ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book concerns the subset of welfare work provided by faith-based organizations which is undertaken by professionally qualified social workers. It explores the relationship between faith-based organizations and the contemporary welfare state which has been subject to considerable debate since the middle of the twentieth century. The book identifies a range of stakeholder groups in the work of faith-based organizations, each of which may have their own perspectives and issues. It explores the employment experience for social workers in faith-based organizations and identifies reasons why this can be an attractive employment option as well as some issues in working conditions. The book considers the issue of what is ethical practice for a faith-based organization when confronted with legislative requirements for practice which are seemingly in conflict with religious values.
