Applications are open for the Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics and Management (GEM School) for an Economy of Life, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 21 August through 1 September 2023.

In order to strengthen the voice of the churches with regards to global economics, a group of up to 20 current and future leaders representing the churches will have the opportunity to attend the GEM School.

Co-organized by the World Council of Churches, World Communion of Reformed Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Methodist Council, and Council for World Mission, this initiative responds to recommendations outlined in the“Sao Paulo Statement: International Financial transformation for an Economy of Life” and in the document "Economy of Life for All Now: An Ecumenical Action Plan for a New International Financial and Economic Architecture," which identified as a priority the development of competencies in economics within churches.

Presently churches’ethical, moral and theological perspectives on the workings of the global economy have minimal impact on financial and economic policies, business practices and ways of thinking. To address this gap, the GEM School aims to build economic literacy within churches by equipping participants with the tools and languages to effectively advocate for urgent transformations in the global financial and economic realm.

Among candidates who meet the nomination criteria, participants will be selected with a view to achieving regional, gender, and denominational balance.

Application form and guidelines

SOURCE>WCC