| Abstrakt: |
The article seeks to demonstrate that an analysis of religiously-based development NGOs, while welcome, must start from a solid basis of actually understanding these NGOs. The rationale and purpose of such organisations are far more complex than just promoting their 'particular missions' by means of development assistance, or identifying 'God's will' as their rationale, purpose and value base. The article introduces the term 'diaconia'. This term is understood as Christian service for the sole purpose of serving, and not influencing the values or faiths of others. International diaconical work must be conducted non- discriminatorily and aim to empower individuals and communities within existing traditions and structures. A missionary organisation can also work diaconically. A general categorisation of religious NGOs can be made, based on 'value particularism'. The main distinction is between humanitarian-based and mission-based NGOs, with possibilities of more sub-categories under the overall 'mission-based' category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
