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…

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…

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 National Association of Community Action Agencies (NACAA) surveyed its members nationwide to examine the extent of the Community Action Agency (CAA) network's linkages with faith-based organizations (FBOs). This paper examines the growing role of FBOs in community-based organizations; the Community Action Network and FBOs; the 2001 NACAA…

This paper presents a brief review of the ways in which a church has incorporated art activities, particularly drama, in its ministry. The contents of the paper include a discussion of the initiation of and planning for a church theater, a description of the activities offered as part of the drama program, an overview of the staffing of the drama…

Building on a survey of the role of religious institutions in programs for high-risk youth and consultations with experts in the field, a field demonstration project was implemented to test strategies for using religious institutions to anchor local partnerships aimed at high-risk youth. The partnerships were designed to address the developmental…

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…

Churches and religious organizations in Connecticut and across the United States, especially those in urban neighborhoods, often work to help ensure that public school students have the best opportunity to obtain a meaningful education, providing grassroots services that support public schools. This paper presents examples of several successful…

A communication audit (questionnaire) of the First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh was undertaken to help discern the attitudes and beliefs of the congregation about a number of issues and church practices. The goal of the audit team was to: (1) identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Sunday morning worship service; (2) assess the performance of…

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…

The ethnic minority local church and its role in the Methodist ministry is discussed in an effort to emphasize the importance of strengthening Methodist ties with the black community. The black religious heritage and its historical relationship to the Methodist church are also discussed. It is suggested that church boards and agencies should…

As part of an evaluation of the Community College Program of the United Ministries in Higher Education (UMHE), this study surveyed 323 pastors in local churches to determine: (1) local congregations' interest or involvement in working with community colleges; (2) a baseline against which to measure further involvement of the church with the…

Examines the historical role and influence of the Black church in the American Black community. Questions the viability of both Black churches and Christianity in the contemporary Black community. (FMW)

Examines the historical role of Black and White Christian religious organizations in the Black struggle for civil rights and equal education. Argues that both churches have been instrumental in the development of Black education, and suggests ways in which they can function as effective advocates. (FMW)

Noting that faith communities play a vital role in connecting to families and children and often become involved in and supportive of education issues important in their local community, this document discusses the development of partnerships involving public schools and faith-based communities. The document compiles a series of talking points for…