The case studies in this volume examine the activities of faith-based institutions in a representative sample of African and Latin American countries, including societies with and without a dominant religious tradition, and states with different levels and types of government-provided social services. Among other questions, the chapters examine the types of social service activities faith-based organizations engage in; their effect on civil society and democratic processes; their influence on the character of local and national communities; and what new pressures would be brought to bear on state-provided services if these faith-based organizations ceased to exist.

Miguel Glatzer is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Leadership and Global Understanding Program at La Salle University, USA. His research focuses on social policy, labor market policy, Europeanization, and immigration.Paul Christopher Manuel is Research Fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University, USA. His research addresses comparative democratization, comparative public policy, and the relationship between religion and politics. Christine Gustafson is Associate Professor of Politics and Special Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Saint Anselm College, USA. Her research interests focus on Latin American political economy, with an emphasis on the relationship between religion, welfare, and democracy in Brazil.