Faith, religion and The Forum
We believe religious and non-religious organisations can live together, learn from each other, and ultimately strive for the same goals. In many parts of the world, humanitarian need is made more complex because of religious tension. What better example - what better vision of the possible - for organisations from different religious communities to come together, creating the strongest humanitarian response through partnership?
It's easy to assume that religious and non-religious organisations have irreconcilable differences. But if our work and research shows anything, it's that it's not only possible for organisations with different motivations to work together, but in fact creates stronger partnerships, covering more aspects of humanitarian response.
Faith is at the basis of many if not most humanitarian and development agencies - not all of them are religious. As Prof. Michael Barnett pointed out following a recent conference on religion and humanitarianism, "religious organisations operate with faith, but so too do most secular agencies." Most of us believe there is something "bigger than ourselves", and even if we don't formulate this in terms of religious faith, it gives us a starting point for understanding and common ground.
The Humanitarian Forum is not affiliated to a particular religion. We are a neutral body, but we believe strongly that all humanitarian and development organisations can offer so much - religious or secular; faith-based or not. That's why we place such importance on bringing these different organisations together. Our research and experience suggests that once humanitarian actors from different faiths traditions and cultures come together, and have the opportunity to meet and talk in a safe, neutral environment, their respect and understanding for each other grows and suspicions are put aside in favour of the common cause of reaching out to those people greatly in need.
It's also why we get involved when we see religious differences impeding vital humanitarian work. An important aspect of the Padang coordination work has been to facilitate between faith-based organisations and local communities, addressing the delicate and often sensitive balance between giving impartial help and being seen to give aid with strings attached. Even the suggestion of proselytisation can hinder actors and beneficiaries alike. HFI has recently headed off a potential breakdown in communications by bringing together a range of spokespeople from all sides, in the spirit of understanding and partnership.
We believe in aid without borders; without divisions, prejudices or proselytisation. We understand that the dignity of beneficiaries is of paramount importance. And we also know that the many humanitarians inspired to uphold those principles of neutrality and dignity are motivated by different faith, ideals and obligations. To us, what's important is not so much acknowledging the differences between us, as the great similarities.
Read about HFI's work on proselytisation
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