“Inequality, sustainability, sovereign debt, and taxation were key topics at GEM School,” said Athena Peralta, World Council of Churches (WCC) director of the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development. “More importantly, GEM School explored alternatives: new economic visions, indicators, policies, and economic governance structures for a more compassionate economy and an ecologically flourishing planet.”

GEM School offered a unique space where participants were engaged with the intersections of theology and economics. They explored new economic systems and policies from ethical, theological, ecological, and feminist perspectives, all aimed at fostering a more equitable and sustainable planet.

Throughout the ten-day program, attendees participated in Bible studies, theological reflections, and discussions on holistic economic policies. They also identified practical strategies for advocating an Economy of Life.

Building on these rich exchanges, participants developed various project proposals to promote an Economy of Life. These included the "E3: Engaging Ecumenically in Economics" project, which proposes a curriculum to teach a holistic approach to economics in seminaries; the "Manna Project," focused on mobilizing resources for advocacy and community-based initiatives; and the "Put People and Earth Over Debt" campaign, a North-South initiative advocating for debt cancellation and climate finance in Ethiopia, Kenya, Canada, and Germany.

Rev. Chipashe Musaba, general secretary of the United Church in Zambia, reflected, “GEM School gave me the tools necessary to integrate theology and economics, enhancing my ability to advocate for an Economy of Life that prioritizes justice and sustainability.”

Will Fremont-Brown, from the Church of England, shared, “GEM School has been a fantastic time of learning, fellowship, and exploring together how our Christian faith calls us to care for one another and the whole of creation.”

Rev. Gelin Rosamour of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas and vice president of the Haiti Protestant Churches Federation noted, “GEM School is a bustling and energizing experience that transforms our views on advocacy for the planet. It empowers leaders by building their capacity for transformative action and fostering a theological foundation for economic justice.”

Rev. Sabrina Slater of the Presbyterian Church in the USA described the experience as “transformative and life-giving,” emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to reshape social and economic structures to nurture life.

Convened by WCC, World Communion of Reformed Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Methodist Council, and the Council for World Mission as part of the New International Financial and Economic Architecture initiative, GEM School was hosted by St Paul’s University and the National Council of Churches in Kenya.

GEM School

Sustainability and Economy of Life