Faith-based social service delivery in a country with low religious affiliation: The case of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church

Abstract

Faith-based social service delivery is influenced by the sociocultural conditions in which it transpires. Czechia, as a low religious affiliation country, presents specific conditions for investigating this relationship. This study is based on 10 interviews with CEOs from faith-based organizations related to the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. The findings reveal important differences between perceived meanings of faith, institutionalized religion, and spirituality in relation to social service delivery. The thematic analysis reveals a problematic relationship between these CEOs and the church, with the public presentation of religion among the main issues. All interviewed CEOs understand their social service delivery as their own individual projects and only loosely related to the church. Alternatively, they appreciate its occasional support and religious character, which also provide feelings of distinctiveness. The CEOs present social service delivery as doing everyday religion, but they presume the church sees social service delivery as useful public relations (PR).