Faith-Based Organizations as New Frontiers of Religious Education: Program Initiatives and Engagements Strategies

Received: May 14, 2025 | Published: July 02, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v2i1.183

Authors

Abstract

Faith-based organizations have emerged as significant actors in promoting active engagement in pressing social issues within Asia, particularly in the Philippines, encompassing interfaith dialogue, human rights, and ecological concerns. Despite the increasing global recognition of this 20th-century phenomenon, their specific roles within diverse contexts remain underexplored. This study posits that as FBOs address societal challenges, they inherently contribute to shaping the faith and convictions of their stakeholders, a process closely aligned with religious education typically conducted in formal educational settings. Through parallel case studies of SILSILAH, Rise Up, and the PMPI, this research aims to demonstrate that FBOs are evolving into innovative and vital spaces for religious education, transcending traditional methods and institutions. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study utilizes content analysis of the organizations’ Facebook pages to glean relevant data shared with members and the public. The findings suggest that the FBOs under study demonstrate significant potential of FBOs as bridging institutions that enhance and extend RE beyond traditional boundaries. Furthermore, the three FBOs demonstrate the capacity to merge faith-based values with social action, converting principles of peace, justice, and stewardship into tangible projects and initiatives that tackle societal problems. The analysis indicates that when RE is situated within the operational frameworks of FBOs, it transitions from traditional didactic methods to a more comprehensive and relational approach to faith formation.  RE can enrich the evangelical mission of FBOs, and vice versa, infusing faith with vitality and inspiring action within individuals and communities.

Keywords:

content analysis, Faith-Based Organizations, Philippine Misereor Partnership Incorporated, Rise Up for Life and For Rights, Religious Education, SILSILAH Dialogue Movement

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Author Biography

Ronaldo Celestial, De La Salle University

Ronaldo Roa Celestial earned his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Adamson University in 1988 and completed his Master of Education in Religious and Values Education (MERVED) at De La Salle University (DLSU) in 2000. He began his academic career at De La Salle–Canlubang (DLSC) in 2003 and became a full-time faculty member at DLSU in 2012 following the integration of DLSC into the university.

References

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Published

07/01/2025 — Updated on 07/02/2025

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How to Cite

Celestial, R. (2025). Faith-Based Organizations as New Frontiers of Religious Education: Program Initiatives and Engagements Strategies. Hitik: International Journal of Catechists and Religious Educators, 2(1), 84–96. https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v2i1.183 (Original work published July 1, 2025)

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): Hitik: International Journal of Catechists and Religious Education (June Issue)

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Ronaldo Celestial (Author)

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