GEM School 2025 at World Council of Churches

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GEM School 2025

South Korea | Economic & Ecological Justice

Ecumenical School on

Governance, Economics and Management (GEM)

for an Economy of Life

South Korea (TBC), 18 – 29 August 2025

Invitation to Apply

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 Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics and Management (GEM School) for an Economy of Life in South Korea (TBC) from 18 until 29 August 2025.

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.

Currently 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.

Learning objectives

The 10-day curriculum addresses the following objectives:

Identify theological starting points for economic justice (i.e. why and how theology and ethics are intertwined with economics)
Provide a basic understanding of mainstream economic thinking
Identify, relativize and contextualize methodologies and normative fundamentals of economics
Widen the horizon of economics by introducing ecological, feminist and other alternative approaches
Develop the interdisciplinary structure and ethical implications of combining theological dimensions with economics
Lay out the political and strategic implications for churches and their advocacy for an Economy of Life

Nomination criteria

MA or BA preferably in theology, economics/finance/business management or any social science; or demonstration of competence in the aforementioned fields by engagement in issues of socio-economic and ecological justice through, for example, programmes or processes connected to sponsoring and other partner organizations
Five years of leadership experience (waived for youth until the age of 30)
Sound insights into practices of public policy and passion for justice (assessed through an essay)
Endorsement from a church or ecumenical organization

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

Participants are granted full scholarship, including flights, accommodation and full board. A contribution of 100 US dollars is expected from each participant.

Application form and guidelines

Application forms, guidelines and the draft programme may be downloaded here

https://www.oikoumene.org/events/gem-school-2025-equipping-faith-leaders-for-economic-and-ecological-justice

Filled-out application forms and supporting documents should be sent via this link:

https://wcccoe.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0pfue

If you need more information, please contact by email to: Sophie.Dhanjal@wcc-coe.org.

The final date of submission of applications is on 1 March 2025. Selected participants will be informed by 31 March 2025.

Further inquiries may be directed to Athena.Peralta@wcc-coe.org, Philip.Peacock@wcrc.eu, Daimon.Mkandawire@cwmission.org, Lusungu.Mbilinyi@lutheranworld.org, or Rosemarie.Wenner@emk.de.

Application Form

Title *

Family Name (as in passport) *

First Name (as in passport) *

Middle Name (if applicable) *

Maiden name (if applicable) *

Gender *

Civil Status *

Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY) *

Place of birth (city/country) *

Country of birth (as in passport) *

Nationality (as in passport) *

Passport ID page *

Passport number *

Passport - Place of issue (city/country) *

Passport - Date of issue (DD/MM/YYYY) *

Passport - Valid until (DD/MM/YYYY) *

Passport photo *

Church / denomination *

Street address *

City and state (if applicable) *

Post code/zip code *

Country *

Telephone (with country code) *

Mobile Phone *

Email address *

Alternative email address

Proficiency in English - Language *

Proficiency in English - Writing level *

Proficiency in English - Reading level *

Proficiency in English - Speaking level *

Proficiency in English - Comprehension level *

Mother tongue *

Education - Full title of your last two degrees as well as any relevant professional certificates or studies *

Education - Full name and place of the issuing university *

Education - Country of issue *

Education - Date of issue *

Additional information - Current occupation (if applicable) *

Additional information - Current employer (if applicable) *

Additional information - Other relevant professional & faith-based experience *

Additional information - Special skills, hobbies or interests

Additional information - How did you find out about the school? *

References (1) - Please give contact details of two persons who may be approached to give a reference (last name, first name, occupation, phone number) *

References (2) - Please give contact details of two persons who may be approached to give a reference (last name, first name, occupation, phone number) *

I testify that the information I have given in this form is true and accurate and that, if admitted, I agree to abide by the conditions governing the GEM School for an Economy of Life. I have read that only complete applications will be processed, and I confirm that I have attached a copy of the ID page of my passport, an endorsement letter, my motivation essay, and a brief CV (2 pages) *

Resume / CV *

Diploma (1)

Diploma (2)

Diploma (3)

Endorsement letter from a church or ecumenical organization *

Motivation Essay - (a) Why do you think issues of economic justice and theological reflection on the role of economics in society are important, and where do you see the challenges for churches? (please respond to the 3 questions in 2 pages) *

Motivation Essay - (b) What forms of public engagement in economic justice have you lead or experienced and what projects do you intend to pursue in the future? (please respond to the 3 questions in 2 pages)

Motivation Essay - (c) Why is the GEM School for an Economy of Life relevant for you? (Please respond to the 3 questions in 2 pages.)

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https://www.oikoumene.org/events/gem-school-2025-equipping-faith-leaders-for-economic-and-ecological-justice

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Application Form