Investment is not a ‘morally neutral’ activity. We as individuals, and as a Church, have an opportunity and a responsibility to be actively involved in the way our finances are managed on our behalf. We should not be passive consumers of investment products.
There has been growing awareness and support within both the Methodist and United Reformed Churches – among many others – for divestment of their investments and funds from fossil fuels. Divestment is the movement of funds out of one investment into another; in this context it refers especially to pulling out of investment in fossil fuels and reinvesting elsewhere, preferably in renewable energy. The Methodist Council passed a resolution on divestment in October 2020, and the URC has unanimously approved a proposal to divest from fossil fuel companies. In May 2020, 42 faith organisations from around the world (including 21 in the UK) announced their commitment to divest from fossil fuels.
“Divestment will send a positive and helpful message to the people of this country and to those in vulnerable communities across the globe who will be most immediately affected by climate-related disasters”.
Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury and Chair of Christian Aid
As Individuals
As Christians, when we think about how and where to invest our money we should be mindful of our responsibility to live more sustainable and equitable lives. Climate change is an urgent ethical issue that calls for an urgent response. We need to be aware what our banks, investment companies and pension funds are doing with our money on our behalf. How are they responding to the threats and opportunities posed by climate change? Is the company keeping its carbon low? Is the company promoting climate awareness and emissions reduction?
YourEthicalMoney.org is an independent, non-profit resource to help you find out how and where your money is invested, search for green and ethical financial products, and find out how you can help make finance more sustainable
As a Church
Our investments are all held in ethical accounts. Both the United Reformed Church and the Methodist Church have ethical investment policies:
www.yourfaithyourfinance.org/investing/influencing-your-churchs-investments/methodist-church
www.yourfaithyourfinance.org/investing/influencing-your-churchs-investments/united-reformed-church
