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Opening/Closing Date: January 6, 2026 to February 20, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: August 17, 2026

Description

Learner in Mission | August 17 – 28, 2026 | $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 Panama City, Panama from 17-28 August 2026. 

The GEM School is co-organized by the World Council of Churches, the Council for World Mission, World Communion of Reformed Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Methodist Council and United Society Partners in the Gospel.  

Twenty to twenty-five 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: 
Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics, and Management for an Economy of Life (GEM School) 2026 | World Council of Churches 

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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.

The Provisional Programme

TIMING

August 17 – 28, 2026 (not including travel time)

LOCATION

Panama City, Panama

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 and room and board.

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:

  1. 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
  2. Five years of leadership experience (waived for youth until the age of 30)
  3. Sound insights into practices of public policy and passion for justice (assessed through an essay)
  4. Demonstrated commitment to, and engagement in, The United Church of Canada (locally, regionally and/or nationally)
  5. Willingness to continue to be part of networks of education and faithful advocacy within the United Church.

OUTCOMES

  1. 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.
  2. Raise awareness within the United Church on urgent global, financial and economic issues.
  3. Offer leadership to groups within the United Church.
  4. A connection with General Council Office staff is expected, and leadership and work in related networks will be supported.

To Apply

Application is a two step process. 

1st Step:  Apply for recommendation from The United Church of Canada (General Council Office) directly to pip@united-church.ca
Deadline: February 20, 2026 
 In one email please send:  
     1.  Name, Community of Faith, Email Address  
     2.  Photo of passport valid until at least January 2027 
     3. Contact details of two persons who may be approached to give a reference (last name, first name, occupation, phone number)  
     4. Recent curriculum vitae/resume  
     5. Letter of recommendation from your Church and/or name of General Council Office staff person who can serve as a reference.  The letter of recommendation should speak to your involvement and commitment in the church, gifts you bring, ecumenical experience and also include a commitment of the church and plan of action to support you and your growth after the programme.    
     6. GEM Application Essays  (Please submit a total of 2 pages in response to these 3 questions)  
(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?  
(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?  
(c)  Why is the GEM School for an Economy of Life relevant for you 
 
Upon review of the application, letters of recommendation from The General Council Office of 
The United Church of Canada will be prepared. Letters will be sent to approved applicants.   

2nd Step: Apply directly to the World Council of Churches for GEM programme  
Deadline: March 1, 2026  Apply directly via the weblink with the following attachments: 
1. Recent curriculum vitae/resume, diplomas and valid passport 
2. Letter of Endorsement from The United Church of Canada (1st step)  
3. Motivational Essays (a), (b) and (c) above  

Early applications are encouraged to allow more time for processing. 

If you have any questions, please contact pip@united-church.ca or Athena.Peralta@wcc-coe.org.  
WCC will notify selected participants by 31 March 2026