The Columnist – May 2026: 35 Years of the Economy of Communion

May 29, 2026 | Consulus Columnist

Today’s morning session of the Centesimus Annus general assembly highlighted a deeply urgent theme, set against the backdrop of profound and interlocking global crises. The Centesimus Annus Pro Pontificia Foundation plays a vital role in introducing Catholic Social Teaching into the business world. Grounded in the tradition of Rerum Novarum— which established an innovative methodology of reflecting and acting directly upon perceived reality – the Foundation is uniquely called to bridge the gap caused by today’s limited cultural understanding of both freedom and pluralism.

This urgency was powerfully amplified in Cardinal Koovakad’s address. Cardinal Koovakad emphasized that ecumenical and interfaith dialogue is steadily shifting from theological exchange to a practical “dialogue of action” at the local level. He focused on the concrete implementation of faith in politics and the economy, noting that interreligious collaboration must actively address pressing systemic issues such as poverty, environmental degradation, and human rights challenges.

By positioning interfaith solidarity as a strategic resource for public policy and peace-building, the Cardinal’s remarks reinforced that true freedom and democratic participation require active socio-political engagement.

Ultimately, this intersection of interreligious action and Catholic Social Teaching provides a clear, concrete framework for navigating our modern crises and advancing the common good.

Cristi Bucceceanu, Moderator, Consulus Europe

Celebrating 35 Years of the Economy of Communion

Thirty-five years ago, the Economy of Communion dared to imagine a world where business could be a force for unity. Today, we celebrate how far that vision has carried us — and invite more businesses to take the next step.

The EoC Impact Accreditation, developed with Consulus, gives businesses the tools to prove that purpose lives in every part of their operations — across seven clear measures of communion. Companies already in the program are showing the world what a values-driven business really looks like.

Become a member of the Economy of Communion

Learn more about the EoC Accreditation Programme

Shape the World Podcast: Dr Anouk Grevin on the Economy of Communion, 35 Years On

In this Shape the World Podcast episode — recorded exactly one month before the Economy of Communion’s 35th anniversary celebrations in Argentina — Consulus sits down with Dr. Anouk Grevin, economist, author, and President of the Economy of Communion International.

In this Shape the World Podcast conversation, we cover why the EOC was born in Brazil, why it may never be mainstream (and why that’s actually the point), and how this sets the stage for what it means to bring together mainstream business, faith-based leadership, and the voices of communities at the margins — and why all three belong in the same room.

Listen to the Podcast



From The Vatican to the Shape the World Summit

At the Fondazione Centesimus Annus – Pro Pontifice Annual Assembly in Vatican City — held days after Pope Leo XIV released his landmark encyclical on AI, Magnifica Humanitas — leaders from finance, social impact, and faith gathered around one conviction: that faith has a role to play in how economies are built and sustained.

On 15 October at Lambeth Palace, the Shape the World Summit 2026 brings it all together. After 21 editions and 6,200 global leaders, STWS arrives in London for its most consequential agenda yet — launching the world’s first Multi-Faith Economy Mark to mobilise USD 3+ trillion in faith-aligned capital. Join 350+ changemakers for the Creative Change Economy.

Is Your Organisation’s Design Creating Real Value?

Design is more than aesthetics. At its best, it shapes how people experience the world — driving revenue, opening markets, and creating genuine social good.

Now in its second year and expanding to India and China, DPI 2026 is open to organisations ready to put their design impact on record. Participants receive an expert-reviewed Design Power Profile: credible evidence of how design drives real outcomes, in language that investors, partners, and policymakers trust.

Spots are limited, and the public index for Singapore, China, and India launches in 2027. There’s no advantage in waiting.

Dialogue in Action: A Toolkit for Engaging Faiths for Peace

Farha Iman, Global Head of DialogueCore at Consulus, has just published her book ‘Dialogue in Action: A Toolkit for Engaging Faiths for Peace.’ This book is a practical guide for anyone working at the intersection of faith, culture, and peacebuilding. Drawing on over a decade of experience across India, Southeast Asia, and beyond, Farha brings together dialogue theory, conflict analysis, and on-the-ground facilitation into one accessible resource.

The book will be available on Amazon soon. 

Be an Impact Partner for Consulus Global Events

This Fall, Consulus is proud to organise and facilitate three highly distinct global events from London to Singapore, reaching 1000 leaders. We are actively seeking impact sponsors who are ready to move beyond traditional CSR and actively invest in platforms that drive real-world transformation.

Learn more how you can Shape the World with Consulus

Become a Corporate Partner

Join us in building a human-centred economy — one partnership at a time.

Economy of Communion (EoC) Accreditation Programme

Are you shaping an economy rooted in purpose, community, and the common good? The Economy of Communion (EoC) Impact Accreditation Programme recognises organisations committed to inclusive, sustainable, and spiritually grounded growth.
Developed in collaboration with business leaders and scholars, this global initiative sets a new standard for economic impact, where profit serves people.

REGISTER FOR OUR UPCOMING FREE WEBINARS

United in your Creative Change journeys,

Lawrence Chong

Group CEO, Consulus

Consulus Columnist was founded in 2010 and reaches over 10,000 changemaker leaders and organisations globally, across 23 countries and 4 continents. It has featured leaders from organisations such as Religions for Peace and Frasers Hospitality. For custom editorial or sponsored article opportunities, talk to us here.

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