Category Archives: Environmental, Social and Governance

The intersection of Methodist theological principles and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing presents both profound opportunities and nuanced challenges for Methodist endowments and foundations. Wespath (the United Methodist Church’s general agency that manages investments) and the United Methodist Church’s Social Principles provide a robust framework for socially responsible investment strategies, often referred to as Socially Responsible Investing (SRI). These guidelines underscore that effective stewardship demands both financial prudence and moral integrity, acknowledging that “socially beneficial activities and socially undesirable or even immoral activities are often inextricably linked in the products produced and the policies followed by individual corporations.” This necessitates careful navigation of complex investment landscapes. The framework skillfully balances the imperative to achieve reasonable financial returns with the sacred obligation to align investments with Methodist theological principles of doing good, avoiding harm, and seeking justice, creating a sophisticated approach that transcends simple exclusionary screening to actively embrace shareholder advocacy, community development, and impactful investing strategies.