Original Research - Special Collection: Engaging Development
Faith-based organisations between service delivery and social change in contemporary China: The experience of Amity Foundation
Submitted: 26 May 2016 | Published: 31 October 2016
About the author(s)
Theresa C. Carino, Amity Foundation, University of South Africa, South Africa; Research Institute for Theology and Religion, University of South Africa, South Africa, South AfricaAbstract
This article examines, based on the experience of Amity Foundation, one of China’s largest faith-based organisations (FBOs), how religious organisations are being harnessed by the state to redress the wealth gap arising from ‘development’. The process of social engagement has empowered FBOs, made their presence more accepted and appreciated in Chinese society and contributed to the creation of more social and political space for a nascent civil society. The author argues that FBOs must provide visible, viable and replicable alternatives in their social practices that are firmly rooted in their faith, if they are to make any sustainable impact on the development debate.
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