Civil Society Australia Faith, Community and the New Economy: Jewish, Christian and Muslim Collaboration in Communal Enterprise and Mutuality

Civil Society Australia Multi-faith collaborative venture in constructing communal enterprise and mutuality as alternative to dominant paradigm of liberal individualism National in scope, with faith communities, entrepreneurs, community leaders A plethora of forms of mutuality and enterprises generated by these faith traditions, past & present

Civil Society Australia Key concepts: Communal life and enterprise as more organic and holistic than ‘community’ in secular contexts Mutuality as interdependence in living and working, relational rather than transactional Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions as derivatives of common Abrahamic faith, communal life & mutuality integral to each

Civil Society Australia Two key questions: Is a faith context or sense of the transcendent necessary for deep communal life and mutuality? (esp in societies ravaged by liberal individualism and secular materialism) Does the New Economy require a vibrant faith-based communal life and mutuality?

Only two options for a deep communal life and mutuality: Civil Society Australia Only two options for a deep communal life and mutuality: Eco-spirituality and expectation of climate-driven apocalypse Faith traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam Both are necessary, recognition and collaboration

Vision for faith-based ecosystem: Civil Society Australia Vision for faith-based ecosystem: 10% market share of Aus popn (2.5m) Face-to-face hubs (participating synagogues, churches, mosques) Online collaborative platform (1m participants) 45-45-10 Rule (45% mutuality, 45% business, 10% politics)

Civil Society Australia Way around four problems: Common bond – do new economy enterprises need a bond (shared philosophy or community) to cohere? Organisational – can diverse orgs from many sectors constitute a movement? Managerial – how can large orgs avoid management capture? Leadership – why has the co-op & social enterprise movement lacked leadership?

Civil Society Australia Voice of civil society (groups and social relationships outside state & market) Overcome segregation between NFPs, voluntary groups, mutuals, charities, social enterprises, faith groups, communities Voluntary and non-commercial (no consultancy interests)

Civil Society Australia Vern Hughes Contact details: 0425 722 890 vern@civilsociety.org.au