvific Dialogue Begins from the Lived Reality of the Poor
Conclusion
References
Chapter 7: An Interfaith Body for Gender Justice in Tanzania: An Overview
Introduction
Tanzania’s Religious Landscape
The Gender Issue in Tanzania
Conclusions
References
Chapter 8: Interfaith Approaches to Violence against Women and Development: The Case of the South African Faith and Family Institute
Introduction
Historical Background of the South Africa Faith and Family Institute
Elizabeth Petersen’ Life Trajectory
The SAFFI Vision
SAFFI’s Mission
South African Faith and Family Key Activities
‘As people of faith we take a stand—will you?’ Campaign
Theological Advisory Council on Gender Based Violence
The South African Faith and Family Institute and Sustainable Development
Conclusion
References
Primary Sources
Chapter 9: Interfaith Collaboration, Sexual Diversity and Development in Botswana
Introduction
Sexual Diversity
Definition and Practice in Botswana
Challenges the LGBTIQ People in Botswana Face
Health Issues Faced by the LGBTIQ People in Southern Africa
Accessing Health
Interfaith Collaboration and LGBTIQ Health Challenges
Objectives of BOFABONETHA
BOFABONETHA, Sustainable Development Goals and Sexual Diversity
Challenges
Transformed Masculinities
Proposed Interventions
Conclusion
References
Part III: Case Studies of Interfaith Networks and Development in Selected African Countries
Chapter 10: The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda and Development
Introduction
Historical Background to the Emergence of the Interreligious Council of Uganda
The Activities and Achievements of the IRCU
The Public Health Programme
Peace, Justice, and Governance
Advocacy, Policy, and Partnership
Research, Documentation, and Strategic Information
Faith-Based Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention
The Business, Livelihood and Environmental Governance (BLEG) Programme
The Challenges Encountered by the IRCU in its Work and Measures Towards Addressing the Challenges
Conclusion: Reiterating the Role of the Interfaith Network to Development
References
Primary Sources (IRCU Material)
Secondary Sources
Chapter 11: Religion and Sustainable Development: The Role of the Zambia Interfaith Networking Group (ZINGO) in Contemporary Times
Introduction
Approaches to Religion and Development
Context
The Emergence of ZINGO
Activities and Achievements of ZINGO
ZINGO’s Activities and Strides to Reduce Inequalities
The Achievements of ZINGO
Challenges of the Interfaith Networking Group in Fostering Development
Conclusion
References
Chapter 12: The Role of the Council of Religions and Peace in Mozambique (COREM) in Peace and Reconciliation, 2012–2019
Introduction
The Context
The Council of Religions and Peace of Mozambique, Peace and National Reconciliation
The Council of Religions of Mozambique
The COREM and the Quest for Peace and Reconciliation
Conclusion
References
Chapter 13: Colonial Marginalities and Post-Colonial Fragments: Inter-Faith Networking for Development in Ghana
Background
Introduction
Defining Religion and Development
Reviewing Inter-Religious Relations for Development in Colonial Ghana
Fragmented Grid: Patterns of Inter-Faith Networking in Contemporary Ghana
Mending the Grid: Exploring Integrative Inter-Faith Networking in Ghana
Conclusion
References
Part IV: Diverse Themes in Interfaith Networks and Development
Chapter 14: Education and Interfaith Development in Northern Nigeria
Introduction
Brief Historical Background of the ICIPH
Activities and Achievements of ICIPH Network in Peacebuilding
The Peacebuilding and Trauma Healing Centre at ICS
Contribution of ICIPH to Development in Northern Nigeria through Peacebuilding
Interfaith Education and Development in Northern Nigeria
Conclusion
References
Interviews
Chapter 15: Addressing Environmental Issues Through Interfaith Dialogue: A Case of the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environmental Institute (SAFCEI)
Introduction
The Historical Background of SAFCEI
Governance
The SAFCEI Initiatives
Faith Leader Environmental Advocacy Training (FLEAT) Programme
Eco-Audit
Green Your Life
Energy Justice
Keep the Karoo Frack-Free
Food and Climate Justice
Successes
Challenges
Conclusion
References
Websites
Chapter 16: Interfaith Networks, the African Diaspora and Development: The Case of the United Kingdom
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
The Nature of Interfaith Networks and Development in the United Kingdom
Key Issues Relevant to Interfaith Networks, the African Diaspora and Development
Financial Remittances
Generational Gaps and Communication
Identity
Religious Affiliations
Conclusion
References
Index