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The GSFA has held its first Economic Empowerment Track Planning Conference since the relaunch of the Tracks at the First Assembly in June 2024. The meeting was led by newly appointed Chairman Diogo Henriques, the Provincial Chancellor of the Anglican Church of Brazil and was hosted by the Diocese of Singapore at St Andrew’s Cathedral from 10-14 March 2025.
Delegates from 12 different Provinces, and speakers from Uganda, the UK and Singapore were welcomed by the Bishop of Singapore and Archbishop of South East Asia, the Most Rev Dr Titus Chung, at an opening dinner. Singapore proved to be an inspirational venue, providing an outstanding example of how a nation with no natural resources at independence in 1965 transformed itself from an underdeveloped backwater to being one of the most prosperous nations in the world as it celebrates its 60th anniversary later this year.
Our time together began with an exploration of how continuing patterns of economic dependence constrain the ability of the poorer Provinces of the Communion to fulfil the Great Commission and in some cases, lead to tacit compromise with revisionism. This was followed by an overview of a biblical theology of wealth creation which provides the basis for enterprise as a Christian vocation and a way of positively responding to the false teaching of the so called ‘prosperity gospel’.
We then heard from expert speakers on some key elements of economic empowerment. Dr Peter Hinton, an Associate Fellow of Oxford’s Said Business School, spoke on the potential of low-cost private schools, often overlooked but very strategic providers of education for the poor in many less developed countries. This was followed up Andrew Emmanuel Omara, Director of Windle International, Uganda who explained the great value of community based vocational training for young people and refugees.
Pamela Ebanyet, Executive Director of Ripple Effect Uganda showed how sustainable farming projects can be scaled up to remove dependence on food aid and a video interview with Vinicius Poit, a Brazilian impact investor gave an example of how a blended finance strategy utilising philanthropic funding can open up affordable finance for small to medium sized businesses (SMEs).
The consultation included a visit to Tower Transit’s Bulim bus depot to see good business principles in action. Neil Smith, the founder of the Relay Trust, is a director and before the visit delegates watched a video interview in which Neil spoke with candour and deep insight about what it means to be a Christian entrepreneur.
Delegates were also given some basic training in project design and the consultation concluded with presentations of potential pilot projects in microfinance, education and sustainable agriculture. We thank God for a time of wonderful fellowship and learning, and trust that He will take the seeds sown in this time together and multiply them for the blessing of many!
Canon Charles Raven
GSFA Advisor on Administration and Anglican Communion Affairs
