Churches and faith groups urged to plan now for largest ever National Ethical Investment Week

Published on Tuesday, 24 July 2012 11:40

Posted by Scott Buckler

With public interest in ethical finance at an all-time high, churches and faith groups are being urged to use this autumn's National Ethical Investment Week (NEIW) to spread the word about green and ethical options for savings, investments and other financial products

The 2012 NEIW 'Action Guide for Churches' is published today to help them to get involved with the Week and let their congregations and communities know that they can make a difference with their money.

It provides practical information to enable congregations to raise awareness of green and ethical investment and other financial products during NEIW12, which takes place this year from 14-20 October.

The guide is sponsored by CCLA, the specialist investment manager for charities, churches and local authorities, and produced by the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF), in association with the Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR).

Helen Wildsmith, Head of Ethical and Responsible Investment at CCLA said:

"There is a natural alignment between the aims of green and ethical investment and Christian values like stewardship. NEIW offers an excellent opportunity for churches and congregations to explore these ideas. CCLA is delighted to once again support the production of the NEIW 'Action Guide for Churches'".

Penny Shepherd, UKSIF Chief Executive, said:

"With so many people now interested in how their money is being used, we need the help of churches and faith groups to make this the biggest ever National Ethical Investment Week. They are in a position to play a vital role in encouraging people to consider the positive difference they can make to society and the environment by choosing green and ethical options."

Helen Boothroyd, ECCR's Church and Membership Relations Officer, said:

"ECCR hopes even more churches around the UK will use the Guide this year to plan services, displays and workshops. We would like National Ethical Investment Week to be as big a focus for churches as Fairtrade Fortnight  - the issues involved are two sides of the same coin and are all about our power to make a difference through our actions: as individual Christians, local church communities and national denominations."

Source: ©UKSIF