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Transforming the Global Economy: GEM School Opens Applications

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In a world grappling with escalating inequality and environmental crises, churches are stepping forward to advocate for economic systems rooted in justice and sustainability. From 18–29 August 2025, the Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics and Management for an Economy of Life (GEM School) will bring together 20 current and emerging church leaders in Seoul, South Korea (location to be confirmed). This transformative program aims to empower churches to shape economic and financial systems that meet human needs and protect the planet.

Organized collaboratively by the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the World Methodist Council (WMC), and the Council for World Mission (CWM), GEM School is part of the ecumenical New International Financial and Economic Architecture (NIFEA) initiative.

The NIFEA initiative seeks to reimagine global economic systems by aligning them with ethical, theological, and ecological values. It focuses on addressing systemic injustices, including economic inequality and ecological degradation, while advocating for equity, sustainability, and inclusivity in global financial structures.

“Churches’ voices have been sidelined in economic policymaking, leaving little space for ethical and theological perspectives,” said Philip Vinod Peacock , executive secretary for Justice and Witness at WCRC. “Through GEM School, we’re equipping leaders with the knowledge and tools to engage meaningfully and advocate for an ‘Economy of Life’ that seeks to flesh out the connections between faith, economic systems and the environment,” he added.

A Platform for Change

GEM School’s 10-day curriculum integrates theology, ethics, and economics, fostering interdisciplinary insights and intergenerational collaboration. Participants will:

Explore the theological roots of economic justice.

Analyze mainstream and alternative economic frameworks, including ecological and feminist approaches.

Develop strategies for church advocacy on global economic systems.

The program draws on key ecumenical documents, including:

  • The Accra Confession, which names the economic system as a matter of faith and names neo-liberal capitalism as being at the heart of economic inequality and ecological catastrophe. It serves as a call to concerned Christians to turn away from injustice and towards a God of life.
  • The São Paulo Statement, which calls for a fundamental transformation of international financial systems to prioritize justice and sustainability. It identifies challenges posed by neoliberal economic structures and proposes bold steps toward creating equitable systems that serve the common good.

Call for Applications

Church leaders and advocates are invited to apply. Criteria include:
Academic or professional expertise in theology, economics, or social sciences.
At least five years of leadership experience (waived for youth under 30).
Demonstrated commitment to socio-economic and ecological justice.
Endorsement from a church or ecumenical organization.

Details and Deadlines

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact:

  • Athena Peralta (WCC) at Athena.Peralta@wcc-coe.org
  • Philip Peacock (WCRC) at Philip.Peacock@wcrc.eu

Together, let’s reimagine the global economy for justice and sustainability.

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