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.
JAMES W. MURPHY, a Certified Fund Raising Executive, is Managing Program Director at the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF). Active in ecumenical collaborations, he works with congregations, dioceses, and other Episcopal organizations to grow their endowments and develop their planned giving programs and various philanthropic efforts and resources. He holds a Masters in Christian Spirituality from General Theological Seminary, and a Bachelors from NYU’s Stern School of Business. He is a member of the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) and the Philanthropic Planning Group of Greater New York (PPGGNY). He lives in New Jersey.
"Faithful Investing provides thoughtful insights and practical guidance from experts who daily navigate the multifaceted labyrinth of faith-based investing. The variety of approaches will assure congregations, organizations, and individuals at all levels of expertise and understanding that there are ways to synergize their resources and their heart-felt desires as followers of Jesus in ways that witness to the local, national, and global communities of which we are a part."—Marcia Shetler, Executive Director/CEO, Ecumenical Stewardship Center
"This volume brings together essential information and important insights from across the ecumenical community that individuals and institutions in the Church can use as they seek to act consistently with their faith commitments in making decisions about financial assets and investments."—Bill McKeown, member, Episcopal Church’s Task Force on Theology of Money
"Not so long ago, the idea that there could be a spirituality of investment strategy would have seemed a contradiction in terms to many. Though this useful book is not a history of that evolution, it is a tool that faith communities can use to find their place as part of it."—Barbara Crafton, author
"While some people of faith may still consider investment the realm of worldly practices that keep us from God, <i>Faithful Investing</i> breaks open the possibility that God’s work in our lives and in the world require us to engage with money in new ways. Investing faithfully is a matter of discipleship. <i>Faithful Investing</i> is an important new resource to help us discern how each of us and our communities might use our investments to live into our calling."—Rev. Kirsten Snow Spalding, rector of the Church of the Nativity in San Rafael, Calif., and senior director of the Investor Network on Climate Risk and Sustainability at Ceres
"Faithful Investing provides a wealth of information, resources and context on the evolving opportunities that faith-based organizations have to invest in ways that more closely align with their respective missions and values. I highly recommend it for stewards of capital looking to navigate this important but sometimes complex path." —Meredith Jenkins, Chief Investment Officer, Trinity Church Wall Street
