Ma`rifat Adyan

Religious institutions serve as vital platforms for fostering cultural development, social cohesion, and community well-being. This study evaluates the organisational culture of cultural activities within two prominent religious contexts: Iran’s Mosque Cultural-Art Centers (Fahma) and Catholic Cultural Centers (CCC) worldwide, through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. Drawing on thematic analysis of expert insights and existing literature, the research constructs comparative SWOT matrices to explore convergences and divergences in their cultural functions. Both institutions emphasise youth engagement, family-oriented programs, and spiritual enrichment. Nevertheless, differences in organisational culture are evident: Fahma’s mosque-based, localised structure facilitates grassroots participation but faces challenges in technological adaptation, while CCC benefits from its global networks and rich artistic traditions, yet is constrained by bureaucratic processes. Findings suggest that integrating digital innovation, promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and developing apolitical cultural initiatives are critical strategies to address external threats such as secularisation, sanctions, and sociopolitical sensitivities. By comparing two distinct models of faith-based cultural organisation, the study contributes to understanding how organisational culture shapes the effectiveness of religious institutions in sustaining cultural vitality and expanding their societal impact.