June 24-25, 2008

Institute for Social Science, the Hague, Netherlands

Convened by the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University, the Institute for Social Sciences, and the World Faiths Development Dialogue

This workshop brought together a group of engaged practitioners and researchers who have an active interest in the intersections between religion and international development. Their purpose was to take stock of the wide range of ongoing work by different organizations that are, in varying ways, inspired by religious faith, but more important, to explore the policy implications that emerge from their interactions with development organizations.

The specific focus of the workshop was on emerging challenges, including differing perspectives on cultural practices, issues around governance and accountability, links to sectoral programs supported by international financing agencies, and practical issues such as blockages in funding channels. Particular emphasis was given to the issues surrounding post-conflict and the role of local faith communities in delivering social services.

Read Katherine Marshall's blog post about the meeting: http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/georgetown/2008/06/planting_churches_in_the_hague.html