WCC News: Faith leaders invited to apply for Ecumenical School on Economic Justice

Financial instability, climate breakdown, and widening wealth gaps demand that faith communities speak more powerfully on economic transformation. The Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics, and Management for an Economy of Life (GEM School) will bring together 20-25 current and emerging church leaders from 17-28 August 2026 in Panama City, Panama (location to be confirmed). 15 November 2025, Belém, Brazil: Julia Rensberg, a Sámi representative from Church of Sweden and the World Council of Churches holds a sign reading 'We are the Climate Resistance', as she joins tens of thousands gathered in downtown Belém for a People's March for Climate Justice, held in connection with the United Nations climate summit COP30 taking place in Belém, Brazil, on 10-21 November 2025. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert 02 December 2025 Six global church bodies are organizing the 10-day programme, including the World Council of Churches, World Communion of Reformed Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Methodist Council, Council for World Mission, and United Society Partners in the Gospel. "Churches across the world are calling for economic systems that serve life, not just profit," said Athena Peralta, director of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development. "This programme will equip faith leaders with the tools to advocate effectively for a New International Financial and Economic Architecture - one that centers justice, sustainability, and the wellbeing of vulnerable communities." Participants will study topics from eco-feminist economics to international finance, debt and tax justice through Bible studies, lectures, and group work. They will develop projects for an Economy of Life—an economic model that prioritizes people and planet over financial gain. The curriculum includes a consultation on building an Economy of Peace and a full-day immersion in Panama's local context. GEM School responds to the Sao Paulo Statement and the action plan Economy of Life for All Now, which identified the need to build economic skills within churches. Candidates should hold a degree in theology, economics, or social sciences, or demonstrate skills through work in socioeconomic and ecological justice. Five years of leadership experience is required, waived for youth under 30. Full scholarships cover flights, housing, and meals. Participants contribute 100 US dollars. Applications close on 1 March 2026. Selected participants will be notified by 31 March 2026. To apply or for more information, click here or contact Athena.Peralta[at]wcc-coe.org. From holy imagination to economic advocacy and activism: How GEM school cultivated creativity and change-making (Blog, 18 September 2025) GEM School: a North Star of economic justice (Blog, 25 September 2023) See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland