EXCERPTS FROM THE NEW WEA/WEF COLLABORATION ARE PRESENTED FOR OVERVIEW DETAILING WHERE THE EVANGELICAL LEADERSHIP IS SEEKING TO TAKE THE CHURCH WITH INTERFAITH- UN/ WEF/ GLOBALIST PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION.
Rev Thomas Littleton
1/17/2024
PLEASE REVIEW THIS ARTICLE FIRST BEFORE LOOKING INTO THE DETAILS BELOW ON WEA/ WEF COLLABORATION KNOWN AS “FAITH IN ACTION “.
Faith in Action: Religion and Spirituality in the Polycrisis | World Economic Forum 1/17/24
DOWNLOAD THE WEF REPORT AT THIS LINK
https://www.weforum.org/publications/faith-in-action-religion-and-spirituality-in-the-polycrisis/
“FAITH IN ACTION: RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN THE POLYCRISIS“
“This insight report reflects on how global leaders are exploring partnerships with faith actors through eight faith-based partnership case studies – on the environment, health, resilience and technology governance – and considers ways leaders can explore meaningful cooperation with faith actors at a time of deepening polarization and distrust in societies.”
“Global leaders cannot afford to ignore the impact of religion and spirituality on today’s interconnected challenges. Eighty-five per cent of people worldwide adhere to a religious or spiritual tradition, impacting how they define their values and participate in communities, workplaces and societies.”
“Faith actors, from traditional religious institutions to interfaith organizations to faith-motivated investors, are tackling common challenges through partnerships with businesses, government and other stakeholders, exploring original approaches to working for mutual benefit and avoiding “faith washing” *. Many business leaders are using their faith fluency to explore innovative partnerships with faith actors to achieve meaningful engagement and impact.”
*(Faithwashing refers to when a state or organization appeal to interfaith dialogue in order to deflect attention from its harmful practices.)
COMPLETE WITH DISCLAIMER
.”Disclaimer
This document is published by the
World Economic Forum as a contribution
to a project, insight area or interaction.
The findings, interpretations and
conclusions expressed herein are a result
of a collaborative process facilitated and
endorsed by the World Economic Forum
but whose results do not necessarily
represent the views of the World Economic
Forum, nor the entirety of its Members,
Partners or other stakeholders.”
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
“Eighty-five per cent (85%) of the world’s population
adhere to a religious or spiritual tradition with
significant impact on how they define their values
and how they participate in their communities,
workplaces and societies. For most of the world
today, religion and spirituality continue to inform
what a good life is and how to best think about the
challenges faced by families, nations and the world.
For global leaders, underestimating the ongoing
influence and role of religion in society can lead to
missed opportunities for greater positive impact
in multi-faith societies and significant oversights in
understanding how religion and spirituality interact in
the complex societal challenges happening today.
Indeed, a number of faith actors (from traditional
religious institutions to inter-faith organizations
to faith-motivated investors) are working in
partnership with businesses and other global
stakeholders to address key challenges in the
current polycrisis – economic, environmental,
geopolitical and technological. Several business
and global leaders are increasingly seeing value
in partnerships with faith actors: in understanding
key opportunities for impact and navigating
ongoing societal transitions today. These leaders
are going beyond basic faith literacy and applying
their strategic, contextual understanding of faith
communities and traditions to achieve meaningful
engagement and impact through partnerships.”
“Faith actors, too, are exploring innovative
approaches in how to work together and with other
stakeholders for mutual benefit (to avoid “faith
washing” and other collaboration challenges).
In partnership with global religious and spiritual
representatives, experts and leaders across sectors,
this report highlights the continued relevance of
religion and spirituality in the current polycrisis. The
report details eight faith-based partnership case
studies – on the environment, health, resilience and
technology governance – and identifies three key
ways leaders can explore meaningful cooperation
with faith actors at a time of deepening polarization
and distrust in societies.”
“INTRODUCTION “
“More than 8 in 10 people adhere to a religious or
spiritual tradition – with profound implications on
individual preferences, institutions, social norms
and the public sphere across societies.2
According
to recent findings from the Pew-Templeton Global
Religious Futures project, most major religious
groups are expected to grow by 2050.3
– In Latin America, evangelical Christianity (mostly
Pentecostalism and neo-Pentecostalism) is the
fastest-growing religion, with one-fifth of the
population identifying as evangelical, largely
those who are poorer, women and Black.4
In Brazil, the world’s largest Catholic country,
one third of the population is now evangelical, with
a new church opening almost every hour in the
past decade according to the Economist.
– According to the Pew Research Center, in
countries in South and South-East Asia, nearly
all adults “still identify with the religion in which
they were raised,” and “strongly link their
religious and national identities.”6
– In the United States, roughly 70% of the
population identifies with a religious tradition,
64% as Christian and adherents of other
religions totaling about 6%.7
There are over
350,000 religious congregations (temples,
mosques, churches, synagogues, gurdwaras
and others) across the country, more than three
times the number of schools and universities.8
In addition to the over 200,000 faith-related
non-profits working in health and social services,
faith-based organizations and actors make up
over a third of civil society organizations in the
United States.
– In Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Latin
America, the fastest-growing countries by
population continue to be highly religious, while
those with shrinking populations tend to be less
religious. As a result, by 2060, more than 40%
of the world’s Christians will likely live in subSaharan Africa, shifting the population centre of
the religion from the United States and Europe.
– With relatively younger populations in countries
with increasing population growth, Islam will
continue to outpace other major religions and
by 2050, reach near parity with Christianity
“possibly for the first time in history.”10
Though the global projection of religious affiliation
and practice is pointing upwards, significant media
attention has focused on the rise of the religiously
unaffiliated (particularly in Western countries),
leading many global leaders to underestimate the
importance of religion and spirituality in the modern
world. Indeed, there has been significant attention
on the rise of the nones: according to the Pew
Templeton
( NOTE TEMPLETON IS PROVIDING INTERFAITH
AND MERGER OF FAITH AND SCIENCE GRANTS OVER $150 MILLION
PER YEAR INTO CHURCHES AND PARACHURCH MINISTRIES)
— “Templeton Global Religious Futures Project, 3 in 10
adults in the United States now identify as atheist,
agnostic or “nothing in particular”, following similar
patterns in Western Europe.11,12,13
One key misestimation of the importance of religion
and spirituality is the relationship between religion
and economic growth – with the presumption that
a rise in economic prosperity is correlated with
a decline in the practice and incidence of faith.14
Another key misestimation relates to the role of
religion as the single root cause of violent extremism,
focusing on declining religiosity as beneficial to
societal stability. Most experts on countering violent
extremism have moved beyond this thinking, with
significantly more evidence that “high levels of
religious devotion or observance are poor predictors
of support for or participation in violent extremism.”15
For global leaders, underestimating the ongoing
influence and role of religion in society can lead to
missed opportunities for greater positive impact
in multi-faith societies and significant oversights in
understanding how religion and spirituality interact
in the complex societal challenges happening
today. Ignoring religion and spirituality also shrouds
how they can be drivers of transformation and
change across several current global crises.”
PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
The purpose of this report is to:
– Further inform how religion and spirituality can
make an impact in today’s interconnected
polycrisis
– Showcase how faith actors are working in
partnership with global leaders – in particular
working in innovative partnerships with the
private sector – to tackle these crises
– Drawing from key case studies, identify
three key drivers in developing meaningful
cooperation and greater faith fluency amid
polarization and declining trust.
The power of religion and spirituality in a world
in crisis. By the numbers: Religion still matters
for most individuals and societies today.”
WEF 2023 GLOBAL RISK REPORT
“As detailed in the World Economic Forum 2023
Global Risks Report,
17 the erosion of social
cohesion and polarization have been key features
of the polycrisis across all countries, in relation
with environmental, economic, geopolitical and
technological global risks. There is a widening gap
in shared values and common interests, which
poses an existential challenge to governments and
social systems, as current divisions are translating
into the political context. Polarization on issues
such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights,
ethnicity, religion, climate and even secession have
characterized recent elections, referendums and
protests worldwide. These factors lead to division
and unrest in person and online, as social media
deepens distrust and makes the path towards
cooperation less visible.”
“Addressing these key global risks in the polycrisis will
require greater recognition of religion’s impact across
these risks and the greater engagement of global
leaders with faith actors – drawing on their global
influence, mobilization of networks, and articulation
of values across global challenges. For example,
several faith actors are already working in partnership
with global leaders from business and government:”
“Faith leaders and faith-based organizations have
increasingly participated alongside the United
Nations Climate Change Conference (COP)
processes in the last few years, advocating for
more ambitious rights-based policies. Faiths
for Biodiversity brought together faith-based
organizations and conservation groups to
articulate a multi-faith response to the Post2020
Global Biodiversity Framework at the
United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15).
“Organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in
partnership with the COP28 Presidency, the
United Nations Environmental Programme and
the Catholic Church, the United Arab Emirates
hosted the Global Faith Leaders Summit for
COP28 and the first-ever Faith Pavilion as a
global climate summit for faith leaders.
– Acting as a “network of networks” linking
strategic multi-religious and interfaith networks,
the recent G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20) brought
together leaders from religious communities
to accelerate global action alongside the
G20 process, reflecting four central areas of
mobilization – the COVID-19 emergency, the
climate crisis, conflicts and the welfare and
protection of children.
– The Rome Call for AI Ethics, initiated in
February 2020 through collaboration between
religious organizations, global tech companies,
international bodies and government, advocates
for an ethical approach to artificial intelligence
(AI) to ensure its responsible integration into
society and that AI technologies are developed
with humanity, dignity and inclusivity in mind.
Leading organizations such as the Abu Dhabi
Forum for Peace are further emphasizing the
need for shared responsibility to promote
transparency, inclusion, accountability,
impartiality, reliability, security and privacy in the
deployment of AI.
– In an effort to drive gender parity in technology
and business, City Sikhs and City Hindus
Networks, in partnership with the United Kingdom
Parliament and Black Business Institute, brought
under-represented voices into conversations
with government leaders as part of the Women
in Business and Technology Parliamentary
Series. Through engagement with lawmakers
and policy-makers, the series has helped drive
conversations and influence policies that promote
equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender,
ethnicity or religious background.”
“The relevance of faith for global leaders.”
With 85% of the world’s population adhering to a
religious or spiritual tradition and the recognized
impact of faith actors in addressing societal
challenges, global leaders cannot afford to ignore
religion or be religiously or spiritually illiterate across
the breadth and diversity of faiths and spirituality.
Faith fluency – the ability to apply strategic,
contextual understanding of faith communities and
traditions for meaningful engagement and impact –
is critical for leaders from government, business and
international organizations.2
“Community – religious and
spiritual identity among
consumers and the workforce.”
WORKPLACE NARRATIVE MAKES “FAITH AND WORK”
FOCUS AN OBVIOUS PART OF THE AGENDA
“The practice of faith acts as a social entity and
collective identity, spanning gender, class, race,
nationality and other identities and contributing
to “processes of social, economic, ecological
and cultural transformation.”26 Faith shapes the
community’s perception of itself within social
structures and informs how they respond to their
neighbours. As physical and sacred places, houses
of worship “play a critical role in the life, spiritual,
physical and mental health, and overall wellbeing and resiliency of their members and of the
surrounding community, which became especially
evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing
the extensive need for community through the
collective isolation experience.
“In the workplace, a worker’s religious identity has
been largely excluded from the broader diversity,
equity and inclusion (DEI) movement in recent
years, with companies fearing legal entanglements
or an “open door” to proselytization and cultural
conflict.28 From mutual respect in the office to
religious observances, religious freedom in the
workplace contributes to a diverse, inclusive and
engaged workforce, enhancing talent retention,
improving employee satisfaction, fostering cultural
competence, strengthening customer relations, and
driving innovation within businesses, all of which
are key components of a strong business case for
championing religious freedom in the workplace.
Faith fluency is particularly relevant for businesses
looking for access to new consumer markets
in which these consumers will have strong
expectations for how brands respect and reflect
their values. For example, Kerry notes the global
halal market reached some $2.221 trillion in 2022
and is forecast to have an 11% growth rate,
reaching $4.1 trillion by 2028.29 Notably, this is one
of six other important Muslim consumer market
segments, including “Islamic finance, modest
fashion, media and recreation, Muslim-friendly
travel, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.”30 Similar
dynamics exist for Kosher, Hindu-friendly and
Mormon-friendly products. Global companies
such as Walmart, McDonald’s and Nestlé are
similarly introducing “faith-compliant” products in
some countries to engage these faith-influenced
consumers.”
HOW WORKFORCE/WORKPLACE FOCUS PLAYS OUT IN SEEKING TO REACH GLOBAL GOALS METRICS.
“The Corporate Religious Equity, Diversity
and Inclusion (REDI) Index ranks Fortune 100
companies based on a variety of criteria related to
their public commitment to providing faith-friendly
workplaces, showcasing where companies that
engage religious diversity as an asset can improve
social cohesion in their workplaces and improve
performance.32 The index includes the presence
of religious employee resource groups (ERGs) that
help build positive corporate cultures for religious
employees and their needs in the workplace.
According to the 2023 REDI Index, Intel
Corporation was the most faith-friendly corporate
workplace among the 500 largest companies in
America, with American Airlines, Equinix, PayPal,
Salesforce and Dell Technologies rounding out the
top six places”
– “Diverse and inclusive workforce: ERGs and
religious diversity and inclusion workshops
foster diversity and inclusion in the workplace,
promoting collaboration and productivity
among employees.”
-“Talent retention and attraction: Inclusive
religious policies, including religious ERGs,
attract diverse talent and retain existing
employees, reducing turnover costs and
ensuring a skilled workforce.
– Improved employee engagement: Religious
ERGs enhance employee engagement
by providing a sense of community and
belonging, leading to higher job satisfaction
and productivity.
– Cultural competency: Religious ERGs
expose employees to diverse faith traditions,
enhancing their cultural understanding and
enabling effective engagement with global
markets.
– Customer relations: Workplace inclusivity and
religious accommodation improve a company’s
brand image, increasing customer loyalty and
positive public perception.”
“STEWARDSHIP AT WORK “
“Alexis Crow, Partner, Global Head, Geopolitical
Investing, PwC, explains three key concepts
from Catholic Social Teaching on economic life
that “offer business executives a way of instilling
stewardship in the societies in which they operate”
– with excerpts from her recent article below:35
– Solidarity: “Implicit in an understanding of
solidarity is the need to stand shoulder-toshoulder with one’s fellow workers in society.
It recognizes the necessity to ‘move beyond
an individualistic culture,’ endemic in our
post-modern societies. A sense of solidarity
was exhibited during the COVID-19 pandemic
with support for essential workers. In the
corporate world, solidarity also underpins
the concept of co-ownership of businesses;
affording employees the opportunity to own a
share in the ‘great workbench’ on which they
operate.36 Such an opportunity to blend labour
with the ownership of capital exhibits a way in
which a business can become a ‘community
of solidarity’.”
“Subsidiarity: “Intrinsically related to solidarity,
the principle of subsidiarity acknowledges that
each person and each segment of society
matters – no matter how weak. Thus, the
initiative, freedom and responsibility of the
‘smaller’ but ‘essential’ cells of society should
be upheld and respected. A well-functioning
society would support the development of the
capabilities ‘present at every level of society.’
Those in positions of power and leadership
have a responsibility to respect and support
each person’s dignity, private initiative and
right to participate in economic life.”
– Dignity of work: “Implicitly connected to this
is the principle of dignity of work: that is,
that all people have the right to participate
in economic initiative, and have the right to
productive work, living wages, and to fair
working conditions.37 Thus, even in an age of
‘automation anxiety’ – and fear of technological
unemployment – the implication is that each
person has a unique set of skills, gifts, and
talents to bear in economic life. Vocational
training, and continued ‘learning for working’ –
might also be intrinsic to the dignity of work in
an age of technological acceleration.”
“CITIZENSHIP AND CULTURAL PREFERENCES
AND INTEREST.“
“Religion acts as a political institution and actor,
extending ideological influence into political
participation and the articulation of the community’s
values and interests. From the histories of most
societies, religion existed prior to nation-states and
legitimized their power, shaping societal structures,
governance and the collective conscience of
communities, with adherents participating as
citizens of both national and spiritual communities.
Traditions, religious iconography and other
identifiers signify the citizenship and experiences of
the community, while common values help define
shared rights and responsibilities.
Faith fluency is key for a greater understanding of
social and cultural dynamics in certain countries
– and how national citizens, consumers and
workers make decisions and preferences based
on their multiple affiliations”
POOR CHRISTIANS ARE GOING TO NEED TO BE INDOCTRINATED.
“Challenges in engagement
There can, however, be both perceived and real
challenges for global leaders in engaging with faith
communities and faith actors:
– Deficits in religious literacy: Deficits in religious
literacy among different faith partners and
among other stakeholders create barriers to
sustainable and effective relationships. Religious
literacy involves the “ability to discern and
analyse the fundamental intersections of religion
and social/political/cultural life through multiple
lenses.”39 It is worth noting the need for accurate
religious literacy, as extremist or inaccurate
representations of religion are often featured in
media and entertainment. According to a recent
report from the Faith and Media Initiative, 63%
of faith-related media content “depicts faith and
faith institutions in a negative light.”
– Perceived lack of neutrality and fears of
proselytizing and preferential treatment:41
Some stakeholders hesitate to work with
religious communities and other faith actors
based on perceptions and evidence of
veiled religious agendas associated with
the partnership. This includes the fear of
proselytization and preferential treatment for likeminded faith groups or beneficiaries, particularly
concerning situations of significant vulnerability
and fragile contexts. It should be noted that for
faith actors, there is a complementary concern
about “faith washing” in which stakeholders
may engage with faith actors to obscure harmful
practices or criticism.
THIS ONE GETS SPOOKY-MUTUAL VALUE ALIGNMENT
– Mutual value alignment in partnerships:
There is a need to ensure shared priorities and
mutual respect are maintained in collaborations
between faith actors and other stakeholders
and to avoid potential instrumentalization and
misalignment.42 The Joint Learning Initiative
on Faith and Local Communities (JLI) and
the World Faiths Development Dialogue,
two international partnerships of faith actors
in development and humanitarian action,
discussed key challenges for effective faith
partnerships in response to the COVID-19
pandemic, focusing significantly on the lack
of pre-existing, trusted engagement and the
instrumentalization of faith leaders “to achieve a
predefined end without engaging them as equal
partners on their own terms.”
BUSINESS -TO COMPLETE THE THREE LEGGED STOOL
Faith in action
“Business leaders are not leaving impact on
the table. They are using their faith fluency
to explore innovative partnerships with
faith actors – on the environment, health,
resilience and technology.
“A number of business leaders are applying their
faith fluency to explore innovative partnerships with
faith actors. This section, in addition to providing
overviews of key global challenge areas and
related theological understanding across faiths,
details real-world examples and offers insights into
the complexities of such partnerships, including
applicable lessons, challenges to overcome and
potential opportunities and developments on the
horizon. The case studies were derived from a
six-week survey process shared with global and
regional leaders from across industries and sectors
(see Appendix 1 for details), along with interviews
with various stakeholders from the faith and
business sectors.
Selection criteria for each case study included
identifying:
– Projects between faith-based organizations
and the private sector: Examples of
collaborative projects among cross-sector
stakeholders – with a specific emphasis on
the vital interplay between faith and business
interactions aimed at providing sustainable
solutions to pressing social challenges.
– Area of impact: Collaborative projects within
thematic areas of concern related to current
global crises.”
SUSTAINABLE AND DIVERSE – REPEAT AND REPEAT
“Tangible outcomes: Collaborative projects that
have measurable and tangible outcomes. Cases
that can provide concrete data and evidence of
the impact created.
– Scale of impact: The magnitude of the impact
achieved by each collaborative project, including
the number of beneficiaries, the amount of
financial investment and the geographic reach.
– Innovation: Collaborative projects that have
developed innovative approaches or unique
solutions to the challenges they are addressing.
– Sustainability and longevity: The long-term
viability and sustainability of the impact achieved
by the collaborative project. Cases that have
demonstrated their ability to maintain positive
change over time and have a lasting effect.
– Diversity: The final criterion for selecting
the case studies, it ensures a balanced
representation of collaborative projects from
the eligible pool that encompasses various faith
traditions, business types, thematic areas and
geographic locations.”
HOW GREEN IS MY FAITH?
“The interconnected challenges of climate change,
biodiversity loss and pollution, collectively known
as the triple planetary crisis, are of major concern
due to their impacts on livelihoods, health and
business operations.
Businesses and religious actors are forging
innovative partnerships to tackle these threats
through collaboration and partnership. By
harnessing their distinct skills, expertise, resources
and networks, they are able to amplify their reach
and impact. This includes working with local
congregations and communities to facilitate the
implementation of best practices for community
resilience amid the worsening climate crises.
While faith actors often possess considerable
size and influence, they often lack the expertise
to bring environmentally conscious products and
services to market. Conversely, businesses can
leverage the networks and moral voices of faiths
to strengthen their own activities to become more
environmentally sustainable.”
“The teachings from wisdom and religious traditions
can be a driving force in these partnerships,
drawing from the common thread of compassion
and environmental care found across religious
traditions. For instance, Buddhism emphasizes
interconnectedness and advocates for compassion
and non-harming towards all beings, including
the environment.44 Similarly, Hinduism, with its
principles of dharma and karma, underscores
the importance of environmental care and
encompasses compassion for all living beings, the
environment and the planet as a whole.45 Sikhism
teaches the interconnectedness of the universe,
recognizing the divine in all aspects of nature. Many
Indigenous traditions consider nature sacred and
deserving of respectful treatment.”
Judaism, rooted in the concept of “bal tashchit”,
advocates responsible resource use and
stewardship based on the belief that the Earth
belongs to God and humans are its caretakers.46
Christianity, sharing scriptures with Judaism,
highlights the stewardship of creation, emphasizing
a love ethic in caring for the Earth.47 Islam, with the
principle of “taklif al-mithal”, positions Muslims as
stewards of the Earth, stressing conservation and
resource efficiency.”
KEY LESSONS
“Lesson for business: Business opportunities exist in marrying global faith networks and their traditional religious practices with technology. Critical to this is understanding the practices of faith groups and their faith-mandated or inspired purchasing habits.
Lesson for faith: Faith- and values-led commercial solutions should be explored that serve the needs of faith communities which can also have positive social and economic benefits to a range of stakeholders.”
WHY GETTING AMERICA INTO SOCIALIZED MEDICINE WAS SO IMPORTANT
“Health and healthcare”
“there are a variety of teachings in both the Qur’an
and the Hadith that prescribe methodologies
for personal hygiene, the preparation of food,
interactions with animals, and ways to preserve a
healthy environment.51 The Qur’an and the Hadith
also emphasize the dignity of all human beings and
the right to life and equitable care.52
Teachings in the Torah and Tanakh call for the
care of the oppressed and downtrodden and to
ensure that all people are treated with dignity and
respect.53 Jewish dietary laws (Kashrut) dictate
religious practice for some individuals but can also
be understood as a way to promote cleanliness
and avoid certain health risks. Similarly, Christianity
draws inspiration from the life of Jesus Christ,
where throughout the Gospels, he crossed social
and class boundaries to bring healing to suffering
and calm to strife.54 His life inspired an ethic among
many Christians to advocate for the dispossessed
and bring healing and succour to those who need
it most.
Hinduism’s holistic perspective, rooted in sacred
texts like the Vedas and Upanishads, encompasses
physical and mental well-being. Yoga, rooted
as a spiritual practice, promotes health through
postures and meditation, influencing dietary and
lifestyle choices.”
“Worsening global health conditions are exacerbated
by infectious diseases, inadequate healthcare
infrastructure and socioeconomic disparities. The
COVID-19 pandemic illuminated these fractures and
demonstrated the consequences of not investing
in equitable access to healthcare or in supporting
healthcare providers, as well as an emphasis on
mindful living and diet.”
“Various world religions converge in their shared
emphasis on caring for the oppressed, upholding
the sanctity of human life, and promoting access
to health. This common thread spans teachings
that advocate for self-care and the endorsement
of the One Health approach and equitable access
to healthcare to improve the overall well-being of
society. These include the importance of faithbusiness
partnerships to help faith-inspired small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) scale and
become more financially secure, the potential in
leveraging international faith networks, and the
strong religious motivation faith groups have to help
those in need.
Buddhist principles champion social justice and
equitable healthcare access, reflecting a moral duty
to ensure the health of all, while Buddhist practices
of meditation and plant-based diets encourage
mental and physical well-being.”
KEY LESSONS
“Lesson for business: In the realm of SMEs, faith-based organizations naturally thrive, making a significant impact and paving the way for collaborations with larger corporations seeking to amplify their frontline influence in this space.
Lesson for faith: The TBN Alliance showcases the successful integration of faith and business goals, avoiding the alienation of stakeholders with diverse or no religious affiliations. This achievement stems from a thorough understanding of the broad ecosystem, acknowledging the roles and connections of faith-based actors and a skilful ability to articulate faith principles in the language of the marketplace. TBNA’s proficiency in bridging the gap between religion and business fosters significant partnerships centred on shared impact objectives.”
NOW THE URBAN TRANSFORMATIVE COMMUNITY IS ENGAGED
THIS IS WHERE THE GLOBAL ALTARS TO THE GLOBAL gods ARE ESTABLISHED.
“Inclusive communities and resilient cities”
“It is estimated that over 65% of the world’s
population will live in urban areas by 2050, which
presents moral and practical challenges for
society.55 These rates of urbanization continue,
despite the emptying-out of cities during the
COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, many Western
societies are struggling with high levels of
immigration and its impact on social cohesion.
The case studies presented here underscore the
dynamic partnerships emerging between faith
actors and businesses to tackle these and other
societal challenges. There is a focus on inclusivity
and justice, envisioning a society that both tolerates
and actively creates space for diversity. They reflect
the proactive efforts of faith actors and businesses
and highlight the effectiveness of their efforts when
they work together.
The teachings of early prophets in Judaism,
encapsulated in Micah’s call to “Do justice,
love mercy, and walk humbly with God,” are
foundational for many Jewish advocates. The early
Biblical prophets taught and informed the life and
mission of Jesus Christ. His teachings on justice
inspired his followers throughout Christian history to
find better ways of living with one another.
Examining other religious traditions, the phrase
“vasudhaiva kutumbakam” from the Hindu Maha
Upanishad emphasizes the oneness of the world
family, guiding Hindus in their quest for holistic and
inclusive societies.57 Islamic scholars stress Quranic
principles for inclusive societies, emphasizing equal
treatment irrespective of race, gender, class, or
creed, with Zakat (charity) playing a central role in
wealth redistribution.58,59
Buddhist teachings, epitomized in the Metta Sutta,
advocate for universal love and goodwill, promoting
inclusivity.60 Zoroastrianism frames social justice in
the context of human rights, viewing every being
as a reflection of the Divine masterpiece deserving
care and opportunity.61 Confucianism underscores
the importance of inclusive societies and social
justice through teachings on benevolence (ren) and
righteousness (yi), with Confucius emphasizing
moral virtue and well-being for all as the
cornerstone of a just society.”
“
“Religious leaders, ethicists, and theologians have
essential roles to play…the religions that they serve
place the inherent dignity of the human being,
as something given by God, at the heart of their
concepts of social relations and development. Their
ethical approaches are not utilitarian but absolute: we
seek human flourishing because we are commanded
to by our creator.
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah, Secretary-General,
Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies”
KEY LESSONS– MORE COMMON GOOD COLLABORATION FOR FAITH BASED PARTNERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS – YEP TOLD YOU SO.
Lesson for business: Businesses can find faith partners with brand alignment and business acumen with whom they can develop mutually beneficial partnerships. Whirlpool’s enduring 24-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity exemplifies how business and faith-based organizations can collaborate effectively, fostering mutual respect and shared goals for the common good.
Lesson for faith: It is possible for faith-based organizations to develop high brand value, which can lead to immensely mutually valuable partnerships with businesses.”
LEAVE NOONE BEHIND
NOTE- CAN THE CHURCH FINALLY SEE WHY CRT/ INTERESECTIONALITY /LGBTQ RIGHTS AND THE #METOO HITTING THE CHURCH WAS SO IMPORTANT?
WE WERE BEING PRIMED ALL ALONG !!!
“Lesson for business: Businesses have the opportunity to contribute to the scaling of impactful projects, such as the TRANSFORM impact accelerator, by providing valuable resources, business expertise and talent to collaborative partnerships. This engagement can enhance the project’s reach and effectiveness, showcasing the positive influence businesses can have on social initiatives.”
Lesson for faith: Encouraging synergy among a diverse range of stakeholders is crucial in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities. In the illustrated case study, both GSF and Unilever share a dedication to promoting social entrepreneurship and creating a positive impact on labour markets, specifically for marginalized groups like migrants, women and youth. This underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing societal challenges and advancing shared values.”
MIGRANTS & CULTURAL REFUGEES
“TRANSFORM is an impact accelerator, launched in
2015 and led by Unilever, the United Kingdom’s Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and EY.
Working with a range of other collaborators, it supports
impactful SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and
beyond, testing and scaling new business solutions that
tackle environmental challenges, improve health and wellbeing and build inclusive economies.
Bringing large organizations with different perspectives and
values together can be challenging. Even more challenging is
unlocking the knowledge and time of people in them. But by
ensuring a mutual benefit for all, TRANSFORM has been able
to support over 100 impact and research projects.
Building on the success in Africa and Asia, Unilever joined
forces with the Global Solidarity Fund (GSF) to replicate the
TRANSFORM approach in Latin America. The programme
was launched at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
in Davos in 2021 as a $1 million initiative to support
marginalized communities in Colombia.66 The partnership
leverages TRANSFORM’s capabilities and experience in
delivering transformative market-based solutions that last.
The innovative private sector and faith-based partnership
works with communities to achieve transformation, stimulate
economies and support the most vulnerable populations,
including migrants and refugees, in Colombia. The partners
are united in a common ambition to focus on fostering social
entrepreneurship and impacting labour markets for the
inclusion of migrants and refugees.”
“The innovative private sector and faith-based partnership
works with communities to achieve transformation, stimulate
economies and support the most vulnerable populations,
including migrants and refugees, in the global workforce.
The partners are united in a common ambition to focus
on fostering social entrepreneurship and impacting labour
markets for the inclusion of migrants and refugees.
Unilever and GSF are already supporting social enterprises
in the region, including Powered by People, a wholesale
marketplace for conscious buyers enabling artisan makers
to access global markets through its business-to-business
tech platform, and Conceptos Plasticos, which is on a
mission to promote sustainable recycling practices and create
communities committed to recycling.
Clive Allison, Director at Unilever, says “GSF have been
visionary partners and pivotal in enabling TRANSFORM to
expand into Colombia. They have catalysed TRANSFORM to
target marginalized populations, including migrants, women
and youth in Latin America.”67
Patrick McGrory, President of GSF, added, “The partnership
between GSF and TRANSFORM in Colombia has
strengthened two innovative and sustainable business
projects that will serve as sources of employment and
productivity for the communities. Creating synergies between
different stakeholders is crucial for unlocking opportunities,
especially for the most vulnerable.”
“Faith-based partnerships have a vital role to play
in creating more inclusive societies and advancing
social justice. Humanity’s existence is governed
not only by physical forces but also by social and
moral laws of cause and effect, into which religion
offers profound insight. From this perspective, the
path to a more inclusive and just world cannot be
one of technological adjustment alone. It must also
involve communities and societies learning to align
themselves with higher principles.
Bani Dugal, Principal Representative to the United
Nations, Bahá’í International Community”
Technology governance
“The advent of new technologies brings with it a dual
nature, offering both benefits and the potential for
harm to individuals and communities alike. Issues
range from the amplification of hate speech and
extremism to ethical concerns surrounding artificial
intelligence (AI).
In response to these challenges, businesses
and faith groups are collaboratively addressing
the need for effective regulation and striving to
mitigate potential harm. Amid this rapidly evolving
landscape, the world’s major religions can provide
guiding principles to navigate the intricate interplay
of society and technology. Used to promote harm or
cause oppression. The
Quran instructs believers to “make peace” when
conflicts arise,69 which some Islamic scholars
understand as applicable to anything from
international conflict to interpersonal conflict, and
can be used as a principle for protecting freedom
and human rights.70
Pope Francis, representing the Catholic faith,
underscores the ethical implications of robotics and
artificial intelligence. Emphasizing the importance
of technology serving the common good and
promoting the dignity and well-being of every
person, he draws on Catholic Social Teachings in
his encyclical Laudato Si’.
71 A similar posture can
be found in the Buddhist principle of Sila, or right
conduct, serving as a reminder not to become
overly reliant on technology, urging mindfulness of
its impact on the world.
Within Jewish ethics, a strong emphasis is placed
on the responsible and ethical use of technology,
teaching that technology should improve the world
and enhance humanity’s well-being.72 The concept
of “tikkun olam”, meaning “repairing the world”,
underscores the belief that technology can be a tool
for addressing social and environmental challenges.”
KEY LESSONS
“Lesson for business: Faith-based organizations often have knowledge and expertise that they have gained over multiple years that can help companies strengthen their work and plug gaps in their knowledge.”
“Lesson for faith: There is no one-size-fits-all model for engagement with businesses. Some may be receptive to and have policies for formal partnerships. In the absence of this, individual employees may have permission to engage with faith groups on an individual and informal basis. It is worth researching the best means of engagement and talking to other faith groups to learn from their experiences.”
“GUIDANCE “
“Guidance for
developing meaningful
collaborations”
Guiding questions on three key drivers for
meaningful collaboration with faith actors.
“The case studies echo stories of partnerships
involving global leaders using their faith fluency to
explore innovative partnerships to solve problems.
Faith actors and communities are also determining
how to develop and take up such partnerships with
the private sector.
Undertaking these partnerships involves navigating
a complex web of issues. Drawing from the case
studies and discussions, this section reflects three
key factors for consideration as businesses and
faith actors explore new partnerships.”
“READINESS AND RESPECTING DIFFERENCES “
Organizational readiness for engaging with and respecting differences.
“Looking internally, a key aspect of collaboration
between faith and business leaders relates to
how organizations are fostering space for greater
diversity and inclusion. How can organizations
foster an environment that encourages engaging
with and respecting differences while also
addressing the inherent challenges and conflicts
that such engagements may bring to the surface?
– Challenge: Skills and structure within
businesses and organizations to engage in and
facilitate difficult conversations across conflicting
opinions or other differences through shared
values and mutual recognition.”
Strategy: Creating an internal strategy and
spaces in the workplace where those dialogues
can become more commonplace; having your
organization’s house in order is key to creating
spaces of belonging and building credibility in
external partnerships with faith actors. Audit
your own organization’s practices related to
religious observances, holidays and other
specific areas related to a welcoming and
accommodating organizational culture. Allow
for religious employee resource groups and
lay leadership to inform how groups within the
organization are affected by external or internal
changes related to their religious identities.
Engage expert facilitators.”
“AILGNMENT ON SHARED GOALS “
Alignment on shared goals
“Values and mission alignment are fundamental to
establishing the partnership. Part of the challenge
here will lie in communication: how business
stakeholders develop faith fluency in a way that
genuinely depicts their understanding and value
from the faith-based partnership, rather than
pursuing the engagement as a token gesture for
employee well-being or public relations. Additionally,
faith-based actors must also ensure that the
partnership does not overshadow or undermine
their spiritual mission and objectives (e.g. faithwashing). It is worth noting that finding mutually beneficial alignment is the goal – whether on deep,
long-term collaborations or more transitory projects
How can businesses and faith actors authentically
integrate values in the operations and decisionmaking processes of an initiative or partnership without alienating stakeholders who may have
different or no religious affiliations?”
“Challenge: Aligning religious/ethical/moral
goals with business objectives. Unclear
value proposition for faith engagement and
understanding of potential pathways of
engagement.
– Strategy: Develop a clear framework that
integrates faith-based values with business
practices. Encourage ethical business conduct
and ensure that financial decisions align with
the organization’s core values. Adapt toolkits
for business leaders similar to the broader
faith and development guides for government
development agencies. Ensure a collective
voice on a shared priority or defined set of
priorities. Define a moral and market imperative
for faith and business action and clarity and
consistency for faith engagement with business
leaders. Advocate for streamlined bureaucratic
processes and establish clear communication
channels between collaborating organizations.”
PUBLIC TRUST:
WITH LONG HISTORY OF CORRUPTION AND THEFT THIS
ONE IS ALMOST LAUGHABLE
“Public perception and trust”
“How can faith-based initiatives educate the public
about their faith and values without being perceived
as proselytizing, especially in secular or multi-faith
contexts? How can faith-based initiatives maintain
authenticity and adherence to their spiritual values
while actively managing public perception and
countering media misinformation?
– Challenge: Ignorance about faith, lack of
education and misunderstandings about the
goals of faith-based projects. Misinformation,
negative media coverage and lack of trust in
faith-based initiatives.”
“Strategy: Implement transparent
communication strategies. Provide accurate
information, engage with the media positively
and showcase success stories to build trust and
counter misconceptions. Launch awareness
campaigns, workshops and educational
programmes to inform the public about the
faith, its values and the positive impact of faithbased initiatives. Encourage interfaith dialogue
to bridge gaps in understanding. Institute a
prominent strict no proselytizing policy.”
THE WEF/WEA/ FAITH IN ACTION CONCLUSION
There is a path forward for today’s leaders to
confront the multifaceted challenges of global
society through innovative collaboration and
partnerships grounded in shared values. The cases
highlighted in this report serve as key examples
showcasing the transformative potential when
business leaders and faith-based organizations
join forces for collective impact. Reflecting on the
insights derived from these cases, it becomes
evident that fostering deeper connections between
these two spheres can yield both mutual value and
powerful solutions to address pressing issues, from
just transitions and environmental sustainability to
health and technology governance.
However, additional work is needed to build on
these insights and effectively translate them into
actionable strategies. The future of engagement
between business and faith will require the
development of comprehensive toolkits for building
greater faith fluency and dialogues, as well as the
establishment of collaborative spaces that facilitate
open communication and a proactive community of
key actors who can champion these partnerships.
“These activities will serve as practical guidance and
contribute to the creation of more robust, scalable
frameworks for effective collaboration between
business and faith leaders.”
“In the face of current global challenges, no single
entity can solve the challenges of the polycrisis in
isolation. By forging partnerships based on mutual
values, leaders can harness the strengths of both
business and faith communities to effect positive
change. This landscape report aims to be a catalyst
for inspiration, conversation and action, encouraging
leaders from diverse sectors to come together,
learn from one another and collectively contribute
to a more just, sustainable and compassionate
world. The transformative potential goes beyond
the collaboration itself to the enduring commitment
to shared values, creating a legacy of impact that
transcends individual efforts and resonates across
sectors, belief systems and generations.”
Chris Elisara
Co-Director, World Evangelical Alliance
Sustainability Center
Jack Hildebrand
Community Specialist, World Economic Forum
Gopal D. Patel
Co-Founder and Director, Bhumi Global; Co-Chair,
United Nations Multifaith Advisory Council
David Sangokoya
Head of Civil Society Impact, World Economic Forum
REPORT ADVISORY BOARD
T
ariq Al-Olaimy
Co-Founder, 3BL Associates
Amma
Founder, Mata Amritanandamayi Math
Alexis Crow
Partner; Global Head, Geopolitical Investing, PwC
Dhammananda Bhikkhuni
Abbess, Songdhammakalyani Temple
Bani Dugal
Principal Representative to the United Nations,
Bahá’í International Community
Rudelmar Bueno de Faria
General Secretary, ACT Alliance
Reverend Mark E. Fowler
Chief Executive Officer, Tanenbaum Center for
Interreligious Understanding
Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt
President, Conference of European Rabbis
Jonathan Greenblatt
Chief Executive Officer and National Director, AntiDefamation League
Brian Grim
Founding President, Religious Freedom and
Business Foundation
Azza Karam
Member of the Board, United Nations SecretaryGeneral’s High-Level Advisory Board on Effective
Multilateralism
Farhan Latif
President, El-Hibri Foundation
Brie Loskota
Visiting Scholar, Center for the Study of Religion
and Society, University of Notre Dame
Katherine Marshall
Vice-President, G20 Interfaith Forum
Martin Palmer
Founding President and Chief Executive, FaithInvest
Anil Sakya
Deputy Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences,
Mahamakut Buddhist University
Thomas Schirrmacher
Secretary-General, World Evangelical Alliance
Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh
Spiritual Leader and Chairman, Guru Nanak
Nishkam Sewak Jatha
Simran Jeet Singh
Executive Director, Religion and Society Program,
Aspen Institute
Meredith Sumpter
Managing Partner, Just Equity
Mark V. Vlasic
Executive Producer, Blood and Treasure, CBS
Television Studios
Rodrigo Whitelaw
General Secretary, International Christian Union of
Business Executives (UNIAPAC)
Zeshan Zafar
Executive Director, Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace
Joshua Zinner
Chief Executive Officer, Interfaith Center on
Corporate Responsibility
THIRTYPIECESOF SILVER CONCLUSION
This Inter-faith- Multi-faith /Faith Based Partnership/Three Legged Stool / Mulit Sector Collaboration is everything biblical prophesy foretells about a last days global governance aided by a corrupted instututional religious conglomerate lost in aposasy and rebooted to further the building of the kingdom of anti- christ.
In this stream of pursuit of “PURPOSE “ the church must abandon the Holiness of God and sanctification /being set apart demanded by God in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Body of Christ must yoke itself with corrupt global powers and assume their vision and values and those of the interfaith partners with whom they agree to work finding “common ground for the common good”. The Gospel is lost. There can be no call to REPENTANCE as the cooperation and communitarian values demand compliance and inclusion. The church in this apostasy will no longer be “the called out ones” and will therefore have its candletick removed leaving a hollow and corrupted and corruting institution in its place…bearing the name that it is alive when in reality it is totally spiritually DEAD.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CHRISTIANS AND THE CHURCH?
With the run up to 2030 for globalist and all the funding coming into the church from FOUNDATIONS and GOVERNMENT AGENCIES few leaders remain as free agents to represent the Gospel and refuse the drivers behind the globalist endgame. Those drivers include “Faith and Works programs/ cultural engagement /community development focuses and top down indoctrination and compliance with and by Critical Theories/ CRT/ Intersectionality/ Gender & Feminist Theory/Queer Theory/ Diversity Equity and Inclusion/ Egalitarianism/Communitarianism/ Interfaith & Multi -faith dialog/ Chrislam and a host of other interlocking and intentional deceptions which some of THE MOST POPULAR AND RESPECTED LEADERS in our denominations and institutions have sold out to for their own ” THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER”. LEAVE all such false churches and organizations which bear the NAME of Jesus and yet in works DENY HIM.
MAKE NO MISTAKE – THIS APOSTASY WAS BOUGHT AND PAID FOR.
2 Corinthians 6:
17 Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
LET GOD ARISE AND CLEANS HIS FLOOR :
Matthew 3:
12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
thirtypiecesofsilverdotorg 