Last September, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) released its
first-ever strategic religious engagement (SRE) policy. During its first year, the framework
has won praise from a wide range of policymakers and diplomats. Not only does the policy affirm the critical role of religious actors as partners in advancing shared development and peacebuilding goals, but it also provides guidance for collaboration with these religious communities and faith-based organizations (FBOs).