Sisters of St Joseph of Peace divest from Fossil Fuels

Source: SSJP

The Sisters of St Joseph of Peace announced today that their investment portfolio in the United Kingdom is 100% fossil-free. The sisters made the decision to divest in 2018 and were fully divested in 2019.

In 2008, the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace made a commitment to reduce their carbon footprint and pray, study and act to promote a sustainable lifestyle. The sisters have developed a Land Ethic that names ecological sustainability as one of the most urgent religious and moral challenges of our time.

"The climate crisis calls each of us to conversion of heart and change in behavior," said Sister Bridgetta Rooney, a trustee of the Congregation's charity. "We felt compelled to divest of fossil fuels to reflect our values. We are also committed to using our resources in the future to make positive investments that will help the transition to a zero carbon future."

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace are researching how to divest from fossil fuels in the rest of their portfolio in the United States. "We are learning from our sisters here in the United Kingdom who paved the way," said Assistant Congregation Leader Sister Susan Francois. "We believe that care of creation is an essential element of peacemaking. The time is now to act, to put our values into action on behalf of Earth and all creation."

The Congregation made their divestment announcement as part of a multi-faith global divestment announcement organized by the World Council of Churches, Global Catholic Climate Movement, Green Anglicans, Operation Noah and GreenFaith. The announcement was made to coincide with the Economy of Francesco conference in Assisi, Italy, at which 2,000 young adults from around the global will meet with prominent economists.