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The second Economic Empowerment Track Conference of the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSFA) is taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 20th to 24th May 2026, gathering provincial representatives from GSFA member Provinces, observers, and leading specialists in economic empowerment initiatives from across the Global South and beyond.
Hosted in partnership with the Diocese of West Malaysia and the Province of South East Asia, the conference has brought together participants from 15 different provinces and dioceses, reflecting the breadth, diversity, and growing collaboration of the GSFA network. The gathering represents an important milestone in the continued development of the GSFA Economic Empowerment Track.
Building on the foundations laid during the first conference, this year’s gathering seeks to deepen collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and explore practical pathways towards sustainable economic flourishing within Anglican contexts.
Participants have travelled from a wide range of countries and contexts, bringing with them experiences, testimonies, challenges, and emerging models of economic empowerment. Throughout the week, delegates will engage with presentations, workshops, case studies, and strategic discussions focused on entrepreneurship, sustainability, financial resilience, theological reflection, leadership formation, and community transformation.
The conference also includes the participation of observers and key experts working in areas such as social enterprise, impact investment, grassroots economic development, microfinance, business training, and faith-based sustainability initiatives. The diversity of perspectives present reflects the growing recognition that economic empowerment is becoming an increasingly significant dimension of Christian mission and discipleship across the Global South.
In his opening remarks, Mr Diogo Henriques of the Anglican Church in Brazil and Chairman of the GSFA Economic Empowerment Track, emphasised that the movement is rooted not merely in financial development, but in a broader vision of Christian stewardship, dignity, sustainability, and responsible discipleship.
Reflecting on the purpose of the Economic Empowerment Track, Mr Henriques stated that the Church is called not simply to generate resources, but to “develop people, strengthen institutions and create pathways through which the Church in the Global South may exercise its vocation with greater autonomy, impact and faithfulness to the Gospel.”
Drawing on the conference theme and the concept of a “track,” he described the initiative as a journey of movement, direction, and long-term vision. He reminded delegates that the first conference planted seeds and laid foundations, while this second gathering marks an important step forward in building sustainable structures capable of serving future generations.
One of the most striking moments of the address came as Mr Henriques reflected on the biblical symbolism of the table. Referring to the fellowship of Christ with His disciples, he observed that while “the Cross was sufficient, unique and definitive,” Jesus continued to return to the table as a place of fellowship, learning, discernment, and commissioning. He encouraged participants to view the conference itself as a place of listening, learning, discernment, and shared mission.
As the conference continues throughout the week, there is strong expectation that the conversations, relationships, and practical strategies emerging from Kuala Lumpur will contribute significantly to the strengthening of Provinces, dioceses, churches, and communities across the GSFA network.
Above all, the conference reflects a growing conviction within the Global South that economic empowerment is not separate from the mission of the Church, but can serve as an important instrument for discipleship, sustainability, and the flourishing of communities for the glory of God.
