WCC news: Churches to tackle war economies at Panama consultation

Global military spending reached 2.887 trillion US dollars in 2025, the highest level ever recorded and the 11th consecutive year of growth, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. As militarized economies deepen conflict and ecological harm worldwide, faith leaders, theologians, and practitioners from Panama, Argentina, South Africa, the Republic of Korea, and beyond will gather in Panama City from 26–28 August for the NIFEA Consultation on Economy of Peace, part of the churches' campaign for a New International Financial and Economic Architecture (NIFEA), to ask how churches can help reshape economic systems toward justice and peace. Photo: Robyn Sekula/Presbyterian Foundation 27 August 2026 War economies are not inevitable – they are choices,” stated Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, World Council of Churches (WCC) programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace. “Scripture tells us that ‘the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness, and trust forever’ (Isaiah 32:17, NRSV). Churches are called to imagine, and to build, economies that serve life and peace rather than profit from conflict. This consultation is part of that work.” “The experience of these days confirmed how financial powers control our region with such an impact in daily life and deepening inequality,” said Rev. Dora Arce Valentín, who leads the Alianza de Iglesias Presbiterianas y Reformadas de América Latina. “Our hope [for the NIFEA Consultation on Economy of Peace] is to make a difference in the way churches engage themselves in connecting faith and economic/ecological transformation for the sake of justice and peace as a core value of Jesus’s followers.” The consultation is convened by the WCC together with five global church communions and mission agencies. Over three days, participants will examine how war economies and unjust financial systems fuel conflict, and explore an economy of peace grounded in the biblical vision of shalom – peace as right relationship, not merely the absence of conflict. The gathering also connects to the wider Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action (2025–2034). A theological communique and advocacy plan will follow to guide churches’ engagement in the months ahead. NIFEA Consultation on Economy of Peace 2026 (Event Page)  Sustainability and Economy of Life  NIFEA group calls for reimagined global financial alternatives  GEM School shows 21 leaders that another economy is possible (Feature Story, 27 August 2026) Global military spending rise continues as European and Asian expenditures surge  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