Churches to tackle war economies at Panama consultation

Churches to tackle war economies at Panama consultation

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Thu, 08/27/2026 - 15:39

Global military spending reached 2.887 trillion US dollars in 2025, the highest level ever recorded and the 11th consecutive year of growth, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. As militarized economies deepen conflict and ecological harm worldwide, faith leaders, theologians, and practitioners from Panama, Argentina, South Africa, the Republic of Korea, and beyond will gather in Panama City from 26–28 August for the NIFEA Consultation on Economy of Peace, part of the churches' campaign for a New International Financial and Economic Architecture (NIFEA), to ask how churches can help reshape economic systems toward justice and peace.

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Photo: Robyn Sekula/Presbyterian Foundation

War economies are not inevitable – they are choices,” stated Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, World Council of Churches (WCC) programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace. “ Scripture tells us that ‘ the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness, and trust forever ’ (Isaiah 32:17, NRSV). Churches…