Between missions and development: Christian NGOs in the Canadian development sector

Abstract

This paper examines how Canadian Christian development organisations construct the boundaries between missions and development work. Because of their participation in evangelism, and their often conservative political and social stances, missionary organisations are considered marginal actors and are regarded with suspicion by donor agencies, secular NGOs and more liberal faith-based NGOs. Yet, they remain primary service providers in many development contexts. They make complex political decisions about fundraising and resource allocation, and these choices are affected by their efforts to balance between religious identity and strategic goals. These choices have become more difficult as missionary organisations have experienced increased pressure from the Canadian International Development Agency and their own donors to “NGO-ise”.