The Faith and Public Integrity Network exists to help Christians deal with the root causes and long-term effects of corruption. We recognise that most efforts to control corruption have failed, and that churches and individual Christians are often complicit in corruption. However, based on the research findings of leading scholars and the experience of our members, we think there is potential for the global Christian community to make a difference.

Recent scholarship indicates that collective action, involving both a majority of active public opinion and at least a fraction of the elite, is essential to progress in controlling corruption. Reform depends on the presence of widely diffused social norms that constrain corruption, and also on local elites who spur progress by adding their voice to demands for better governance, or by facilitating improvements to governance from positions of power within the state. Change typically takes decades not years, and is often fiercely opposed, so sustained effort and courage are required.

FPIN is composed of brave people seeking to fight the root causes and long-term effects of corruption. This difficult work takes technical expertise and a deep commitment to sowing the seeds of shalom in the world. FPIN builds the relational connections that lead to technical collaboration and spiritual support among its membership. With 70% of FPIN members in senior positions of influence at their organization, FPIN has become a powerful network. FPIN members are working in all sectors across the globe, working at 30 organizations in more than 20 countries.

FPIN Goals

The global Christian community has the potential to make an impact on corruption

The global Christian community combines great durability and influence with local agency and global reach. Reputed scholars have found that aspects of Christian faith and practice have had world-changing effects in the past, for example in the global development of democracy and protection of human rights.

Churches can help to build the social norms that constrain corruption in several ways:
Values – churches can help internalize a social ethic of anticorruption by renewed reflection and discipleship on justice & integrity
Civic culture – churches can promote the understanding and practice of responsible citizenship among their members
Social capital – congregations help create the basis for collective action by generating social capital whenever they meet.

As part of civil society, some Christian NGOs in majority Christian countries have been effective advocates for better governance.

Elites in many majority Christian countries define themselves as Christian, and when they learn to connect their private faith with their public role, they can help to facilitate improvements to governance from positions of power within the state.

The current reality in the global Christian community

It is a sad fact that, on the whole, the global Christian community is failing to realise its potential contribution to fighting corruption. The subject is rarely addressed in Christian teaching; church leaders may be benefitting from corrupt practices; the behaviour of Christians at all levels of society often reflects prevailing norms rather than Christian ethics; and only a very small minority of Christian NGOs are engaged in advocacy for better governance.

FPIN is promoting a collective Christian response to corruption

FPIN brings together local leaders who have practical experience of one or more of these proven approaches to controlling corruption. Through FPIN they are able to share their learning and experience with reform-minded Christians in other countries, taking account of their varied contexts (for example, Christians as a minority or a majority of the population).

FPIN helps its members to collectively advocate for church engagement in the fight against corruption, within the Christian community and beyond to the global anticorruption community in general.

FPIN helps to build the sustained effort and courage that are required to fight corruption by taking a relationship-first approach to collaboration: one member may feel isolated in their local context, but can feel empowered when they discover they are part of a like-minded global collaboration.

Steering Committee

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FPIN is proudly supported by
the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, 
Faith in Government, and Fides

Note: FPIN members join as individuals and do not represent the organizations they work for. Network members join FPIN to connect personally and deeply with other Christians who are passionate about fighting corruption.