Investing in the future

United Women in Faith participates in Wespath summit focused on sustainable investing and the Book of Discipline.

by Tara Barnes

In the leadup to the 2024 United Methodist General Conference, United Women in Faith endorsed a call for United Methodists to stop investing in fossil fuels. Ultimately, this petition was referred to the United Methodist General Council on Finance and Administration for reconsideration. This was the very last decision of the conference, and it passed by only 14 votes.

“In the investment of money, it shall be the policy of The United Methodist Church that all general boards and agencies, including Wespath, and all administrative agencies and institutions, including hospitals, homes, educational institutions, annual conferences, foundations, and local churches, make a conscious effort to invest in institutions, companies, corporations, or funds with policies and practices that are socially responsible, consistent with the goals outlined in the Social Principles,” reads Paragraph 717 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.

The Social Principles referred to in this paragraph begin, “The burning of fossil fuels, including coal, oil and, to a lesser extent, natural gas, is the greatest single contributor to the buildup of greenhouse gases and the consequent warming of earth’s atmosphere.”

Continuing the conversation

United Women in Faith has been a longtime advocate for climate justice.

Last week, the church’s board of pensions, Wespath, hosted conversations focused on this referred General Conference petition on climate change and sustainable investing. United Women in Faith participated in this gathering along with Wespath board members and other United Methodists engaged in sustainability and investing. We’re grateful to have been part of the discussions.

United Women in Faith remains committed to full divestment from fossil fuels as part of our net-zero pledge, and we commit to a path that does not abandon people in the process.

The General Conference is the only body that speaks for The United Methodist Church, but this does not mean all conversation must happen in those 10 days every four years. We support the creation of space for shareholders and stakeholders to come together for healthy discussions, especially those most negatively impacted.

The climate crisis is real and urgent, and we must move more quickly toward sustainability. As people of God, we are called to hope. As United Methodists, we are called to action. And we know that “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Reducing carbon emissions must be a top priority if we hope to stem the rising threat of natural disasters, drought, wars over resources, shrinking coastlines, and myriad health problems caused by fossil fuel emissions and production. Divesting is about more than just money: It’s a statement, and it’s an act of hope. The Social Principles are a promise for all United Methodists to keep, and we invite you to be part of our Just Energy for All campaign.

Our Book of Discipline encourages the church to engage with companies to create positive change and hold them accountable for their actions. It also directs us to consider exclusion if companies fail to act responsibly.

Join us in prayer for these ongoing discussions and for those for whom climate change is more than just a discussion.

Tara Barnes is director of denominational relations for United Women in Faith.

Cover photo by Paul Jeffrey for United Methodist News.