The World Conference of Life and Work was an international ecumenical gathering held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from August 28 to September 3 1938. It was organized jointly by the International Missionary Council (IMC) and the Faith and Order movement, both of which were leading bodies in the early ecumenical movement seeking greater Christian cooperation.
Objectives
The conference aimed to address social, economic, and humanitarian concerns from a Christian perspective, emphasizing the role of churches in promoting peace, justice, and human welfare. Its agenda included discussions on:
- Labor relations and workers’ rights
- Economic reconstruction and development
- Social welfare and public health
- Education and cultural cooperation
- International peace and disarmament
Participants
Delegates represented a broad spectrum of Christian denominations, including Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, and some Catholic observers. Representatives came from Europe, North America, and a limited number of missions in Africa and Asia.
Outcomes
- Report and Recommendations – The conference produced a comprehensive report that outlined practical actions for churches to engage in social reform, encourage fair labor practices, and contribute to international peace efforts.
- Foundation for Future Ecumenism – The gathering demonstrated the feasibility of worldwide Christian collaboration on social issues, influencing the planning of subsequent ecumenical bodies. Notably, it served as a precursor to the formation of the World Council of Churches (WCC), which was established a decade later in 1948.
- Continuing Dialogue – The conference’s emphasis on “life and work” encouraged ongoing dialogue among member churches concerning the intersection of faith and societal responsibilities, shaping later WCC commissions on social, economic, and ecological concerns.
Historical Significance
The World Conference of Life and Work is regarded by scholars of ecumenism as a pivotal moment that expanded the scope of inter‑church cooperation beyond doctrinal matters to include concrete social action. It highlighted the capacity of global Christian networks to address pressing world problems, setting a precedent for later ecumenical initiatives that integrate theology with public policy and humanitarian work.
Legacy
Although the conference itself convened only once, its documentation and spirit were incorporated into the foundational documents of the World Council of Churches. Many of the themes discussed—labor justice, economic equity, and peace—remain central to the WCC’s ongoing programs and to contemporary Christian social ethics.
