Faith & Development

With a growing share of the global population identifying as religious — a projected 86.8% by 2050 (Pew, 2022) — faith often plays a foundational role in guiding individuals’ norms and behaviors. Religious beliefs influence how people view their ability to change their circumstances and break free from poverty or contribute to social change. With the necessary information and skills, faith leaders and their communities play a critical role in examining harmful beliefs and tackling issues that drive poverty and vulnerability within their communities. Faith-based organizations (FBOs) are well positioned to help address many of the most critical development issues facing humanity. World Vision works with FBOs to positively address issues like stigma, racism, child marriage, gender-based violence (GBV), girls’ education, climate crises, and peacebuilding.

As a faith-based humanitarian organization, World Vision is uniquely positioned to engage faith leaders and communities to effect lasting change. Our Christian identity and focus on community empowerment enable us to establish trusted relationships with local FBOs and faith leaders — who are often trusted more than any other societal or governmental leader. In fragile states and hard-to-reach areas, where government capacity and resources are limited, faith communities are often one of the few institutions with long-term presence and influence. We intentionally bring together leaders of different faith backgrounds from a range of contexts to unite them around a shared value of improving the lives of children.