Introduction

A growing body of scholarship has critically interrogated the supposed secularism of development, challenging the notion that it operates independently of religious ideologies. These scholars contend that development is deeply intertwined with foundational religious principles such as charity, neighbourliness and community – principles that, in many contexts, manifest not only in hierarchical structures but also in horizontal, peer-to-peer (P2P) relationships. Building on these insights, this chapter explores faith-based approaches to development and humanitarianism, highlighting their historical and contemporary relevance while critically examining their potential and limitations. We begin by arguing that the practice of giving – often inspired by religious beliefs – has long been an integral part of community life and is far from a novel phenomenon. Faith has historically motivated acts of charity, solidarity and mutual support, forming the bedrock of many communal development practices. Against this backdrop, we explore the value of faith-based approaches, considering their varying scales and capacities and positioning them within broader international development objectives.

To illustrate these dynamics, the chapter examines a faith-based network of Zimbabwean Catholics in London engaged in transnational charitable activities. This case study demonstrates how faith-based approaches can transcend national boundaries while maintaining a deeply localized and horizontal ethos. The small-scale, person-to-person nature of these initiatives underscores their grassroots character, where relationships and support are grounded in mutual reciprocity and community ties rather than hierarchical structures. The chapter then turns to Muslim charity and humanitarianism, offering a comparative perspective. While we recognize the potential for horizontal engagement in these initiatives, we also critically analyse how, like Christian charity, they can exhibit top-down tendencies.