Introduction

The engagement of voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations is an important strand in government policy agendas on sustainable communities (DCLG, 2007a; HM Treasury and Cabinet Office, 2007). The sector's contribution stems from its values, philanthropy, resources and social capital, all of which inform a range of activities including welfare provision, campaigning, advocacy and interest representation. More recently, the government has drawn increasing attention to the potential for faith communities to contribute in similar and, in some cases, distinctive ways to this agenda. A growing body of research confirms that faith-based organisations have much to contribute, not least through their spiritual and religious values, beliefs and resources (see Farnell et al, 2003; Baker and Skinner, 2005; Furbey et al, 2006; Grieve et al, 2007; Lowndes and Chapman, 2007). However, little is understood about how their contribution and experience of engagement in urban governance relates to, and compares with, the wider VCS in Britain. Yet, such an understanding is important for debates on the appropriate and effective role, nature and balance of faith-based and ‘secular’ VCS engagement in governance.

Drawing on primary and secondary research, this chapter examines the role of faith-based organisations in British urban governance from the 1990s onwards. It addresses the question as to whether faith-based organisations have characteristics or experiences that distinguish them from VCS organisations of a more secular nature. The chapter begins with a brief review of the policy and research context as it applies to faith and VCS engagement in civil society and urban governance. After addressing various definitional and conceptual issues, the chapter compares the contribution and experiences of faith-based and secular VCS organisations in urban governance. Here urban governance refers specifically to the engagement of statutory and non-governmental partners in the design and delivery of public policies and services in British cities and towns; that is, through participation on public partnerships, consultations and the delivery of publicly funded activities. The chapter concludes by arguing that there are many similarities in the general contribution and experiences of faith-based and secular VCS organisations in this context. However, there are also differences relating to the extent and nature of links to a faith tradition.