ABSTRACT
This chapter concerns itself with dual questions of the role of religious Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) in global civil society and explains how the "information age" has impacted on religion. NGOs can be said to have become more visible and active participants in UN affairs during this phase when, in the words of the Security Council Summit of January 1992, "non-military sources of instability in the economic, social, humanitarian and ecological fields" were declared as "threats to peace and security". A shift in the UN agenda was evident. Religious adherents and their traditions make a valuable contribution to social order, and at times disorder and tension, which they do in their singular way through distinctive rites, symbols, myths and beliefs. Information technology –extensive use of e-mail, faxing and the internet –is bringing about changes in the modus operandi of religious NGOs.
