Government support for faith-based organizations: the case of a development programme for faith leaders

Abstract

A government initiative to train faith leaders usefully extended existing provision, but will require continuing support for some years. Broader community leadership is not always expected from those holding religious positions. The challenges involved in bridging linguistic and cultural differences highlight some of the reasons why initiatives like this are needed.

Notes

*For a discussion of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ counterterrorism strategies and how they were perceived in Muslim communities, see Spalek et al. (2009).

*Legal (government policy/legislation/regulation & compliance); organisational and governance (including finance); community development; diversity & faith; leadership & team working; communication and PR; community cohesion/ conflict resolution.

*The training providers views on faith leaders' and workers' awareness of need and provision confirmed the picture that emerged from the direct interviewing.