Understanding and Harnessing Trust in Faith Spaces to Address Structural Inequalities

Abstract

Structural inequalities, the pervasive disparities in wealth, resources, and access to services, continue to produce negative outcomes for marginalized and minoritized communities. This article examines how faith spaces can be leveraged as inclusive dialogic environments to help address such inequalities. We build on the concept of dialogic spatiality to explore how trust in both the institutions and individuals facilitating community dialogue underpins engagement and outcomes in faith-based social action programs. The study draws on three case studies in the United Kingdom, where faith-based initiatives targeted what are often regarded as “hard to reach” groups to improve health outcomes or social integration. Findings indicate that participants’ trust is fostered by shared values in faith settings, the hyper-local presence of faith institutions, and pre-existing social networks, leading to engagement in ways not achieved by secular or statutory approaches. However, trust does not automatically transfer to public agencies unless those agencies actively participate and build relationships. The paper offers an original contribution by applying interpersonal and organisational trust frameworks to faith-led interventions, demonstrating how trusted community spaces function as “safe spaces” for critical conversations and as bridges to formal services. Practical recommendations are provided for co-designing interventions with faith-based organisations, making public services more accessible, and ultimately advancing equity and social cohesion.