FPCC Timeline

2018

Evidence & conceptual work to set the foundation for FPCC. JLI led a global literature review covering 17 case studies and a review of over 40 guides and toolkits on faith engagement which led to the development of the Theory of Change (TOC). A Global high-level consultation workshop with 120 faith actors from more than 30 countries was held in Bangkok on establishment of FPCC partnership.

The world today is plagued by a series of shocks and stresses that have significantly eroded hard-earned gains in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From acute global health emergencies, a staggering number of refugees and internally displaced people, spiralling food insecurity, conflict and violence, to increasingly visible effects of the planetary crisis, – these shocks and stresses are drastically and adversely impacting lives and well-being of all. 

Religious leaders and their institutions occupy a critically strategic and important platform that, when meaningfully engaged, contributes to outcomes that are tangible, sustainable and within reach of their communities. Their credibility, trust and knowledge of local dynamics of these leaders is a key asset to necessary interventions that are necessary for the well-being of the people and the planet. Religious The leaders are present, responsive and actively engaged in family and community life, behaviour and cultures and are, therefore, key agents of change in transforming attitudes and norms for positive outcomes. 

Prevalence of faith as central societal force. The number of people with a religious connection varies regionally, but it is commonly estimated that over 80% of the world’s population have a religious affiliation.[1] Data also suggests the percentage of people with a religious association will remain high in the coming decades, with no indication that it will decline.[2]

Religions are an evolving and changing part of our present and future. While some countries have observed a recent fall in religious belief and practice, others have seen an increase or changes in religious dynamics. Migration is leading to increased religious diversity in some regions, while people are also adapting their religious practices to take on new forms of engagement, such as on social media and through trans-national links between faith communities.

The Faith and Positive Change for Children, Families, and Communities (FPCC) initiative was launched in 2018 as a faith engagement approach to broaden the scope and influence of faith in development and humanitarian work beyond small-scale, ad-hoc, single-sector, single-faith, and occasionally instrumentalist approaches.

The FPCC model has three major components:

1. Faith-centered research and mapping to ensure evidence-based and contextually appropriate approaches.

   
   

The global aim of this initiative is to move beyond a single sector, single denomination and message-based communication, and support more focused, systematic, and a large-scale engagement with faith-based communities and actors to influence positive social and behavioural change for the benefit of children, youth, women and families, particularly the most marginalised. 

Key FPCC objectives include:

1. To establish coordination and collaboration mechanisms between/among development partners such as UNICEF, governments and faith actors on children issues.

2. To enhance utilisation of the Mind-Heart Dialogue foundational approach by faith actors and UNICEF and/or other development partners when intervening on issues of children

The theory/journey of change behind the FPCC initiative is based on the belief that leveraging faith-based actors and leaders, including their assets and resources, can contribute to positive changes in the lives of children. It recognises the significant influence that religious and spiritual beliefs have on individuals and communities and aims to harness this influence to promote child well-being and rights.

Our journey of change, therefore, states that: If religious leaders are influenced to use their platforms and institutions, such as sermons, prayers and teachings, to raise awareness about child wellbeing, including their rights and advocate for their protection, then they will be able to leverage on their assets and resources in collaboration with their congregations and followers to influence changes in behaviours, norms and practices that impact on the wellbeing of children, families and communities, because promoting the well-being of children requires the interrogation and application of faith teachings and practices that reinforce and promote positive practices and norms using evidence as the basis of engagement.