European Churches Discuss Effects of Globalisation

The Conference of European Churches (CEC) in collaboration with the 'Ecumenical Academy' in Prague, and the 'Work and Economy Research Network in the European Churches', have hosted a major meeting to address the challenges of globalisation faced by churches and Christians in present day society.

The 55 participants, coming from all regions of Europe and from churches, local initiatives, universities and social movements, gathered in Celakovice near Prague, Czech Republic on 2-6 March. In wake of the risk brought about by globalisation, the theme of the conference was set as "Facing up to Globalisation; Visions - Alternatives - Strategies".

The European churches have a common worry about globalisation, "The current trend of economic globalisation tends towards the commercialisation of more and more aspects of life. It turns needs into desires- which are insatiable. These two processes damage human relationships and lead to an economy that is environmentally destructive and socially unsustainable."

However, the participants all agreed that the aim of the meeting was not to repeat the common critiques of globalisation, but rather to contribute to the building up of hopeful alternatives. The conference emphasised human and social values. They also acknowledged that there were resources and the know-how for making a difference.

Christian faith and tradition is hoped to be an alternative to the poverty and injustice that may result from economic globalisation. According to the CEC’s statement, churches in the conference explored the understandings of economy in the Bible and in Christian tradition. It clearly pointed out that unchecked economic activity can easily result in increasing inequality and poverty.

Additionally, the need for constant intervention to address these negative consequences and for a different, more realistic, approach to economic life is a strong motivation for Christians and churches. These interventions will aim to facilitate global justice and ecological sustainability.

Churches and their related organisations are called to work from the "grassroots" levels in organising and solidarity building, as these can be easily overlooked. Currently, the following areas require urgent attention, and alternatives must be explored in the midst of globalisation, as identified by the conference:

- Food, Agriculture and Rural Life
- Work, Income and Time
- Social and Economic Rights
- Trade Markets: Local and Global Alternatives
- Multinational Corporations and Economic Democracy