In the Thick of It is a position paper making the case for Tearfund's view that local churches are vital to in international development.

Pulling together a substantial body of evidence confirming the value of faith-based organisations in addressing development needs, Tearfund speaks from over 40 years' experience of working through local churches in the poorest parts of the world.

"We passionately believe that local churches have something extremely valuable to offer around the world," said Tearfund's Chief Executive Matthew Frost.

Outside of government, the churches, or Christian faith-based organisations, are the largest provider of development services targeted at poor communities.

Tearfund recommends that governments and donors serious about achieving the Millennium Development Goals should actively engage in partnership with the church. They need to "harness the unique position of church-based organisations" to ensure that sustainable goals are reached.

"The church in the West should recognise its role and potential to help bring root-and-branch transformation to poor communities, both at home and overseas," Mr Frost said.

"Christians in the developed nations have a responsibility and a mandate to speak up for the needs of the poorest communities. We need to make the case for partnership with the Government and with other donor agencies. We need to address some of the weaknesses in our own attitudes and teaching which miss the point of biblical teaching on poverty and justice."

To download the report, click here.

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