Anticipated Start Date: August 18, 2025
Description
Learner in Mission | August 18 – 29, 2025 | $100 USD
The United Church of Canada is inviting applications for an Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics and Management for an Economy of Life to be held in Seoul, South Korea from 18-29 August 2025.
Twenty current and future leaders representing churches from around the world will have an opportunity to explore tools, language and strategies to effectively advocate for urgent transformations in the global, financial and economic realm. Participants must be willing and able to share that knowledge with their church and communities.
You can explore more about the Ecumenical School here:
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 deeply related to economic life)
- 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 in the context of the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace.
TIMING
August 18 – 29, 2025 (not including travel time)
LOCATION
Seoul, South Korea
COST
US $100 personal contribution toward the cost of the course. The World Council of Churches will pay the balance of costs for successful applicants, including international airfare.
APPLICANT PROFILE
Applicants must be nominated and endorsed by The United Church of Canada. Participants will be selected by the WCC taking into account regional, gender and denominational balance.
Successful applicants will:
- Have an 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)
- Demonstrated commitment to, and engagement in, The United Church of Canada (locally, regionally and/or nationally)
- Willingness to continue to be part of networks of education and faithful advocacy within the United Church.
OUTCOMES
- Ongoing participation in networks of The United Church of Canada, particularly those that focus on social transformation and issues of global, financial and economic inequity.
- Raise awareness within the United Church on urgent global, financial and economic issues.
- Offer leadership to groups within the United Church.
- A connection with General Council Office staff is expected, and leadership and work in related networks will be supported.
To Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE
Please send your resume and responses to the following questions to pip@united-church.ca by February 25, 2025:
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.)
Click to download:
The Application Form
The Provisional Programme
Applications must be received by February 25, 2025. The United Church of Canada will discern the applicant’s endorsement to the World Council of Churches.
The United Church of Canada is committed to equity, diversity, justice, and to creating a positive and supportive environment for people of all identities and backgrounds. ALL qualified people are encouraged to apply!