Ethical Investment Policy Statement
As a Christian Church, we believe it is God’s will that our investment management process is implemented according to ethical criteria. In all our activity, we seek to further that active and just “holiness” which makes the love of God concrete and visible in the world.
The Church in Wales is committed to using investments as an ethical means of contributing to the cost of ministry and mission in Wales. Its responsibility in this regard has an ethical dimension in itself. Our aim is to invest directly in successful companies committed to developing their business in the interests of their shareholders, customers, local communities and employees and to implementing:
- responsible employment practices;
- conscientious corporate governance;
- policies that show awareness of environmental impact;
- policies sensitive to the human rights of individuals and communities in which they operate.
The Church in Wales is determined to pursue an investment policy, which is transparently ethical. To this end the Church in Wales subscribes to EIRIS, is represented on the Church Investors Group, and has its own Theology of Investment Group, all of which monitor policy in different ways and from different perspectives. Membership of the Church Investors Group is also a means of exercising responsible shareholder influence. The ultimate sanction for companies in clear breach of our ethical policy or those who do not respond positively to expressed concerns is dis-investment. In particular the Church in Wales is concerned about investment in gambling, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, the proliferation of armaments and pornography. Recognising the moral complexity and ambiguity surrounding each of these areas, we commit ourselves to continuing review of these and other potential ethical concerns.
It is the Church in Wales’ policy that we do not normally invest in:
- Any company a significant* part of who business activity depends upon profit from the production or promotion of gambling, alcoholic beverages or tobacco products;
- Any company whose business involves the proliferation of armaments beyond areas of legitimate defence and local and international peace keeping;
- Any company whose business involves pornography.
* “Significant” is interpreted at present in relation to the areas described as “around ten percent”.