On July 17, 2025, the G20 Interfaith Forum hosted its second “Faith in Action: Reflections” webinar, focusing on “Economic and Financial Action: Faith Perspectives on Economic Justice.” The discussion brought together faith leaders and practitioners to examine how religious communities can address debt injustice and economic inequality. The panel featured Dr. Nontando Hadebe, a feminist theologian and Catholic woman who coordinates the Side by Side interfaith movement for gender justice in South Africa; Professor Maniraj Sukdaven, a lecturer in religion studies at the University of Pretoria and minister who serves as co-chair of the IF20 Conference; Nyarai Mutongwizo, original lead for the 1010 Debt into Hope Campaign with Christian Aid Africa; and Amith Singh, a volunteer with Seva International and investment banker representing the Hindu faith perspective. The conversation was moderated by Sandile Makasi and Yashika Singh.
The Moral Authority of Faith Communities
The panelists argued that religious communities possess unique moral authority to challenge economic injustice through their teachings, grassroots connections, and global networks. Professor Sukdaven emphasized that faith traditions should resist injustices while promoting human dignity, drawing from religious texts across traditions that advocate for compassionate economic relationships. Singh stressed that spiritual ministry cannot be separated from addressing material needs, particularly food security and economic stability.
“We cannot preach or speak the word of God to a hungry stomach, and I think all religions teach us the same thing. Food first, then religion, then everything else follows.” – Amith Singh
Dr. Hadebe highlighted the global reach of religious organizations, explaining how faith communities can leverage their international networks to connect local suffering with global policies, making distant policy decisions tangible to congregations worldwide.
The Human Face of Debt Injustice
The discussion revealed how debt affects real people’s daily lives, particularly women and marginalized communities. Dr. Hadebe pointed out that women comprise 70-80% of church congregations while representing the majority of the world’s poor. She cited UN statistics showing that over half of Africa’s population lives in countries that spend more on debt interest than on education and health combined, directly impacting citizens’ access to basic services.
“Even the religious text that says that true fasting is actually making sure you clothe the poor.” – Dr. Nontando Hadebe
Mutongwizo emphasized that economic decisions always have human consequences, particularly for those at the margins. Singh connected this to practical realities, explaining how debt cycles trap individuals and communities, leading to borrowing from predatory lenders with devastating consequences for families and communities.
“All financial actions and economic actions carry a human face, and not just a human face, but the face of those who are marginalized and vulnerable.” – Nyarai Mutongwizo
Debt as a Moral Issue
A central theme emerged around framing debt as fundamentally a moral rather than merely technical issue. Professor Sukdaven argued that until societies recognize debt as a moral issue, they will continue to view it as an inevitable part of life. He drew from multiple religious traditions – Hindu concepts of desireless action, Buddhist teachings on compassion, Islamic principles of debt forgiveness, and Judeo-Christian jubilee traditions – to demonstrate universal religious concern for economic justice.
“Debt is a moral issue that we need to overcome internationally. The world needs to understand and hear these principles.” – Professor Maniraj Sukdaven
Singh emphasized the role of faith communities in educating people about responsible financial practices, arguing that religious organizations have a responsibility to teach both spiritual and practical wisdom about money management.
The Jubilee Model and Successful Debt Relief
Dr. Hadebe traced the origins of the Jubilee 2000 campaign to theologians who connected biblical debt forgiveness principles with contemporary debt crises. She explained how the campaign successfully advocated for debt cancellation based on shared religious principles across different faiths, leading to concrete policy changes that improved lives.
Mutongwizo highlighted the practical success of Jubilee 2000, which led to debt cancellation for over 35 countries, with savings redirected toward poverty reduction and social services. She emphasized how the current Jubilee 2025 campaign brings faith communities together for joint advocacy, creating global solidarity around debt justice.
“The message at the moment is that debt should be cancelled for these communities to realize human dignity, but also to flourish as human beings created in the image of God.” – Nyarai Mutongwizo
From Charity to Systemic Change
The discussion emphasized moving beyond individual charity toward addressing structural economic injustices. Dr. Hadebe argued for understanding power differently – as “power with” and “power in service” rather than “power over.” This perspective calls for accountability at all levels, from individual relationships to global financial institutions.
“We need accountability, in homes, in families, in local churches. It speaks to a whole different way of understanding power: as “power with,” “power in service” rather than “power over” and lack of accountability.” – Dr. Nontando Hadebe
Singh emphasized the principle of “seva” (selfless service), arguing that those who serve should view it as an opportunity rather than a burden, approaching aid with gratitude rather than superiority.
“Ultimately we never, ever feel that we are doing them a favor. We are grateful to serve them, and we all know service to man is worship to God.” – Amith Singh
Practical Actions for Faith Communities
The panelists outlined concrete actions faith communities can take, from education and advocacy to serving as mediators in global financial relationships. They highlighted specific examples of religious organizations already making significant impact:
Successful Examples:
- Food for Love in rural Kazarin provides 20,000 plates of food daily to schools, enabling children to study and achieve economic prosperity
- One South African church spends close to a billion Rands annually on social services
- A religious organization at the University of Pretoria donated 107 wheelchairs to the community
- Jubilee 2000 successfully campaigned for debt cancellation in over 35 countries
- Historical examples of religious organizations opening schools and hospitals across Africa
Concrete Action Steps:
- Conduct debt audits at local and national levels
- Participate in budget hearings and public policy discussions
- Launch public campaigns advocating for debt relief
- Provide vocational training and job creation programs
- Educate communities about responsible borrowing and financial literacy
- Serve as mediators between creditors and borrowers to ensure fair terms
- Build interfaith movements for joint advocacy
- Advocate for alternative economic systems that prioritize human dignity
- Create “constituents of conscience” to hold governments accountable
- Develop long-term financial reforms that prioritize people and environmental sustainability
The webinar concluded with emphasis on individual responsibility alongside systemic change, with religious organizations serving as bridges between local communities and global power structures. The panelists agreed that faith communities must move beyond passive observation to actively advocate for economic justice, recognizing it as a fundamental moral imperative rooted in principles of human dignity, compassion, and stewardship.