Churches publish ethical investment policies

Church members can now see how their Churches are putting Christian principles into investment practice with the launch of the new Church Investors Group (CIG) website.

The website sets out the ethical investment approach of members and includes responses to some recent controversial issues.

Through the new website, the public can find details of recent projects, including engagement on investment issues relating to Israel and Palestine, Reed Elsevier's defence exhibitions businesses, and dialogue with British Airways on its uniform policy and freedom of employees to wear religious symbols.

"This is an important new resource that will help the Churches to ensure their investment portfolios reflect the moral stance and teachings of the Christian faith," said Bill Seddon, Church Investors Group Deputy Chair. "It is a way we can share our work with Church members."

The CIG represents 31 mainstream Church denominations and organisations in Britain and Ireland, including the Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist and Methodist Churches, with combined assets of around £12 billion.

Each member has its own investment policy but members work together on issues of common concern and CIG members have also published their own investment policies.

New ethical issues can arise and members of church congregations do not always know how the money invested on their behalf is being used to support church teaching.

"The Church Investors website should help people to see how we are responding," said Bill Seddon, Church Investors Group Deputy Chair. "But it also enables us to have a dialogue with the churches so we can hear about people's concerns."

The website also provides details of research projects and trustee training events.
The Church Investors Group was founded in 2005 to encourage the formulation of investment policies based on Christian ethical principles, and to encourage responsible business practices through engagement with company managements.

For more information, go to www.churchinvestorsgroup.org.uk