Sowing seeds for fairer financial systems

At ecumenical meeting, LWF leader proposes actions to challenge systems of economic inequality and climate crisis

(LWI) - Sowing seeds of change to challenge the current systems of global economic inequality and climate crisis. That is what a group of economic experts and theologians are aiming to do at a meeting in Geneva this week of the Ecumenical Panel on a New International Financial and Economic Architecture (NIFEA).

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt is among the church leaders taking part in the 25 to 27 March meeting, which is jointly organized by the LWF, the World Council of Churches, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the World Methodist Council and the Council for World Mission.

In opening remarks, Burghardt noted that when the NIFEA initiative was established in 2012, the world was already facing “a global economic crisis, growing inequality and the increasing impact of climate change.” Since then, she continued, “the crises have only intensified” with more conflicts, more refugees, “rampant polarization and a growing disregard for the rule of law.” Who bears the burden, she asked? “As always, it is the most vulnerable.”

Faced with these huge challenges, she said, “like the tiny mustard seed that grows into a flourishing tree, our faith traditions remind us of the potential for transformation against overwhelming odds.” As faith-based organizations, she insisted, “we may not always claim technical expertise in how economies must be designed [but] we do bring [....] moral clarity,” as well as “the lived experiences of our communities.”

Be bold in asking uncomfortable questions

Reflecting on the distinct contribution that churches and faith-based ecumenical organizations can offer, Burghardt highlighted the importance of asking “questions that must be asked of any system that claims to serve the common good.” She pointed to key questions about reducing inequality, curbing corruption, increasing accountability and transparency, building stability for the most vulnerable and upholding the dignity of all. “When we can answer 'yes' to these questions, then we are offering people not just critique, but hope and a future,” she insisted.

Burghardt proposed “four actions to sow the mustard seeds of change.” These include equipping member churches and partners with tools and resources, bold advocacy, deepening theological discernment and looking “beyond the usual echo chambers” to engage traditionally overlooked sectors such as “business leaders within our constituencies who are committed to work for socially conscious and compassionate economies, tech innovators and young climate leaders whose perspectives can enrich our work.”

In conclusion, the LWF leader reaffirmed that “the Gospel calls us to be bold in asking the uncomfortable questions, courageous in offering alternatives and persistent in living out a vision of an economy and a society where all may have life and have it abundantly.”

The LWF is represented at the meeting by General Secretary Burghardt and Head of Global Advocacy Isaiah Toroitich. Three experts from Lutheran churches are also participating in the meeting, Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda (USA), Dr. Martin Kopp (France) and Uhuru Dempers (Namibia).

Participants at the meeting will draw up a statement to present to leaders of governments, business and financial institutions attending the 4^th UN international Conference on Financing for Development, due to take place in Seville, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July.