Geneva—World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev. Samuel Kobia on Wednesday went to the World Trade Organization and presented a petition signed by more than 180 religious leaders seeking to change the rules the govern international trade. “We seek a world where global trade systems give priority to people who live in poverty,” said Kobia at the head of a delegation organised by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, a grouping of more than 85 churches and Christian organisations worldwide.

The petition urged governments to change international rules and practices that govern trade to give priority to human rights and protection of the environment, and to the eradication of poverty.

The Geneva-based World Trade Organization (WTO) is a global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations and regions.

“The biblical standards for economic activity are justice and taking the side of the poor,” Kobia said. “This vision should not be reduced to mere equality of opportunity for all individuals to compete without hindrance.”

The presentation was part of a 10-16 April “Global Week of Action on Trade”, an initiative of civil society, non-governmental organizations and faith communities worldwide during which millions of people in more than 80 countries will take action to call for justice in trade.

The petition states, “We believe that trade must promote human well-being, sustainable communities and economic justice, and that governments must be able to set trade policies to safeguard the rights of all people, especially those living in poverty.”

Other members of the delegation meeting WTO officials included the Rev. Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches; Peter Prove, responsible at the Lutheran World Federation for international affairs and human rights; and Yves Soudan of Franciscans International.

The World Council of Churches has 347 members in more than 120 countries from most Christian traditions.