Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods. When disaster strikes, congregations and faith-based organizations play a critical role. They provide food, counseling, shelter, transportation and communications to their congregants as well as their surrounding communities.
Their disaster response activities, however, are rarely systematized, nor are faith groups included in the disaster planning process. Congregations are expected to respond but largely operate outside of the formal governmental structures that manage disasters. Through its research, CRCC has developed the knowledge base needed to understand religious groups’ roles and assets, as well as how the government can best partner with these groups. Coordinating disaster preparedness and response will maximize the efforts between policy-makers and faith communities.
Photo Credit: Serve Indiana
ToolsThe Religious Literacy Primer for Crises, Disasters and Public Health EmergenciesA companion to the Field Guide for Religious Competency, the Religious Literacy Primer is a quick-reference document which provides information on basic religious literacy for 23 of the largest religious communities in …Topics: Disaster Response, Faith-State Relations, Religious Affiliation, Tools
CommentaryThe Complex Relationship Between Religion and HumanitarianismThe hero image of religious saints involved in humanitarian work warrants examination. I have come to this conclusion in the process of leading a global project on “spiritual exemplars” at USC’s Center …Topics: Disaster Response, Donald E. Miller, Engaged Spirituality, Religious Leadership, Spiritual Exemplars, Violence, weforum- VideoThe Intersection of Gender, Nationalism and Faith-based Giving in Sri Lanka
- VideoAn Interfaith Dialogue on the Crisis Care Needs of Faith Communities
ArticleJean Bouchebel: Retired From World Vision, but Not From Serving God and RefugeesThis article was originally published by Christianity Today, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. When Jean Bouchebel retired at age 70, he was not ready to simply relax. …Topics: Christianity, Disaster Response, Donald E. Miller, Engaged Spirituality, Evangelicalism, Spiritual Exemplars
ArticleKushil Gunasekera: ‘The More You Give, the More Will Be Yours to Give’This article was originally published by The Arrow Journal, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. “I want to be one of the nicest human beings that this earth …Topics: Buddhism, Disaster Response, Engaged Spirituality, Nalika Gajaweera, Spiritual Exemplars
CRCC in the NewsVOANews Features Disasters & Religion AppReligious groups play a critical role in responding to wildfires, hurricanes and other disasters, VOA News notes in a piece about the Disasters & Religions app. The app helps disaster professional and …Topics: Disaster Response- AnnouncementNew App Equips Disaster Responders to Better Help Religious AmericansIn the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented hurricane and wildfire seasons, a new app will help first responders, disaster response professionals and voluntary organizations better serve America’s diverse religious communities …Topics: Disaster Response, Tools
ArticleCOVID-19: The Essential Problem with State-Faith RelationsThis article was originally published in The Hill. A Los Angeles-area church is the latest to make national headlines by defying public health orders and gathering in-person as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Grace …Topics: Brie Loskota, COVID, Disaster Response, Najuma Smith, Religious Leadership
EventSaving Lives Through Effective Community EngagementCommunity Response System of South Los Angeles (CRSSLA), a preparedness and response cooperative between community-based organizations, churches, educational institutions in South Los Angeles, hosted a virtual meeting on effective community engagement amid …Topics: COVID, Disaster Response,
ToolsSix Principles for Engaging Faith CommunitiesPartnerships with community groups strengthens governmental response to critical social issue, from homelessness to disaster response. Public agencies often turn to faith leaders to support their initiatives, and yet doing so often …Topics: Disaster Response, Faith-State Relations, Tools
ToolsTen Tips for Government Engagement with Religious CommunitiesReligious organizations can be essential partners in creating positive change in their communities. Governmental agencies often work with faith leaders because they are influential and well-connected to the people they serve. Their …Topics: Disaster Response, Faith-State Relations, Tools
“Faith-based organizations represented around two-thirds of the social service agencies involved in recovery efforts following the 9/11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina. A recent study determined that over 60 percent of American turn first to their religious leaders for advice and direction in times of crisis.”
—Faithful Action: Working with Religious Groups in Disaster Planning, Response and Recovery
CRCC Experts
To schedule an interview with one of our experts, please contact CRCC:
crcc@usc.edu or 213-743-1611
Richard FloryExecutive DirectorRichard Flory is a sociologist whose work focuses on religion and urban life, religious and cultural change, and youth and young adults.
Peter B. GudaitisGuest ContributorPeter B. Gudaitis is an expert of faith communities and disaster readiness, response and recovery.