Review of LICC's Capitalism Project

(September 2000-August 2004)

The project's aim and objectives

The aim of the project was to develop a robust theological and practical response to contemporary global capitalism as the dominant global ideology.

More specifically, it had three overall objectives:

1. Develop a Christian critique of the contemporary global market economy
2. Identify areas for particular Christian/Church concern and involvement
3. Work in partnership with business leaders to develop practical models that enable businesses, families, individuals and communities to flourish relationally as well as economically.

At the end of the project these aims and objectives appeared to have been the right ones. They've been very fruitful, as indicated by some of the following selected highlights.

Fulfilment of objectives

High level output

• Led seminars for business people on models for business based on Christian principles. Seminars had such titles as 'Fair Shares', 'Sustainable Capitalism', 'Globalization - Three Paradigms for Business';
• Provided consultancy for Tear Fund and World Vision on development issues, and produced a substantial discussion document entitled A Theology of Development.
• Acted as the Archbishop of Canterbury's official representative at consultations on economic globalization of the World Council of Churches in Geneva;
• Acted as the Archbishop of Canterbury's official representative at consultations of the Trade and Poverty Task Force of the Archbishops of the worldwide Anglican Communion (the Anglican Primates) in Canterbury;
• Delivered lectures at various academic institutions (including Cambridge University, Durham University, Sheffield Hallam University, Ridley Hall, London School of Theology, Plater College, Oxford, on such subjects as Global Communications Media, Consumerism, Global Civil Society, Economic Globalization, Globalization and Mission;
• Co-organized major conferences, such as:
  • Globalization: The Big Issue? (with Jubilee Centre and Ridley Hall Foundation), held at Ridley Hall;
  • 'Managing the Future: Challenges to Society and Business from Science, Ethics and Religious Belief' on 'Globalization in Theological Perspective' (with John Ray Initiative), held at the Royal Society of Arts;
• Brought together a coalition of 20 Christian denomination and agencies under the banner of 'JustShare' to engage with issues of global economic ethics at senior levels of business and politics. Produced a series of briefing papers, organized monthly forums in the City (still ongoing), met with senior business leaders and wrote open letters to the chairmen of 60 banks with significant operations in the City (signed by senior church leaders including the Bishop of London);
• Published articles and reviews in various journals, including Third Way, Anvil, and Theology.
• Published Globalization: Unravelling the New Capitalism (Grove Books). Unprecedented high sales, meaning that a reprint was necessary.
• Published Globalization and the Good (SPCK). As a selection of the best papers presented under the auspices of the Capitalism Project, this book is a 'flagship' product of the Project. The book was previewed by Chancellor Gordon Brown and the Archbishop of Canterbury (who produced a commendation for the back cover). Book launches are scheduled to take place at various City venues, including Goldman Sachs (hosted by Lord Brian Griffiths, one of the Contributors).
• Produced a draft of a book with the working title The Heart of Globalization: Towards a Theology of the Company.

Lay level output

• Presented a number of presentations on global capitalism at various gatherings including churches, agencies and NGOs;
• Devized and taught the LICC course 'Living with Capitalism';
• Published articles, interviews, letters and reviews in various forums, including Workwise, EG, Connecting with Culture, Third Way, Church Times, Faith in Business, Markets and Morality, Bible in Transmission, Greenbelt website and Encounter with God bible study notes;
• Appeared on BBC4's 'Sunday' programme with Lord Griffiths, to discuss JustShare's engagement with City banks and businesses.
• Regular live interviews on Premier Radio, following 'Connecting with Culture' reflections on global economic issues.
• Gave talks and wrote reflections on some of Jesus' 'hard sayings' about wealth.

As a result of these activities, the project has seen an increase in its credibility, standing and impact in ever-broadening circles.

The products have been of high quality intellectually and practically, as well as in terms of style and presentation.

A comparison between the aims of the project and its outcomes, the Capitalism Project has exceeded all expectations and should be judged a resounding success.

The Future

In looking to the future, it can be said about Peter that he exceeds most other church leaders and theologians in the UK in the following ways:

• in his knowledge of:
  • 'market theology';
  • the key issues of globalization (including, but not limited to, trade, aid, debt, finance flows and environmental degradation);
  • the secular analyses of the global economy, both popular and academic;
• in the contacts he has with:
  • business people as business people;
  • market theologians;
  • senior church leaders (including at the international ecumenical level) and leaders of Christian agencies.

With this and the achievements of the Capitalism Project in mind, LICC is pleased that Peter wishes to stay working in this area, and building on his expertise, in the proposed Transformative Business Project at Cambridge University.