Loading...Where Faith and Finance Intersect
"They are to do good,to be rich in good works, generous,and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life." - I Timothy 6:18
Jesus said more about money and its right use than about anything else except the Reign of God. In the 18th century, religious groups in the United States placed restrictions on their investments (including loans) in companies engaged in distilling, tobacco production, and gambling facilities.
The Episcopal Church has made socially responsible investments at least since the 1960s – and we continue, following a trinity of avoidance, affirmative action, and advocacy.
- Avoidance: Not investing in companies whose activities are contrary to our social and moral values.
- Affirmative Investing: Investing in institutions that can provide financial resources to underserved communities.
- Advocacy: Voting proxies and activism that focus on constructively influencing corporate behavior.
The tools for making money and making a difference with our money have never been more readily available. Wall Street did not develop products that reflect their clients’ social, ethical, and environmental values until the religious investing community asked for them. We ask for this because we want to ensure that our investments incorporate our social and moral values. The online screening information and tools listed here can make it easier for you to choose investments that promote good stewardship of the resources entrusted to your organization.
We invite you to learn about what the church does and how you and your parish might participate in this ministry. //www.episcopalchurch.org/page/socially-responsible- investing
Domini Social Investments This web site says it all. Before we invest in a company, our researchers work to understand how it is addressing the key sustainability challenges it faces. We also engage with corporate management to improve their social and environmental performance.
The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility is a coalition of faith and values- driven organizations who view the management of their investments as a powerful catalyst for social change.
Deciding How to Invest
"All human institutions, professions, programs and activities must now be judged by the extent to which they inhibit, ignore, or foster a human and Earth relationship." - Thomas Berry
In deciding how to invest its funds, how can your church organization identify the companies, communities and other organizations whose work is socially and environmentally responsible in ways that are consistent with the church's mission?
The principles underlying our socially responsible investment approach reflect the teachings of the Church and the shared values and beliefs of those who have entrusted this responsibility to us:
- Human Dignity - Human beings are created in God’s image. The economy exists to serve the human person, not the other way around.
- Justice - The moral measure of any economy is how the weakest are faring. A fundamental concern for investors and corporate executives must be the impact of their actions on the well being of families and children, particularly the poor.
- Stewardship - We are stewards of God’s creation, which it is our responsibility to nurture, respect, preserve and protect for future generations.
- Shared Prosperity - Wealth is a gift to be shared, and work must be fairly and justly rewarded.
- Responsible Ownership - Ownership of capital should be used to promote corporate social responsibility and the common good.
- Corporate Social Responsibility - Businesses must be responsible not only to their shareowners but to all stakeholders, employees, communities, the environment and the public.
