What Are a Catholic Investor’s Moral Responsibilities?

Short Answer: To Spread the Gospel Everywhere

Before ascending into Heaven, Jesus commissioned the apostles to preach the Gospel to all nations. We continue to live out this charge today, introducing people to Him and working to bring the Light of Christ to everyone. This divine mandate must permeate our lives, making every action part of our mission to further the Gospel message.

The world of investments is no exception to Jesus’ command to spread the Gospel.

When the USCCB wrote their socially responsible investment guidelines, they were very careful to note that stockholders are part owners of the companies they own stock in. Clearly, this means that Catholics must avoid owning stock in certain types of businesses. The USCCB posits that Catholic investors still have a moral responsibility that extends beyond avoidance. For those businesses that present permissible investment opportunities, the individual investor must still uphold Catholic values.

Although their individual votes do not hold much sway over high-level corporate decisions, the fact remains that each investor is responsible for their votes. This responsibility must go beyond seeking the highest possible ROI. A return is a good thing, but it is not an appropriate basis for voting on corporate leadership or policy decisions.

Bringing the Light of Christ to Your Investments

Part of the calling of all Catholics is to be the leaven in the world. As investors, we must work to improve the world through our investments and the power we have as shareholders. Imagine the good that could be done if major corporations began enacting policies that promoted the good of all. It may seem far-fetched, but active advocacy on the part of Catholic investors can have a huge global impact.

Advocacy initiatives can range from small, local issues to global labor practices.

For example, it is no secret that some US companies employ workers overseas in horrendous conditions or subcontract to companies that may actually use slave labor. As Catholic investor-shareholders, we have a responsibility to abolish these practices. Insofar as is possible, individual investors must take steps to alert the company that these activities are happening and demand that they cease. Working in isolation, this might appear to be impossible for the average investor. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, Catholic investors can work together as shareholders to effect these changes and advance the Gospel message.

How Does the Individual Investor Live This Responsibility?

Attempting to change corporations at the highest level is an unrealistic expectation for the average investor. Instead of spending valuable time and energy on isolated efforts, Catholics should band together to wield enormous power. By concentrating our efforts and all working in concert, Catholic investors can change the world.

The way we advance the Gospel through our investments is by working together to actively engage corporate leadership.

Summit Investments uses a portion of the fees it collects to fund advocacy initiatives. By pooling our resources, our network of Catholic investors is able to wield significantly more clout than if we all acted alone. We have achieved a number of notable successes this way, like stopping slave and child labor in certain areas. These victories would have been impossible if we had all been working alone.

The best way for the average Catholic investor to live out their moral responsibilities is to work with a financial advisor who understands the USCCB’s guidelines. These advisors will screen out the excluded companies and engage in advocacy work. This way, your investments will provide for your needs while also helping spread the Gospel message to all nations.

To learn more about how you can fulfill your moral responsibilities as a Catholic investor, contact our financial advisors for a free consultation.

Post from: Insights