‘The experiences of the people in this book show that no one is helpless. The springs of action and initiative, of hope and perseverance, lie within. Effective social change can start with personal change: in fact, it will be more sustainable if it does. Far from being an opiate, religion can be a source of liberation, empowerment and community development.’
In Bread, Bricks and Belief: Communities in Charge of Their Future, May Lean shows how a foundation built on ethics and spirituality has made a significant impact on community development in post-industrial cities and Third World villages.
Readers enter poor cities and villages to meet Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh leaders who, with their driving spirit, seed the community with their energy and vision. Readers see how these efforts take root, steadily changing the cultural and economic life of theses once despondent and declining communities.
Mary Lean is a journalist and co-editor of For a Change magazine, an international magazine devoted to conflict resolution and community building. She writes on environment and development issues.
"Bread, Bricks and Belief is a powerful illustration of the interconnectedness between ethics and environment." Alan Durning, Northwest Environment Watch
"...shows the often ignored and underutilised strength of spiritual values as a force for change and community mobilization." Elizabeth Dpwdeswell, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme
"...serves as a model for communitarian efforts everywhere." Reverend Leon Sullivan, founder, Opportunities Industrialization Centers
"I recommend this book to anyone who contemplates helping in community development." Sir Howard Cooke, Governor General of Jamaica
"Those serious about furthering human and effective community development would do well to take into account the power of spirit - and read this book." Carolyn R. Shaffer, Co-author, Creating Community Anywhere
English