The United Church of Canada has moved to divest almost $6 million in holdings from fossil fuels, a resource they plan to reinvest in sustainable energy. The second largest Christian denomination of Canada made the historic move on the heels of Laudato Si, Pope Francis Encyclical which encourages churches to act for God's creation. Christine Boyle, General Council commissioner of the United Church shared, "Care for creation and concern for the way that climate is impacting the most marginalized populations made this move an act of justice, of faith, and of solidarity with First Nations and other impacted communities"
From the World Council of Churches to the Episcopal Church, faith communities across North America and Europe are choosing to divest their funds from harmful fossil fuel conglomerates to companies that offer safer sources of energy, accounting for 25% of global divestment. Is your faith community ready to act for God's creation? To see a complete list of faith communities that have divested and to get started on divesting your faith community, go here.
United Church of Canada Sells Fossil Fuel Holdings, Commits $6 Million to Alternative Energy to Save Creation
Vincent Funaro | Christian Post
The United Church of Canada plans to invest nearly $6 million into alternative energy sources that it acquired from selling all of its assets in fossil fuels. The denomination views the move as a bold step toward stewarding the gift of creation.
"Care for creation and concern for the way that climate is impacting the most marginalized populations made this move an act of justice, of faith, and of solidarity with First Nations and other impacted communities," said Christine Boyle, General Council commissioner of the United Church and a veteran climate advocate, according to the National Advocate.
The church will sell off around $5.9 million in holdings from 200 of the world's largest fossil fuel companies.
The United Church of Canada joins both Pope Francis and the Episcopal Church in their quest to help the environment.
Leaders of the Episcopal Church voted to sell off the denomination's holdings in fossil fuel, which amount to $380 million, in a move to combat climate change last month.
"The vote says that this is a moral issue and that we really have to think about where we are putting our money," said Betsy Blake Bennett, archdeacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska.
