This article (in Dutch) forms the theological background of John Veldman’s research into catholic developmentcooperation. Cordaid asked him to explore the fundamental changes and shifts in paradigm within the organisations thinking about religion and development.

Proselytism confronts Western development workers in various ways. They may be confronted with national and international missionary activities from mostly Christian and Islamic organisations.
On the other hand, Western development workers from Faith Based Organisations may be falsely accused of converting the people they work for.

On April 15^th 2010 the Knowledge Centre organised an International Consultation on the concept of “Light Development” in The Hague. “Light development” is a new way to structure 3P: People, Planet, Profit.

The staff of the Knowledge Centre will publish a ‘religion and development practitioner’s guide’ written for Dutch development professionals. By now, it has become clear that religion plays an important role for many people in developing countries. But how does this translate into the daily practice of development cooperation, where mutual understanding is crucial?

The Knowledge Centre Religion and Development (KCRD) organised in 2009 two symposia about social trust, related to development work. Social trust is found where people trust the good intentions of others and are confident that others can carry out their intentions within their social and institutional contexts. Experts advised the participants how to give 'hands and feet' to this value.

The international Advisory Board gathered in the Netherlands in April for their Annual Meeting.

Islamic University Rotterdam (partner organisation of the Knowledge Centre) published the book: “Studies in Islamic Economics”, edited by the IUR rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akgündüz.

Louke van Wensveen
At the end of April, our dear colleague and staff member Louke van Wensveen left the Knowledge Centre (and Oikos) in order to become local councillor in Brummen (NL).

July 2009, the Knowledge Centre Religion and Development organized an international panel on religion, development, and climate change. The panel took place at the University of Amsterdam. It was part of the conference 'Religion, Nature, and Progress', an initiative of the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture. 'Responding to Climate Change: Religion and Southern Perspectives on Light Development,' was the title of the panel.

Foot washing before the Lord’s Supper: in African Independent Churches this ritual has everything to do with development. During a presentation for the Knowledge Centre Religion and Development, South African theologian Cas Wepener explained how.