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Abstract

In light of a federal policy-making environment that at least rhetorically has supported greater roles for faith-based organizations (FBOs) in social service provision and community development, this article explores the nature and extent of faith-based economic development activities in an urban inner-city environment. Based on a phone survey of clergy, the analysis addresses the following policy issues: track records of FBOs in economic development, types of FBOs most experienced in economic development, financial practices of FBOs in administering development activities, and clients served. The analysis concludes that faith-based development efforts may not be a viable alternative to government programs at this time and are not prevalent enough to significantly enhance government efforts. Furthermore, financing and administering faith-based development activities raises several concerns; for example, many FBOs do not create nonprofit entities, making it difficult to maintain a sacred and secular separation and oversee the use of public funds.

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A Matter of Faith: Urban Congregations and Economic Development

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