During the day that had the theme “Peace in the Marketplace” the Bible study focused on the text of the Gospel of Matthew 20:1-16 which talks about the landowner who throughout the day hired people to work in his vineyard and when night came paid everyone the same regardless of how many hours they had worked.

In my Bible study group we played a game where everyone received different amount of money and then had to try and buy necessary things from the very unjust banker. Later we discussed how the kingdom of God means inclusion of everyone.

Question for reflection: Who are the persons standing in the Marketplace doing nothing?

The “Ecumenical Call to Just Peace” states that: Peace in the Marketplace is nurtured by creating “economies of life”. Their essential foundations are equitable socio-economic relationships, respect for workers rights, the just sharing and sustainable use of resources, healthy and affordable food for all, and broad participation in economic decision-making.

In the afternoon I attended a work-shop about the Gothenburg Process, an ecumenical initiative where churches and church related organisations work together to raise the understanding and the knowledge of the ethical challenges posed by the arms trade.

In the market of arms trade I am ashamed of my country,Sweden, that measured by amount of population is among the biggest weapon exporters in the world.

After the day of “Peace in the Marketplace” I have become even more aware of how my patterns of consumption contribute to, or the contrary, not just peace in the marketplace but also in all aspects of society. It challenges me to make better choices regarding for example Fair Trade and ecological products.

One of the songs in the closing prayer describes what could perhaps be an “economy of life” that the “Ecumenical Call to Just Peace” talks of. It goes:

“On the green, green grass

They gathered long ago

To hear what the Master said.

What they had they shared

Some fish and some loaves

They served until all were fed.”

“To share is to create a miracle”, as bishop Kameeta said last year in the LWF Youth Pre-Assembly in Dresden.

Sanna Eriksson

Representative from the Church of Sweden at the IEPC.