In the present study, 14 representatives from various faith-based organizations (FBOs) participated in focus groups in which they explored the interactions of FBOs with the criminal justice system (CJS). Through the present study, 10 themes emerged from the data: (1) FBOs' programming difficulties and concerns; (2) perceptions regarding church…

Communities disproportionately affected from higher rates of unplanned teen births are in need of sustainable approaches to prevention strategies. One approach is to build the capacity of faith-based communities (FBCs) to address the sexual health needs of the surrounding community. However there is a need for comprehensive, user-friendly…

A small sample of faith leaders from the USA's three largest Mainline Protestant denominations (American Baptist, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and Methodist) were interviewed as part of a case study regarding sexuality education in their churches. The interview schedule, based on a previous Alan Guttmacher Institute designed…

This article is an account of the actions and achievements, i.e. the "contribution", of the Ireland Province of the Vincentian Congregation, known officially as "the Congregation of the Mission", in respect of Catholic education in Ireland and England. The approach is, first, to outline the motives and intentions of the…

The purpose of this article is to present an example of using research tools, involving multiple perspectives and situational analysis. Investigating the role of American missionaries in the spread of hegemony and colonization in the Kingdom of Hawaii between 1820 (the year the American missionaries arrived) and 1893 (the year Hawaiians lost their…

The author analyzes a buffalo hunt which occurred in 1869. That spring, many hundreds of Cree, Assiniboine, Stoney, and Metis hunters going to the Plains were joined by a contingent of Wesleyan Methodists and their Native affiliates from Fort Edmonton, Pigeon Lake, Lac Ste. Anne, Lac La Biche, and Whitefish Lake--all located on the most northern…

Since their founding, the Black churches have strived to implement and fulfill their missions. These institutions acknowledge the importance to become actively involved in the community as well as engaged in the lives of young people. Black churches are faced with unique challenges every day, however, they provide significant number of resources…

The Catholic Church, with deep roots in the history of Latin America, exercises considerable influence on all levels of society. Especially after the Second Vatican Council and the bishops' conference at Medellin (1968) the Church took up the banner of human rights and the cause of the poor. During the dictatorships and in the midst of the…

Describes the World Faiths Development Dialogue, which aims to engage a wide-ranging international and national dialogue among faith and development institutions, with the central focus being efforts to combat world poverty. The article highlights two recent events that sought to confront the worlds of development and religion and explores how…

Discusses the role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in providing social services, examining the scope, scale, and effectiveness of faith-based social action. Explains that faith-based approaches are effective because they promote faith, rely on volunteers, are present in the community, and are holistic. Describes creative government-faith…

Support provided by 69 local churches to individuals with disabilities was studied through a mail survey. Results indicate that 56 of the churches were attended by individuals with developmental disabilities, and support was provided by churches in the form of food, transportation, opportunities for service to the church and the community, and…

Examined the impact of the conjugal unit on church activism. Showed that the most powerful influence on the church activism of either husband or wife was the activism of the spouse, particularly the wife. Determined system properties of the marriage to be an important determinant, when other factors are controlled. (Author/KS)

The author calls for the religious orders to again emphasize education as a primary mission, citing the benefits of Catholic schooling and the important role that education plays in Christian witness and ministry. (SJL)

Examines President Bush's faith-based and community initiatives proposal, discussing the powerful collaboration between religious institutions and schools (e.g., parent participation and community action); identifying potential dangers in the faith-based movement (e.g., proselytization and compromised professionalism); and noting that religious…

Persistent devotion to the principle of separation of state and church will eventually restore world peace. However, as long as religious leaders refuse to give up their power to influence government, there will be war, because religious organizations are determined to fight against what they see as godless communism. (IS)