A Potent Fuel? Faith identity, Religion and Development Impact

The IDD Guest Seminar Series was delighted to welcome Dr Mike Jennings, Reader in International Development at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), to discuss his latest research on faith identity, religion and development impact.

Abstract: This paper explored the role the faith identity of an organisation plays in building trust and engagement within the communities in which it is working. He argued that faith identity is not just the way the organisation sees and projects itself, but also the way it is seen within the community which can create potentials for suspicion and mistrust, as well as engagement. But he also argued that faith-based development organisations have a dual identity: faith and development, and it is the way that these two interact that creates opportunities for meaningful engagement and trust in interventions.

Bio: Michael Jennings is former Head of the Dept of Development Studies at SOAS, University of London. His research explores the history and politics of development in sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on non-state actors (including NGOs and faith-based organisations); on religion and development; and on issues around health.

The IDD Guest Seminar Series brings scholars and practitioners working on international development to the University of Birmingham to share their latest research and ideas. All seminars are open to staff, students, and the general public.