ABSTRACT
The international development world has increasingly changed to acknowledge and include religion and faith actors as role players in development. However, this recognition does not necessarily result in partnership. The same is true in humanitarian response. Yet local faith communities (LFCs) can be a valuable space and partner for both sectors. They exist and even thrive in challenging circumstances, and offer a sense of belonging and security. The reluctance to engage with LFCs is therefore in many ways counter-intuitive. This chapter explores the functioning of LFCs in responding to a highly sensitive issue (sexual violence). We draw on data collected as part of a broader research project conducted within six internally displaced person (IDP) communities in Colombia, focusing our analysis on LFCs and the challenges they face in responding to the immediate social problems and needs of their communities. By focusing on LFCs’ engagement with sensitive programming areas that has received less attention, we hope to enrich understanding of LFCs and their functioning. Four key issues are identified: the need to acknowledge diversity amongst LFCs, the value of their embeddedness, the need for financial investment to ensure effective engagement and the high risk of burnout of LFC leaders.
