Citation

Rodgers ME. Soc. Work Christ. 2005; 32(3): 209-231.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, North American Association of Christians in Social Work)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article focuses on the concept of sustainable development for Christian social workers involved in the field of international social work. After a brief historical review of the nature and context of international social work, it explores the expanded roles of governmental and non-governmental organizations in providing global social work services, with an emphasis on the United Nations World Summit for Social Development and the Millennium Development Goals. It then details the relief and development practices of large-scale, faith-based organizations such as the Salvation Army, World Vision, Christian Children's Fund, Bread for the World, and Catholic Social Services. The reality of global social work practice includes such diverse areas as poverty, the role of women, human rights violations, bio-diversity challenges, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, human trafficking, children and maternal health crises, lack of education, child and adult mortality, and war and terrorism, finally, it discusses the concept of sustainable development with an emphasis on education for international practice as well as the use of Christian social workers as a force for positive change in the world. It challenges Christian social workers, as well as professional organizations like NACSW, to review their global awareness; to assess their cultural competencies; to expand their awareness of the history, values, ethics, and language of the nation in which they will practice; and to expand their knowledge of local culture, religion, and current professional activities while at the same time avoiding the emphasis on economic development over social development known as disjointed development as well as social work practice reflecting professional imperialism. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract)