Interfaith Collaborations and Development in Botswana: Focus on Pentecostals and Other Christian Denominations

Abstract

The article seeks to address how religion under the auspices of interfaith networks and collaborations continues to be pivotal in the development of countries across the globe. These networks and collaborations come in different forms such as interfaith education, dialogue, and cooperation. Inter- and intra-faith umbrella bodies/organizations continue to provide forums for religious committees to gather, dialogue, and cooperate on issues of mutual and national interests, thus contributing to the development of the country. These umbrella bodies and organizations are charged with fostering unity among different churches. In this article, Pentecostalism, under the umbrella body of Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana (EFB), is used as an example of interfaith collaboration with other churches to foster development in Botswana. These networks are being done in the spirit of the Lambeth Conference of 1998 that pointed out that: “Dialogue with people of other faith begins when people meet each other . . . in mutual understanding, respect, and trust . . . to share in service to the community . . . as an authentic witness.” These liaisons herein referred to as interfaith networks have immensely contributed to development in Botswana.