New guide urges church members to invest ethically

A new ‘Action Guide for Churches’ was launched on Monday to encourage Christians to apply their principles through savings and investment decisions. The Guide has been produced in preparation for National Ethical Investment Week, 7-13 November 2010.

The launch event on 13 October at St Mary-le-Bow Church, Cheapside, was attended by around 40 people. Panellists, which included representatives from Co-operative Financial Services and the Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR), explored the theological imperative for churches to be at the forefront of ethical investment. They also discussed how to help churches and individual Christians make the connection between investment choices and big issues such as climate change and the financial crisis.

It was pointed out that faith groups have often used their power as investors to address such issues as unfair labour practices, apartheid in South Africa, and arms trading. The number of ways to invest ethically has grown, as have the issues that green and ethical investments address. Many churches currently celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, and it is hoped this Guide will help church members support National Ethical Investment Week. The Guide provides practical information on how to raise awareness of green and ethical options and includes excellent resources for worship and ideas for meetings and displays.

The Action Guide for Churches can be downloaded from www.eccr.org.uk or   www.neiw.org. Printed copies can be ordered from Helen Boothroyd: email: helen.boothroyd@eccr.org.uk; tel: 075 0393 1172.