Faithful Investing

Leading experts from across the denominational spectrum offer wisdom on socially-responsible investing.

Congregations and religious institutions are asking how to invest in their future and grow their endowed and invested funds, while also focusing on their values. This book will help religious leaders better understand all of the many issues and opportunities involved in making their investment choices reflect their faith-in-action. A unique collaboration of voices from multiple Christian denominations share their experiences, perspectives, and resources, making this book an invaluable guide for church leaders who want to feel more informed and empowered.

Topics include an explanation of the differences between SRI and ESG; crafting an investment policy; shareholder engagement; areas of investment such as diversity and women’s empowerment; human rights; human trafficking; climate change; social justice; community engagement; and more. Faithful Investing offers action steps for church finance directors to make the world, nation, and their local communities healthier, more vibrant, and more equitable.

Foreword vDonald V. RomanikIntroduction viiJames W. Murphy1. Basic Concepts and Terms Greg Rousos, William Somplatsky-Jarman, and Aimee Moiso2. What This Means for My Congregation/Organization Greg Rousos3. Is Perfect the Enemy of the Good? Starting Socially Responsible Investing Incrementally Kathryn McCloskey

4. Repairing the World One Company at a Time— Shareholder Advocacy Byrd Bonner

5. Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Carsten W. Sierck 6. Dignity of Every Human Being—Human Rights, Human Trafficking, and Investing Séamus P. Finn 7. Investor Action on Climate Change Patricia Daly and Tim Brennan 8. Creating Positive Change: Impact Investing, Community Development, and the Rethinking of Returns Mark A. Regier 9. Inspiring Donors through Investing with Values James W. Murphy

10. Taking Decisive Action, One Step at a Time James W. Murphy 11. Individual Investor Decisions and Considerations Kathryn McCloskey

Introduction to Case Studies James W. Murphy

Case Study 1 Lessons of Collaboration on Socially Responsible Investing James W. Murphy

Case Study 2 Same Denomination, Very Different Choices James W. Murphy

Case Study 3 Values Meet Reality: A Roman Catholic Institutional Approach Bobbi Hannigan

Case Study 4 Denominational SRI Issues Joseph M. Kinard and James W. Murphy

Case Study 5 Positive Investment Overview: Reformed University in Colombia Greg Rousos

Case Study 6 Sustainable Financing Patricia Daly

Case Study 7 A Reflection on Mission-Based, Faith-Based Investing at The Riverside Church, NYC Lisa Hinds

Introduction to Resources/Appendix James W. Murphy
Samples of Investment Policy Statements Types of Planned Gifts Denominational Resources and Foundations Organizations That Can Help You Get Involved in Socially Responsible Investing and Encourage Giving

Contributors