Faith and Development

World Vision’s Christian identity drives us to work with people of all faiths or none for the well-being of children. We build bridges of understanding and collaboration with those, including local faith actors, whom we share common values - such as non-violence, non-discrimination, non-proselytism, transparency and the deep desire to support the holistic well-being of children.

Research demonstrates that the credible presence of local faith actors far outlasts the cycle of governments and political parties, as well as international actors. Faith actors have a longitudinal view of the communities they serve and hold a unique perspective and understanding of a community’s changing needs, pre-existing coping mechanisms, self-protection activities and critical cultural traditions. Because faith is so deeply woven into the fabric of many communities, meaningful engagement and partnerships with local faith actors can drive local ownership, ensure that responses are appropriate to their context and strengthen accountability to local populations. Understanding people’s worldviews, religions, values and belief systems is necessary for sustainable impact, lasting behaviour change, transformed relationships and viable alternatives to exploitative systemic and structural causes of poverty.